MAY

20

project on vermicomposting method

VERMICOMPOSTING: THE BEST METHOD OF FURTILIZATION  

INTRODUCTION:   It is estimated that in India nearly 700 million tonnes of organic waste are

generated annually which is either burned or land filled. —  The large amount of the agro waste generated from the market area

created the major environmental problems. —  Vermicomposting is the best biotechnology to reduce the load on the

treatment and disposal of biodegradable agro waste. —  In the present investigation, the study is carried out on the proper

utilization of agriculture waste from market yard through vermicomposting and obtaining the nutrient rich organic manure. 

MATERIALS AND METHODS: In market yard, large amount of agro waste (biodegradable) are available

such as-Sorghum and jowar straw (after feeding cattle), dry leaves of crops and trees, pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) stalks, groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) husk, soybean (Glycine max) residues, vegetable wastes, weed (Parthenium), fibre from coconut (Cocos nucifera) and sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) trashand waste generated from the onion (Allium cepa) market. 1.Selection of earthworm species for vermicomposting process: 

For composting we selected the African species of earthworms i.e.Eisenia fetida (Photo plate1) and Eudrilus eugenae (Photo no. 2) which are efficient to maintain vermicomposting process in India.

 Eisenia fetida has a wide range of temperature tolerance and has very high reproductive potential. It is less sensitive to density pressure &Eudrilus eugeniae is found to be a very efficient species for culture maintenance in India. 

                   Photo no.-1.Earthworms (Eisenia Fetida) used as culture fordecomposition

                 Photo no.-2 Earthworms (Eudrilus eugeniae) Used as Culture for decomposition2. Methodology used for vermicomposting: 

The agro waste was collected from market area with the help of labours and transported at the vermicompost project site by local vehicles.

                 Photo no-3: Construction of vermicomposting production                                     unit at the production site.

        3.Initial steps for vermicomposting:-  Agro waste from market area transported at the vermicompost project

site. The waste is then segregated as biodegradable and non-biodegradable.  Biodegradable agro waste material is cut into small pieces by means of

cutter machine (Photo no.-3).  The biodegradable agro waste is allowed to its partial decomposition

for 10 to15 days for achieving better activity of earthworm and nutrient enriched vermicompost production (Photo no.-4).

 Partially decomposed agro waste material is arranged in layers at the vermicompost project site.

                                  Photo no.-3. Cutter machine used to cut agro waste    

                               Photo no.-4. Pre-Digestion of the agro waste with cow dung slurry

             4. Manufacturing process: Preparation method of vermicompost bed:

6” layer of partially biodegradable agro waste at the bottom of bed.1” layer of cow dung slurry is applied on it to further decomposing of the agro waste for 15 to 20 days. After partial decomposition, cow dung slurry is covered by the 4” layer of Farm Yard Manure .Then sprinkle bacterial culture of PSB bacteria having CFU minimum 5x107 Cell/g on it. We were selected earthworm species (Photo no. 2 & 3) through the cracks developed.

Physico- chemical analysis of vermicompost:   The matured vermicompost samples were collected from each

vermicompost bed about 500 gm and kept in the polythene bag which is free from adventitious contaminations. Each sample bags were labelled and sealed air tightly.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             The object of study is to analyse the physico- chemical characteristics of matured vermicompost by standard methods as per the Fertiliser (Control) Order 1985.Physical Parameters of vermicompost-

1. Particle size- Particle size of sample was 94.87% which passed through the 4.0 mm IS sieve.2. Colour- The colour of vermicompost samples collected from the set (1) and set (2) were black.3. Odour- The foul odour were absent in vermicompost samples collected from set (1) and set (2).4. Bulk density (g/cm3) – The bulk density ranged from the 0.8 to o.9.5. Moisture percent by weight – 23RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Table No 1:  Physico-chemical Characteristics of vermicompost set No.1.

(Bed No.1, 2 and 3 and their average).

