Vermiculture and Vermicomposting on Cebu Natural Farm

For about 6 months now, we've began to use compost worms known as African night crawlers (Eudrilus euginae) to create our vermicasts. First we gathered cow, pig and carabao manure in a 3 feet x 10 feet bin. We allowed the manure to undergo pre-composting before introducing the worms. This allows for the neutralization of the heat which can kill the worms. We then regularly keep the moisture level to a minimum of 70%. The crude way to test is to feel the moisture in the soil by grabbing a handful of compost; yet no water should be extruded out once you apply a bit of force on the compost in your hands.

Vermicomposting usually takes a minimum of 8 weeks before you are able to utilize the compost from a 3x10 bin. Right about this time the worms would be about 3-4 times the volume when you began. This allows you to repeat the cycle of vermicomposting with 3 more bins after about 8 weeks. As you can see while vermicomposting you're also able to culture worms (vermiculture). A 3x10 bin with 8 inch depth will produce about 10 sacks (cement sack) of compost.

We utilize the compost as a basal fertilizer to support the vertical growth of the plants. We also use it as a top dress fertilizer to support the flowering and fruiting stage of the plant.