Vermicomposting is a process using earthworms to break down organic materials into a nutrient-rich fertilizer. There are five essential conditions for vermicomposting - a living environment for the worms (bedding), a food source, proper moisture, aeration, and temperature control. The document provides details on each condition and recommends various methods for setting up vermicomposting in Ghana, such as using a pit or cement bin and specific local worm species, materials, and food sources.
DISCUSS IN DETAIL VERMICULTURE…. Vermiculture Medium Containers for Vermi...Ilman Khan
join me on youtube....
https://www.youtube.com/c/STUDYFLUX
Economic Zoology definition and importance scope of the subject in various areas of human life?
Role of economic zoology in the betterment of humans life.
DISCUSS IN DETAIL VERMICULTURE….
Vermiculture Medium
Containers for Vermiculture
METHOD OF CULTURING EARTHWORMS
VERMICOMPOSTING TECHNIQUE FOR FARMERS
References :
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Whats_the_definition_of_direct_economic_value_of
http://www.investopedia.com/terms/i/intrinsicvalue.asp#axzz1wBCmCe19
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intrinsic_value_(ethics)
http:// http://www.iaszoology.com/insect/
Vermicomposting :- Vermicomposting is a method of making compost with the use of earthworms which generally live in the soil eat biomass and excrete it is digested form .This compost is generally called vermicompost
Vermiculture :- vermiculture means scientific method of breeding and raising earthworms in controlled condition
Materials required for vermicomposting prepration
DISCUSS IN DETAIL VERMICULTURE…. Vermiculture Medium Containers for Vermi...Ilman Khan
join me on youtube....
https://www.youtube.com/c/STUDYFLUX
Economic Zoology definition and importance scope of the subject in various areas of human life?
Role of economic zoology in the betterment of humans life.
DISCUSS IN DETAIL VERMICULTURE….
Vermiculture Medium
Containers for Vermiculture
METHOD OF CULTURING EARTHWORMS
VERMICOMPOSTING TECHNIQUE FOR FARMERS
References :
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Whats_the_definition_of_direct_economic_value_of
http://www.investopedia.com/terms/i/intrinsicvalue.asp#axzz1wBCmCe19
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intrinsic_value_(ethics)
http:// http://www.iaszoology.com/insect/
Vermicomposting :- Vermicomposting is a method of making compost with the use of earthworms which generally live in the soil eat biomass and excrete it is digested form .This compost is generally called vermicompost
Vermiculture :- vermiculture means scientific method of breeding and raising earthworms in controlled condition
Materials required for vermicomposting prepration
Vermicompost is the product or process of composting using various worms, usually red wigglers and other earthworms to create a heterogeneous mixture of decomposing vegetable or food waste and vermicast (worm castings or worm manure, is the fecal matter of an Earthworm).
Vermicomposting is very economic friendly and very useful for the growth of crops.
Less expensive than chemical fertilizer as well as other fertilizers. It can be used for several times.
In Ghana, more than US$ 2 billion worth organic foodstuffs were wasted in 2012. About 1.3 billion tonnes of organic food produced globally is wasted annually according to FAO. We aim at converting the wasted organic food into powerful compost that has the power to restore the soil fertility at any quarry site during reclamation to promote biodiversity by using worm species called Eudrilus eugeniae (African Night Crawler) and also to free the environment from any adverse effect generated by the organic food waste. The vermicompost will support plants growth but ecological food chain will also ensure that other organisms follow suite (ecosystem and restoration of biodiversity).
Three experimental controls were set from Vermicompost; normal compost, the stockpiled and mine soil. The rates at which each restores biodiversity at the quarry site were compared. It is already projected that the biodiversity at the Vermicompost site would be restored more rapidly than the other two controls.
The Vermicompost can be transported to any quarry site to reclaim its biodiversity. In more advanced and sophisticated means, holes can be dug and filled with Vermicompost to support plants growth even when mining is in session.