Sr.No. Parameters Bed no.1

Bed no.2

Bed no.3

Average value in %

A Physical Characteristics1 Colour (dark brown to

black)Black Black Black Black

2 Odour No Odour

No Odour

No Odour

No Odour

3 Particle size (4 mm IS Sieve)

93.70 94.10 94.70 94.16

4 Moisture 20.50 22.80 19.50 20.94

5 Bulk Density(g/cm3) 0.88 0.89 0.90 0.89

B Chemical Characteristics

1 pH 6.9 7.0 6.9 6.93

2 Conductivity(ms cm-1) 3.50 3.45 3.37 3.44

3 Organic Carbon 18.5 19.4 20.2 19.374 Total Nitrogen 0.95 0.9 1.0 0.955 C/N ratio 19.47 21.55 20.2 20.406 Total Phosphorus (P2O5) 20.5 20.6 20.5 20.57 Potassium (K2O) 0.7 0.9 0.8        0.88 Calcium 5.4 5.9 5.7 5.679 Magnesium 0.2 0.3 0.25 0.2510 Sulphur 0.4 0.5 0.45 0.45

All parameter values are presented in percentage (%); except the electrical conductivity, pH and bulk density.Table No 2:  Physico-chemical Characteristics of vermicompost set No.2.( Bed No.1, 2 and 3 and their average).

Sr.No Parameters Bed no.1

Bed no.2

Bed no.3

Average value in %

A Physical Characteristics

1 Colour (dark brown to black)

Black Black Black Black

2 Odour No Odour

No Odour

No Odour

No Odour

3 Particle size (4 mm IS Sieve)

94.87 94.10 93.97 94.31

4 Moisture 24.30 22.80 23.50 23.535 Bulk Density(g/cm3) 0.88 0.87 0.90 0.88

B Chemical Characteristics

1 pH 6.8 7.1 6.9 6.942 Conductivity(ms cm-1) 3.27 3.57 3.45 3.43

3 Organic Carbon 23.0 21.2 20.50 21.564 Total Nitrogen 0.95 0.9 0.98 0.945 C/N ratio 24.21 23.55 20.91 22.896 Total Phosphorus (P2O5) 17.7 17.8 17.8 17.87 Potassium (K2O) 0.75 0.82 0.89 0.828 Calcium 5.7 5.8 5.4 5.649 Magnesium 0.3 0.28 0.25 0.2710 Sulphur 0.4 0.45 0.5 0.45

All parameter values are presented in percentage (%); except the electrical conductivity, pH and bulk density.  Chart No.1.Represented the average values of parameters from set 1 and set2 and Total average of both.    

     DISCUSSION   Physico-chemical characteristics of vermicompost produced Colour:            Dark black colour of vermicompost indicated that the decomposition of agro waste successfully.

1.  Odour: Absence of foul odour indicated that all parameters required for composting process were present in optimum condition.

2. Bulk density: It is observed that bulk density of the soil increased. It is indicates that vermicompost increased the porosity and bulk density of soil improve the avaibility of nutrients to crop growth.

3. Moisture content: vermicompost addition caused a significant increase of moisture content due to the more porosity addition to the soil.

4. Particle Size/porosity: The total porosity was improved by the use of vermicompost. Greater porosity in the soil treated with vermicompost was due to an increase in the amount of pores.

5. pH and Conductivity: The pH range between 6.93 which promotes the availability of plant nutrients like NPK, so vermicompost should be applied in soil. It is indicates that vermicompost improves the pH of soil and make available the nutrient for the crop yield.

6. Organic Carbon: The deficiency in organic carbon reduces the storage capacity of soil nutrients and reduction in soil fertility. The incorporation of vermicompost with farm yard manure has been shown to increase

organic carbon content in the soil. In present study organic carbon increased up to 20.46% indicating it is beneficial for growth and productivity of crops.

7. Nitrogen: The availability of Nitrogen was also increased. Indicating vermicompost may attribute the significant increase in nitrogen of the soil by using vermiwash and vermicompost due to the presence of nitrogen fixing bacteria, which increase the nitrogen content of the soil.

8. Total Phosphorus (as P2O5): In present investigation that the vermicompost shows the 19.15% phosphorus as P2O5 in worm’s vermicast which  suggested that the passage of organic matter through the gut of worm results in phosphorus (P) converted to forms which are more bio-available to plants.

9. Total Potassium: The total average of potassium (K2O) was 0.81% in vermicompost. Indicating nutrients N & P and the intestinal mucus excreted by worms are further used by the microbes for multiplication and vigorous soil remediation and fertility improvement action.Note: Above result tables &discussion is not standard. It depends on tests. It should be different according to environmental conditions.SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION :

Vermicomposting appears to be the most promising as high value bio-fertilizer which is not only increases the plant growth and productivity by nutrient supply but also is cost effective and pollution free. Use of vermicompost promotes soil aggregation and stabilizes soil structure. This improves the air- water relationship of soil, thus increasing the water retention capacity and encourages extensive development of root system of plants. The mineralization of nutrients is observed to be enhanced, therefore results into boosting up of crop productivity.

