Vermi Culture and Composting

Characteristics of African Nightcrawlers
The vermi that I am raising
Hermaphrodites (male and female reproductive organs are present in each worm
Matures in 6 weeks. Population doubles in about a month
Temperature Requirement 25C 29C under shade

Part of the Vermiculture is the composting. The worm will compost all you bio=degradable materials This would make us more friendly to our environment as must segregate our waste. And the product of this composting is Organic Fertilizer

Steps in Vermicomposting
A.Site Selection/ Select a site that is shaded and well-drained with
available water supply.
B.Small Scale Production . Use wooden boxes, earthen pots, Styrofoam boxes, plastic basin or any similar materials
Commercial Production . Use provision of working space for drying and bagging

What to prepare?
Worm
Worm bim
Substrate
manure + ipil-ipil or kakawate
rice straw + manure
grasses + chicken manure
sawdust + ipil-ipil
compost / rice straw + corn barn
cardboard and paper pulp


Anaerobic Stage

Cut the materials for use as substrate into smaller pieces by chopping with a bolo or cutting with a scissor. For large-scale production, using a powered shredded/chipper will shorten the time in the preparation of substrates. Finer materials could easily decompose (partial decomposition). If using different kinds of materials, mix the chopped raw materials before putting them in the decomposition chamber. Moisten the materials and cover the composting bin to initiate anaerobic decomposition. It takes 10 to 15 days to complete anaerobic decomposition and only then that they are ready for worm consumption.

Aerobic Stage

After the anaerobic decomposition, introduce the earthworms into the substrate. Aerobic decomposition lasts for 40 - 60 days depending on the materials used and the ratio of the worms to the substrate. Five kilograms of substrate is enough to feed a kilogram of worm for a month. Within the period, moisten (not soggy) the substrate regularly to provide the right moisture (60 - 80%) for the earthworm to grow and multiply.