The Worm Farmer's Handbook: Mid- To Large-Scale Vermicomposting for Farms, Businesses, Municipalities, Schools, and Institutions 9781603587792, 1603587799, 9781603587808, 1603587802

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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.

The Worm Farmer's Handbook: Mid- To Large-Scale Vermicomposting for Farms, Businesses, Municipalities, Schools, and Institutions
 9781603587792, 1603587799, 9781603587808, 1603587802

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