Earthworms & Soil
Lyn Masters, Sam Rebmann, Ashley Williston
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What's the Issue?
What's the Issue?
Soil is the foundation of life. What we put in is what we get out. Intensive monoculture farming has created a disconnect between humans and our relationship with the land. These practices have depleted soil of necessary nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorous that help the plant grow. Heavy fertilizer and pesticide use has killed off soil microbes that generate life underground. The use of heavy machinery in agriculture also leads to the compaction of soil, and because of other conditions mentioned previously, there aren't organisms to break up the soil. Organic matter is an integral part of soil health because it allows the soil to hold on to those essential nutrients and retain water.
What Do Earthworms Do for Soil?
What Do Earthworms Do for Soil?
These decomposers are highly beneficial for life underground. When they burrow it creates open spaces which improves water infiltration and soil aeration, relieving compaction. They contribute greatly to nutrient cycling. They feed on organic matter in the soil, their digestive system concentrates the materials, and the excrements are called worm castings. Worm castings are rich in nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus which are more readily available for plants to take up than when they were previously existing in the soil. Casts also improve soil structure by creating soil aggregates which increase moisture-holding capacity.
Implementation Plan
Implementation Plan
Our plan involves installing compost bins for vermicomposting (worm composting). This will allow the SAP to make its compost by recycling its waste products. For this, we would get Red Wiggler Worms (eisenis fetida) which are known to be efficient and hardy. They can also break down materials faster than traditional composting. These worms are capable of composting a variety of foods including, but not limited to:
Fruits
Vegetables
Eggshells
Coffee grounds
Pasta
Bread
Grains
In addition, worms can also break down hair, lawn clippings, paper, cardboard, and tea bags. By utilizing the available sources on and off campus, we can create a sustainable cycle of recycling waste materials. Some of these sources include GVSU’s Fresh Food Company, local restaurants, and coffee shops. Similarly, in the summer, grass clipping from campus can be gathered and used for fueling the worms. These steps will support the sustainability of the SAP and reduce its carbon footprint in a cost-efficient way. Red wigglers also reproduce quickly and can double their population within three months. Therefore additional compost bins can be added. Furthermore, excess organic compost can be shared with local farmers to promote community.
The Design
The Design
The first step would be to start five short stackable totes and five taller stackable totes (15” or taller). Start by drilling a couple of air holes into the taller tote and then aligning them with holes along the sides of the bottom for drainage. Then glue a screen covering over these lower holes with waterproof glue. The bins should then stack together with the larger one in the shorter one. Next, fill the bins with a three to four-inch layer of shredded paper followed by a couple of pounds of soil. Now for the worms, each bin should contain one pound of worms (~1000 worms). Worms eat about half of their weight in food every day, so they only need a couple of pounds of food twice a week. Red Wigglers, on average, will double in population every three months. If expansion becomes necessary, move some worms to a new bin to thieve and propagate. After three-four months the compost will be ready for harvesting. Worms can be encouraged to migrate to the left side of the bin by target-feeding the right side or visa versa. Then by alternating the feeding side to harvest each section of the bin. On average a thousand worms make eight to sixteen ounces of compost so every couple of days should provide at least a couple of pounds of compost. The bottom bin will collect excess liquid which can be used as a natural fertilizer. Lastly, during the winter months normally the adult worms would die off and the new eggs would not hatch until spring. However, they can be brought into the farmhouse garage, or a tarp can be secured around the bin for extra protection. This way worms will stay productive but at a much slower rate so they will need to feed less often.
Budget
Budget
For the start-up costs, the main costs will be the worms and the compost bin materials. The land is free because it belongs to GVSU. Similarly, the only tools necessary would be trowels which the SAP already owns. For the compost bin materials, the shorter bins cost $10.99 (5 x $10.99 = $54.95) and the taller bins cost $15.99 (5 x $15.99 = $79.95). The window screen rolls cost $12.99. The waterproof silicone glue cost $4.98 ($54.95 + $79.95 + $12.99 + $4.98 = $152.87). Lastly, the worms cost $48.95 per pound we ended up with five pounds (5 x $48.95 = $244.75). All the food comes from recycled food scraps and renewable sources, so the total is $0. The total cost for this project is $152.87 + $244.75 = $397.62.
Triple Bottom Line Analysis
Triple Bottom Line Analysis
Environmental
Environmental
Increases life and diversity in the soil
Plants have more readily available nutrients
Reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers
Vermicomposting returns organic matter back to the earth rather than the landfill where it would release greenhouse gases
Social
Social
Re-establishes a connection with the land through meaningful practices
Provides learning opportunities for soil health and composting
Crops are more nutritious
Economic
Economic
No expenses for synthetic fertilizers
Extra vermicompost can be sold, generating some extra income for the farm while also contributing to the local economy
LOCAL
LOCAL
Locally, we can encourage farms in the area and local gardners to implement the use of worms in their soil. Community programs could help to educate people on how to bring good soil practices into their own green spaces.
