Production of Nutrient Enhanced Compost and Compost Tea Using Vermiculture Technology

Note to readers, attached is the complete final report for FNE02-443.

The date for the compost revealed a significant enhancement by the earthworms for nitrate and potassium values while no appreciable increase in phosphorus, calcium or magnesium concentrations were observed. The nitrate enhancement of the compost will help satisfy the research objective of producing plants with better marketing potential. The enhanced compost could be blended with other organic ingredients to produce a growing medium that would produce the lush-looking starts, bedding and potted plants that consumers demanded.

Based on data collected, the nutrient enhancement of the compost and consequently the compost tea by the earthworms was significant. Nutrient enhanced compost and compost tea hold great promise for farmers who would like to move toward more sustainable methods of growing visually attractive plants.

• Addendum to the Final Report
• FNE02-433 Final Report
• Photos