The project won the International contest of the Quarry Life Award 2014 in the category “Innovation and Biodiversity”
Read more: http://www.quarrylifeaward.com/project/use-vermicompost-treatment-topsoil-restoring-biodiversity
To achieve sustainable agricultural production it is imperative to explore alternative integrated soil and nutrient management systems with minimum environmental degradation. Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) aims at maintenance or adjustment of soil fertility and plant nutrient supply to an optimum level for sustaining the desired crop productivity through optimization of benefit from all possible sources of plant nutrients in an integrated manner (Roy and Ange, 1991). Continuous and imbalanced use of fertilizers under intensive agricultural cultivation had adverse impact on the soil. Use of bio and organic fertilizers and adherence to ecofriendly land management practice enhances crop production and sustains soil fertility (Sailaja and Usha, 2002). Keeping these in view, INM practice is seen as a viable option in restoring the soil physical structure and chemical fertility, improving soil organic C and therefore, sustaining the system productivity. Sources such as nitrogen fixers, phosphate solubilizers, mycorrhize and other beneficial organisms contribute to enhance efficient uptake of plant nutrients (Gupta et al., 2003).
INM tries to reduce the need for chemical fertilizers by taking advantages of non-chemical sources of nutrients such as the manures, composts and bio-fertilizers (Gopalasundaram et al., 2012). Bio-fertilizers application not only increases plants growth and yield, but increase soil microbial population and activity; resulting in improved soil fertility (Ramesh et al., 2014). They include free-living bacteria which promote plant growth even in polluted soils. Azospirillum, Azotobacter, Pseudomonas, Bacillus and Thiobacillus are examples of these bacteria (Zahir et al., 2004). Niess (2002) reported that plant growth promoting bacteria reduced the toxicity of heavy metals and increased plant growth and yield.
Apart from this, agroforestry interventions through integration of suitable trees, soil improvement through cover cropping, soil and water conservation measures etc can be potential INM strategies that can be practiced to sustain yield, minimize risk, utilize the lag phase, and improve productivity (Rao, 2000). The success of INM depends on the judicious use of the right combination of INM component suitable for a particular land use system.
Vermiculture is the scientific process of culturing of worms in producing vermicompost. Vermicompost is nutrient rich worm castes. Worm castes is excreted product of worms which obtain in provides organic/biodegradable as a food source for worms. These vermicomposting method is very perfect for producing biofertilizers. Advantages and Disadvantages are mentioned here.
A modern method of agriculture with minimum cost of production and maximum yield using new technological approach,accelerating agricultural output through effective utilization of natural resources practiced under any natural ecosystem.
A Large home vermiposting system and information on worm management
The vidio components are at
http://au.youtube.com/profile?user=ausearthlove&view=videos
A presentation from Paul Olivier about closed-loop farming techniques for sustainability.
The 4 levels of waste transformation keeps the nutrient content as high as possible in the organic waste transformation.
Vermicompost is the product or process of composting using various worms, usually red wigglers and other earthworms to create a heterogeneous mixture of decomposing vegetable or food waste and vermicast (worm castings or worm manure, is the fecal matter of an Earthworm).
Vermicomposting is very economic friendly and very useful for the growth of crops.
Less expensive than chemical fertilizer as well as other fertilizers. It can be used for several times.
In Ghana, more than US$ 2 billion worth organic foodstuffs were wasted in 2012. About 1.3 billion tonnes of organic food produced globally is wasted annually according to FAO. We aim at converting the wasted organic food into powerful compost that has the power to restore the soil fertility at any quarry site during reclamation to promote biodiversity by using worm species called Eudrilus eugeniae (African Night Crawler) and also to free the environment from any adverse effect generated by the organic food waste. The vermicompost will support plants growth but ecological food chain will also ensure that other organisms follow suite (ecosystem and restoration of biodiversity).
Three experimental controls were set from Vermicompost; normal compost, the stockpiled and mine soil. The rates at which each restores biodiversity at the quarry site were compared. It is already projected that the biodiversity at the Vermicompost site would be restored more rapidly than the other two controls.
The Vermicompost can be transported to any quarry site to reclaim its biodiversity. In more advanced and sophisticated means, holes can be dug and filled with Vermicompost to support plants growth even when mining is in session.
The project won the International contest of the Quarry Life Award 2014 in the category “Innovation and Biodiversity”
Read more: http://www.quarrylifeaward.com/project/use-vermicompost-treatment-topsoil-restoring-biodiversity
To achieve sustainable agricultural production it is imperative to explore alternative integrated soil and nutrient management systems with minimum environmental degradation. Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) aims at maintenance or adjustment of soil fertility and plant nutrient supply to an optimum level for sustaining the desired crop productivity through optimization of benefit from all possible sources of plant nutrients in an integrated manner (Roy and Ange, 1991). Continuous and imbalanced use of fertilizers under intensive agricultural cultivation had adverse impact on the soil. Use of bio and organic fertilizers and adherence to ecofriendly land management practice enhances crop production and sustains soil fertility (Sailaja and Usha, 2002). Keeping these in view, INM practice is seen as a viable option in restoring the soil physical structure and chemical fertility, improving soil organic C and therefore, sustaining the system productivity. Sources such as nitrogen fixers, phosphate solubilizers, mycorrhize and other beneficial organisms contribute to enhance efficient uptake of plant nutrients (Gupta et al., 2003).
