Vermicompost - Earthworm Compost
If you are seriously into farming, horticulture or gardening, then you probably already know why Vermicompost (commonly called earthworm compost, or simply ‘BLACK GOLD’) is considered by most as the ultimate organic fertilizer. For the rest, here’s the deal:
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So What is It?
GreenPula©’s 100% organic vermicompost is produced locally in Zimbabwe and contains worm castings (and various other decomposed organic matter) which are an organic form of fertilizer produced from earthworms. Also known as vermicast, worm castings manure is essentially earthworm waste, otherwise known as worm poo. As these creatures eat through compost, their waste creates an optimal soil enricher.
What are its uses?
Our organic worm castings are excellent for any kind of plant in the ground, in greenhouses, pots, seedling trays or raised beds. They contain all the essential nutrients that plants need in addition to enriching the soil in which the plants are grown. Not only can this fertilizer be used on nearly any type of plant, it can also be used directly on plants without burning them. Vermicompost manure can be applied as top dressing, side dressing, or worked into the soil.
Benefits of Vermicompost for Your Plants and Soil
Pathogen Suppression: Studies suggest vermicompost does not kill pathogens in the soil, but rather keeps the pathogens from becoming virulent and attacking your plants.
Nutrient Delivery: Vermicompost, in comparison to conventional compost, normally possesses higher levels of plant-available nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus.
Water Retention: You will probably be surprised at how dense vermicompost is, thanks to its impressive water retention capabilities. In areas with depleted – or depleting – water sources and/or soil heavy in sand or clay, adding vermicompost or worm castings to the soil will help keep the water in the soil and conserve that precious resource.
Increased Microorganism Populations: Vermicompost can be a thriving microbial community, full of beneficial fungi and bacteria that aid in soil health. Healthy soil is said to consist of around 5% organic material, but in over-farmed soil, that number has fallen to 1%. Introducing vermicompost to soil can help restore that balance.
Pest Suppression: Similar to its effect on pathogens, vermicompost does not kill or repel pests, but can help stave off attack.
Plant Growth Regulation and Higher Yields: Studies abound that show that vermicompost or worm castings application results in a higher yield with crops ranging from strawberries to tomatoes to peppers and more. Some vermicomposts can also feature hormones that regulate and promote plant growth.
Polluted Soil Remediation: It's far beyond the scope of this article (and my own knowledge) to explain how, but countless studies indicate earthworms and the microbes found in lively vermicompost are shown to remediate soil contaminated with hydrocarbons, agrichemical pollutants, heavy metal free radicals, and more.
In Short
The best analogy regarding vermicompost vs fertilizer is as follows - fertilizer feeds the plant while vermicompost feeds the plant AND the soil. And if you re-read the list above, most of these benefits are a result of how vermicompost benefits the growing medium itself rather than the plant directly.
There's no way to synthetically replicate the benefits of vermicompost. Scientists have not been able to replicate whatever it is in a worm's gut that creates this magical substance, so it would be irresponsible to claim that all vermicomposts will possess the above characteristics. It is not a commodity like fertilizer.
But any combination of pest/pathogen suppression, water retention, promotion of microbes, and plant growth PLUS diverting waste from the landfill HAS to be a good thing, no?