Worm Compost

We are using worm compost on the farm which started its journey as sewage sludge, the thick material left over after treating wastewater. While the sludge is packed with organic matter and nutrients, it also contains some undesirable pathogens and contaminants. By composting this sludge with the help of earthworms, we turn it into a nutrient-rich resource for our farm.

Why Worms Are the Best at This
Worms are nature’s fastest natural composters, and they excel at breaking down organic matter. Here’s how they work their magic on sewage sludge:
1.     Digestion: When earthworms munch on the sewage sludge, they break down complex organic materials into simpler, more useful compounds. This process helps to eliminate pathogens and reduce harmful substances, making the compost safe for our crops.
2.     Boosting Microbial Activity: Worms help kickstart a community of beneficial microorganisms in the compost. These tiny helpers further decompose organic material and make nutrients more available to our plants.
3.     Nutrient Transformation: As worms digest the sludge, they convert the nutrients into forms that plants can easily absorb. The result is worm compost that’s rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and other essential nutrients, plus beneficial compounds like humic acids that enhance soil fertility.
4.     Improving Soil Structure: The castings produced by worms have a great texture that improves soil aeration and water retention. This is vital for strong root systems and helps our crops thrive.

Why Use Worm Compost?
1. Sustainable Waste Management
Using sewage sludge that’s been worm composted means it’s a safe way of making a resource out of something that would otherwise be wasted.
2. Boosting Soil Fertility
Worm compost provides a slow-release source of nutrients, ensuring that our crops get the essential elements they need over time. This leads to better yields and healthier produce.
3. Promoting Microbial Diversity
Adding worm compost enriches the soil with a variety of beneficial microbes. This diversity is essential for nutrient cycling and helps keep our soil resilient against pests and diseases.
4. Reducing Soil Erosion
The improved soil structure from worm compost helps to prevent erosion. Healthier soils are better at holding moisture and standing up to heavy rain and wind.
5. Storing Carbon
Worm compost helps sequester carbon in the soil, playing a part in tackling climate change. By boosting soil organic matter, we’re not just helping our crops—we’re helping the planet, too!

Spreading It Out: Muck Spreader to the Rescue
This autumn, we’ve spread 600 tonnes of our worm compost at about 10 tonnes per hectare across our fields. To do this efficiently, we use a muck spreader, which ensures an even distribution of this valuable compost.

By harnessing the incredible work of earthworms, we turn waste into a powerful tool for enhancing soil health, boosting fertility, and supporting biodiversity. With our recent application of 600 tonnes of worm compost this autumn, we’re committed to growing healthy, productive crops while doing our part for the environment. As we continue to explore innovative farming techniques, we’re excited about the benefits that worm compost will bring to our practices for years to come. If you’d like to use worms on a small scale to compost your kitchen waste check out our latest Worm Composting kit at Wiggly Wigglers – The Urbalive which will deal with an average family of fours’ kitchen waste and make some of the very best compost and liquid feed available on our planet.