Redworms

Redworms have various common names such as red wiggler worms, brandling worms and tiger worms. Its scientific name is Eisenia foetida. They are well adapted to decaying organic material environment. That’s why they are predominantly used in worm composting.

Habitat:

It is an epigeic worm, which means that they prefer living under the soil surface. They are rarely found on the surface. They prefer conditions where other worms cannot survive. They cannot tolerate sunlight as their skin is very sensitive to harsh light.

They prefer dark and moist environment.

Commercial use:

Redworms are easily available at any bait shops, commercial breeders or they can be naturally found in horse stables and manure piles.

Since redworms are natural organisms for converting organic waste into rich fertilizers they are commonly used in warm farms and worm composting and sold for vermiculture. They are also sold as bait.

Because of its ready availability, they are generally used in “home vermiculture system” or “worm box system” to create rich manure for house plants, gardens and backyard.

Why is it useful in vermiculture?

Redworms have an amazing ability to process organic matter such as vegetable and fruit peels, meats, dairy products and leaves into compost that is high in diatomaceous earth. These composts are rich fertilizers for agricultural soil.

How is it used in vermiculture?

It is important to create a favorable living environment for redworms when used in the process of vermiculture. As they prefer dark, moist environment and survive on organic matter, it is important to make sure that these factors are taken into consideration for a successful vermiculture process.

Redworms can tolerate a wide range of temperature; however the ideal temperature is 55 to 77 degree F. They require controlled temperature, aeration, moisture content and proper pH level to thrive in a worm farm. It should not be exposed to extreme temperature like excess sunlight, freezing atmosphere and heavy rainfall.

Redworms breathe through their skin. Hence the moisture content in the worm bin should be adequate to keep their skin moist. Make sure the bedding used in the bin does not exceed 84 degree F as it would be harmful and fatal to redworm population.

They breathe in oxygen and give out carbon dioxide hence proper aeration is a must in and around a worm bin.

They can tolerate pH levels from 4.2 to 8.0 or higher, however, they perform best in 7.0. Lime (calcium carbonate) and pulverized egg shells help in maintaining a more favorable pH level in the worm bin. Although only limestone is suitable and not hydrated lime, as the wrong kind of lime kills the worms.

If all these factors are taken into consideration while using redworms in a vermiculture process, then the worms will be more active and produce high quality compost for harvesting.