Introduction

About 2,350 years ago Aristotle has said, “Earthworms are intestines of the

earth.” Only in the twentieth century has the truth in this statement been verified and

found correct. He was ahead of our times by two and half of millennia. Darwin was

another one to state: “No other creature has contributed to building of earth as

earthworm.”

Vermiculture is basically the science of breeding and raising earthworms. It

defines the thrilling potential for waste reduction, fertilizer production, as well as

assortment of possible uses for the future (Entre Pinoys, 2010).

Vermicomposting is the process of producing organic fertilizer or the

vermicompost from bio-degradable materials with earthworms. Composting with

worms avoids the needless disposal of vegetative food wastes and enjoys the

benefits of high quality compost. The earthworm is one of nature’s pinnacle “soil

scientists.” Earthworms are liberated and cost effective farm relief. The worms are

accountable for a variety of elements including turning common soil into superior

quality. They break down organic matter and when they eat, they leave behind

castings that are an exceptionally valuable type of fertilizer (www.bjmp.gow.ph,

2010).

The specific vermicast introduce in the Philippines is the “African Night

Crawler” (Eudrilus eugenie), is as earthworm species native to tropical west Africa

and now widespread in warm regions under vermicompost; it is an excellent source

of protein. Due to their various appetites and ability to quickly reproduce African night

crawlers are quickly gaining popularity with vermicomposters. However due to their

warm weather roots ANC’s are not able to tolerate the environmental conditions that
red worms and European night crawlers can handle with ease. African Night Crawler

are a distinctive mix of a grey and purple color and grow to over twice the things you

will immediately notice about the ANC is how large and muscular it is compared the

redworm. You may also be surprised at the large size of their castings. African Night

Crawlers are very desirable for vermicomposting, harvesting worm castings, and

raising for bait worms. African night crawlers produce absolutely huge castings.

Government sectors that endorsed Vermicast

As part of the mining company’s social development program, Ms. Luzviminda

T.Oropesa, Social Development Officer initiatd the rehabilitation of mined out farms

by seeking the technical assistance of DA-BSWM Organic Fertilizer Production

Project. After a thorough evaluation of the area, rehabilitation through vermicast

application was advised and to ensure continuous supply of vermicast, the farmers in

the three barangays (Pongon, San Pedro, and Maya) were organized into three

farmers associations: Madig-on Farmers’ Association, Mainuswagon Farmers’

Association, Maya Farmers’ Association. Farmers were trained on

vermiculture,nature farming especially on the production of effective and indigenous

microorganisms. African Night Crawlers were provided by the mining firm including

the vermihouses and training centers. This scheme is the driving force for the

farmers to diligently follow our technology. Hands-on training on vermiculture and

vermicomposting, nature and organic farming were conducted through the support of

the mining company. Mr. Juanito Poliquit, President of Region VIII Farmers’

Federation, assists them in training the farmers in growing crops through nature

farming technologies. The active participation of the Barangay Local Government

Units in all activities is very critical in the success of the program whil LGU support

inspired the community to do their best.

Contribution of Vermicast in Agricultural Industry in the Philippines

Organic farming is practiced by farmers nowadays because it is considered as

healthiest way of growing food crops. It is an emerging farming system that most of

the farmers observed not only in the Philippines but even overseas. Organically

grown food crops are increasing in market demand. Organic fertilizer has likewise

increased in use as imported commercial fertilizer have been increasing its prices.

Vermi-casting of humus is one of the organic fertilizers that revives the soil fertility

level and brings back life to soil environment, improves soil texture and enriches

water holding capacity. Humus has shown its potency inducing higher crop yield for a

longer period. For organic farming, castings of earthworms also known as

vermicomposting is an excellent soil enhances and bioactive high quality fertilizer.

This is a good alternative in using chemical fertilizers and this has been proven in

field tests. Vermicomposting is environment-friendly since earthworms feed on

anything that is biodegradable and it aids the disposal problem. No imported inputs

required given that worms are now locally available and the materials for feeding are

abundant in the locality. Like market wastes, grasses, used papers and farm wastes.

