RESEARCH
This page contains documents and links to studies from universities, the USDA and other professionals in the worm casting industry.
These documents further detail the benefits of adding castings to your growing plan. The information provided here is only a small sample of the research that has been done on worm castings and worm tea.
The infromation below is seperated into the following topics
Worm Castings, Worm Tea, Case Studies
Worm Castings
Benefits of Castings - This document briefly outlines the benefits of castings.
Good Things to Know about Castings - An in depth document discussing the value of castings.
Vermicompst A Living Soil Amendment - Cornell University website devoted to worm casting research.
Vemicompost in Horticulture and Agriculture - Paper is produced by scientists at The Ohio State University
Worm compost can suppress plant disease, regulate nutrients, research finds - Cornell University
Wonders of Worms - USDA introduction to earthworms and the benifits of their castings (body waste.)
Worm Tea
Worm Tea - What is it? - An introduction to Worm Tea
Understanding Worm Tea - Discussion of the value of worm tea and its proper application.
USDA Report - Earthworm Tea Good for Plants - Scientists in Ohio and Oregan examined how plant compounds, incorporated into earthworm tea affect plant growth and development and supress disease in plants
5 Gallon Worm Tea Brewer Instructions - Simple to brew tea instructions.
55 Gallon Worm Tea Brewer Instructions- This size brew will make enough worm tea for up to 10 acres of coverage.
SUPPRESSION OF PLANT PARASITIC NEMATODES AND ARTHROPOD PESTS BY VERMICOMPOST‘TEAS’ - Study done by scientist at The Ohio State University
Case Studies
STMA - Magazine - Feb 13 Issue :Use Earthworm Castings Tea For Better Turf
Worm Castings vs Chemical Fertilizers vs Cow Manure -Mississippi State University studing using blueberries as a growing medium.
Effects of vermicomposts on growth and marketable fruits of field - grown tomatoes, peppers and strawberries. - Ohio State University study documents the increased yeilds obtained when using worm castings over norganic fertilizers.
The trophic diversity of nematode communities in soils treated with vermicompost - Ohio State University study on effects of worm castings on harmful and beneficial nematodes.
Golf Couse and Castings - Another Success Story - 3 year casting program that demonstates an overall lower
cost of course operation, improved turf quality with closer cut greens and a healthier look - on 50% less water. Effects of humic acids derived from cattle, food and paper-waste vermicompost on
growth of green house plants.- Ohio State University study on the effects of humic acid in worm castings on plant growth.
USDA Study - Soil Quality Improvement using Worm Castings.
How Vermicompost Amended Soils Ward Off Crop Pest - North Carolina State University research explains
email: cast4growth@gmail.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Castings?
Castings are the waste product from earthworms. They provide a rich, organic fertilizer along an amazing diversity of microbial life that guarantees the creation of healthier plants. Used since the very beginning of Egyptian agriculture they have proven themselves to be a consistent supplier of minerals and nutrients in a way that supports and sustains the health of the plant. In addition castings make it easier for plants to retain water and use oxygen. The net result is excellent plant growth both above and below ground.
Castings are also known to effectively supress many diseases and insects.
Click here to read some impressive research done on castings
What Makes Up Castings?
Thousands of beneficial microorganisms that include Bacteria, Fungi, Protozoa, and Nematodes. These microorganisms are the building blocks of a healthy soil and a healthy plant. Castings also contain plant growth regulators a.k.a. natures miracle grow. In addition, castings contain humus, which are naturally found mature top and earthworm castings. The humus pulls damaging materials (toxins, harmful bacteria, and harmful fungi) from the soil while also acting as a pH buffer. Humic acid is another component in which castings are rich; which encourages plant growth. These basics plus other advantages ensure castings yield plants/produce/flowers/lawns/etc that have high nutritional and mineral content that do not rob the soil of pre-existing minerals.
Is It Desirable For Castings To Have A Low NPK Rating?
YES! Castings generally have a 1-0-0 NPK rating. This is lower than you are lead to believe is required by commercial fertilizers who offer ratings like 6-6-6, 10-10-10, 20-20-20 and up to 43-0-0 for commercial fields like golf courses. It has already been established that castings grow HEALTHY and NUTRITIONAL products. The fact that castings can achieve that goal with the desired lower ratings of NPK is part of the real "miracle" of the casting. By keeping a lower rating of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) to achieve the desired results is a major advantage in keeping our environment sustainable.
How can worm castings grow plants with low N-P-K?
Plants need nutrients that are available for consumption and this what the worm is able to accomplish in digestion.
“The worm’s digestive enzymes unlock many of the chemical bonds that otherwise tie up nutrients and prevent them from being plant-available. Thus, vermicastings are as much as seven times richer in phosphate than soil that has not been through an earth worm. They have ten times the available potash; five times the nitrogen; and three times the usable magnesium and they are one and a half times higher in calcium(thanks to the calcium carbonate added during digestion) All of these nutrients bind onto organic matter in the fecal pellets.” Teaming with Microbes, Jeff Lowenfels & Wayne Lewis
Are Castings Safe Around Children And Pets?
