Chemical composition and agrotechnical properties of vermicompost as a fertilizer

Vermicompost (worm compost) is a highly effective humus organic fertilizer produced by the processing of organic substrates by earthworms. The nutritional value of the final product depends directly on the quality of the raw material: the richer the substrate is in organic matter, the more concentrated the fertilizer becomes. For an agronomist, this is a ready-to-use tool for rapidly saturating the soil with available nutrients and beneficial microflora. On average, one ton of absolutely dry vermicompost provides the soil with 60 to 80 kg of nutrients in a form easily accessible to plants.

• Available nutrition per 1 t of dry matter — 60–80 kg
• Humus content compared to manure — 4–8 times higher
• Bacteria per 1 g of vermicompost — 100–200 billion
• Acidity (pH) — 6.8–7.2

The chemical composition of freshly prepared vermicompost is characterized by a balance of essential nutrients and trace elements. Precise indicators of substance content per absolutely dry matter are presented in the table. These proportions may vary depending on the raw material, but in general, the composition remains optimal for plant nutrition.

In addition to macro- and microelements, vermicompost works as a powerful microbiological and growth-stimulating product. The concentration of beneficial bacteria in it is colossal: while 1 g of regular manure contains 150–350 million colonies, in vermicompost this figure reaches 100–200 billion. The fertilizer also contains natural enzymes, soil antibiotics, vitamins, and growth hormones. The neutral pH (6.8–7.2) helps suppress the development of pathogens in the soil.

Compared to traditional composts, vermicompost possesses several important physical-mechanical and technological advantages. It is distinguished by the consistency of its structure, friability, and regulated humidity. When applying this fertilizer, an agronomist gains the following practical benefits:

• the fertilizer "does not burn" (it does not overheat the soil or damage roots);
• it possesses high water capacity, moisture resistance, and hydrophilicity;
• the granules have good mechanical strength;
• weed seeds are completely absent from its composition.

Economics and application technologies of vermicompost

From a practical and financial perspective, the application of vermicompost is much more profitable than using manure. Working with manure requires significant costs for transporting large volumes, is highly dependent on the weather, and triggers field infestation with weeds. The costs of applying vermicompost turn out to be 3–4 times lower. This is achieved through lower fertilizer application rates per hectare and the optimization of methods for its incorporation into the soil. Expenses for its production or purchase are fully compensated by the reduction in logistics costs and increased yield.