[USCC] Worm Power: The Future of Composting

[Cary Oshins]

Forwarded from:
http://www.csrees.usda.gov/newsroom/research/2007/wormpower.html

CSREES Research Results

Worm Power: The Future of Composting

Media Contact:
Jennifer Martin (202) 720-8188 

July 30, 2007 
By Stacy Kish

If the average cow produces 100 pounds of manure a day, how does a dairy
farmer manage all the excess waste? Tom Herlihy, an agricultural engineer,
created a unique and environmentally friendly technology to deal with this
very problem.

Herlihy owns and operates RT Solutions Inc., which employs 8 million
earthworms in a state-of-the-art facility to transform manure into an
environmentally friendly, all organic fertilizer called Worm Power.

Worm Power benefits from its process-controlled and quality-engineered
vermicomposting process. Vermicomposting is the process of breaking down
organic matter using earthworms. The worms eat the organic matter and
generate castings that serve as a nutrient-rich, natural fertilizer.

Initially, the manure is subjected to a series of heat treatments in a
composting process to ensure the elimination of weed seeds and potential
pathogens to meet U.S. Department of Agriculture and Environmental
Protection Agency standards. Next, red worms, a specific type of earthworm
used for vermiculture, digest the organic waste. The worms' digestive
system, along with bacteria inside the digestive tract, accelerates the
decomposition and stabilization of the organic matter.

The process is also fast and efficient. One pound of worms can digest up to
a half pound of organic material per day. The process can transform
1,320,000 pounds of raw manure into a high-quality soil fertility product in
approximately 60 days. According to Herlihy, the final product has the
wonderful look and feel of dark coffee grounds with a pleasant, slightly
earthy aroma.

The link between earthworm activity and healthy soil has long been
documented, but recent advances in microbiology and soil chemistry have
proven a direct link between soil fertility and vermicomposted materials.
Worm Power enriches the physical, chemical and biological properties of the
soil allowing it to thrive even under the most demanding environmental
conditions. In addition, it improves plant development, as well as root
growth and structure of plants.

This project received Phase I and Phase II funding from the USDA's
Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES) Small
Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) for developing and marketing
this product. SBIR awards competitive grants to qualified small businesses
to support high quality, advanced-concepts research related to important
scientific problems and opportunities in agriculture that could lead to
significant public benefit if successful.

CSREES advances knowledge for agriculture, the environment, human health and
well-being, and communities by supporting research, education and extension
programs in the Land-Grant University System and other partner
organizations. For more information, visit HYPERLINK
"http://www.csrees.usda.gov/"http://www.csrees.usda.gov. 

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____________________________________
Cary Oshins
Assistant Director of Programs
US Composting Council
1 Comac Loop, Suite 14B1
Ronkonkoma, NY 11779
phone: 631-737-4931
fax: 631-737-4939

direct phone: 484-547-1521

direct fax: 484-274-6779

cary at compostingcouncil.org
 
Join us at the US Composting Council's 16th Annual Conference & Trade Show,
February 9-12, 2008 at the Oakland Marriott City Center, Oakland, CA
Register at HYPERLINK
"http://www.compostingcouncil.org/"www.compostingcouncil.org
Help support your industry. Become a member today!!! 



 


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