INM tries to reduce the need for chemical fertilizers by taking advantages of non-chemical sources of nutrients such as the manures, composts and bio-fertilizers (Gopalasundaram et al., 2012). Bio-fertilizers application not only increases plants growth and yield, but increase soil microbial population and activity; resulting in improved soil fertility (Ramesh et al., 2014). They include free-living bacteria which promote plant growth even in polluted soils. Azospirillum, Azotobacter, Pseudomonas, Bacillus and Thiobacillus are examples of these bacteria (Zahir et al., 2004). Niess (2002) reported that plant growth promoting bacteria reduced the toxicity of heavy metals and increased plant growth and yield.
Apart from this, agroforestry interventions through integration of suitable trees, soil improvement through cover cropping, soil and water conservation measures etc can be potential INM strategies that can be practiced to sustain yield, minimize risk, utilize the lag phase, and improve productivity (Rao, 2000). The success of INM depends on the judicious use of the right combination of INM component suitable for a particular land use system.
Vermiculture is the scientific process of culturing of worms in producing vermicompost. Vermicompost is nutrient rich worm castes. Worm castes is excreted product of worms which obtain in provides organic/biodegradable as a food source for worms. These vermicomposting method is very perfect for producing biofertilizers. Advantages and Disadvantages are mentioned here.
A modern method of agriculture with minimum cost of production and maximum yield using new technological approach,accelerating agricultural output through effective utilization of natural resources practiced under any natural ecosystem.
A Large home vermiposting system and information on worm management
The vidio components are at
http://au.youtube.com/profile?user=ausearthlove&view=videos
A presentation from Paul Olivier about closed-loop farming techniques for sustainability.
The 4 levels of waste transformation keeps the nutrient content as high as possible in the organic waste transformation.
In recent years, it is no doubt that in India, where on one side pollution is increasing day by day due to accumulation of organic waste and on the other side there is a great shortage of organic manure.
It has been estimated that India, as a whole, generates as much as 25 million tonnes of urban solid waste of diverse composition per year. Solid waste comprises of both organic and inorganic matter.
Under the present condition of environmental degradation, vermicomposting technology is the best way to meet all the requirements of the society. This is a process of recycling trash/agricultural wastes in an efficient and eco-friendly manner in order to produce quality compost.
Organic wastes can be broken down and fragmented rapidly by earthworms, resulting in a stable non-toxic material with good structure, which has a potentially high economic value and also acts as a soil conditioner for plant growth.
It is a type of composting in which worms eat and metabolize organic matter that comprises to a better end product known as Vermicast (commonly called as BLACK GOLD) which has a stuff of nutrients that can be directly incorporated into the soil to help with plant fertilization, soil enrichment and soil stability.From a social point of view, organic fertilizers will:
Improve the social status of the individuals and the community.
Create motivation for people to live in the countryside by providing job
opportunities and business plans.
From a hygienic point of view, organic fertilizers will:
Produce chemical-free crops which will improve people's health.
Reduce the danger of lung diseases and other diseases resulting from burning the organic wastes in the field.EPIGEIC EARTHWORMS:
Earthworms of this group cannot make burrows in the soil. They can only move through crevices of the surface. They feed exclusively on decomposing organic wastes.
ENDOGEIC EARTHWORMS:
They are subsoil dwellers. Secretions of body wall of earthworms cement and smoothen the walls of the burrows and protect the wall from collapsing easily. They move below 30cm or more in the soil
ANECIC EARTHWORMS:
They are found in the soil, which is not frequently disturbed. They make very complicated burrows in the sol and they firmly pack their burrow walls with their castings. The Anecic earthworms like Epigeic earthworms are commonly found in temperate countries.Vermicompost is an excellent soil additive made up of digested compost. Worm castings are much higher in nutrients and microbial life and therefore, are considered as a higher value product. Worm castings contain up to 5 times the plant available nutrients. It not only adds microbial organisms and nutrients that have long lasting residual effects, it also modulates structure to the existing soil, increases water retention capacity. Vermicompost contains an average of 1.5% - 2.2% N, 1.8% - 2.2% P and 1.0% - 1.5% K. The organic carbon is ranging from 9.15 to 17.98 and contains micronutrients Nitrogen, phosphorus, Potassium..
