In this post we are going to talk about
1.)About Vermiculture
2.)Vermiculture terms
3.)How to make vermicompost in Kenya
4.)Types of Worms Used in Vermiculture
5.)Benefits of vermiculture
6.)Advantages of Vermicomposting
7.)FAQ about vermiculture
8.)Nutrient Profile of Vermicompost and Vermiliquid
9.)Materials required for vermicomposting
10.)JKUAT vermiculture
11.)Top sellers of Vermicompost worm
About Vermiculture
Image of Vermicompost by George Muturi Wa Igunyo
Vermiculture, also known as worm farming, involves the cultivation of earthworms to decompose organic waste and produce nutrient-rich compost known as vermicompost. This technique has gained significant attention in agriculture, waste management, and environmental conservation due to its efficiency, low cost, and multiple benefits.
Image of organic waste to be feed to red wiggler worms
Vermiculture terms
Vermicomposting is the scientific method of making organic compost using earthworms and in this case red worms (Eisina Fetida)
Vermiculture-means the artificial rearing or cultivation of worms usually red wigglers, white worms and earthworms.
Vermicompost also referred to as Worm compost, is the product of the decomposition process and an organic fertilizer that is rich in nutrients and is created when earthworms break down organic materials.
Image of worm tea by Suez worms
Vermicast, also known as worm castings or vermicompost, is the organic material produced by earthworms as they digest and excrete decomposing organic matter, like vegetable scraps, leaves, and other natural waste
Vermiculite totally unrelated to vermicomposting is a mineral that is derived from hydrous phyllosilicate mineral which undergoes significant expansion when heated
Worm Tea is the liquid that drains from the bin and can be collected and diluted (1:10 with water) for use as a nutrient-rich liquid fertilizer for plants.
1.) Set Up Your Vermicomposting Bin
Use a wooden box, plastic container, or even a pit in the ground if you’re looking to do large-scale vermicomposting. Drill small holes in the bottom and sides to ensure aeration and drainage .Keep it in a shaded area with a stable temperature, ideally between 15-25°C, to protect the worms from extreme heat or cold.
Image of red wringler worms by Nathan Nate in Butere Kakamega County
2.)Prepare the Bedding
The first step in creating a worm farm is to provide the worms with appropriate bedding. Bedding serves as both a food source and a habitat for the worms. Common bedding materials include shredded newspaper, cardboard, coconut coir, straw, or peat moss. This bedding should be kept moist but not soaked, providing an ideal environment for the worms to live and reproduce.
3.)Add Organic Waste
Organic waste such as fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, egg shells, and leaves are introduced to the worm bed. These materials will be broken down by the worms. The worms eat the organic matter, digest it, and excrete it as vermicast. Over time, the worms will convert large quantities of organic waste into vermicompost.
4.) Add Worms
Image of red wriggler worm in a compost setup
Red wigglers (Eisenia fetida) or African nightcrawlers (Eudrilus eugeniae) are ideal, as they thrive on decomposing organic material and reproduce quickly. You can buy worms from local farmers, agricultural suppliers, or vermiculture companies. In some areas, red wigglers are naturally present and can be collected.
5.)Worm Care and Maintenance of the bin
Gently turn the bedding occasionally to introduce oxygen and prevent the bin from becoming compacted
Worms need an optimal environment to thrive, which includes maintaining a proper temperature range, humidity level, and food supply. Earthworms work best in temperatures between 55°F and 77°F (13°C - 25°C), and the environment should be kept moist but not wet. Proper ventilation and airflow are also necessary to avoid anaerobic conditions that can harm the worms.
Check the moisture level regularly, especially during hot, dry weather. Sprinkle water if the bedding feels too dry or add more dry bedding if it’s too wet.
6.)Harvesting the Vermicompost
After 2-3 Months: The vermicompost is ready when the material resembles dark, crumbly soil and has an earthy smell. To harvest, push the finished compost to one side of the bin and add fresh bedding and food to the other side. The worms will migrate to the new food source, allowing you to collect the vermicast.
Once the vermicompost has been harvested, the worms need to be separated from the finished compost. This can be done manually or by using light, as worms tend to move away from light. After separation, the worms can be returned to the system to continue the cycle of organic waste processing.
7.)Use the Vermicompost
Vermicompost can be used as a top dressing for plants or mixed into the soil to improve fertility as it is rich in nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and beneficial microorganisms.
Liquid that collects at the bottom of the bin (often called “worm tea”) can be diluted (10:1 water to tea) and used as a liquid fertilizer for plants.
Types of Worms Used in Vermiculture
Image of Vemiculture worm by Trainer George Muturi Wa Igunyo
Red Wiggler Worms (Eisenia fetida)
Image of Red Wiggler Worms (Eisenia fetida)
These worms are the most popular for vermiculture due to their voracious appetite for organic matter and their ability to thrive in confined spaces. Red wigglers are well-adapted to living in organic-rich environments like compost piles and worm bins.
European Nightcrawler (Eisenia hortensis)
Larger than red wigglers, European nightcrawlers are another excellent species for vermiculture. They are known for their ability to process larger amounts of organic material and are more tolerant of varying temperatures.
African Nightcrawler (Eudrilus eugeniae)
Image of an african earthworm
These worms are native to Africa and are ideal for tropical and subtropical climates. African nightcrawlers are larger and faster-growing than red wigglers, making them a preferred choice in warm climates.
Image of an African Night crawler
Benefits of vermiculture
Organic Waste Recycling
Vermiculture provides a solution for managing organic waste, such as food scraps, yard trimmings, and agricultural residues. By converting waste into useful compost, vermiculture helps reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills or incinerators, contributing to a more sustainable waste management system.
