What are organic worm castings?

Worm castings, or worm manure, are quite simply Mother Nature's soil enhancement of choice. That's because the rich, humus-like digested output of the lowly worm includes an almost complete range of nutrient and microbial life, creating an ideal environment for happy plant life. Nothing matches worm power in turning organic compost matter into one of the most natural, soil enrichments available. And more importantly, it's 100% organic, easy to use, safe to handle and odorless.

What do worm castings do?

Castings increase soil health in many ways. They are a natural source of organic matter with lots of nutrient and moisture-holding capacity. Worm castings add active microbial life to the soil allowing it to slowly release and make the valuable trace minerals more "digestible" to tender plant roots. They can improve the appearance and texture of soil by adding organic matter to hold moisture. Used as a soil enhancement, worm castings can increase drought resistance. And because they contain no toxins, they are safe to use without fear of ground water contamination. Castings allow oxygen to permeate the root zone to improve drainage and encourage root growth.

Worm castings can be used to enhance or replace other soil mediums and additives without fear of burning or harming tender plant life. By creating the right soil environment and making nutrients more available to crops and desired vegetation, there is less need for synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.

Why are worm castings better than other soil mediums?

Worm castings contain a far more diverse microbial population than other composts. These micro-organisms play an important part in soil fertility. Not only do they mineralize complex substances into plant-available nutrients, but bacteria in the worm's digestive system synthesize a whole series of biologically active substances including plant growth regulators. Worm castings can "turbo-charge" the soil allowing plants to get off to a quick, well-nourished start. They contain up to 5 times the plant-available nutrients found in average potting soil mixes. And unlike other potting mediums, the nutrients in castings are water soluble and immediately available to plants.

Worm castings are 100% organic and do not contain any chemical additives. It is an ideal combination of microbial cultures making it useful for universal application for all crops and plants. Worm castings slowly release nutrients needed for healthy plant growth and increases fruit and vegetable production. They are high in soluble nitrogen, potash, potassium, calcium, magnesium, many other trace elements and over 150 micro-nutrients. Worm castings are rich in vitamins, enzymes, antibiotics and growth hormones making it the most complete plant food. Researchers have proved that vegetables and fruits grown using earthworm castings stay fresh for a longer time and also have improved taste.


Active Contents - Component values of worm castings:

    * PH 6 to 7
    * Nitrogen 2% to 5%
    * Phosphorus 1.25% to 5%
    * Potassium 1.25% to 3.5%
    * Organic matter 40% to 60%
    * Organic Carbon 15% to 20%
    * Calcium, Magnesium, Iron, Zinc - Trace Amounts

How do worms produce such a high quality organic manure?

Worms encourage the growth of micro organisms in their gut by providing ideal conditions therein. Bacteria and actinomycetes, which are important in waste degradation, increase exponentially along the length of its tubular bioreactor, reaching densities about 1000 times greater than in the surrounding soil. However, E. Coli, salmonella and other pathogens are destroyed due to competition from the active microflora and intestinal secretions. Most of the human pathogens are anaerobic and cannot survive in the highly aerobic micro-environment created by the worms.

Worms produce castings with balanced plant nutrients. Worm castings also have immobilized micro flora which continue their function in the soil. Worms play a key role in soil biology by serving as bioreactors to effectively harness the beneficial soil microflora and destroy soil pathogens, thus converting organic wastes into valuable bio-fertilizer with vitamins, enzymes, antibiotics, growth hormones and protein.

Worm Castings vs. Chemical Fertilizer

Although chemical fertilizers have many nutrients listed and higher laboratory analysis percentages, the ability of plants to optimally use these nutrients is limited because the nutrients are not broken down in a manner that plants can readily use. Moreover, chemical fertilizers do not have sufficient organic matter that is essential for plant growth.

Organic fertilizers differ from chemicals in that they feed your plants while adding organic material to the soil. Soils with lots of organic matter remain loose and airy, hold more moisture and nutrients, foster growth of soil organisms, and promote healthier plant root development. If only chemical fertilizers are added, the soil gradually loses its organic matter and microbiotic activity. As organic matter is used up, the soil structure deteriorates, becoming compact, lifeless and less able to hold water and nutrients. This type of soil breakdown results in increased amounts of fertilizers needed to feed plants.

Organic fertilizers, unlike many chemical fertilizers, continually build the soil and promote better structure as well as nourish soil life. In the long run, many organic fertilizers are much more productive than chemical ones because they improve soil structure and increase the soil's ability to hold moisture and nutrients. The chemical fertilizers do not build soil and can build up to toxic proportions after continued use. Organic fertilizers on the other hand, continually build the soil, promote better structure, and foster soil organism growth. The addition of organic fertilizers over a long period enhances the soil life, another plus for the great majority of garden plants.

Quick Facts about Worm Castings:

    * Contain over 150 micronutrients such as nitrogen, potassium, calcium, magnesium and iron. These nutrients found in worm castings are more readily available to plants than in synthetic fertilizers.
    * Castings will not harm or burn your plants
    * Contain 50% more humus than found in topsoil
    * They have moisture retention properties and can result in less watering
    * Non-toxic; safe for use around children and pets
    * Known to eliminate odors
    * Stimulate the organisms in plants that work as a natural repellant for insects

Written by :

GreenGlows