Manure management to improve soil structure and food security and mitigate gr...ILRI
Poster prepared by Asaah Ndambi, David Pelster and Klaus Butterbach-Bahl for the 1st World Congress on Innovations for Livestock Development, Nakuru, Kenya, 26-30 June 2016
Farmers’ best friend, earthworm has been existent at least since the past 20 million years. Needless to say, they have been faithfully releasing the organic nutrients from the dead tissues back into the soil and thus making it available to the living organisms. They have an important roll in organic farming.
Earthworm Secret
Earthworms feed on the decaying organic matter and survive in soil. During digestion in the alimentary canal, all the organic waste gets transformed into natural fertilizer. The pH is neutral and it is an odorless organic matter. After digestion, the undigested food is excreted. There is a thin oily layer on the excreted material or casting which takes as much as two months to erode. In other words, the castings that are rich in plant nutrients are made available gradually since they are released slowly into the soil. Hence they last longer. These castings also contain microbes and hence the process of decomposition is continued through microbial action outside the body of the earthworms.
What is Vermicomposting
Vermicomposting
Vermicomposting
Biologically, it is defined as the process of turning organic debris into worm castings that play a crucial role in increasing the fertility of soil. These castings contain seven times more potash, five times more nitrogen and 1.5 times more calcium than what is found in the topsoil. In addition they have better moisture retention capacity, aeration, porosity and structure than the topsoil. The water absorption capacity of the soil is enhanced thanks to the burrowing action of the earthworm, and the organic content in the castings. Research has shown the castings to hold nine times their weight in water.
Objective of Vermicomposting Project
The main objective of vermicomposting project is to produce organic manure of exceptional quality for the organically starved soil. Agricultural wastes, wastes from dairy and animal farms are usually dumped into at places resulting in a foul mess. By vermicomposting these wastes, they are not only utilized efficiently but also help in making a value-added product.
Types of Earthworm and Classification
Study of earthworms was pioneered by Charles Darwin. Taking the cue, Barrett and George Oliver carried out an extensive study and demonstrated the benefits of earthworms in agriculture. Barrett was the first person to grow earthworms on a commercial scale.
Totally there are 386 different varieties of earthworms that have been identified that are broadly classified into 3 categories, viz. epigeic, endogeic and diageic. This classification is based on their feeding habits, habitat in soil strata, response to the soil conditions and defecation activities.
Epigeic
Thriving on soil surface, they convert the organic waste into humus very quickly.
They have a high metabolic activity but it lasts only for a limited period.
They need a huge amount of organic content as a part of their feed and thus ideal for commercial vermicompost project.
Although they a
Evaluation of the Activity of Insecticides Plants in the Far North Region of ...IJEAB
This study proposes to assess the activity of insecticide plants in the far North region of Cameroon. The leaves or bark of four local plants (Azadirachtaindica, Boswelliadalzeilii, Khayasenegalensis and Ocimumcanum) were harvested, dried and powdered for the formulation of insecticidal chopsticks at different doses. Toxicity tests have been conducted on adult culicidae mosquitoes by fumigation. They reveal low levels of mortality after 15 minutes of exposure to the smoke of the chopsticks. Remanence due to chopsticks smoke leads to high rates of mortality after 6 and 24 hours of exposure. Mortality rates increase with the dose of each vegetable powder. Lethal doses were calculated 6 hours after exposure for each plant powder. Those of the leaves of Azadirachtaindica proved to be the most efficient thus with the lowest LD50 value of 36.14%. These vegetable powders can be used as natural insecticides instead of chemical insecticides.
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The US House of Representatives is deeply concerned by ongoing and pervasive acts of antisemitic
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Vermicomposting Worms Around the World Making Black Gold
1. Page 1 of 9
Vermicomposting:
Worms Around the World Making Black Gold
This “how to” guide on worm composting has been adapted from agricultural research and
experiences at the University of Washington-Bothell, Washington State, USA, in an African
Conservation and Sustainability Course, Spring quarter 2007. The adaptation considered
cultural differences, climate/rainfall, crop output, worm species, economic resources and
agricultural uses of the earth worm castings. This research was compiled at the request of
Village Volunteers of Seattle, Washington to be used as a conservation resource on their
database. This compilation is the result of many worm farmers’ research and personal
experiences, which were modified to be used in Ghana, but could be tailored to any
demographic region/country of the world.
