Vermicomposting based on shredded paper for organic soil and liquid fertilizer production

Abstract

Vermicompost is solid compost generated by special worms and associated microorganisms. Vermicompost is produced from plant wastes, manures and other organic by-products such as paper. There are several commercial producers of vermicompost usingboth Eisenia ferida or (forelda) (Red wigglers or Tigerworms) and Perionyx excavatus (Blue worms) in the world, with feedstock's ranging from chicken and pig manure to kitchen scraps and cardboard. The specific objective of this study is to evaluate the process of vermicomposting, using Eisenia foteida worms fed mainly with shredded paper from the waste materials produced in the Perrotis College and with additionally added AFS manure. A second objective is to measure and analyze the liquid drained material for possible use as an organic fertilizer. The results obtained from this study indicated that the worms were very effectively decomposing the shredded paper and they produced significant amounts of solid and mainly liquid drainage material which was tested in pot experiments with positive effects on lettuce plants. Results from greenhouse projects showed positive effects of lettuce and wheat weight grown in pots and under various other fertilizer treatments.