 Vermicompost produced from the farm wastes is not only having beneficial effects on soil health and growth, quality and yield of crop but also playing vital role in eradication of pollution hazards.

 It helped to reduce volume of agro waste and to generate additional revenue.

 The Problem of disposing the agro waste may be solved by constructing such the vermicomposting production unit.

 The agro waste converted in vermicompost which will earn economic benefits.

 No hazardous effluents are generated from a compost production unit using agro wastes.

 There are no pesticide residues, weed seeds, heavy metals, sand, termite or wax, plant root diseases, etc. Vermicompost can be used for all crops agricultural, horticultural, and ornamental and vegetables at any stage of the crop. 

 It will reduce the requirement of more land for disposal of fruits and vegetable wastes in near future.

It helps to create better environments, thus reduce ecological risk.CHANCES FOR IMPROVEMENT

The production of agro waste in market area from various sectors such as vegetables market, fruit market and onion market is about 1.5 metric tonn per day. The agro waste contained about 95 to 96 % of biodegradable waste only 5 to 6 % is non biodegradable wastes.  

Improvements in present vermicomposting process:-         

        There should be provision effective collection and transportation of agro waste at the site from various sectors to vermicompost site. This will reduce the cost.

        The labour should be trained for the effective segregation of agro waste. The non biodegradable waste should be removed before vermicomposting process.

        They should followed the standard process to maintain all parameters such as temperature, moisture, humidity at optimum condition for better availability of nutrients after vermicomposting process.

        Vermicomposting unit should have facilities such as outlets of vermiwash and the possible to collect the vermiwash periodically.

The above improvements are essential for vermicomposting that will help to farmers and society.    

      

 Posted 20th May 2012 by tushar hole  0 Add a comment

project on vermicompost

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MAY

20

project on vermicomposting method

VERMICOMPOSTING: THE BEST METHOD OF FURTILIZATION  

INTRODUCTION:   It is estimated that in India nearly 700 million tonnes of organic

waste are generated annually which is either burned or land filled. �  The large amount of the agro waste generated from the market area

created the major environmental problems. �  Vermicomposting is the best biotechnology to reduce the load on the

treatment and disposal of biodegradable agro waste. —  In the present investigation, the study is carried out on the proper

utilization of agriculture waste from market yard through vermicomposting and obtaining the nutrient rich organic manure. 

MATERIALS AND METHODS: In market yard, large amount of agro waste (biodegradable) are

available such as-Sorghum and jowar straw (after feeding cattle), dry leaves of crops and trees, pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) stalks, groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) husk, soybean (Glycine max) residues, vegetable wastes, weed (Parthenium), fibre from coconut (Cocos nucifera) and sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) trashand waste generated from the onion (Allium cepa) market. 1.Selection of earthworm species for vermicomposting process: 

For composting we selected the African species of earthworms i.e. Eisenia fetida (Photo plate1) and Eudrilus eugenae (Photo no. 2) which are efficient to maintain vermicomposting process in India.

 Eisenia fetida has a wide range of temperature tolerance and has very high reproductive potential. It is less sensitive to density pressure & Eudrilus eugeniae is found to be a very efficient species for culture maintenance in India. 

                   Photo no.-1.Earthworms (Eisenia Fetida) used as culture for decomposition

                 Photo no.-2 Earthworms (Eudrilus eugeniae) Used as Culture for decomposition2. Methodology used for vermicomposting: 

The agro waste was collected from market area with the help of labours and transported at the vermicompost project site by local vehicles.

                 Photo no-3: Construction of vermicomposting production                                     unit at the production site.

        3.Initial steps for vermicomposting:-

 Agro waste from market area transported at the vermicompost project site. The waste is then segregated as biodegradable and non-biodegradable.

 Biodegradable agro waste material is cut into small pieces by means of cutter machine (Photo no.-3).

 The biodegradable agro waste is allowed to its partial decomposition for 10 to15 days for achieving better activity of earthworm and nutrient enriched vermicompost production (Photo no.-4).

 Partially decomposed agro waste material is arranged in layers at the vermicompost project site.

                                  Photo no.-3. Cutter machine used to cut agro waste    

                               Photo no.-4. Pre-Digestion of the agro waste with cow dung slurry

             4. Manufacturing process: Preparation method of vermicompost bed:

6” layer of partially biodegradable agro waste at the bottom of bed.1” layer of cow dung slurry is applied on it to further decomposing of the agro waste for 15 to 20 days. After partial decomposition, cow dung slurry is covered by the 4” layer of Farm Yard Manure .Then sprinkle bacterial culture of PSB bacteria having CFU minimum 5x107 Cell/g on it. We were selected earthworm species (Photo no. 2 & 3) through the cracks developed.

