Understanding the Terminology

1. Vermiculture - the culture of

worms
2. Vermicomposting - the use of
worms for composting organic
materials.
3. Vermicompost - the product of
vermicomposting containing worm
castings, bedding materials as well
as organic matter in various stages
of decomposition.
4. Vermicasts - excreta of worms
5. Vermiculturist - the Worm Man or a
person who farms, breeds and
cares for WORMS. eg A professional
WORMfarmer is called
Vermiculturist.
 WORMS

These invertebrates are classified under

Phylum annelida otherwise known as
Annelids. As the name implies, an annelid
body is divided into similar rings or
 . segments. Worms under this group is
divided into three classes. Composting worm
species belong to Class Clitellata under Order
Oligochaeta. The representative type is the
Lumbricus terrestis or the Nightcrawlers
commonly known as earthworms. These are
also field worms known as Allolophora. Just
like the nightcrawlers, they will attack
almost all organic matters from below.
Nightcrawlers do not thrive during active
composting being killed more easily at high
temperature.
 Seta
Clitellum

Mouth

Male Pores
Anus

Diagram of an Earthworm
 It defines the thrilling potential for waste
reduction, fertilizer production, as well as an
assortment of possible uses for the future.
Vermiculture enhances the growth of plants that
provide food along with producing prosperous and
financially rewarding fertilizer. The “vermi” or
earthworms are important in enriching the soil with
organic matter which comes from biodegradable
materials such as dead plants and animals which the
earthworms ingest.

VERMICULTURE
Vermiculture Systems focus on producing
the maximum level of worm biomass
possible in a given space.

Vermicomposting is defined as the practice

of using concentrations of earthworms to
convert organic materials into usable
vermicompost or worm castings. These
systems focus on the waste material and
managing it so that it can be successfully
and efficiently processed in a worm system.
The earthworm is one of nature's pinnacle "soil scientists."
Earthworms are liberated, cost effective farm relief. The worms
are accountable for a variety of elements including turning
common soil into superior quality. Worms facilitate the amount
of air and water that travels into soil. They break down organic
matter and when they eat, they leave behind castings that are
an exceptionally valuable type of fertilizer.
 How often do worms breed?
The breeding cycle is approximately
27 days from mating to laying. Worms
can double in population every 60
days.
How long do worms live?
Researchers don't know the extreme
of the scale, but 2-3 years under the
right conditions is common. A
laboratory experiment in the UK is
said to have had a worm in the
laboratory for over ten years.

Do worms take up heavy metals?

There is much anecdotal, but no
scientific data to confirm this.
 Earthworm Species used in
Vermiculture
Eisenia fetida* / Eisenia
andreii
(common name, Red Worm)

Eisenia fetida/Eisenia andreii are the

worm species identified as the most
useful in vermicomposting systems
and are the easiest to grow in high-
density culture because they tolerate
the widest range of environmental
conditions and fluctuations, and
handling and disruption to their
environment of all species identified
for this purpose. E. fetida/E. andreii
are also common to virtually every
landmass on earth, meaning there is
no concern over importing potentially
alien species to an environment where
they might cause damage.
 Eudrilus eugeniae
(common name, African nightcrawler)
This species is used in some
vermicomposting systems around
the Mediterranean region and in
some areas of eastern Asia.
•Temperature range: Minimum; 45°
F, maximum; 90° F, ideal range; 70°
F-80° F.
•Reproductive rate: Approximately
7 young per worm per week under
ideal conditions.
•Average number of young per
cocoon: Approximately 2.
•Time to emergence from the
cocoon: Approximately 15-30 days
under ideal conditions.
•Time to sexual maturity:
Approximately 30-95 days under
ideal conditions.
 Amynthas gracilus
(common name, Alabama or Georgia jumper)
A. gracilus is another large
worm species well suited
for use as bait.
• It is also a tropical species
with a poor tolerance for
cold temperatures.
• This worm tolerates
handling and disruption to
the worm bed as well as
does E. fetida and is
generally considered an
easy worm to culture
provided appropriate
temperatures can be
maintained.
• A. gracilus is used in a few
vermicomposting systems
in Malaysia and the
Philippines.
Perionyx excavatus

(common name,
Indian Blue worm)