Introduction
Vermicompost (also called worm compost, vermicast, worm castings, worm humus or worm
manure) is the base-product of the breakdown of natural material by earthworms. Vermicompost
is a nutrient-rich, organic fertilizer, and soil conditioner. The process of making vermicompost is
called vermicomposting. Vermicompost contains not only worm castings, but also bedding
materials and organic wastes at a mixture of stages of decomposition. It also contains worms at
different stages of growth and other microorganisms associated with the process. Earthworms’
castings in the home garden usually contain 5 to 10 times more additional nitrogen,
phosphorous, and potassium than the adjacent soil (Composting 101). Secretions in the
intestinal tracts of the worms, along with soil passing through the worms, make the nutrients
needed by plants more
concentrated and available for plant uptake (IOBB)
Using a worm box, pile, pit, bin, or windrow helps expand and develop many skills needed to
enhance sustainability of farming activities. In essence, worms work as natural bioreactors. The
technique generates organic fertilizers, permits harmless disposal of certain organic wastes and
decreases the requirement for landfill.
Vermicompsting can be performed all year-round, providing that environmental conditions
remain within acceptable limits. For improved efficiency, care should be taken to ensure that
organic feedstock and environmental circumstances allow worms to reproduce productively and
tolerate climatic fluctuations. Given appropriate conditions, vermicomposting appears to offer a
relatively uncomplicated solution to the management of compostable organic wastes.
Section Sources:
Composting 101:
http://www.composting101.com/worms-cut-waste-article.html
Feeding:
http://www.compostsantacruzcounty.org/Home_Composting/Worm_Composting/worm_feeding.
htm
IOBB:
http://www.iobbnet.org/drupal/node/view/609
Wikipedia : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earthworm
General Considerations
2. Page 2 of 9
What worms need to create and sustain optimal vermicomposting conditions.
Five Rudimentary Conditions to Successful Vermicomposting
1. Living Environment
2. Food Source
3. Moisture
4. Aeration
5. Protection from Temperature Extremes
1. Living Environment or Bedding is any material that provides the worms with a relatively
stable habitat. This habitat must have the following characteristics:
• High absorbency Worms breathe through their skins and therefore must have a moist
environment in which to live. If a worm’s skin dries out, it dies. The bedding must be able
to absorb and retain water fairly well if the worms are to thrive.
• Good bulking capability If the material is too dense to begin with, or packs too firmly,
then the flow of air is reduced. Worms require oxygen to live, just as we do. Different
materials affect the overall porosity of the bedding through a variety of factors, including
the range of particle size and shape, the texture, and the strength and rigidity of its
structure.
• Low protein and/or nitrogen content (high Carbon: Nitrogen ratio) Although the
worms do consume their bedding as it breaks down, it is very important that this be a
slow process. High protein/nitrogen levels can result in rapid disrepair and its associated
heating, creating harsh, often fatal, conditions. Heating can transpire safely in the food
layers of the vermiculture or vermicomposting system, but not in the bedding.
2. Worm Food: Compost worms are big eaters. Under model conditions, they are able to
devour in excess of their body weight each day, although the general rule is 1/2 of their body
weight per day. They will eat almost everything organic (that is, of plant or animal origin), but
they definitely prefer some foods to others.
Do Feed Worms:
• Vegetable scraps: crop waste
• Tree and Bush leaves, and grasses
• Fruit scraps and peels (mold/rot is fine)
• Moldy Bread and grains
• Used Tea leaves
• Non-greasy food leftovers
• Coffee grounds
• Crushed egg shells
• Most moist paper products
• Manures (must pre compost)
Don’t Feed Worms:
• Don't overfeed citrus—should be no more than 1/5 of worm food
• Meats, fish
• Greasy foods
• Dairy products
• Twigs and branches
• Dog/cat feces
3. Page 3 of 9
3. Moisture
Worms breathe through their skins; moisture content in the bedding of less than 50% is
dangerous to the creatures. With the exception of extreme heat or cold, nothing will kill worms
faster than a lack of adequate moisture. The bedding used must be able to hold sufficient
moisture if the worms are to have a livable environment.
