What is Worm Farming in the Concept of Sustainability

At this time when the planet is overwhelmingly being destroyed by population explosion, industrialization, exploitation of the resources and production of excessive solid wastes, there is a desperate need for sustainable practices. Sustainable development integrates practical solutions that allow economic growth through environment-friendly practices.  To sustain the current and the future generations, the way of life needs to be modified and practices need to support healthy ecological processes like worm farming.

Despite the massive educational campaign, many are still asking: What is worm farming and how does it help in sustainable development.

What is worm farming in the concept of sustainable development?

It is hard to define sustainability. But, basically it fosters a kind of life that can be adequately supported by the environment without overconsumption and depletion. This happens when one understands the concept of interconnectedness between the various environmental components as well as the economy and society.

Worms are farmed to increase the population of these natural composting animals. They feed on biodegradable wastes and convert them into composts or castings that can be used as natural soil conditioners or organic fertilizers.  Aside from breaking down the organic biodegradable materials like food scraps and kitchen wastes, worms also produce vermitea or worm tea that is produced by “steeping.” This is contains “friendly” microorganisms that are beneficial in so many ways.

What are the basic steps involved in worm farming?

Step 1 - Pick your type of worm.

• There are several types of worms that you can breed in a worm farm. It is important to do your research and decide based on your needs and circumstances.

• Some examples are:

1. Eisenia andrei/fetida or Lumbricus rubellis  are  ideal for composting. They are also called red wrigglers, red worms or tiger worms. They are prolific breeders, aggressive eaters, and surface dwellers. They thrive in highly populated environments and don’t burrow deep into the soil of their housing structures.

2. Eudrilus eugenia are the so called African night crawlers. As the name suggest, they crawl at night. Like the red worms, they are eat so much and make composts fast.

3. Amynthus gracious/cortices are gardeners’ friend worms. These are not good for composting and tend to dig deep into the ground.

4. Perionix excavatus/spenceralia are referred to as Blues. They are also good worms to culture for composting.

Step 2 - Prepare the worm farm.

• Depending on the type of worm you will farm, learn about the basic needs and ecological preferences of the worms.

• Check you local supply stores for the materials and resources you need. Usually these shops can provide you a lot of help.

• Make a visit to some farms for more ideas and help. Choose your site and decide on the size of your first farm.

• Get down to work. Make a moist worm bed inside their box.

• Source your type of worm and settle them on the surface of the bed.

Step 3 – Culture the worms.

• Keep the bedding damp, covered and cool.

• Dust the surface of the beds with lime when some signs of infestation occur.

• Feed your worms with food scraps, fruit and vegetable peelings, crushed eggshells, leaves and even moistened papers and cartons.

• Chop their food so it will be easier for them to do the composting.

• Only feed them when the previous meal has been consumed to prevent fouling. Place the food in one place at a time to easily monitor the consumption.

• Do not feed meat, oily foods, garlic and citrus peels.

Step 4 – Harvest casting and worm tea.

• If your worm farm has been structured to capture the worm tea, empty the tray regularly.

• Harvest the worm castings by making new worm beds and putting this side by side with the old one. The worms will instinctively migrate to the fresh worm bed.

• You can transfer the old bedding to your garden to enrich your garden soil.

Does this article answers your question: what is worm farming? If you like the idea of helping keep your environment sustainable, you can do this on a small scale in your backyard. You can compost your kitchen waste and have an organic vegetable garden that can provide your dining table some fresh veggies too.