| STEP 3: PRODUCING QUALITY EARTHWORM CASTINGS
To optimize ideal conditions for compost decomposition
and converting compost to vermicompost (worm castings)
using Red Worms, four variables should be monitored
closely; temperature, moisture levels, oxygen and
soil pH balance. Research conducted by experts in
the industry list these variables and the ideal growth
environment for Red Worms below:
• Ideal temperature: 15 to 20°C (60 to
70°F)
• Ambient moisture level: 64 to 80 percent
• Oxygen requirement: gaseous oxygen from the
air.
• Soil pH: > 5 and < 9
Earthworms consume large quantities of organic material
equivalent their own body weight every 24 hours. They
expend energy turning the soil, which, in effect will
aerate the windrows and minimize odor buildup. Half
of what Red Worms eat will become viable plant food
(earthworm castings).
As you become familiar with the KISS process, you’ll
be an eyewitness to the methods Red Worms use to convert
your compost to earthworm castings. Remember each
windrow has a different time frame as to when the
worm castings are ready for harvest can be processed.
Always give each windrow a little longer time before
harvesting to ensure the worms have thoroughly broken
down the vermicompost. Doing so will also leave more
worm castings in the soil.
STEP 4: SOIL MOISTURE AND IRRIGATION
While your worms are hard at work for you, monitoring
the amount of moisture in the air will impact their
ability to work even harder. If possible, we encourage
farmers to use a misting irrigation system that runs
through the entire windrow.
If you have the irrigation system set on a timer,
it will enable you to be consistent with watering
and controlling the amount of moisture windrows receive.
Remember to always keep the soil moist, but don’t
over water it to where the bottom of the windrow becomes
soggy.
STEP 5: USE A SUITABLE WINDROW COVER
If your windrows are in an exposed environment,
it’s strongly recommended you use plastic tarps
or a similar fabric to divert rainwater runoff and
prevent leaching. Doing so will also preserve nutrients
in the vermicompost, ensuring an optimal climate for
worms.
Even after the worms have left their castings, it’s
wise to cover the casting and prevent any loss of
nutrients from exposure to rain or the exposed environment.
There are numerous companies you can contact which
sell tarps and fabric covers specifically for composting,
which can be used for vermicomposting. We recommend:
? Midwest Bio-Systems – 800-689-0714, ask for
compost covers. www.aeromasterequipment.com
? Champlain Valley Compost Co. 802-425-5556, ask
for the Compostex Cover.
? W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc 888 914 4673, ask
for the Compoguard Cover. www.gore.com
STEP 6: HARVEST YOUR CASTINGS
Timing the harvest is critical to getting the best
return on your time and investment. Worms will always
create the best castings when they have an ideal environment
to thrive in. Expect to harvest castings from the
most active windrows in as little as two months. Depending
on the size of the windrow and the environment worms
grow in, it can take up to six months for castings
to be ready for harvest. As you become familiar with
the KISS Plan, applying it on your farm, you’ll
be able to anticipate the ideal times for harvesting
castings.
Learning the science of vermicomposting can be one
of the wisest investments you make with your organic
compost. Following the KISS plan ensures you’re
following a proven process that’s used by farmers,
gardeners and industry experts from around the world.
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