High-Quality Fertilizer
Vermicompost is a highly nutrient-dense form of organic fertilizer. It is rich in essential plant nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, as well as beneficial microorganisms that promote soil health. Vermicompost improves soil structure, enhances water retention, and helps plants resist pests and diseases.
Improved Soil Health
The use of vermiculture-derived compost can significantly improve soil fertility. The microbes present in vermicompost break down organic matter and release nutrients slowly, ensuring a steady supply of nutrients for plants. This can lead to healthier crops and increased agricultural productivity.
Sustainable Agriculture
Vermiculture supports sustainable farming practices by reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Since vermiculture enhances soil health and promotes natural plant growth, it reduces farmers' reliance on synthetic agricultural inputs, leading to more environmentally friendly farming practices.
The worms feed on decomposing organic wastes like livestock manures, kitchen wastes, weeds and other Organic wastes.The Red wiggler worms can eat 50-100% of their body weight per day in organic waste! While they move, they create tunnels, which helps to aerate the compost.
Advantages of Vermicomposting
Cost-Effective: Vermiculture is relatively inexpensive to set up and maintain. Worm bins and composting systems can be created using inexpensive materials, and worms reproduce quickly, providing a sustainable and low-cost source of compost over time.
Water Conservation: The nutrients in vermicompost help improve the water-holding capacity of the soil, which reduces the need for frequent irrigation. This is particularly valuable in areas prone to drought or where water resources are limited.
Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions: The decomposition of organic matter in landfills produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Vermiculture helps reduce methane emissions by promoting aerobic decomposition and preventing organic waste from entering landfills.
FAQ about Vermiculture
What is the price per kilogram for Vermiculture and vermicompost
On average the cost of Vermiculture worms is 2500Ksh per kilogram and depends on various Vendors
How long does it take to grow vermicompost?
The time required to produce vermicompost varies depending on factors like temperature, worm density, and the type and amount of organic material used.Small-scale vermicomposting usually takes around 2-3 months for worms to process organic waste into usable vermicompost under ideal conditions.
How profitable is worm farming in Kenya?
Worm farming requires minimal capital investment. A small worm farm setup typically costs between KES 5,000 - 15,000, depending on the scale. This includes purchasing worms, 25000 Ksh per Kilo , setting up worm bins or pits, and preparing an initial organic material supply.
What is the difference between vermiculture and vermicomposting?
Vermiculture refers to the breeding and cultivation of earthworms whose primary purpose is to increase the population of worms, either for sale or to use in waste management and soil improvement whereas Vermicomposting: Refers to the use of earthworms to decompose organic waste into nutrient-rich compost, called vermicast or worm castings
Image of a red wiggler worm acting on compost
What are the enemies of earthworms?
Earthworms, while beneficial to soil health and ecosystems, face various natural predators birds, such as robins, crows, and starlings, are expert earthworm hunters. They rely on earthworms as a primary food source Frogs, toads, and certain lizards also consume earthworms when they come across them.Earthworms are also sensitive to chemicals in the soil. Pesticides, herbicides, and heavy metals (such as lead and cadmium) can harm or kill them
Which is better compost or vermicompost?
Both compost and vermicompost are beneficial for soil health, but each has unique qualities that may make one preferable over the other depending on specific needs and circumstances.Vermicompost generally contains a higher concentration of nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, along with trace elements while the standard compost may have slightly lower nutrient levels compared to vermicompost
Nutrient Profile of Vermicompost and Vermiliquid
Image of vermicompost by George Muturi Ngonyo
Nitrogen | 1.6 percent |
Phosphorus | 0.7 percent |
Potassium | 0.8 percent |
Calcium | 0.5 percent |
Magnesium | 0.2 percent |
Iron | 175 ppm |
Manganese | 96.5 ppm |
Zinc | 24.5 ppm |
Materials required for vermicomposting
Half blue plastic drums or raised timber beds or concrete beds |
Water |
Covered Roof |
Earthworms specifically red worms |
Biomass organic wastes like livestock manure, organic farm wastes, municipal market , coffee factory wastes, kitchen refuse |
Dry leaves, waste cartons |
Challenges Facing Vermiculture Farming
Image of red wriggler worm in a compost set up
While vermiculture offers numerous benefits, there are some challenges associated with worm farming:
Climate Sensitivity
Earthworms are sensitive to temperature and humidity. Worm farms need to be carefully managed to maintain the right conditions for optimal worm growth and reproduction. Extreme temperatures or excessive moisture can harm the worms.
Image of a Vermicompost setup by Red worm farm kenya
Initial Setup Costs
Although vermiculture is generally low-cost, the initial setup, including purchasing worms and constructing worm bins or composting systems, can be a barrier for some people. However, once the system is established, maintenance costs are minimal.
Labor-Intensive
While vermiculture can be automated on a large scale, small-scale worm farming requires regular care and attention. Worms need to be fed, and the compost must be regularly harvested.
Odor Management
If not properly managed, worm bins can produce unpleasant odors due to excessive moisture or decaying organic matter. Proper ventilation and moisture control are essential to prevent this.
Davis Mugera | 0722362981 | 2500Ksh |
Kilimo by Urban Fresh | 0721644863 | 3000Ksh |
Red worm farm Kenya | 0713032797 | 1000Ksh |
Rose Kamau | 0717411668 | 5000Ksh |
George Muturi | 0717411668 | 2500Ksh |
Image of a Board advertising Vermiculture Training by Red worm Farm
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