Physico- chemical analysis of vermicompost:   The matured vermicompost samples were collected from each

vermicompost bed about 500 gm and kept in the polythene bag which is free from adventitious contaminations. Each sample bags were labelled and sealed

air tightly.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             The object of study is to analyse the physico- chemical characteristics of matured vermicompost by standard methods as per the Fertiliser (Control) Order 1985.Physical Parameters of vermicompost-1. Particle size- Particle size of sample was 94.87% which passed through the 4.0 mm IS sieve.2. Colour- The colour of vermicompost samples collected from the set (1) and set (2) were black.3. Odour- The foul odour were absent in vermicompost samples collected from set (1) and set (2).4. Bulk density (g/cm3) – The bulk density ranged from the 0.8 to o.9.5. Moisture percent by weight – 23RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Table No 1:  Physico-chemical Characteristics of vermicompost set No.1.

(Bed No.1, 2 and 3 and their average).

Sr.No. Parameters Bed no.1

Bed no.2

Bed no.3

Average value in %

A Physical Characteristics1 Colour (dark brown to

black)Black Black Black Black

2 Odour No Odour

No Odour

No Odour

No Odour

3 Particle size (4 mm IS Sieve)

93.70 94.10 94.70 94.16

4 Moisture 20.50 22.80 19.50 20.94

5 Bulk Density(g/cm3) 0.88 0.89 0.90 0.89

B Chemical Characteristics

1 pH 6.9 7.0 6.9 6.93

2 Conductivity(ms cm-1) 3.50 3.45 3.37 3.44

3 Organic Carbon 18.5 19.4 20.2 19.374 Total Nitrogen 0.95 0.9 1.0 0.955 C/N ratio 19.47 21.55 20.2 20.406 Total Phosphorus (P2O5) 20.5 20.6 20.5 20.57 Potassium (K2O) 0.7 0.9 0.8        0.88 Calcium 5.4 5.9 5.7 5.679 Magnesium 0.2 0.3 0.25 0.2510 Sulphur 0.4 0.5 0.45 0.45

All parameter values are presented in percentage (%); except the electrical conductivity, pH and bulk density.Table No 2:  Physico-chemical Characteristics of vermicompost set No.2.( Bed No.1, 2 and 3 and their average).

Sr.No Parameters Bed no.1

Bed no.2

Bed no.3

Average value in %

A Physical Characteristics

1 Colour (dark brown to black)

Black Black Black Black

2 Odour No Odour

No Odour

No Odour

No Odour

3 Particle size (4 mm IS Sieve)

94.87 94.10 93.97 94.31

4 Moisture 24.30 22.80 23.50 23.535 Bulk Density(g/cm3) 0.88 0.87 0.90 0.88

B Chemical Characteristics

1 pH 6.8 7.1 6.9 6.942 Conductivity(ms cm-1) 3.27 3.57 3.45 3.43

3 Organic Carbon 23.0 21.2 20.50 21.564 Total Nitrogen 0.95 0.9 0.98 0.945 C/N ratio 24.21 23.55 20.91 22.896 Total Phosphorus (P2O5) 17.7 17.8 17.8 17.87 Potassium (K2O) 0.75 0.82 0.89 0.828 Calcium 5.7 5.8 5.4 5.649 Magnesium 0.3 0.28 0.25 0.2710 Sulphur 0.4 0.45 0.5 0.45

All parameter values are presented in percentage (%); except the electrical conductivity, pH and bulk density.  Chart No.1.Represented the average values of parameters from set 1 and set2 and Total average of both.    

     DISCUSSION   Physico-chemical characteristics of vermicompost produced Colour:            Dark black colour of vermicompost indicated that the decomposition of agro waste successfully.1.  Odour: Absence of foul odour indicated that all parameters required for composting process were present in optimum condition.

2. Bulk density: It is observed that bulk density of the soil increased. It is indicates that vermicompost increased the porosity and bulk density of soil improve the avaibility of nutrients to crop growth.

3. Moisture content: vermicompost addition caused a significant increase of moisture content due to the more porosity addition to the soil.

4. Particle Size/porosity: The total porosity was improved by the use of vermicompost. Greater porosity in the soil treated with vermicompost was due to an increase in the amount of pores.

