Read our Commitment to Diversity | Read our Privacy Statement. NC State Extension is the largest outreach program at NC State University. Rhonda co-edited the 600-page book titled Vermiculture Technology: Earthworms, Organic Wastes, & Environmental Management. Vermicompost production using epigeic compost worms such as Eisenia foetida, Lumbricus rubellus and Eudrilus eugeniae can be enhanced effectively by supplementing the organic wastes used for … If setting up the bin outdoors, be sure you can maintain temperatures of 55 – 80 degrees F (13 – 27 C) year-round. Among the vast community of earthworms only very few species can be used for vermicompost production. Rhonda’s areas of expertise are vermicomposting, composting, recycling and waste reduction. I specialize in Red Wigglers – worm composting. It is very important that this species of earthworm is used for vermicomposting, so do not pick up earthworms in the environment and put them in your worm bin. And of those, only 4 are readily available in the US. Of the seven species, only one is typically used in North America: Eisenia fetida (one common name is red wiggler). Vermicompost is produced by a special type of composting in which certain species of earthworms are used to enhance the process of organic waste decomposition and produce a better compost. Epigeic Worms. Although castings may be waste to the worms, they are a rich treasure for gardeners. There are between 7000-9000 species of earthworms, but only about 7 of them are any good as composting worms types. That’s why this method of vermicomposting is also called red worm composting. Among the vast community of earthworms only very few species can be used for vermicompost production. Vermicompost worms break down organic matter, such as kitchen scraps, into waste products called castings. People from Argentina, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Belgium, Canada, China, Dominican Republic, England, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Latvia, Mexico, Micronesia, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Norway, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, Trinidad & Tobago, Turkey, Uganda, USA, and Zimbabwe have participated in this conference. You may find redworms near compost, under rotting logs, and in other organic situations. It’s very common for the new vermicomposter to ask “What kind of worms can I use in my worm bin? There are between 7000-9000 species of earthworms, but only about 7 of them are any good as composting worms types… Vermicomposting has gained popularity in both industrial and domestic settings because, as compared with conventional composting, it provides a way to treat organic wastes more quickly. Vermiculture is a method of cultivating earthworms which focuses on increasing the worm biomass (the dry weight of an earthworm … Most worm farms raise two main types of earthworm: Eisenia foetida and Lumbricus rubellis. Cooperative Extension, which staffs local offices in all 100 counties and with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Off all the earthworm types the epigeic worms are the only ones that can be used commercially in vermicomposting systems. Vermicomposting is increasing in popularity in households, schools, and businesses. The Blue Worm These worms are commonly used to produce vermicompost, … Learn More About NC State Extension, We have several topic based e-mail newsletters that are sent out periodically when we have new information to share. This interesting and attractive alternative to regular composting turns organic waste into a substrate that can be used as a soil amendment and as a growing medium for use in horticulture. 3. There are nearly 3600 types of earthworms which are divided into burrowing and non-burrowing types. Worms that feed on vegetable waste, compost, and organic bedding produce richer casting than those that feed on plain soil. Working hand-in-hand with our partners at N.C. A&T and 101 local governments, we conduct groundbreaking research that addresses real-world issues in communities across the state. Noticing later that there were three different types of worms, my question is will different types of worms co-habitate?” ~ Terry Tyson. The best types of worms for vermicomposting are red wigglers (Eisenia fetida) and redworms (Lumbricus rubellus). Read more articles about Vermicomposting. Vermicomposting implies the use of various types of worms for formation of compost, so as to use it for agricultural purposes. You can also … matter. What species of worms can be used for VermiComposting? That’s why this method of vermicomposting is also called red worm composting. 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