What are the procees of composting and vermi composting?
Answers
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Plant and animal material decompose into garden soil through a process called composting. Nitrogen- and carbon-rich by-products, such as plant stalks, vegetable peelings, egg shells, leaves and yard waste, combine to create an environment suitable for micro-organisms to break them down into humus, the rich brown soil plants need for optimal growth. Vermicomposting, one method of creating compost, uses red worms (Eisenia foetida) or red wigglers (Lumbricus rubellus) to create compost. Dampened carbon and nitrogen materials, such as newspaper strips and grass clippings, are layered in the compost bin before adding the worms.
Aeration
Most composting systems require someone to turn the compost each week with a shovel or pitchfork to aerate the middle of the compost pile. Without aeration, the inner part of the pile would heat up above 160 degrees Fahrenheit and would kill the micro-organisms necessary for composting. In a vermicomposting system, worms tunnel in the soil, creating pathways for air to travel so turning the pile is not necessary. Commercially available vermicompost bins contain screen-covered holes to allow oxygen into the bin.
Fertilizer
Vermicompost contains more nutrients than other forms of compost. Vermicompost is concentrated with high levels of phosphorous and nitrogen, and should be used sparingly. Vermicomposting also creates a concentrated liquid as a by-product of the composting process. Collect the liquid in a tray beneath the vermicompost bin, and dilute it with water to form a "compost tea." Compost tea provides a nutrient-rich drink for established plants.
Convenience
Vermicomposting does not require as much space as traditional compost piles and can be done indoors or outside. It only requires a bin approximately 8 to 16 inches deep with 1- to 2-square-feet of surface area. Other composting methods slow down in very cold weather. Since vermicomposting can be done under a kitchen cabinet or in a heated garage, it is spared any inclement weather and can be done year-round.
Expense
A traditional compost pile may require less of an investment than vermicomposting. Traditional piles require the expense of a garden hose, water and a pitchfork. Vermicomposting requires the purchase of a bin, a watering can and the purchase of the worms.