KARL JULIAN T. JARANILLA, SHIELA MAE A. JUELE (MARCH 2012)
Philippine Science High School Western Visayas Campus – Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PSHS WVC), Brgy. Bito-on, Jaro, Iloilo City 5000, Philippines
ABSTRACT
Vermicomposting is a process of decomposition that uses various species of earthworms to convert organic waste into natural fertilizer called the vermicast. These excretion or worm castings are richer in nutrients than the topsoil. Waste materials such as kitchen waste, dead plants, paper, cardboard, grass clippings, or garden waste may be used as substrates or worm feed in this process. The “African Nightcrawler” (Eudrilus eugeniae) is the earthworm species suited to be grown in the Philippines for the production of vermicompost and vermimeal. NPK and organic matter (%O.M) are important components of complete fertilizers. NPK stands for nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, the three macronutrients necessary for plant growth. Nitrogen promotes top growth, phosphorus stimulates root growth and potassium enhances flowering and fruiting. Organic matter contains acids that make plant roots more permeable. improving uptake of water and nutrients. Organic matter also helps make good environment for microbes and organisms that aid in plants’ health and growth. It also improves the texture of all types of soil. This study compared the vermicasts or the worm castings produced in three different vermicomposting beds containing a certain substrate on each bed. Banana leaves, banana trunks and banana fruit peelings were the substrates used. Analysis of the NPK and %O.M was done in the Department of Agriculture Regional Soils Laboratory. The worm castings from the vermibed with the banana substrates contained the highest amount of %0.M and potassium. The vermicast from the vermibed with the banana leaves substrates contained the highest amount of phosphorus.