Re: [compost_tea] vermicastings versus vermicompost

From: Jeff Lowenfels <jeff_at_gardener.com>
Date: Thu, 15 May 2003 16:13:39 -0800

 Here is one ....
In summary - keep on or start worm farming, but be aware that there are pro=
s and cons to using castings. With a bit of knowledge and observation you c=
an arrive at a superlative result in the end!

A caution: As said above, raw organic matter is full of pathogens. Vermicom=
post is not pure worm castings, i.e. it does have a component of unbroken d=
own organic matter. Be careful handling this material since disturbing it w=
ill generate clouds of airborne fungal spores and toxic bacteria, which can=
 give you what's called organic dust toxic syndrome (ODTS). ODTS features s=
ymptoms such as gastrointestinal upsets, influenza type symptoms and irrita=
tion to the airways.[4] You'll be more likely to have problems in summertim=
e, when everything is dustier, so wearing a dust mask is recommended.[5]

References

[1] Appelhof, Mary, Worms eat my garbage, Flower Press, Michigan USA 1982, =
p.68

[2] Ibid

[3] Finola, M., Rodriguez C., Beoletto, V. "Gastrointestinal bacteriology o=
f the earthworm Eisenia foetida grown in composted broiler litter." Rev Arg=
ent Microbiol 1995 Oct-Dec; 27(4):210-3. Abstract in Medline, PMID 8850134

[4] Poulsen OM, Breum NO, Ebbehoj N, et al. "Sorting and recycling of domes=
tic waste. Review of occupational health problems and their possible causes=
." Sci Total Environ 1995 May 19; 168(1):33-56. Abstract in Medline, PMID 7=
610383

[5] Ivens UI, Ebbehoj N, Poulsen OM, Skov T. "Season, equipment, and job fu=
nction related to gastrointestinal problems in waste collectors." Occup Env=
iron Med 1997 Dec;54(12):861-7. Abstract in Medline, PMID 947089






Received on Fri May 16 2003 - 00:00:06 EDT

This archive was generated by hypermail 2.3.0 : Tue Feb 07 2012 - 14:29:14 EST