YES! Casting will not harm your children or pets. Castings are all natural and non toxic. In fact, the application of castings does not require a professional license of any type.
Will Castings Burn My Plants?
Castings can NOT burn your plants in any concentration. They have a slow time-release that allows the plant to absorb the nutrients needed without over stimulating the plant.
What is worm tea and how do I make it?Worm tea is the product produced from placing worm castings in water with an air and food source for an peroid of time. Worm tea is an excellent way to see fast results and make your castings go further. Click here for a more detailed discussion of worm tea.
Is the liquid coming form the bottom of my worm bin worm tea?
No, this liquid is call leachate. Leachate is an anaerobic bi- product of a worm bin containing too much moisture. As a general rule this liquid should be considered harmful and should not be used on your plants, especially edible plants. The anaerobic microbes in this liquid can kill your plants and may contain pathogens such as E-Coli and Salmonella since the liquid has leeched through material not fully processed by the worms.
Can worm tea be used on a large scale?
Yes! we have many golf courses, athletic fields, farmers and lawn care professionals using worm tea.
How much do I need?Worm Castings: Click here for Application Rates
Worm Tea: Typical application rate is 5 gallons of worm tea per acre of plant coverage. Our 5 gallon brewer will cover up to acre of plant life and our 55 gallon brewer will provide enough tea for up to 10 acres of plant coverage.
What Are Castings?
Castings are the waste product from earthworms. They provide a rich, organic fertilizer along an amazing diversity of microbial life that guarantees the creation of healthier plants. Used since the very beginning of Egyptian agriculture they have proven themselves to be a consistent supplier of minerals and nutrients in a way that supports and sustains the health of the plant. In addition castings make it easier for plants to retain water and use oxygen. The net result is excellent plant growth both above and below ground.
Castings are also known to effectively supress many diseases and insects.
Click here to read some impressive research done on castings
What Makes Up Castings?
Thousands of beneficial microorganisms that include Bacteria, Fungi, Protozoa, and Nematodes. These microorganisms are the building blocks of a healthy soil and a healthy plant. Castings also contain plant growth regulators a.k.a. natures miracle grow. In addition, castings contain humus, which are naturally found mature top and earthworm castings. The humus pulls damaging materials (toxins, harmful bacteria, and harmful fungi) from the soil while also acting as a pH buffer. Humic acid is another component in which castings are rich; which encourages plant growth. These basics plus other advantages ensure castings yield plants/produce/flowers/lawns/etc that have high nutritional and mineral content that do not rob the soil of pre-existing minerals.
Is It Desirable For Castings To Have A Low NPK Rating?
YES! Castings generally have a 1-0-0 NPK rating. This is lower than you are lead to believe is required by commercial fertilizers who offer ratings like 6-6-6, 10-10-10, 20-20-20 and up to 43-0-0 for commercial fields like golf courses. It has already been established that castings grow HEALTHY and NUTRITIONAL products. The fact that castings can achieve that goal with the desired lower ratings of NPK is part of the real "miracle" of the casting. By keeping a lower rating of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) to achieve the desired results is a major advantage in keeping our environment sustainable.
How can worm castings grow plants with low N-P-K?
Plants need nutrients that are available for consumption and this what the worm is able to accomplish in digestion.
“The worm’s digestive enzymes unlock many of the chemical bonds that otherwise tie up nutrients and prevent them from being plant-available. Thus, vermicastings are as much as seven times richer in phosphate than soil that has not been through an earth worm. They have ten times the available potash; five times the nitrogen; and three times the usable magnesium and they are one and a half times higher in calcium(thanks to the calcium carbonate added during digestion) All of these nutrients bind onto organic matter in the fecal pellets.” Teaming with Microbes, Jeff Lowenfels & Wayne Lewis
Are Castings Safe Around Children And Pets?
YES! Casting will not harm your children or pets. Castings are all natural and non toxic. In fact, the application of castings does not require a professional license of any type.
Will Castings Burn My Plants?
Castings can NOT burn your plants in any concentration. They have a slow time-release that allows the plant to absorb the nutrients needed without over stimulating the plant.
What is worm tea and how do I make it?Worm tea is the product produced from placing worm castings in water with an air and food source for an peroid of time. Worm tea is an excellent way to see fast results and make your castings go further. Click here for a more detailed discussion of worm tea.
Is the liquid coming form the bottom of my worm bin worm tea?
No, this liquid is call leachate. Leachate is an anaerobic bi- product of a worm bin containing too much moisture. As a general rule this liquid should be considered harmful and should not be used on your plants, especially edible plants. The anaerobic microbes in this liquid can kill your plants and may contain pathogens such as E-Coli and Salmonella since the liquid has leeched through material not fully processed by the worms.
Can worm tea be used on a large scale?
Yes! we have many golf courses, athletic fields, farmers and lawn care professionals using worm tea.
How much do I need?Worm Castings: Click here for Application Rates
Worm Tea: Typical application rate is 5 gallons of worm tea per acre of plant coverage. Our 5 gallon brewer will cover up to acre of plant life and our 55 gallon brewer will provide enough tea for up to 10 acres of plant coverage.