worm castings nutrient analysis

Worm Castings Nutrient Analysis You add worm castings to your soil and the lifecycle of the microorganisms produce nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium for your plants. They also produce plant hormones, humic acids, and other things. ... It is a two-way symbiotic relationship with your plants and the soil.

What is the NPK of worm castings?

Analysis of earthworm castings reveals that they are rich in iron, sulfur, calcium, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK rating: 5.5.

Are worm castings a complete fertilizer?

Worm castings are not a “complete” fertilizer for certain plants. And growth of some plants can be inhibited by some salts. Acid-loving plants will also not do well in the pH of 7-8 range of earthworm castings. The solution to these issues would be to mix the castings with another potting material.

Are worm castings good for all plants?

Worm castings are easy to use everywhere, and on any type of plant. That includes in the vegetable garden and in flowerbeds. And on hanging baskets, potted plants and containers, and shrubs and trees. Best of all, castings are 100 percent safe, natural and completely organic.

How much nitrogen is in worm castings?

The short answer is that it can vary a little bit. Typically the nitrogen is around 1-2 and the phosphorus and potassium are 0. With that said, you're not getting even close to the full story about what's in worm castings by looking at the NPK ratio.

What is NPK stand for?

Every label carries three conspicuous numbers, usually right above or below the product name. These three numbers form what is called the fertilizer's N-P-K ratio — the proportion of three plant nutrients in order: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K).

Which worm castings are best?

Black Castings™ - Widely Recognized As The Best Worm Castings - Monroe Works.

Is worm castings better than compost?

Because worm castings contain high levels of nutrients and are beneficial for plant hydration and aeration, they're a great choice for smaller-scale vegetable gardens. However, worm castings can vary quite a bit in quality, and they are usually more expensive than compost and other soil additives.

How often should I use worm castings?

For Compost Bins

Apply a 1/8- to 1/4-inch layer of earthworm castings between each layer of compost materials (i.e., layer castings as you build your compost pile). Enrich your bin with fresh castings every two to three months.

Can you start seeds in worm castings?

Although there are many commercial seed-starting mixes available with slow release fertilizers, making your own great organic mix at home is simple. The ingredient that made all of the difference – worm castings! Yep, it really is that simple. And does it ever work like magic to grow amazing plants from seed!

What can I use instead of worm castings?

Well-Known Member. Best substitute for worm castings is plain old compost... This should be available just about anywhere in the world.

Can worm castings go bad?

They do not go bad or expire. In fact, they get better with time. Worm Castings become moist or dry based on the surrounding humidity. You can rehydrate by misting with water.

How long do worm castings last?

How long do worm castings last? Worm castings can last up to 6 months – and sometimes longer – depending on the method of storage.

What is worm poop called?

The technical word for worm poop is castings, and the composting method is called vermiculture, or vermicomposting.

What is the pH of worm castings?

The castings have a neutral pH of 7.0. The process of making worm castings is commonly known as vermicomposting or vermiculture.

Is worm tea a good fertilizer?

Worms can create an effective organic fertilizer for your plants. The process of vermicomposting—using worms to decompose organic matter and food scraps—allows you to make a worm compost tea that serves as a non-toxic alternative to chemical fertilizer.

What is NPK ratio?

Understanding N-P-K

Prominently featured will be the N-P-K ratio, the percentage the product contains by volume of nitrogen (chemical symbol N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). A 16-16-16 fertilizer, for example, contains 16% nitrogen, 16% phosphorus, and 16% potassium.

How do I read NPK files?

The three numbers that you see on a fertilizer label, such as 5-5-5, tell you what proportion of each macronutrient the fertilizer contains. The first number is always nitrogen (N), the second is phosphorus (P) and the third is potassium (K).

How do you get NPK 20/20 20?

So if the numbers on the fertilizer are 10-10-10, you can divide 100 by 10 and this will tell you that you need 10 pounds (4.5 k.) of the fertilizer to add 1 pound (453.5 gr.) of the nutrient to the soil. If the fertilizer numbers were 20-20-20, you divide 100 by 20 and you know that it will take 5 pounds (2 k.)

How much does worm castings cost?

10/pound if you buy in bulk, or as high as $3/pound if you buy in small bags. For high-end worm castings made by earthworms eating a controlled diet, you might pay as little as $. 18/pound if you buy in bulk, or as much as $5/pound if you buy in small bags.

What is the best way to use worm castings?

If you hoe a layer of barren soil, add a layer of Worm Castings and give it some water, you will be surprised at the growth of your first season's plants. Sprinkle Worm Castings around the base of plants or lightly dig it in, and then add water. They can also be sprinkled on a large scale with a spreader.

How do you farm worm castings?

There are different methods for harvesting worm castings. One of the most popular is the dump and sort method. Simply lay out a sheet of plastic or newspaper and empty out the contents of the worm bin. Collect the worms and add them to a fresh vermicompost bin, then use the leftover castings on your plants.