The brief 9-minute film “Vermicompost: A Living Soil Amendment” by Cornell University serves as a comprehensive overview of vermicomposting, highlighting its role as a transformative technology for converting organic waste into valuable resources. It delves into the utilization of vermicompost for managing plant nutrients and combating plant diseases.
Pay particular attention at the 2:50 min mark where you’ll see the dramatic difference between growing peppers in different mediums.
Medium One (control):
This is the “control medium”. It is a base growing mix consisting of vermiculite, perlite, peat moss, and dolomitic lime. The result is what would be considered a normal growth rate of pepper plants.
Medium Two (added vermicompost):
Consists of the same base mix with 10% added vermicompost. Notice the pepper plants are almost double in size compared to the control medium.
Medium Three (added vermicompost +):
Is the same as medium two, with the addition of green sand, rock phosphate, and blood meal. Notice the pepper plants are almost 3 times the size compared to the control. Check out the video below…
Discover how to produce more organic worm compost faster than ever before with our original step by step guide to worm composting.
Vermicompost as a Living Soil Amendment: Key Points
Vermicompost serves as a shield for seedlings against diseases, as it encompasses a complex underground ecosystem fueled by decaying organic matter. The primary decomposers in this ecosystem are microscopic single-celled bacteria and fungi. Protozoans further contribute by grazing on bacteria and aiding in nutrient cycling.
Earthworms play a crucial role in composting by ingesting organic matter and microbes and excreting castings. In essence, these earthworms act as microbe farmers, nurturing the growth of beneficial microorganisms.
One fascinating aspect of vermicomposting is the reproductive nature of earthworms. Being hermaphrodites, these creatures possess both male and female reproductive organs. When two worms mate, a mucus band forms around their bodies, eventually becoming a cocoon that houses fertilized eggs. After several weeks, hatchlings emerge from these cocoons.
Additionally, the underground ecosystem supported by vermicompost includes micro arthropods such as mites, springtails, and pseudo scorpions. These organisms play crucial roles as predators, preying on microorganisms and maintaining the ecological balance in the compost.
The benefits of vermicompost extend beyond its role as a natural defense against diseases. In commercial greenhouse settings, where synthetic chemical nutrients are commonly used in potting mixes, vermicompost offers an alternative derived from renewable resources. It provides a source of plant nutrients that can nourish and sustain plant life. Researchers and greenhouse growers are increasingly exploring the use of vermicompost to reduce reliance on synthetic alternatives.
To illustrate the efficacy of vermicompost, an experiment with green pepper plants is highlighted in the video. Various mixes, including a combination of vermiculite, perlite, peat moss, and dolomitic lime, were tested against a mix enriched with vermicompost, green sand rock phosphate, and blood meal. The results demonstrated the positive impact of vermicompost as a viable component of soil mixes, potentially enhancing overall plant health and productivity.
Furthermore, the temperature plays a critical role in effectively managing vermicompost in greenhouse settings. The release of nutrients from this living soil amendment is intricately connected to microbial activity, making temperature control a crucial factor. Proper temperature regulation ensures optimal nutrient release and microbial functioning.
One notable advantage of vermicompost is its ability to suppress disease symptoms caused by certain plant pathogens. Specifically, the presence of vermicompost has been found to impede the growth and impact of Pythium aphanidermatum, a plant pathogen that adversely affects germinating seeds.
This control is believed to occur due to the interference of chemical cues released by seeds, which disrupts the swimming behavior of Pythium zoospores and prevents their colonization and infection. It is worth noting that sterilized vermicompost does not offer the same protection, indicating the essential role of living microbes in this process.
Aside from its agricultural benefits, vermicomposting also contributes to sustainable waste management. By recycling organic waste materials, vermicomposting diverts a significant portion of landfill contents. In 2008, estimates from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) revealed that approximately 38% of annual landfill contents could have been recycled through composting. Vermicomposting presents a feasible solution to reduce waste and minimize soil, water, and air pollution.
One remarkable aspect of vermicomposting is its versatility in terms of scale. It can be practiced on various scales, accommodating different contexts and needs. Home vermicomposting is an accessible option even for apartment dwellers, as it can be conveniently carried out indoors using kitchen scraps and newspaper. This allows individuals to transform their organic waste into nutrient-rich vermicompost, contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle.
Moreover, vermicomposting can be expanded into small businesses, with some entrepreneurs operating worm farms that sell composting earthworms and vermicompost at regional farmers markets or through online platforms. These small-scale ventures contribute to local economies while promoting the use of sustainable soil amendments.
Large-scale vermicomposting operations offer benefits on both agricultural and environmental fronts. These facilities have the capacity to process various organic wastes, including cow manure. In such operations, cow manure is collected, and solids are separated from liquids using specialized equipment. The manure solids undergo a brief hot composting phase to eliminate pathogens and weed seeds, ensuring the quality and safety of the final vermicompost product.
Commercial vermicomposting facilities not only provide a valuable soil amendment for commercial growers but also serve as a sustainable solution for livestock farmers managing excess manure. By utilizing vermicomposting, livestock farmers can effectively manage their manure while reducing the environmental impact on fragile watersheds and mitigating soil, water, and air pollution.
In summary, vermicomposting is a natural and sustainable way to transform organic waste into nutrient-rich compost. This educational video from Cornell University explores the intricate processes involved in vermicomposting, showcasing its potential as an organic alternative to synthetic fertilizers and its role in disease suppression.
The versatility of vermicomposting allows it to be practiced at both small and large scales, making it accessible to individuals, apartment dwellers, small businesses, and commercial operations alike. Through vermicomposting, we can minimize waste, nurture healthy plant growth, and promote sustainable agriculture – all while reducing our environmental footprint.