The ideal moisture-content range for materials in conventional composting systems is 45-60%
(Rink et al, 1992). In contrast, the ideal moisture-content range for vermicomposting or
vermiculture processes is 70-90%. The average worm weight increases with moisture content
(among other variables).
4. Aeration
Worms are oxygen breathers and cannot live an-aerobically (defined as the absence of
oxygen). When factors such as high levels of grease in the feedstock or excessive moisture
combined with poor aeration conspire to cut off oxygen supplies, areas of the worm bed, or
even the entire system, can become anaerobic. This will kill the worms very quickly. Not only
are the worms deprived of oxygen, they are also killed by toxic substances (e.g., ammonia)
created by different sets of microbes that bloom under these conditions. This is one of the main
reasons for not including meat or other greasy wastes in worm feedstock unless they have been
pre-composted to break down the oils and fats. Although composting worms’ oxygen
requirements are essential, however, they are also comparatively moderate.
5. Temperature Control
Controlling temperature to within the worms’ tolerance is crucial to both vermicomposting and
vermiculture processes. This does not mean, however, that heated buildings or cooling systems
are required.
• High temperatures. Compost worms can survive temperatures in the mid-30s but prefer
a range in the 20s (oC). Above 35oC will cause the worms to leave the area. If they
cannot leave, they will quickly die. In general, warmer temperatures (above 20oC)
stimulate reproduction.
• Low temperatures. It is generally considered necessary to keep the temperatures
above 10 oC (minimum) and preferably 15 o C for vermicomposting efficiency and above
15 oC (minimum) and preferably 20 oC for productive vermiculture operations.
Section Sources:
• Bogdanov, P. (1996). Commercial Vermiculture: How to Build a Thriving Business in
Redworms. VermiCo Press, Oregon. 83 pp.
• Bogdanov, P. Editor. Worm Digest. This is a quarterly, not-for-profit magazine that
covers the vermicomposting industry, but also education, small-scale vermicomposting,
and related stories.
• Munroe, G. (2002). Manual of on the farm vermicomposting and vermiculture. Organic
Agriculture Centre of Canada. EcoAction Program of Environment. Nova Scotia,
Canada.
• Rink, R. (Editor). (1992). Authors: Maarten van de Kamp, George B. Wilson, Mark E.
Singey,
• Tom L. Richard, John J. Kolega, Francis R. Goun, Lucien Laliberty, Jr., David Kay,
• Dennis W. Murphy, Harry A. J. Hoitink, William F. Brinton. On-Farm Composting
Handbook. Natural Resource, Agriculture, and Engineering Service (NRAES-54), Ithaca,
NY.
Case Study
Note: this section is intended to show from an actual geographic location how the5 essentials
listed could be successfully used in worm composting. This methodology can be applied to most
4. Page 4 of 9
locations through critical reasoning, researching and adaptation (trial and error/success), except
where extreme weather conditions prevail.
Ghana, Africa, Atorkor is a village in the Keta District of Ghana. Atorkor is located in the south-
eastern part of Ghana on the Atlantic Coast.
Temperature
Atorkor village is located in the littoral anomalous zone of Ghana, and thus the village
experiences high temperatures year round. The hottest months are February and March, just
before the main rainy season, while the coolest months are between June and August. Atorkor
experiences relatively high temperatures throughout the year and is humid, but the annual rain
cycle is the most limiting factor for vegetation and animal life. Annual rainfall is typically <900
mm. Natural vegetation consists of shrubs
Worms
• Worms Suitable: (Ghana Worm Species: Anecic and Endogeic) I recommend the
African Night Crawler (Eudrilus eugeniae). This species likes to live about 3 feet
below the surface, which is optimal for this climate.
• Six families of earthworms in Ghana, Ocnerodrilidae, Biwadrilidae,Enchytraeidae and
Moniligastridae, were identified from collected specimens. All are acceptable
vermicomposters, but stick with the African Night Crawler. In the Accra area, moist soils,
especially behind bathhouses and along streams, are recognized as earthworm
habitats (Mainoo, 2006). Vegetable farmers are aware that the absence of earthworms
in their soils is a consequence of frequent pesticide sprayings (ARA)
Materials (Building and Food)
5. Page 5 of 9
The best suggestion for creating vermidigesters would be to construct them from cement, but
they can be built from other available materials.
• Plywood, nails and sheet plastic
• Burlap bags
• Black plastic
• The region possesses a narrow range of materials; wood, metal, cement and laterite
(red tropical soil), from which Vermidigesters can be constructed. Cement
vermidigesters (well ventilated) are more appropriate for long term Vermicomposting.