5. pH and Conductivity: The pH range between 6.93 which promotes the availability of plant nutrients like NPK, so vermicompost should be applied in soil. It is indicates that vermicompost improves the pH of soil and make available the nutrient for the crop yield.

6. Organic Carbon: The deficiency in organic carbon reduces the storage capacity of soil nutrients and reduction in soil fertility. The incorporation of vermicompost with farm yard manure has been shown to increase organic carbon content in the soil. In present study organic carbon increased up to 20.46% indicating it is beneficial for growth and productivity of crops.

7. Nitrogen: The availability of Nitrogen was also increased. Indicating vermicompost may attribute the significant increase in nitrogen of the soil by using vermiwash and vermicompost due to the presence of nitrogen fixing bacteria, which increase the nitrogen content of the soil.

8. Total Phosphorus (as P2O5): In present investigation that the vermicompost shows the 19.15% phosphorus as P2O5 in worm’s vermicast which  suggested that the passage of organic matter through the gut of worm results in phosphorus (P) converted to forms which are more bio-available to plants.

9. Total Potassium: The total average of potassium (K2O) was 0.81% in vermicompost. Indicating nutrients N & P and the intestinal mucus excreted by worms are further used by the microbes for multiplication and vigorous soil remediation and fertility improvement action.Note: Above result tables &discussion is not standard. It depends on tests. It should be different according to environmental conditions.SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION :

Vermicomposting appears to be the most promising as high value bio-fertilizer which is not only increases the plant growth and productivity by nutrient supply but also is cost effective and pollution free. Use of vermicompost promotes soil aggregation and stabilizes soil structure. This improves the air- water relationship of soil, thus increasing the water retention capacity and encourages extensive development of root system of plants. The mineralization of nutrients is observed to be enhanced, therefore results into boosting up of crop productivity.

 Vermicompost produced from the farm wastes is not only having beneficial effects on soil health and growth, quality and yield of crop but also playing vital role in eradication of pollution hazards.

 It helped to reduce volume of agro waste and to generate additional revenue.

 The Problem of disposing the agro waste may be solved by constructing such the vermicomposting production unit.

 The agro waste converted in vermicompost which will earn economic benefits.

 No hazardous effluents are generated from a compost production unit using agro wastes.

 There are no pesticide residues, weed seeds, heavy metals, sand, termite or wax, plant root diseases, etc. Vermicompost can be used for all crops agricultural, horticultural, and ornamental and vegetables at any stage of the crop. 

 It will reduce the requirement of more land for disposal of fruits and vegetable wastes in near future.

It helps to create better environments, thus reduce ecological risk.CHANCES FOR IMPROVEMENT

The production of agro waste in market area from various sectors such as vegetables market, fruit market and onion market is about 1.5 metric tonn per day. The agro waste contained about 95 to 96 % of biodegradable waste only 5 to 6 % is non biodegradable wastes.  

Improvements in present vermicomposting process:-         

        There should be provision effective collection and transportation of agro waste at the site from various sectors to vermicompost site. This will reduce the cost.

        The labour should be trained for the effective segregation of agro waste. The non biodegradable waste should be removed before vermicomposting process.

        They should followed the standard process to maintain all parameters such as temperature, moisture, humidity at optimum condition for better availability of nutrients after vermicomposting process.

        Vermicomposting unit should have facilities such as outlets of vermiwash and the possible to collect the vermiwash periodically.

The above improvements are essential for vermicomposting that will help to farmers and society.    

      

 Posted 20th May 2012 by tushar hole  0 Add a comment

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How to Prepare VermicompostComposting is an excellent option for reducing your environmental impact and

preparing a natural, beneficial soil additive. However, many people who live in an

apartment or condominium don't have access to an outdoor space where they can

manage a traditional compost heap. There is, however, an alternative that allows for

an indoor composting operation with minimal space considerations: composting with

worms. This type of composting, called vermicompost, is a matter of building a worm

bin, filling it with bedding, and simply discarding your food scraps into the bin for the

worms to break down. By following the steps below, you can quickly learn how to

prepare vermicompost.

Steps

1. 1

Build or purchase a worm bin. The worm bin is the enclosure in which the worms

will live; it holds in the bedding and food scraps, regulates the amount of moisture in

the bedding, and blocks light (which is harmful to worms). Many gardening or organic

supply stores sell pre-assembled worm bins, but it is cheap and easy to improvise

one as well.

