VermiCompost

Vermicompost is the product of earthworm digestion and aerobic decomposition using the activities of micro- and macroorganisms. Vermicomposting, or worm composting, produces a rich, organic soil containing an assortment of plant nutrients and beneficial microorganisms.

Each tray consists of four solid sides, an open top, and a bottom covered in a hardware screen. The trays interlock when stacked on top of each other, creating layers for the composting.

The bottom layer is filled with bedding, food scraps. and some worms. Kitchen and paper scraps are placed in this layer until it is full, then new bedding and scraps are placed in the next tray up.

The worms naturally move up through the screen towards the new scraps, repeating the composting process.

There are several benefits for vermicomposting but the two most popular are (1) diverting food waste from the landfill and reducing trash collection fees and (2) creating resources from waste materials.

Vermicomposting can be utilized in gardens to promote plant growth. This nutrient rich soil will provide plants with valuable organic matter, nutrients, and a diversity of beneficial microbes.

Fun Fact: 8,000 to 12,000 worms can process 5-8 pounds of food per week!

Our vermicomposting bed can be found in one of our greenhouses at the Sustainability Center as the material is being used as a based for compost tea. 
                                                                                                                Image by Gardenersedge


Please contact the Sustainability Office at (985) 549-3333 to learn more about Vermicompost and other sustainable initiatives and scheduling a tour of Southeastern's Sustainability Center, email us at sustainability@southeastern.edu.