Fresh wood is expensive whereas scrap wood is of inferior quality especially after
termite action. Wood vermidigesters also rot and eventually fall apart, a consequence of
high moisture content and insect action. In addition, there is an extremely resourceful
scrap market in the Accra area where materials for Vermidigester construction can be
sought at low rates. The city’s scattered small scale capital goods markets (welders,
carpenters and masons) are also a reliable source of expertise for Vermidigester design
and assembly.
• Food materials: Besides recommendations from general considerations section, crop
waste is a great source of food. Ghana produces pineapple, corn and maze: all waste
from these types of crops is an excellent worm food. No stems, branches or twigs, use
just good leafy plant material.
Agriculture: Ghana
Vermicompost product as a soil improvement option is one optimal and natural way to develop
Ghana’s agricultural output, and recover soil conditions.
Agriculture: accounts for about 50% of GDP (including fishing andforestry); the major cash
crop is cocoa; other principal crops - rice, coffee, cassava, pineapple, peanuts, corn, shea nuts
timber; normally self-sufficient in food production.
ARA (Agriculture and Rural Development Association): Agriculture is Ghana's future. It
supplies 40 per cent of the gross domestic product but at present it is operating at only 20 per
cent of its potential. This is the sector, the government and aid donors agree, that has to be a
major focus of investment, especially to develop appreciable livelihoods for the rural folks.
Recommendations: Ghana (5 rudimentary conditions of vermicomposting in Atorkor Village
Ghana analysis)
Worms
There are several great species of worms in Ghana, but I recommend the African Night Crawler.
African Night Crawlers should be easily accessible behind bath houses, or along rivers and
creeks by digging down.
Living Environment
For bedding consider availability of crop wastes such as corn silage, pineapple plant matter,
shrub/tree leaves and waste paper products appear as the best options in this category.
Where to vermicompost: I recommend one of two choices depending on availability of building
supplies. First and most economical would be pit vermicomposting. For small (family size)
usages dig a pit that is 3ft. deep, 6ft long and 3ft. wide. Line the pit with thick plastic, burlap
sacks, wood or any materials that are not biodegradable, that will keep the worms contained
and will help to keep pest out. Next the pit must be covered, to protect it external environment
(heat, animals and pests). If temperatures are extremely high, consider the depth of the pit.
Second option would be to build a composting bin made out of wood or preferably cement
because of heat, when making a bin consider a small amount of drainage, and a location that is
cool and out of direct sunlight.
Food Source
Using manures helps increase the castings nitrogen level, but don’t over use it.
6. Page 6 of 9
Use a blend of food waste (no dairy, shells, or grease), leaf materials, crop waste and pre-
compost any matter that is high in protein and nitrogen like meats.
(Always consider the food for the worms may attract other animals and pests).
Moisture
Caution: this is a concern in any region with high temperatures. Moisture content must stay
about 50%, so consider wetting down your pit/bin regularly. If suitable drinking water is in sort
supply, use any source of water (rain, lake, river or drainage), except salt water. Remember
these are worms, and they are very resilient.
Aeration
As you collect food waste or other forms of worm foods, I recommend aeration when you feed,
which could be once or twice a week. Aerate by using a pitch fork, rake or stick and turn the
bedding in your pit/bin two or three times. This loosens the bedding, aerates the worms, and
mixes in the food.
Protection from Temperature Extremes
In Ghana’s case I recommend a deeper pit for warmer temperatures. If using a bin, consider a
cooler place that is shaded from direct sun light and always monitor moisture conditions in your
pit/bin.
Final Thoughts: the two concerns I have in Ghana is temperature and building supplies. So
building a deeper pit should alleviate these concerns. Remember to use methods of trial and
error/success. If any of the local circumstances that are questionable are not covered in this
manual, use small amounts and let the worms tell you if it’s right or wrong. Good luck and
always ask for help!
Section Sources:
ARA (Agriculture and Rural Development Association) http://www.ara-ghana.de/
Homepage Ghana: http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/economy/statistics.php
http://www.ghanadistricts.com/districts/?r=3&_=50&sa=1915
Mainoo, N. (2006). Ecological approaches to vermicomposting for peri-urban market gardens
and household farms in Accra, Ghana: Evaluating indigenous knowledge frameworks as a tool.