Vermiculture and vermicast production industry have potentials in the domestic

market especially in Region 12 since it is an agro-based industry area. It now

becomes a major component of agri-business models across the country. It can be

easily produced and maintained by any investor who wishes to engage in this kind of

industry. This venture is highly profitable since both the worms and castings are

saleable.
The Help Given by Vermicast to the Filipino Farmers

Vermicuture is a process of propagating earthworms for fast production and

sold to customers who use them for the same or other purposes. Vermicasting

otherwise known as vermicomposting is the process by which worms are used to

convert organic materials (usually wastes) into a humus-like material. African Night

Crawlers (ANCs) are the agents used in creating vermicast. It falls under the

classification of compost worms which live on the upper surface of the earth and they

eat compost, not the soil. Earthworm mass is basically a by-product of

vermicomposting.

The population of ANC multiplies, 2 times per cycle. These are sold Php

500.00 per kilo after every vermicast harvest which is when they have already

multiplied. Vermicast are sold Php 200.00 per 40 kilo bag. Based on the projected

sales, the project will generate Php 3,000.00 on the first cycle and approximately

doubled on the following cycles. Vermiculture and vermicomposting are rapidly

gaining recognition and use in agricultural production today, so, it will be easier to

promote.

General Santos City, South and North Cotabato were among the areas in the

region that were found to be the preferred location of the project due to the presence

of growers of fruits and vegetables who are said to be primary markets of the

product. However, Vermi-composting technology is simple and inexpensive because

it is entirely organic. Initially, ten (10) worm bins will be used in the project with two

(2) kilograms of African Night Crawlers (ANC) per worm bin. Preparation of raw
materials starts by cutting the materials for use as substrate (rice straw) into smaller

pieces by chopping with a bolo or cutting with a scissor. Mixed raw materials (rice

straw + manure) are put in the decomposition chamber. Materials are then

moistened and composting bin is covered to initiate anaerobic decomposition. It

takes 10 to 15 days to complete anaerobic decomposition and only then that they

are ready for worm consumption. After the anaerobic decomposition, earthworms are

introduced into the substrate. Aerobic decomposition lasts for 40-60 days depending

on the materials used and the ratio of the worms to the substrate. Within the period,

moisten (not soggy) the substrate regularly to provide the right moisture (60-80%) for

the earthworm to grow and multiply. Harvesting will commence 45 days after

stocking of worms. Prior to harvest, watering the substrate for 1 week is refrained to

ease the separation of castings from worms and likewise preventing the castings to

become compact. Then the breeder worms are segregated from juvenile/baby

worms by placing them in different containers or bins.

The Increase in Production Due to Utilization of Vermicast

The total project cost of the vermiculture and vermicasting project is Php

15,595.00 in which Php 1,195.00 is the working capital for the first cropping cycle

and expected to increase on the succeeding cycle since the production increases.

The net income before tax on the first two cycles is Php 2,040.00 and Php 4,375.00

respectively. Income is doubled after first cycle since production is also doubled due

to the multiplication of the worm. Financial ratios show that Gross Profit Rate (GPR)

and Net Profit Rate (NPR) are 77% and 68% respectively. The return on investment

is 105%. The cost of investment will be recovered approximately after 10 months

and 9 days of operation. This means that the project is worthwhile to embark on. On

the other hand, if the project is managed well, it could easily double its return.
MARKET TRENDS AND OPPORTUNITIES

Due to several crises arising like expensive cost of commercial fertilizer, poor

soil fertility, and low income, farmers seek a more cost efficient type of fertilizer which

is the organic fertilizer.

Presently, farmers in Region 12 have reduced their area of production due to

the high cost of inorganic fertilizer in the market. Without the needed fertilizer

requirement, their land would never give a good yield which will in turn, cause the

reduction of the farmer’s production volume.

The sources of raw materials needed in producing the organic fertilizer are

cheaper and always available in the area. With its low production cost, its selling

price can be cheaper compared to non-organic ones, making it more competitive in

the market. As a result, farmers will be able to buy their farm’s needed fertilizer and

increase their production volume.

