The microorganisms break down the organic matter, the worms eat the
microorganisms. Seems reasonable. But if that's the case, why would
worm composting be any faster than regular composting? In regular
composting, those same microorganisms break the organic matter down
into humus, right? Obviously I'm no rocket scientist, but how does
adding a second stage to the process increase the overall rate?

I have read about batch composting systems that took only 2-3 months
to convert the materials added to humus, and continuous systems that
take 4-6 months (though I'm not sure how they figured that one
exactly), but I've read references to worm based composting systems
converting the raw organic matter into humus within just a few weeks,
and of continuous systems handling up to 7 pounds of raw organic
matter (food scraps, maybe garden scraps too?) per week, and
presumably they'd have to convert the organic matter to humus within a
few weeks as well.

Not everything I read jives, so I get a bit confused.

Thanks for the info on how your worms are doing. I guess if they can
handle conditions as severe as where you live then where I live ought
to be duck soup.

I will try to find more faq's about the process, and apreciate your
feedback. Thanks.

-Zach




"Stan Goodman" wrote in message news:uViCr8LlbtmJ-pn2-xd9qvlrRjiJT@poblano...
On Thu, 1 Jul 2004 08:10:45 UTC, (Zach) opined:
In worm composting, can you feed the worms garden refuse (leaves from
radishes, clippings, tomato vines after they're ready to be chucked,
etc.)?

In fact, the worms don't eat any of those things. The process of rotting is
performed by microorganisms; what the worms eat is the microorganisms, not
the feed. If you feed the compost heap with a reasonable mix of nitrogen and
carbon (i.e. green material and dead vegetable material), the worms will be
happy. As you say, the heap mustn't get too hot, and much of the heat is the
result of the rotting, rather than the ambient temperature.

Also, looking around, I saw indications that worms get stressed at 85F
or higher. I live in Hilo, Hawaii, and it gets up there a bit. Are

Summer afternoon termperatures here are often well above that, occasionally
reaching 104F, and my worms have been happy for years. I feed the heap they
live in gradually; the heap is actually in a large container, kept in the
shade; the heap must be kept moist. An alternative to gradual feeding is to
let the material rot well first, turning it often, until it no longer
generates heat, and only then to introduce the worms.

there breeds of composting worms that would do well here? I tried
looking for info at the hawaii.gardening group, but couldn't find much
there (which kind of hinted that maybe it can't be done here).

Do a Google search on 'vermiculture'. You'll find lots of papers, FAQs, and
the like.

thanks,

-Zach

--
Stan Goodman
Qiryat Tiv'on
Israel

Saddam is gone. Ceterum, censeo Arafat esse delendum.

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