Ph.D.Dissertation Bioresource Dept. University of McGill.
7. Page 7 of 9
Appendix
Definitions:
Vermicomposting is the process of turning organic debris into worm castings.
Castings are just a fancy word for earthworm excretions.
Earthworms are often grouped according to their function in the soil.
Anecic worms are usually larger worms that build permanent burrows in the soil and come to
the surface to pull leave bits and other food to their burrows.
Epigeic worms living in decayed organic matter, not in soil.
Endogeic worms that rarely come to the surface. They live near the roots of plants feeding on
decaying roots, fungi and bacteria.
Lumbricus terrestris, the night crawler is a large Anecic worm with a flattened tail that is great
for your soil, but will not survive in a closed bin.
Eisenia fetida the red wiggler or red worm is a small Epigeic worm. They thrive in compost
bins, and some may have yellow bands.
Aporrectodea catiginosa often called the grey worm, or southern worm, live near roots.
Internet Sources:
Community Composting Network: The Growing Heap
www.communitycompost.org/index.php/publications/thegrowingheap
Honduras Vermiculture
www.sweetmarias.com/honduras2003.html
International Ag-Sieve
www.fadr.msu.ru/rodale/agsieve/invol7.html
The New Farm (Worldwide)
www.rodaleinstitute.org/200309/Connett
Worms.com (Aussie Guide to Changing Vermiculture)
http://www.worms.com/pages.php?pageid=8
International Contacts
FRANCE
The French Institute for Scientific Research for Cooperative Development (ORSTOM)
Dr. Patrick Lavelle
Centre de Bondy, 72, Route d'Aulnay
95143 Bondy Cedex FRANCE
Phone 33 1 48 02 55 01, Fax 33 1 48 47 30 88
Research on earthworms and soil quality
GHANA
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
College of Agriculture
Kumasi Ghana
Phone:+233-51-60334
+233-51-60137
Email: info@knust.edu.gh
INDIA
Bhawalkar's Earthworm Research Institute
8. Page 8 of 9
Uday Bhawalkar
A/3 Kalyani, Pune - 411 037 India
Phone 91-212-442305, Fax 91 212 442 305
Vermiculture biotechnology and farm-scale vermicomposting
Chitra Exports
A. Chitra
572, Mettupalyam Road
North Coimbatore
Coimbatore, Tamilnadu
INDIA
Phone 91-422-2438202, Fax - 91-422-2542868
E-mail: chitraherb@yahoo.co.in OR achitra@vsnl.net
Vermicompost
Green India
Mr. Amit Gandhi (Director - Marketing)
Divine Grace
639/17, Shiva Ji Nagar
Near Batra Hospital
Khandsa Road
Gurgaon-122001
Haryana, INDIA
AMITMANU@HOTMAIL.COM
Hara Organics
Dr. V K Saini
Ludhiana Punjab, INDIA
Phone: 91 9815071782
E-mail: hightechpunjab@rediffmail.com
http://www.haraagro.com
Vermicompost, vermiwash
International Contacts, Continued
Institute of Natural Organic Agriculture (INORA)
Professor M.R. Bhiday
100, Kalpana Apartments, Erandwan
Pune 411004 INDIA
Phone 336216
Research and development programs
Maharashtra Agricultural Bioteks
Dr. Hemangee Jambhekar
B/9 Shivai Housing Society
Near Sane Guruji Smarak, Pune 411 030 INDIA
Research & development, education, extension
KENYA
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology
P.O. Box 62000-00200 Nairobi, Kenya
Telephone: +254-06752711 email: info@jkuat.ac.ke
9. Page 9 of 9
SOUTH AFRICA
University of Stellenbosch
Dr. Adrian Reinecke
Department of Zoology, Private Bag X5018
7599 Stellenbosch SOUTH AFRICA
Phone: 021-8083236, Fax 021-8084236
E-mail: cb4@maties.sun.ac.za
Earthworm research in South Africa
“It is a marvelous reflection that the whole---expanse has passed, and will again pass, every few
years through the bodies of worms. The plough is one of the most ancient and most valuable of
man's inventions; but long before he existed the land was in fact regularly ploughed, and still
continues to be thus ploughed, by earthworms. It may be doubted whether there are many other
animals which have played so important a part in the history of the world, as have these lowly
organized creatures.”
- Charles Darwin (1881)
Village Volunteers
206.577.0515 • info@villagevolunteers.org
www.villagevolunteers.org