Eisenia hortensis
(European
nightcrawler
Significance of
Vermiculture
?
 The art of composting has been part of our
global culture since ancient times.
•The basic principles are quite simple, and
adhering to them will result in an efficient and
successful outcome.
•Studies have shown that home composting can
divert an average of 700 lbs. of material per
household per year from the waste stream.
•Municipal composting carries a greater
environmental cost, but not nearly as high as if
leaf and yard wastes are disposed of by
conventional means.
1. Worms in the soil improve the structure through:

•Creation of a worm-made sponge in the top soil. This

"sponge" has certain qualities that enhance the soil.
a) Increased channels. The worms burrow through the soil
and break down the root mat. They also open up channels
for oxygen and rainfall to penetrate.
b) Increased moisture. This results in the worm-populated
soil becoming wet faster and deeper and consequently the
soil that has been in contact with worms holds the moisture
longer.
c) Increased plant-growth. The tunnels created by worms
are coated with mucus, which is rich in nitrates, and plant
roots take advantage of the tunnels as easy-growth
channels and pathways. Higher available nutrient content.
As a result of the combined action of the worms and their
bacteria.
a) The litter produced by plants mostly has a
carbon:nitrogen ratio greater than 20:1. If the
nitrogen level is above 20:1 it cannot be absorbed
by plants and the soil beneath and surrounding
the litter could become acid, the soluble mineral
locked up and the soil itself then becoming less
fertile.
b) Therefore, it is essential that the
carbon:nitrogen ratio be reduced to 20:1 or
less, and this is greatly assisted by worms
feeding on the rotting litter.
•Although the rotting is started off by
bacterial action, it is accelerated by worms
eating the litter and excreting the castings.
•It can therefore be strongly argued that
without the action of worms, the forests of
the world might be very different.
•The same can be said of our fertile plains.
•The castings produced by worms act as a
fertiliser.
 c) This conversion process is optimised in the
Vermitech vermiculture system. The beds
produce ideal conditions for worms to convert
the organic material.
In summary, worm worked soils
 exhibit enhanced water holding capacity,

 improved water infiltration ,

 enhanced microbial activity and significant

mineralisation of organic Nitrogen .

Working on Vermiculture
Select a place away from direct
heat, strong sunlight and incessant
rains. Dig a pit measuring 2 feet x 2
feet x 2 feet. Line the pit with
polythene (PVC) sheet to arrest
escape of earthworm through
crevices. (Earthen pot, Brick,
Cement tank or Wooden boxes can
also be used to house
earthworms). 
The pit is systematically filled with four layers of waste.

First layer -- (Bottom of the pit) is filled up to 2 inches

with coconut fibre, rice husk and sugarcane bagasse.

Second layer is 2 inches thick, consisting of sawdust,

chopped rice/wheat straw. Dampen the bed by sprinkling
water.

Third layer is the earthworm food, this includes an

admixture of cow-dung, green foliage, vegetable
remnants, discarded parts of fruits, droppings of horses,
asses, pigs, sheep or biogas slurry, human excreta,
paper or scrap of cardboards etc.

This feed should be spread till a height of 6 to 8 inches. 

 Release about 100 earthworms on the top without hurting them.
These earthworms will start penetrating to the bottom.

Once all these earthworms disappear, cover the surface with jute
bags and keep them wet by sprinkling water in a judicious way.
 
The jute bags may be turned upside down thrice in the first
week, twice in the second week and only once in the third and
following weeks, without causing any disruption to the top.
 
Water and heat inside the tank assist the organic matter to decay
- proliferates the number of earthworms - both these take place
simultaneously.

By 4 to 5 weeks, production of heat inside the pit will cease and

will come down to 600‡ to 650 Fahrenheit.

In case no warmth is felt by hands, understand that the manure

is almost ready for use.

From one tank, 50 kg. of manure is produced.   

•Spread a paper on the ground and empty
the contents of the tank slowly in sunlight
making a pyramid like heap.

• Let this heap remain in daylight for about

half to one hour. This will induce the
earthworms to penetrate deep and reach the
bottom.

•Now the upper layers of organic manure can

be lifted slowly.

