During the 1960s there was a move towards the use of agrochemicals in order to boost agricultural output. Although this did have the desired effect it has become apparent that this boost to production came at a cost to the environment – and to human health. Agrochemicals killed soil organisms and reduced the ability of many crops to resist disease and the actions of pests. There have also been several studies indicating that these chemicals adversely affect human health. Runoff from pesticides has also been implicated in increasing mutations of species in riverine systems – and a massive die-off of species such as amphibians. It was clear that an alternative had to be found.
The quest for an organic alternative to agrochemicals has also become more urgent due to the fact that many agricultural operations are looking to capitalize on the increasing demand for organic produce. Research suggests that in the U.S. alone between 90,000 to 100,000 farmers have switched over to organic farming.
It was during the search for alternatives to man-made chemicals that the effectiveness of making earthworm excreta fertilizers as a method of improving the health of the soil and improving nutrient loads was discovered. This led to an increased interest in ‘Vermicompost’. Adding to the attraction of vermiculture (the use of earthworms) is the fact that these can convert organic manure waste into a highly effective fertilizer. Waste management is becoming an increasingly challenging sector – and the use of earthworms provides an alternative to other, less environmentally friendly methods of dealing with organic waste.
Another advantage of using earthworm casts (the excreta of the worms) is that it is a faster process than simple composting. The organic material that passes through the digestive system of the earthworm undergoes a transformation. Although the process is not fully understood the result is excreta that is rich in beneficial microbes and nutrients, as well as plant growth regulators – and appears to have pest repellant properties as well. You can make vermicomposting fertilizers for high quality fertilizer producing.
Studies have shown that the worm castings are far richer than even widely available potting soil – containing around 5 times more nutrients. Chemical analysis reveals just how powerful this material can be when compared to potting soil (used as a yardstick). The castings contain up to 5 times more available usable nitrogen, 7 times more potash and one and a half times as much calcium. It also appears that the phosphorus is converted into the worms gut into a form that plants can use. This is especially important. The more available Phosphorus that is delivered, the more robust the plant growth. In addition, vermicompost alters the nature of the soil, increasing its ability to retain water. Vermicompost also contains a wealth micronutrients such as Sodium (Na), Zinc (Zn), Calcium (Ca), Sulphur (S), Iron (Fe), and Magnesium. Besides, it is also available for you to utilizing some other organic manure for fertilizer making.
In short, vermiculture shows exceptional promise as an organic fertilizer that contributes to exceptional plant growth, enables agricultural crops to resist disease and pests – and above all is kinder to the environment (and human beings) than man-made agrochemicals.