Nature of worms

Earthworms are called as the unsung "soldiers of the soil." There are basically three prime uses of the worm breeding farms. Firstly, worms aerate the soil and break it up. This provides an easy access for plant roots. Dead Organic matter is converted to valuable source of nutrients. This provides a life support system for plants and trees. In the search of food, worms pulverize the soil and make tunnels. This enhances the structure of the soil and increases water retention. If a collection of worms from the breeding farms is placed in a heat of compost, then the following things would happen. The recycling process would be sped up. The amount of waste would be decreased by a considerable factor. The rate of conversion of organic waste to nutrient rich materials is 0.75 to 1.00 part of the body weight of the worms. Also, they would create a liquid fertilizer. This diminishes the requirement of chemical equivalents. It has been proved that after the introduction of Dendrabaena venera worms, a good control over feeding, watering and good husbandry results in the growth of happy and virile worms. Any worm that is happy is productive. There are about 3000 species of worms all over the world.

Worm Castings

Worm castings are the waste product of worms. They are a very rich source of natural organic plant nutrients. They accelerate the germination of seeds. Also, very tender plants survive in these castings. These castings can also be used for Potting compost - the castings are mixed with good garden soil or a peat substitute, Lawn dressing - the castings are mixed with sand, Planting out time - a slight amount is added while planting, Plant food - castings are used like a top dressing, Liquid fertilizer - the castings are mixed with water and as a General nutrient - this is a slowly released top dressing.

Overcoming perils

Kitchen scraps and garden waste are very lethal if dumped in landfill sites. They create tremendous amounts of leachate, which is toxic and methane, which is more powerful than carbon dioxide. If these materials are recycled by the worms, then all these hazards would be avoided and a much required product would be created.