abhishreshthaa
Abhijeet S
Turning Garbage Into Dollars
The moneymaking potential of vermiculture is so attractive that it is rapidly becoming a growth industry. There are three key components of commercial vermiculture which explain its present appeal and future potential:
First, red worms are capable of transforming huge amounts of waste which is of growing concern in our society.
For those who are raising worms for profit, this means the feedstock is generally plentiful and free. (Landfill diversion sites charge "tipping fees" for green waste to be brought to them, ranging from $15 to $75 per ton that is around) Typical feedstocks also consist of manure from a variety of animals: horses, cows, pigs, sheep, rabbits, etc.
Second, the worm population can double in 2 to 4 months. Thus, after acquiring an initial inventory as breeding stock, sales of worms can be realized in a relatively short time, particularly when comparing their prolific breeding rates to other forms of livestock.
Third, the production of castings ("worm manure") is a highly prized soil amendment, sought by landscapers, gardeners, and horticulturists. Studies about the nutrient-rich vermicompost have proven its preferred value over ordinary compost and synthetic fertilizers.
According to one source, "Castings contain the plant nutrients which are encased in mucus membranes which are secreted by the earthworms. They dissolve slowly rather than allowing immediate nutrient leaching.
The product has excellent soil structure, porosity, aeration and water retention capabilities. The product can insulate plant roots from extreme temperatures, reduce erosion and control weeds."
The moneymaking potential of vermiculture is so attractive that it is rapidly becoming a growth industry. There are three key components of commercial vermiculture which explain its present appeal and future potential:
First, red worms are capable of transforming huge amounts of waste which is of growing concern in our society.
For those who are raising worms for profit, this means the feedstock is generally plentiful and free. (Landfill diversion sites charge "tipping fees" for green waste to be brought to them, ranging from $15 to $75 per ton that is around) Typical feedstocks also consist of manure from a variety of animals: horses, cows, pigs, sheep, rabbits, etc.
Second, the worm population can double in 2 to 4 months. Thus, after acquiring an initial inventory as breeding stock, sales of worms can be realized in a relatively short time, particularly when comparing their prolific breeding rates to other forms of livestock.
Third, the production of castings ("worm manure") is a highly prized soil amendment, sought by landscapers, gardeners, and horticulturists. Studies about the nutrient-rich vermicompost have proven its preferred value over ordinary compost and synthetic fertilizers.
According to one source, "Castings contain the plant nutrients which are encased in mucus membranes which are secreted by the earthworms. They dissolve slowly rather than allowing immediate nutrient leaching.
The product has excellent soil structure, porosity, aeration and water retention capabilities. The product can insulate plant roots from extreme temperatures, reduce erosion and control weeds."