Disadvantages of using Vermicast

Worms may seem tiny and insignificant, but they can play a big role in your

gardening habits. Vermicompost harnesses the power of the humble earthworm and

uses earthworms to turn organic matter, such as kitchen scraps and garden

trimmings, into a dark, nutrient-rich soil amendment. Unfortunately, vermicompost

and worm farming isn't without its disadvantages. Before you build a vermicompost

bin or use the resulting humus, know the risks you run.
Takes Time

It can take as long as six months for earthworms to digest the organic matter

and turn it into a usable soil amendment. In contrast, a traditional compost heap can

turn that same organic matter into usable compost in three months if you

continuously turn the compost heap every few weeks. For active gardens, this may

be too long to wait.

Noticeable Odor

All vermicompost bins have an earthy odor, warns the University of Nebraska

Extension. And this can quickly turn into an offensive stench if just a few factors in

the vermicompost bin go awry. For example, inadequate ventilation for the worms,

overfeeding the worms and even using too many wet foods can create problematic

smells.

High Maintenance

Other than mixing it up every few weeks, traditional compost processes are

relatively low maintenance. Not so with vermicompost. Because the worms can only

eat so much at a time, you have to constantly add new food and monitor the

vermicompost bin to ensure the worms aren't overwhelmed with too much to eat.

Additionally, you have to constantly monitor moisture levels to ensure the bin isn't too

dry or too wet, adding water as necessary.

Pest and Pathogen Problems

In a research report published in 2001 in the "Bioresource Technology"

academic journal, researchers noted that traditional compost heaps heat up during

the decomposition process and get hot enough to kill pathogens, weed seeds and

other problematic substances. In contrast, vermicompost bins must stay at a cool

enough temperature to support earthworm life. So, researchers report that

vermicompost may still harbor pathogens and other problems. Additionally,

vermicompost bins can foster the growth of other bugs and pests that are present in

the starter soil, bedding or worm food, such as fruit flies, centipedes and flies.

Harvesting Time

Harvesting the resulting soil amendment out of a vermicompost system

requires careful sorting to take out the worms and save them on the side while

collecting the soil amendment. This can be time-consuming, depending on the size

of the vermicompost bin and how many worms were used. In contrast, a traditional

compost heap can be used immediately by simply shoveling away the necessary

amount of soil amendments with little need to sort, strain or filter its contents.

Realization in the Benefits of Vermicast

Studies show that amending soil with vermicast causes seeds to germinate

more quickly, enhances rate of seedling growth, increases root numbers and

biomass, improves root stress tolerance, leads to earlier flowering of plants, and

increases plant yields. Vermicast decreases plant transplant shock and increases

plant vitality and flavor profile. Plants grown with vermicast have more leaves and

flowers, more total leaf area, greater plant biomass, and higher leaf chlorophyll

content. What’s more, all this usually occurs independent of nutrient availability.

Along with increasing concerns on adverse side effects of agrochemicals and

improper organic waste management methods, alternative plant disease and waste

management techniques have been widely searched and studied since 70s.

Vermiculture, as a new industrial domain, provides a wide variety of alternatives for

biodegradable organic waste management and agrochemical-free food production.

Vermicomposting has tremendous potential to use a wide range of feedstocks of on-

and off-farm wastes including those generated in agriculture, food processing, wood

processing, sewage treatment, industrial, and municipal wastes. The vermin

technology is still under development and being utilized all over the world for mid- to

large-scale vermicomposting of many organic wastes and several companies have

come up in the last decade in US, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, France, and less-

industrialized ones i.e., India, Cuba, Philippines, Argentina. Vermicomposting is an

excellent example of the practical use of biotechnology. Vermicomposting involves

highly complex biological processes, including many species of bacteria, fungi, and

actinomycetes, which convert a low-valued material into a higher valued product.

The product, also named as vermicastings/vermicast, could be utilized in either solid

or aqueous forms and has proved to be an excellent organic fertilizer in agriculture

and horticulture production.