•Later the earthworms at the bottom may be

separated from one another and deposited in
the refilled tank. 
COMPOST

Compost is simply decomposed organic

matters: plants and animals.
It is considered a gardener’s gold for being
nutrient rich.
It consists of decomposed and partially
decomposed matter that’s dark and crumbly.
It is an excellent source of
microorganisms.
 Composting

the process of converting

organic materials into
humus or into forms that
plants can assimilate.
as long as we provide the
right balance of ingredients
                                                                                                                    
in the compost pile, keep it
aerated and moist, then the
compost organisms
particularly the
microorganisms will do the
rest.
BENEFITS OF COMPOST

1. Protects Plants from Drought

• Compost has the ability to hold more moisture.

Humus, the end result of composting, is so absorbent
that it can almost hold water twice its weight.

2. Improves soil Aeration

•Without air, soil tends to become alkaline. Also, it
loses the organic matter and nitrogen essential to
productivity. Beneficial soil organisms will fail to
thrive due to lack of oxygen.
3. Stops Erosion

Compost can prevent erosion by

improving soil structure. Soil containing a
lot of humus holds together better because
water permeates the soil.

4. Slowly Releases Nutrients

Compost acts as a kind of nutrients

storehouse releasing nutrients gradually
throughout the plant’s growing season.
5. Prevents Disease
Compost has seemingly miraculous powers
to prevent and control plant disease better
than any chemical fungicide.

6. Recycle Waste

Composting is the only waste disposal

conserving nutrients from the waste
eventually returned to the soil.
THE PROCESS OF VERMICULTURE AND
COMPOSTING

REQUIREMENTS

Site Selection

Site selection will depend in the selection of worm bin.

It must be shaded (earthworms shy away from strong light).
Flood-free
Accessible to water supply and source of compost material.
Well ventillated
 Housing (or Worm Bin) Type
Box type (wood or plastic container with canopy)
Worm bin (cemented floor and wall w/o canopy)
Worm bin (cemented floor and wall with canopy)
Iron bars with plastic lining
Old plastic basins
Hollow block as non permanent structure with plastic
lining
Drum type with canopy
Selection of Raw Materials

Consider the source of material

Market waste: Be careful as some market produce
such as fruits and vegetables have large quantities of
pesticides.
Hog and cow dung that contain large amounts of de-
worming chemicals.

Identify materials rich in nitrogen

Kakawate Wild Sunflower All animal manure
except dog and cat.
Ipilipil Katuray Leaves
Monggo Agola
‘Baging Ilog’ Peanut
 Identify materials rich in carbon
Grass Saw dust
Rice straw Coco dust
Corn stalks Paper
Wood

Size and kind of materials

Smaller material sizes are more favorable. Shredded
materials decompose more easily.
Easily composted materials.

Materials readily available in forms (decomposed

kitchen waste, old cow carabao manure, paper
shreds and other biodegradable materials.
 DECOMPOSITION PROCESS

Anaerobic Stage
After mixing and watering the compost substrate, the
first phase of the vermicomposting process is called the
“anaerobic stage” is started. The substrate is placed in
containers or heaped in bead, which may be lined at the
bottom or the sides with plastic sheets or other forms of
retaining device such as screens and blocks. The
substrate can be stocked to a height of 60 cm.
 The compost pile is covered with a plastic sheet
to speed up the decomposition initiated by the
anaerobic bacteria. This stage may last for one to
two weeks. The temperature of the substrate can
reach 50-70 oC. The hotter the temperature, the
faster the decomposition.
Aerobic Stage

When the temperature of the compost pile goes down to

ambient condition, the plastic cover of the vermicomposting
unit is removed. The next phase of the vermicomposting
process is known as the “aerobic stage”. Live earthworm can
now be stocked into the pile.
The earthworms, feed on the substrate. And with the aid of
microorganisms in their gizzards, they now produce castings
which are deposited on the surface.
The vermicomposting units should be watered when
necessary to maintain the optimum moisture content and
sheltered from heavy rains to minimize leaking of plant
nutrients.
Balancing Act

Vermi and microbes thrive best when their food

source provides carbon to nitrogen ratio (expressed as
C:N) between 25:1 to 30:1 meaning, for every 25 to 30
parts of carbon, 1 part nitrogen must be added to the
pile.

Ratio of carbon to nitrogen is a chemical ratio and is

not based on volume you do not need 30 times more
brown material than green.
Recommended Mixture

75% cow manure and 25% sawdust or rice

hull is good for breeding, growing and fattening.

