Environmental Benefits of Composting (continued)
Worm Castings Boost Plant Nutrition
Earthworm castings, or vermicast, is the manure of earthworms. It is
a soil-like material that has been filtered by the bodies of earthworms,
the final step in the creation of pure humus. For this
reason worm castings are among the richest soil amendments a gardener
can apply to his/her soil. By the mere act of eating, earthworms grind
and uniformly mix nutrients and trace elements in simple forms which
are easy for plants to obtain. Castings, therefore, contain not only
valuable humus but a perfect balance of micronutrients, macronutrients,
and 60 trace minerals and elements; such as manganese, copper, zinc,
cobalt, borax, iron, and carbon. Tests have shown the nitrogen content
to be five times greater than topsoil, phosphate content to be seven
times greater than topsoil, potash content to be 11 times greater than
topsoil, and magnesium content to be three times greater than topsoil.
This being said, the quality of worm castings can reflect the quality of the worms’ feedstock. Like compost, castings can be tested for pH and nutrient content and any deficiencies can be compensated for by adding organic amendments.
Castings promote healthy root systems, rapid plant growth and increased yields. Unlike chemical fertilizers, worm castings do not burn plants at any concentration. They are especially useful in controlling aphids, white flies, root-eating nematodes, and plant pathogens. See the charts below for a further nutritional analysis of worm castings and for castings application formulas.
Buy Worm Castings from our catalog!
WORM CASTINGS |
|
| Parameters | Analysis as Received |
| Total Nitrogen (N) | 2.0% |
| Calcium (Ca) | 0.92% |
| Magnesium (Mg) | 0.24% |
| Potassium (K20) | 1.4% |
| Phosphorus (P205) | 0.7% |
| Copper (Cu) | 0.003% |
| Iron (Fe) | 0.17% |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.02% |
| Zinc (Zn) | 0.01% |
| Organic matter | 33% |
| Moisture | 50% |
| pH value | 6.30 |
| E. Coli: Undetectable. | |
Benefits of Earthworm Castings:
- Castings are rich in organic matter, beneficial microbes and bacteria, water soluble nutrients, & trace minerals.
- The nutrients & trace minerals readily available to plants and slowly release up to six years; pH balanced & will never burn plants.
- Safe to use in phosphorus-sensitive areas.
- Boost plants’ relative abilities to fight diseases at root and leaf zones (e.g. pythium, fusarium, Botrytis, Phytophtora, Rhizoctonia, & Sclerotinia).
- Boost plants’ relative abilities to fight pests such as insects, spider mites & nematodes; some examples from research are whitefly, cabbage white caterpillars, aphids, cucumber beetles, & tomato hornworms.
- Reduce need for chemical fertilizers, pesticides, & fungicides.
- Nontoxic to greenhouse workers & other agricultural workers.
- Retain soil moisture & reduce nutrient runoff; reduce need to water & protect ground water & waterways.
- Suppress E.coli, salmonella, & some other enteric viruses, so safer for consumers.
SAFETY TIP: Highly allergic or immunosuppressed users should consult their doctor before handling any soil product containing bacteria, molds, and fungal spores. Medical masks and/or gloves may offer sufficient protection.
| CASTINGS APPLICATION FORMULAS | |
| In Soil Mix for outdoor use | 1 part castings to 3 parts other. Dilute as desired. |
| Outdoors | In existing perennial borders, vegetable gardens, and around fruiting trees and shrubs, apply castings 1-2 in. deep in spring and work into the soil 3 inches deep. Alternately, top with:
Incorporate lightly, then water. For transplants, line a furrow or hole with 3 in. castings. |
| Potting Mix | Add 20-30% worm castings, or 1 part castings to 2-3 parts soilless potting mix. Wormpost Vermont worm castings may contain worm cocoons (egg capsules). Because worms hatching inside the pot could damage the plants’ roots, we recommend that you use our castings in tea or spray form rather than as a solid. |
| Turf | Apply 10 lbs./100 ft. sq., top dress with ¼-inch layer in spring or as needed for maintenance. Lightly incorporate. |
| Foliar Spray or Castings Tea | Mix with water at a 1:3 ratio, let soak in a pail overnight, mix well, screen with cheese cloth, and water. Alternately, make a “tea bag” out of cheese cloth filled with castings and remove “tea bag” before watering. |
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Wormpost
Vermont
161 Henway Road
Morristown, Vermont (VT) 05661
Phone: 802-888-4364
Email: worms@wormpost.com
