Re: [compost_tea] vermicastings versus vermicompost

From: Steve Bridges <kimas_at_texasgrown.com>
Date: Thu, 15 May 2003 19:26:14 -0500

I guess we could go back to using ammonium nitrate and malathion....8~0
Steve Bridges
  ----- Original Message -----
  From: Jeff Lowenfels
  To: compost_tea_at_yahoogroups.com
  Sent: Thursday, May 15, 2003 7:13 PM
  Subject: Re: [compost_tea] vermicastings versus vermicompost


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

  A caution: As said above, raw organic matter is full of pathogens. Vermic=
ompost is not pure worm castings, i.e. it does have a component of unbroken=
 down organic matter. Be careful handling this material since disturbing it=
 will generate clouds of airborne fungal spores and toxic bacteria, which c=
an give you what's called organic dust toxic syndrome (ODTS). ODTS features=
 symptoms such as gastrointestinal upsets, influenza type symptoms and irri=
tation to the airways.[4] You'll be more likely to have problems in summert=
ime, 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=
 of the earthworm Eisenia foetida grown in composted broiler litter." Rev A=
rgent Microbiol 1995 Oct-Dec; 27(4):210-3. Abstract in Medline, PMID 885013=
4

  [4] Poulsen OM, Breum NO, Ebbehoj N, et al. "Sorting and recycling of dom=
estic waste. Review of occupational health problems and their possible caus=
es." Sci Total Environ 1995 May 19; 168(1):33-56. Abstract in Medline, PMID=
 7610383

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




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

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