75% shredded fresh grass and 25% kakawate,

ipil-ipil is good for the growth and reproduction
of the worms and obtaining vermicompost of
good quality.
No. of Worms per Bin Size
(1.2m x 2m x 1.25m)

300 worms, 5 months 4,000 worms / 250 kg of

casting
2,000 worms, 2 months 3,000 worms / 250 kg of
casting

Stock Filling of Substrate

Mixed normally used for shredded materials.

Sandwich: stock with 2-inch layer alternating
substrate.
MAINTENANCE OF WORM BIN

Test Humidity: by squeezing a fistful of substrate,

five to seven drops of water indicates about 80%
humidity or same humidity in a squeezed sponge.

Protect worms from natural predators: Birds,

chickens, frogs, mice, snakes, flatworms and even pigs
love to eat worms, while ants do not eat worms, they
can kill your population if left unattended.
 Do not put unwanted materials to
your pile:

1. Meat scraps - these can attract unwanted animal

visitors and create unpleasant odors.
2. Fats, oils and grease - large amounts of these will
give your microbes indigestion slowing down
composting process. It also attracts unwanted pests.
3. Droppings from caged birds - Birds droppings may
contain dangerous disease pathogens.
4. Droppings from dogs, cats and other carnivores -
These contain disease harmful to humans. Hot
composting kills most pathogens but some may
survive even prolonged heat. Cat droppings in
particular can be dangerous to pregnant women
and children.
5. Human waste: the potential for spreading
diseases.
6. Diseased plants: Yes, hot composting kills most
plant pathogens but to avoid risk, burn diseased
plants.
7. Highly acidic materials.
Harvesting

Pick the worm by hand and transfer them to a new

worm bed. The vermicompost may be allowed to dry
in the shade for few days and sifted if finer compost is
desired.

In the shade, pile the vermi-compost in such a

manner that it looks like a pyramid. After a day, you
can harvest the top part easily because the worm has
gone to the bottom of the pile. When you reach the
bottom pile, you can extract the worms manually.
 Move the contents of the whole bed to one side.
Fill the empty half with new substrate. Allow the
worms to move freely to the new food. Harvest the
casting left by the worms.

Fill an onion bag with fresh food and bury in the

bed. After a week or so, the bag will be filled with
worms, which you can empty to a new worm bed.

Use mechanical screen.

Vermi Compost Screener

Vermi-compost can be used after harvest. A 3/16”

mesh wire is recommended to separate pure vermi-
compost from substrate.

Drying and Storage

Dry your vermicompost by air under shades only.

Exposing organic fertilizer to the sun will cause it to
lose its nitrogen content.
Vermicompost can be stored at 30% humidity in
plastic bag. Store in cool place away from direct
sunlight.
EXPECTED EARTHWORM PRODUCTION

1. Ave. wt of breeder earthworm 1.0-1.5 gms

2. Ave. number (per kg) 1000 worms
3. Earthworm mating schedule Once a week
4. No. of eggs per capsule 3-5 eggs/capsule
5. Expected mating/product/month
Initial: 1000 breeders
x 5 eggs/capsule 5000 eggs
x 50% hatching 2500 babies
x 50% survival 1250 babies/wk
x 4 wks. or 1 mo. 5000 babies/month
x 24 wks. Or 6 mos. 30000 babies &
Computation: 5000 breeders
5000/mo. X 6 mos. = 30000 babies
“the initial 5000 babies will then
breeders at the end of 6 mos.
6. Total Production (TP) 36000 worms
Computation:
TP = Initial worms * babies in 6 mos +
breeders in 6 mos.
= 1000 + 30000 + 5000
= 36000

7. Current Price: Php 500.00/kg

8. Expected Income (EI): Php 18,000.00
Computation:
Estimated wt. for 36000 worms: 36 kg
EI = 36 kg x Php 500/kg
= Php 18000.00
                                               

Diagram of a household-scale worm composting bin

EARTHWORMS
THE END
HISTORY OF VERMICULTURE
Californian red worms have been
utilized from the 50's in California
(USA). This worm, original form
Eurasia is "Eisenia Foetida". In some
non scientific books was called "Red
hybrid", creating a big confusion
because this worms are not hybrids,
they are just like the rest of nature, a
result of natural selection. At this time,
this breed (Eisenia Foetida) is
preferred by the majority of worm's
breeders in the world because of the
rusticity, tolerance to ambient factors
(pH. temperature, humidity),
reproductive potential, and massing
capacity.