NATIONAL
NATIONAL
Nationally, the USDA could offer incentives for farmers who improve soil health through use of worms. NRCS grants could be offered to encourage large scale implementation.
GLOBAL
GLOBAL
Globally, people can make a shift towards being more mindful of the soil and the macrofauna that helps keep it healthy. Widescale awareness of soil health could lead to encouraging native worm speices with nourishing habitats.
Comparable Programs
Comparable Programs
University of Michigan Matthaei Botanical Gardens
University of Michigan Matthaei Botanical Gardens
The University of Michigan has a Nature Academy internship program at Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum. The conservatory has plants from 3 different major climate zones - tropical, arid, and temperate. It serves as a place of learning for people to understand different types of plant life throughout the world. In 2018, interns conducted a soil improvement project to improve the overall health of the conservancy through soil quality. The project included building terrace walls, worms, and compost. They introduced 10,000 worms into the conservatory and were very pleased with the results of the plant growth. The worms helped fight compaction and they also worked to incorporate the addition of compost that was laid on top, into the soil.
Partridge Creek Farm
Partridge Creek Farm
Located in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Partridge Creek Farm is a community-supported agriculture site that uses vermicompost to nourish their garden beds. Their main priority is keeping organic waste out of landfills and using it to make high-quality soil to ensure their crops thrive. They also sell the vermicompost and the profits go toward education programs for sustainable agriculture practices.
References
References
“Compost Project.” Partridge Creek Farm, 24 Aug. 2022, https://partridgecreekfarm.org/projects-and-programs/compost-project/.
“How Earthworms Can Help Your Soil.” NSW Department of Primary Industries, 1 Jan. 1970, https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/soils/guides/soil-biology/earthworms#:~:text=By%20their%20activity%20in%20the,which%20help%20improve%20farm%20productivity.&text=Worms%20feed%20on%20plant%20debris,grasses%2C%20manure)%20and%20soil.
Opp, Mason. “Intern Post: Walls, Worms, and Lots and Lots of Compost.” Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum, 2018, https://mbgna.umich.edu/walls-worms-and-lots-and-lots-of-compost/.
“Should I Put Earthworms in My Garden?” University of New Hampshire, 11 Dec. 2020, https://extension.unh.edu/blog/2020/12/should-i-put-earthworms-my-garden.
“1000 Red Composting Worm Mix.” Uncle Jim's Worm Farm, 31 Oct. 2022, https://unclejimswormfarm.com/product/composting-worms/1000-red-composting-worm-mix/.
Brown, Paul. “Vermicomposting: How Many Worms Are Needed?” Thriving Yard, Thriving Yard, 11 Jan. 2020, https://thrivingyard.com/how-many-worms/#bintype.
“Dirt Dynasty, Buywormcastings.com, Vermicompost Online Dirt.” Buy Organic Worm Casting Fertilizer, https://www.buywormcastings.com/VermicompostGardening/HowMuchNeeded.
“Easy Worm Bin.” Cheap and Easy Worm Bin!, http://whatcom.wsu.edu/ag/compost/easywormbin.htm.
“How to Create and Maintain an Indoor Worm Composting Bin.” EPA, Environmental Protection Agency, https://www.epa.gov/recycle/how-create-and-maintain-indoor-worm-composting-bin#:~:text=Combine%20shredded%20paper%2C%20soil%20and,not%20forming%20puddles%20of%20water.
“I Keep Worms in My Living Room and Here's Why.” HGTV, https://www.hgtv.com/outdoors/gardens/planting-and-maintenance/tips-on-how-to-vermicompost-or-make-compost-with-worms.
Jim, Uncle. “Get Your Worms Ready for the Cold Now.” Uncle Jim's Worm Farm, 9 Apr. 2022, https://unclejimswormfarm.com/get-your-worms-ready-for-the-cold-now/.
Jim, Uncle. “Winterize Your Worm Composting Bin.” Uncle Jim's Worm Farm, 24 Oct. 2017, https://unclejimswormfarm.com/winterize-worm-composting-bin/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAgribBhDkARIsAASA5buNRvQIqNO7t9ewmcCDQrT2hY0gur9Q0yqJVTMBqB3aa6dnJ-9b5LcaAu0lEALw_wcB.
“Start Your Own Worm Bin.” Wiggle Room - Vermicomposting and Worm Castings in Connecticut, https://www.wiggleroom.org/start-your-own-worm-bin.html.
“Start Your Own Worm Bin.” Wiggle Room - Vermicomposting and Worm Castings in Connecticut, https://www.wiggleroom.org/start-your-own-worm-bin.html.
“Triple Bottom Line (TBL) Certification.” SAI, 11 May 2022, https://sa-intl.org/programs/tbl/.
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