Compost: Vermicompost.
This document provides an overview of vermicompost, highlighting its production, characteristics, benefits, and applications. Vermicompost is a form of compost produced at ambient temperatures through the activity of epigeic earthworms, which mimic natural decomposition processes and help preserve a diverse microbial community. Unlike thermophilic compost, vermicomposting does not involve turning or mechanical disturbance, as the worms aerate the material naturally. It typically results in higher nutrient content, with more plant-available nutrients and a richer microbiome, including plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria and phytohormones like auxin, gibberellin, and cytokinin, which stimulate root growth.
The production process can be done outdoors in temperate regions or indoors using continuous flow systems, particularly in harsh weather conditions or for efficiency. During harvest, earthworms remain in the upper layers, simplifying separation from the finished product. Since vermicompost does not kill weed seeds, it's important to avoid introducing seeds into the input material or combine vermicomposting with thermophilic composting to eliminate weed seeds.
Quality control is critical, but regulations vary across countries, with some jurisdictions classifying vermicompost as compost, organic fertilizer, or under specific regulations. Due to its high resource demands and cost, vermicompost is typically used for high-value crops, such as in orchards and vineyards, or for seed coating and micro-application methods, which allow for lower application rates.
The success of vermicomposting depends on suitable environmental conditions, including temperatures between 15-30°C, moisture levels of 60-80%, pH 6-8, aerobic conditions, and a balanced carbon-to-nitrogen ratio around 25:1. The input material must be carefully managed to meet these conditions to ensure healthy earthworm activity and optimal compost quality.
Compost: Vermicompost. (en)
Number of pages: 2
Key takeaways
- Vermicompost produces a more diverse and nutrient-rich microbial community compared to thermophilic compost
- Vermicomposting occurs at ambient temperatures using earthworms, which preserve a range of plant growth-promoting bacteria and phytohormones, resulting in higher nutrients and microbial diversity.
- Mechanical disturbance is not required in vermicomposting, as earthworms naturally aerate the material
- Unlike thermophilic composting, turning is avoided because earthworms facilitate aeration, which influences process efficiency and microbial community development.
- Vermicompost is particularly suited for high-value crop production due to its cost and application rates
- The higher resource input for vermicompost limits its broad application, making it ideal for crops like orchards and vineyards where its benefits justify the expense.
- Input material quality and environmental conditions are critical for successful vermicomposting
- Optimal temperature (15–30°C), moisture (60–80%), pH (6–8), and C/N ratio (25:1) are required; unsuitable feedstock or conditions can lead to earthworm failure or poor compost quality.
- Vermicompost can contain viable weed seeds unless pretreated or combined with thermophilic composting
- Since vermicomposting does not reach high temperatures, weed seeds are not killed, necessitating control measures such as avoiding seed input or combining with thermophilic methods.
- The regulation and classification of vermicompost vary across countries due to lack of EU-wide standards
- Vermicompost may be considered compost, organic fertilizer, or subject to specific regulations depending on national legislation, affecting its market use and acceptance.
Sources
- Compost: Vermicompost. - - https://www.best4soil.eu/assets/factsheets/5.pdf
