Ecobreves – MEXICO: Worm-Made Fertilizer Regenerates Soils

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MEXICO CITY, Apr 5 2010 (IPS) - The use of organic fertilizer made by worms is on the rise in Mexico. “With the problems generated by chemical fertilizers, what is known as vermicomposting is a return to the natural, the organic,” Ray Mora, an independent agricultural consultant, told Tierramérica.

Worm composting or vermicomposting is the raising and management of worms in captivity to obtain humus – organic matter that is completely broken down – for agricultural use.

To create the fertilizer, a layer of organic waste is laid out, and over it a handful of worms. The best option is the California red worm, which has a great capacity for transforming the waste into humus.

“The structure of the soil is improved, and the worms reproduce quickly,” Mora said.

A soil bed of one square meter requires about two kilograms of worms, which cost about 40 dollars per kilo.