The Worm Farmer's Handbook: Mid- To Large-Scale Vermicomposting for Farms, Businesses, Municipalities, Schools, and Institutions
9781603587792, 1603587799, 9781603587808, 1603587802
Choice Reviews, Outstanding Academic Title
Techniques and systems for processing food scraps, manure, yard debris, pape
Table of contents : Intro Praise for The Worm Farmer's Handbook Title Page Copyright Dedication Contents Introduction 1. Why Venture into Vermicomposting? Vermicomposting, Vermicast, and Compost Vermiculture Versus Vermicomposting A Bit of Vermicomposting History Who Is Vermicomposting Today? Markets for Earthworms Markets for Vermicast Earthworm-Related Commerce 2. How Vermicast Benefits Soils and Plants What Is Vermicast? Vermicast Versus Compost Characteristics of Vermicast Vermicast Effects on Soils Vermicast Effects on Plant Growth Arthropod Pest Control. Plant Pathogen (Disease) ControlPlant Parasitic Nematode Control 3. Key Things to Know About Earthworms Anatomy and Physiology Basics Amazing Earthworm Facts Ecological Groups and Species Earthworm Reproduction Earthworm Needs for Vermicomposting 4. Planning for Success Check State and Local Regulations Prepare a Business Plan Develop a Marketing Plan Education as a Component of Marketing Create a Promotional Plan What to Avoid: Why Operations Fail 5. Designing Your Vermicomposting Setup Parameters for Choosing a System Space Requirements Types of Vermi-Systems. Covering the BedAccessing the Worm Bed 6. Vermicomposting Basics Bedding Options and Preparation Adding Earthworms to Your Vermi-System Utility Needs Safety 7. Earthworm Feeds and Feeding Methods Feedstock Options Developing a Feedstock Recipe Processing Feedstocks Testing New Feedstocks Worm Feed Characteristics Pre-Composting Feedstocks Feeding Schedule Applying Feedstocks to the Bed 8. Monitoring Your Worm Bed Environment The Daily Inspection Moisture Control Temperature Control Lighting Earthworm Predators or Annoyances Troubleshooting Worm Bed Conditions. Recording Observations9. Harvesting and Post-Harvest Practices Manual Earthworm Removal Vermicast Harvesting Packaging and Shipping Earthworms Vermicast: Quality, Stability, and Maturity of Product Product Labeling Tea or Aqueous Extracts 10. Vermicomposting Operations Around the World Resources Notes Bibliography About the Author.