Your worm bin can consist of a large plastic storage bin with a lid. The

bin should be opaque to block light, and only about a foot (30 cm) deep, as worms

prefer to live just under the soil's surface. A typical family of 2 will need a bin with 4

square feet (.37 sq. m) of surface area; a family of 4 will need 8 square feet (.74 sq.

m) of surface area.

Drill several small holes in the sides of the bin for air flow. The worms

won't leave through these holes because of their aversion to light, but you can cover

the holes with wire screen or mesh if desired.

Ad

2. 2

Purchase worms for your vermicompost bin. The best types of worms to use in a

vermicomposting operation are red wigglers (scientific name Eisenia Foetida). The

earthworms that are typically found in outdoor soil don't break down materials

aggressively enough for indoor composting. The worms can be ordered from any

number of organic gardening stores; they will come shipped in a mass of peat. Order

a pound (.45 kg) of worms to begin your bin. They will reproduce quickly.

3. 3

Prepare the worm bedding. The bedding is the material that the worms will live in. It

can be made from any carbon-rich organic matter (such as paper or cardboard), but

newspaper works the best. Tear the newspaper into long, 1 inch (25 mm) wide strips.

You will need enough to fill the bin when packed loosely.

4. 4

Moisten the bedding. Worms can only live in a moist environment, so you need to

make sure the bedding is sufficiently moist. Begin by placing the newspaper strips

into the worm bin. Pour in some water directly from your sink tap (bottled,

dechlorinated water is better for the worms if available), and work it into the

newspaper with your hands. When finished, the bedding should feel like a wrung-out

sponge - if you squeeze it in your hands, no more than a drop or 2 of water should

fall out.

5. 5

Add a handful of soil to the bedding. In addition to the bedding, add a handful of

soil from outdoors. The soil provides "grit" for the worms, which helps them digest

your food scraps. It also introduces microorganisms into the worm bin that aid in

decomposition.

6. 6

Add the worms to the vermicompost bin. Add the worms by scattering them onto

the bedding. Close the lid to block any light. Give the worms about a day without

adding food scraps to work their way into the bedding.

7. 7

Add food scraps to the bin. To begin composting, simply toss your food scraps into

the worm bin and then reseal the lid. It helps to bury the scraps under a bit of

bedding to prevent fruit flies from appearing. At first, you want to avoid overwhelming

your worms with scraps. As time progresses, you can add more and more scraps.

8. 8

Remove the worms when the compost is done. As the worms digest your food

scraps, they produce what are called "castings." These castings, which look like dark

black threads, make up your completed vermicompost. When plenty of castings are

present, you are ready to harvest the vermicompost. Remove your worms either by

hand, or by removing the bedding a bit at a time and letting the worms all move to the

bottom of the bin in a clump to escape the light.

9. 9

Harvest the vermicompost. After removing the worms, you can remove the

completed compost and store it for later use. Don't worry if there is a bit of

undigested bedding left in the compost, as it will break down fairly quickly.

10. 10

Replace the bedding and re-introduce the worms. As the worms will have

digested much of the bedding, it's best to provide them with fresh bedding after

harvesting the compost. Prepare the bin as before, and repeat the process.Ad

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Tips

Cut large food scraps into manageable pieces to increase the amount of

surface area available to the worms.Ad

Warnings

Do not add fats or grease to the worm bin. Worms breathe through their skin,

and they will die if their skins become coated in fat.

Things You'll Need

Plastic storage bin

Drill

Wire mesh (optional)

Red wiggler worms

Newspaper

Water

Soil

Food scraps

Related wikiHows

How to   Make a Worm Bed

Sources and Citations http://www.cityofsacramento.org/parksandrecreation/pdf/vermicompost-01-08-

09.pdf

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Meet Lojjik, a college student and wikiHow Adminand Booster, who has been active in the community for over 7 years. He has started 30 articles, patrolled over 47,000 edits, and contributed to wikiHow code as an engineering intern. He also enjoys helping with administrative backlogs, writing, and working on content to improve readability, particularly in articles’ introductions. He’s most proud of his work on How to Reduce Glare when Driving at Night, which has been featured and translated into 5 different languages. He says that, in the wikiHow community, the fusion of friendly people with an ideology of knowledge philanthropy gives him a sense of belonging, a desire to stay connected and keep growing the project. To new editors, he says: “Don't worry about making mistakes. Everything is fixable. If you think you can leave an article better than the way you found it, I'd encourage you to do just that. A little bit goes a long way toward achieving our mission!”Join The Community

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