There has been extremely limited amount of work carried out to determine the

impacts of vermicompost products on soils and crops. There is strong need to

optimize the production and use of vermicompost products to improve crop quality

without compromising food safety. The research conducted on vermicompost

applications, in either solid or aqueous forms, for plant protection purposes proved

them to be effective on suppression of pathogens and pest attacks. There is no

doubt that the benefits of vermicompost products far outweigh their drawbacks;

however, the impact of this technique on pathogen populations and disease

suppression remains unpredictable. Also, there is still a huge gap in development of

reliable guidelines to predict the impact of any form of, solid or liquefied,

vermicompost products on specific plant diseases or pest attacks. Desirable

vermicompost
Encouragement to Totally Adopt the use of Vermicast in the Country

If you want something done, ask a busy person” or in this case, a busy worm.

Worms have been tirelessly toiling away, building soil in the same manner as their

ancestors 600 million years ago. The work that they do may be one of the most

important and undervalued positions, but through their physical action and the

castings produced, worms create the elixir for life. In my mind nobody does it better,

the castings produced by worms are unrivalled by any packaged fertiliser product

and I’m not alone in that sentiment”, Professor Clive A. Edwards at Ohio University

stated in 1995; “Vermicompost outperforms any commercial fertiliser I know of.”

What’s not to like about vermicast? It provides a multitude of services;

increasing soil water and nutrient retention, texture, nutrient availability and aiding in

disease prevention. Studies show improvements in crop yield, bunch sizes, fruit set,

fruit storage, trunk diameters and more. These positive effects have been shown to

be measurable up to four years following applications.

Worms are the great alchemists, concentrating the important plant nutrients

such as nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus and calcium into forms that are much more

available to the plants than those in the parent materials. The addition of vermicast

has consistently improved seed germination, enhanced seedling growth and

development and increased plant productivity much more than would be possible

from the mere conversion of mineral nutrients into more plant available forms.

Compost worms need to be fed a varied diet to encourage a diversity of

micro-organisms to flourish, including fungi, bacteria, protozoa and nematodes.

These organisms all play a vital role in nutrient cycling and disease suppression.

Cow manure is a brilliant feed source for worms but if used in isolation, the end
product becomes bacterially dominated, by incorporating woody- type materials the

fungi move in, and a wonderful balanced product can be produced. Orchard

situations require a vermicast higher in fungi, while a pasture situation requires a 1:1

bacteria: fungi ratio for optimum health.

“Build it and they will come”, not baseball players in this case, but other

earthworm species, respond positively to the application of vermicast to soil.

Encouraging an increase in earthworms has a multitude of benefits to soils and

plants, through aeration, water infiltration, nutrient cycling and microbial stimulation.

It is now well established that passage through the gut of some lumbricid

earthworms results in phosphorus being converted to forms that are plant-available.

Phosphorus is a limiting element for plant growth. Any process that significantly

increases phosphorus availability and rate of turnover through plants and soil organic

matter is very important. In the earthworm gut, ingested soil particles and organic

matter are mixed with water and mucus, and the pH becomes neutral.

Castings also contain important hormones, enzymes, vitamins and antibiotics,

all important for plant health, and most importantly human health in the long run.

These hormones can influence plant growth and development as well as crop quality

significantly when present at very low concentrations.

One of the important components in the worm humus (that’s what gives

healthy soils their dark chocolate colour) which provides binding sites for plant

nutrients, such as calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, sulphur and phosphorus.

These nutrients are stored in the humic acid molecule in a form readily available to

plants, and are released when the plants require them. This humus also helps to

increase water holding capacity, with castings able to hold 2-3 times as much water.
Vermicast will not burn even the most delicate plants, and contains the ability to

insulate plant roots from extreme temperatures, reduce erosion and when minerally

balanced it can reduce weeds.

Conclusion

Using earthworm castings can reduce use of fertilisers and other agricultural

chemicals. Why use products like Eco-N when worm castings have been found to

increase available nitrogen to the plant and studies have found they have a high

denitrification potential. Studies have shown that earthworms had significant effects

on the amount of extractable NO3-, which increased with time.

If plant production is to be maintained or increased, practical methods must

be found to optimise nutrient cycling and reduce the reliance on fertilisers and

agricultural chemicals in farming systems.

Charles Darwin dedicated the later stages of his life to the study of the

meagre worm, aware that there was a greatness underfoot that deserved far more

attention. Fortunately we are seeing a lift in awareness in New Zealand to the

importance of soil microbiology and worms as farmers see the benefits a change in

approach brings to their farming operation.

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