The Worm Farmer's Handbook
Description
Turn waste into wealth! Vermicast ? a biologically active, nutrient-rich mix of earthworm castings and decomposed organic matter ? sells for $400 or more per cubic yard. Compare that to regular compost, sold at about $30 a cubic yard, and you’ll see why vermicomposting has taken root on a global scale. Vermicomposting is also one of the best sustainable solutions for organic waste management. Vermicast has higher nutrient levels and lower soluble salt content than regular compost, and it improves soil aeration, porosity and water retention. Plus, vermicast suppresses plant diseases and insect attacks. The Worm Farmer’s Handbook details the ins and outs of vermicomposting for mid- to large-scale operations, including how to recycle organic materials ranging from food wastes and yard trimmings to manure and shredded office paper. This book digs into all the details, including:
- Choosing the right production system
- Regulatory issues and developing a business and marketing plan
- Finding and managing feedstocks
- Pre-composting: why and how to do it
- Monitoring an active worm bed
- Harvesting, screening, testing, packaging, and storing vermicast
- Markets for earthworms and vermicast
- Food security: how vermicast benefits soils and plants
- Keys to success: avoiding common pitfalls
- Paperback, 256 pages
