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Types of Earthworms Used in Vermiculture

In this article, we are going to discuss earthworms, earthworms’ role and how they are important for nature’s most important sector i.e. vermiculture.

There is the importance of everything on earth, natural harm is connected with the positive result as well. Similarly, many people hate earthworms but they play an important role in vermiculture. In vermiculture, the Role of earthworm in vermicomposting is to decompose the waste material means when the worms are eating those wasted materials it gives nature a reason to let them stay alive as well because everything can’t be dumped and there is technology or not but the worms will not go off from their duties. It is a continuous process once they are done or they move to other places.

Types of earthworms

The best type of worms for vermiculture are red wigglers and redworms. These two species play an important Role of earthworm in the vermicomposting process. The best part of these worms is they are easy to keep. They can be fed with vegetable waste and they can stay on plain soil, not every worm has this benefit. Let’s discuss the different types of worms and how they work in the vermiculture and environment-saving process. There are mainly 5 types of worms that are mainly used for the vermiculture:-

  • Eisenia Fetida

Red wiggler is called Eisenia Fetida and with Red wigglers, you will not be available on the garden soil. They may look thick but they are best to play the role of earthworm in the vermicomposting concept. They are really good at easing your life by eating your waste from home. For your simple compost bin, you can use them and this way they will decompose all your waste. Remember you don’t need to throw it all at once instead leave some space.

  • Lumbricus rubellus

Redworms are called Lumbricus rubellus. You can find redworms easily on the garden soil. The problem with redworms is that you may not be able to find the difference between them and other worms. They are best at eating the waste vegetables.

  • Epigeic

These worms can be found under the soil and that soil is inside leaf litter. They are known to live but not burrow anything and they will feed themselves through the leaf litter. They are not stripped but they can be red and red-brown.

  • Anecic

These worms can be found inside 180cm of the ground. They burrow deep and permanently form a deep burrow in the ground. For the identification, you check the excrement’s pile on the surface which is also known as a midden. The Anecic in the role of earthworm in vermicomposting is simple i.e. to eat dying leaves and grass make them into humus.

  • Endogeic

Endogeic also comes in the role of earthworm in the vermicomposting process. They dwell in the soil and they feed on the soil as well. They help in mixing up minerals with air inside the soil. The only way to see or capture them is when there is heavy rainfall. They are always inside the soil, this is why they have the name Endogeic which means within the earth according to the Greek dictionary.

Types of vermicomposting

The types of vermicomposting processes are:-

a. Vermicomposting in the bin

The bin process is known for home composting, garbage and kitchen too. It can be made of various materials but plastic and wood material made bins are best. Here before feeding worms make sure you have applied bed for them first. And if you are planning this method but don’t know how to get worms then you can purchase them from a respected place.

b. Vermicomposting in vermicompost pile

The pile method is the type of vermicomposting method where a large scale of worms is used. Here a large amount of waste is required and where it will be cost-saving as well. Here height and length both are required in large amounts this is why domestically you can’t use it.

Today most people are going towards saving the environment through this process. The very Role of earthworm in vermicomposting is they also work as a one-time investment where you don’t need to run every day to decompose your waste, instead let these natural species eat those waste and feed them. Remember it is not just about vermiculture but also saving the environment as well. If you have good ground then they will show up to you as well.

Conclusion

Vermiculture is an important part of the ecosystem where the Role of earthworm is very important to run nature accordingly. The earthworms are known for their creepy look but they are useful to save the environment as well. People burn down the waste or use the chemical to destroy the waste but the vermicomposting culture is simply the best and you want to take the example of it then look at the rural areas where literally feed these worms to help decompose the waste naturally and save the natural air.

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Frequently asked questions

Get answers to the most common queries related to the UPSC Examination Preparation.

Why is it important to use earthworms for waste?

Ans. To save the environment from harm the role of earthworms is to simply feed themselves with the waste and with that mix up the minerals in the ...Read full

How can we use these worms domestically?

Ans. Through the bin you can do the vermicomposting process and here you don’t need a big space just a small space...Read full

Are there any chances to get these worms for the purpose?

Ans. Yes, you can purchase these worms from the market as well at a decent rate but the only problem or hectic job w...Read full