vermicompost
Earthworm-processed organic matter
Vermicompost is compost produced through the action of earthworms, which break down organic matter into nutrient-rich soil amendment.
The worms digest kitchen scraps, paper, and plant material, producing castings prized by gardeners for their fertility: The tomatoes thrived in vermicompost from our worm bin.
Also called worm castings or worm humus.
Soil-dwelling segmented invertebrates
- redwormsComposting earthworm species
- nightcrawlersLarge worms for bait
- castingsShaped molten material
- vermicultureCultivating earthworms purposefully
annelids · detritivores · burrowers · segmented · invertebrates · cocoons · bedding
Vital dietary substances
- amendmentChange to official text
- nitrogenElement seven, colorless gas
- phosphorusGlow-in-dark element
- potassiumNineteenth element, symbol K
micronutrients · enrichment · NPK · fertility · humus · biofertilizer · top-dressing · tea
Breakdown into simpler parts
- castingsShaped molten material
- humificationConversion to humus
- biodegradationMicrobial breakdown of organics
- breakdownFailure or decomposition
microbial · aerobic · detritivores · microorganisms · decomposers · feedstock · curing · maturation
Decayed organic soil matter
- topsoilNutrient-rich surface earth
- loamFertile soil mixture
- substrateUnderlying supporting material
- structureArrangement of interconnected parts
aggregation · porosity · aeration · drainage · amendment · texture · permeability · fertility
Protective plant bedding
- bedsFurniture for sleeping
- seedlingsNewly germinated plants
- vegetablesEdible plants, not fruits
- herbsPlants for seasoning
flowers · transplanting · potting · greenhouse · nursery · harvest · kitchen-garden · allotment
Reprocessing used materials
- zero-wasteNo garbage produced
- regenerativeAble to renew itself
- closed-loopSystem with feedback control
- homesteadingSelf-reliant land-based lifestyle
earthworms
Soil-dwelling segmented invertebrates
- redwormsComposting earthworm species
- nightcrawlersLarge worms for bait
- castingsShaped molten material
vermiculture · annelids · detritivores · burrowers · segmented · invertebrates · cocoons · bedding
nutrients
Vital dietary substances
- amendmentChange to official text
- nitrogenElement seven, colorless gas
- phosphorusGlow-in-dark element
potassium · micronutrients · enrichment · NPK · fertility · humus · biofertilizer · top-dressing · tea · leachate
decomposition
Breakdown into simpler parts
- castingsShaped molten material
- humificationConversion to humus
- biodegradationMicrobial breakdown of organics
breakdown · microbial · aerobic · detritivores · microorganisms · decomposers · feedstock · curing · maturation · preprocessing
humus
Decayed organic soil matter
structure · aggregation · porosity · aeration · drainage · amendment · texture · permeability · fertility
mulch
Protective plant bedding
- bedsFurniture for sleeping
- seedlingsNewly germinated plants
- vegetablesEdible plants, not fruits
herbs · flowers · transplanting · potting · greenhouse · nursery · harvest · kitchen-garden · allotment · planters
recycling
Reprocessing used materials
- zero-wasteNo garbage produced
- regenerativeAble to renew itself
- closed-loopSystem with feedback control