Properties of vermicompost

Properties of vermicompost

1. Physical properties

Vermicompost is a black, uniform, finely divided material with a natural earthy taste. Its physical properties are determined by the properties of raw materials and the degree of digestion by earthworms. It has good porosity, air permeability, drainage and high water holding capacity. Because vermicompost has a large surface area, many beneficial microorganisms can survive, and has a good ability to absorb and maintain nutrients. At the same time, it is digested by earthworms, which is beneficial to the formation of water-stable aggregates in vermicompost.

2. Chemical properties

Compared with raw materials, the content of soluble salts, cation exchange performance and humic acid content in vermicompost are significantly increased, that is, the organic matter is transformed into a stable humic compound substance. Many organic wastes, especially livestock and poultry manure, are generally alkaline, while the growth medium preferred by most plants is acidic (pH: 6-6.5). The pH of the waste is lowered and tends to be neutral.

The content of nutrients in vermicompost varies with different raw materials, but generally speaking, some nutrients and trace elements necessary for plant growth not only exist in vermicompost, but also have high content, which is a form that plants can easily absorb.

3. Biological properties

Vermicompost is rich in bacteria, actinomycetes and fungi. These microorganisms not only mineralize complex substances into effective substances that are easily absorbed by plants, but also synthesize a series of biologically active substances, such as sugars, amino acids, vitamins, etc. These substances The production of vermicompost has many special properties.