What is Vermicompost ?

Vermicompost (also called worm compost ( “tahi cacing”) , is the end-product of the breakdown of organic matter by some species of earthworm. Vermicompost is literally the best nutrient-rich, organic fertilizer and soil conditioner. The process of producing vermicompost is called vermicomposting.

The earthworm species (or composting worms) most often used are Red Wigglers (Eisenia foetida). These species are commonly found in organic rich soils throughout Europe and North America and especially prefer the special conditions in rotting vegetation, compost and manure piles. But in Malaysia , red worm are not available in natural habitat , you must either buy it from any agrotech , or worm rearing shops. Current price for 1 kilo of red worm is between RM250 to RM450.

How does vermicomposting work?

It works like this: after procuring a container and setting it up feed your worms the same organic waste you'd toss in a compost pile -- which includes just about all of your food waste, save the animal leftovers -- and let them have at it. They chew on it for awhile, and when they're all done eating, they poop and there you go: vermicompost.

Benefit

In addition to increased nutrient levels, worm castings contain millions of microbes which help break down nutrients already present in the soil into plant available forms. As the worms deposit their castings, their mucous is a beneficial component absent from compost produced by hot or cold composting. The mucous component slows the release of nutrients preventing them from washing away with the first watering. Worm compost is usually too rich for use alone as a seed starter. It is useful as a top dressing and as an addition to potting mixes at a rate of one part castings to 4 parts mix. Your plants will love it.