b.

Pick out any wigglers or worm eggs (small,

opaque cocoons and return them to the bin.
c. Sieve the harvested vermicompost to have a
finer finish product. For commercial pro-
duction, air dry the vermicompost be-
fore packing and storing.

Vermimeal Production
References
Harvested vermi from the culture beds may
either be used for the next production cycle or made into Guerrero, Rafael D. III 2004. Hanbook of Vermicompost & Ver-
vermimeal through the following process: mimeal Production and Utilization. Aquatic Biosystems,. Bay, La-
guna, Philippines.
1. Wash the worms thoroughly with clean flowing
water to remove dirt.
Sugar Regulatory Administration-LGAREC.2008. Vermicomposting Banana Trashes
Sugarcane Trashes. La Granja, La Carlota City, Philippines
2. Kill the vermin by putting them in a basin with
warm water (40-60C). EntrePinoys Atbp.2006. Backyard Production of Earthworms
3. Dry under the sun until brittle. (Vermiculture)
4. Grind dried worms manually or through a grinder
into meal form.
5. Store in sealed polyethylene bags with proper
label and store in cool dry place.

Printed by:

Department of Agriculture
AGRICULTURAL TRAINING INSTITUTE
Regional Training Center XII
San Felipe, Tantangan, South Cotabato
Tel. No. (083)229-1024 Fax: (083)229-1024
Email: ati_tantangan@yahoo.com.ph
 Steps in Ve r m i c o m p o s t i n g The substrate usually heats up in 24-48 hours which
Vermicomposting marks the working of the composting process. In four
weeks time, the temperature drops and it is now ready
1. P r e p a r a t i o n of substrate. for the stocking of earthworms.
INTRODUCTION
3. Stocking of earthworms
a. Collect banana leaves
Vermicomposting is the process of and stalks trashes and
The African Nightcrawlers
producing organic fertilizer (vermicompost) from animal manures i.e. chicken
(Eudrilus eugeniae), redworms or
dung, carabao/cow manure.
biodegradable materials red wigglers (Lumbricus rubellus)
through the action of and brandling worms (Eisenia Fetida)
b. Chop leaves and stalks are the earthworm species for the
earthworms. It is an
finely. Chopping help speed production of vermicompost and
environment-friendly up decomposition by vermimeal. Stock about 2-3 kilos of African night
method of recycling increasing the surface area crawler earthworms per ton of substrate. The
available for microbial earthworms placed on the top of the pile easily go
organic materials in the action and providing better down into the substrate.
farm and household such as plant residues and aeration.
animal manures. 4. Care and Maintenance of
c. Mix chopped materials Beds
Vermicompost improves soil texture and with chicken dung or a. Water the bed regularly to
enhances water-holding capacity of the soil. It may be carabao/cow manure at a
maintain the moisture content
ratio of 7:3 or 70% trashes
low in NPK but contains and 30% animal manure as of the pile (at least 60%)
essential nutrient (e.g. s o u r c e o f n it r o ge n. b. Clean the surrounding area
calcium, magnesium, regularly and check the
manganese, copper, iron 2. Pre-composting activities presence of natural enemies of earthworms like
and zinc) not found in chicken, birds, lizards, toads, ants, beetles,
centipedes, etc. Nets maybe used to enclose the
inorganic fertilizers. Pile the substrate in a bed measuring 1 x 5 meters or
area.
larger with wooden or concrete sidings. Compost pile is 2
Moreover, it has microbial ft. high. Water is added to increase moisture to at least 50
activities that promote plant health -70%. Place the compost bed in a shady area with access to 5. Harvesting
and pest/disease resistance. water supply. A canopy is recommended to protect the
a. Harvest the castings at
beds from direct sunlight and heavy rains.
30-40 days after stocking of
With the abundant source
e a r t h wo r m s. A t t his t i me
of material in farms, castings have been produced from
vermicomposting can help protect decomposed substrate and worms
the environment, promote and at about 30% or less. Lay new
substrate beside the bed ready for
sustain soil productivity and harvest so that worms will just
generate livelihood opportunities move to the new pile. Gathering
for rural families. Wooden Bed Concrete Bed castings would be easier.