Vermiponics is a form of aquaponics that utilizes worms and other edible composting organisms that eat organic waste which in turn, provide nutrients for the plants.
With a vermiponics system, there is an additional step of establishing the heterotrophic bacteria that must occur before the whole nitrogen cycle can function.
The system does not involve fish to maintain plant health or to feed the plants.
The design allows a level of autonomy compared to conventional aquaponics systems as there are no filters to clean the water prior to returning it to the tank.
Since vermicomposting creates an abundance of fertilizer, you will be adding a very little amount to the environment.
It is an innovative way of gardening without harmful chemicals or animal products!
4 Advantages of Vermiponics
1. Can Be Used for Growing Organic Food
Removing chemicals from the equation is a win-win for the ecosystem and everything around us.
It allows for a clean way to grow organic food, whether for a few family meals or for feeding the masses.
2. They Are Easy to Maintain
Vermiponics is a low-maintenance version of aquaponics that uses worms, which means you do not have to continually feed them.
Let them do their thing, digesting the organic waste and creating a nutritionally rich environment for plant growth.
Worms are generally tolerant and productive as well! Once they are in their system, you shouldn’t have to think about them except for feeding time!
3. Minimal Water Usage When Compared to Aquaponics
This system consumes less water than aquaponics – approximately a third of the volume. You can utilize it for hydroponics, or soil-based gardens.
If all goes well, you will achieve nutrient recycling so that less water is required for growing plants.
It’s a resource-conserving social practice and saves you in costs for maintaining your farm.
4. Minimal Labor Required
When you have a vermiponics system established, the worms will carry out most of the labor.
You need to feed them and provide an environment that they feel comfortable in.
Plus, it is a lot easier to keep the system balanced.
You will not be dealing with drastic changes over time as it is with aquaponics with fish.
Why Use Worms in Aquaponics?
Worms offer plenty of benefits compared to the typical aquaponics system that includes fish.
Worm castings contain humic acid, which can stimulate seed starting and seedling growth.
Worm castings also contain enzymes that convert complex compounds in soil into simpler compounds, which plants can easily uptake.
Worms are cold-blooded organisms; therefore, you do not need to obtain heating or cooling units for their growing environment.
Most of the time, vermicomposting can be performed either inside a home or greenhouse (as long as there are still some temperature controls).
Worms reproduce quickly with large brood sizes. A single female worm can lay around 250 to 300 eggs each week for approximately 5 to 6 weeks during their reproductive cycle.
Fun fact: The young worms grow to sexual maturity at 5 months, and then they can begin mating and reproducing themselves.
How Do Worms Benefit a Vermiponic System?
- Worms are a great source of protein. They produce castings, or fertilizer, which contain a high amount of nutritional value for your plants, and therefore provide a greater rate of plant growth.
- Worms will also aerate the soil as they burrow through it, allowing air, water, and nutrients to flow freely.
- When used in aquaponics, worm castings can also serve as a bio-filter and be beneficial in cleaning up water.
4 Disadvantages of Vermiponics
1. Require Large Space
First you will need to decide how you want the system designed. A vertical tower architecture will take up more space than just a low tank option.
2. You Have to Feed Them
Worms are living beings and need to be fed regularly so they can stay healthy and multiply quickly.
You will need to provide them with decaying plant matter and other solid waste.
Otherwise, the worm population in your aquaponic system will decline, and they will not break down waste efficiently.
This will, in turn, mean you will have odors coming from your system, as well.
3. Worms May Eat Your Plants
Worms are pretty savage when it comes to feeding!
If they are not fed enough regularly, you may come out one day to find that they have taken a bite out of your plants.
4. The Cost
The upfront cost of creating a vermiponics system can be substantial as you will need to buy a few things.
Why You Should Avoid Using Fish for Aquaponics?
Using Fish in an Aquaponics System Poses a Risk to the Environment
Fish release ammonia, which can harm plants with an excessive amount because it consumes oxygen.
This means filters must be cleaned frequently and there is a lot of waste produced in the process.
Also, the filters may contain CO2, which inhibits oxygen passing through into the water.
Since there must be enough CO2 for the fish – and for the plants that grow above water – this isn’t a big problem.
The Waste Produced by Fish Can Also Pollute Water If Not Taken Care of Properly
Fish generate solid waste that have considerable amounts of ammonia and nitrogen in them. This solid waste can be harmful to the ecosystem when deposited into aquatic environments.
For example, it is not uncommon for runoff water from fields of produce rich in fertilizer to flow into nearby water bodies.
This causes algal blooms and ultimately leads to marine wildlife deaths. Eutrophication is the result of elevated nitrogen and phosphorus levels in a system, which causes algae to rapidly multiply.
Fish Excrete Hormones and Chemicals from Their Food
Fish can also excrete growth hormones from their food.
These environmental contaminants can bioaccumulate in humans who consume them that can lead to long-term health effects, including cancer.
The best way to avoid this problem is to only use organic waste in aquaponics systems.
Organic waste can be made from fruits and vegetables, but not meat because meat contains more hormones than plant matter.
If the Fish Die, There Would Be No Nutrients Left
In terms of organic waste production, aquaponics systems containing only plants also generate less organic waste compared to traditional aquaculture systems.
Typically, animals have a maximum requirement for nutrients, and their size also matters.
Vermiponics FAQ’s
What Is the Best Type of Worm to Use?
The best worms for composting are the red wrigglers, tiger worms, or otherwise known as red worms.
People like them because they can hold up in high nutrient solutions. The nightcrawler worm also does well in vermiponics.
How Many Worms Should I Use?
In a family system, anywhere from 100 worms (1 lbs) is just fine!, to densities.
If you maintain your system in perfect conditions, the worms can reproduce around 20 times in a year.
How Often Should I Feed My Worms?
Worms require very little food. With time, you will observe how fast they eat.
They can go for weeks without eating any new foods.
Can I Use Earthworms from My Garden?
Earthworms often burrow deep and may not be ideal for vermiponics.
Conclusion
Vermiponics is an innovative approach to growing organic food, and eventually, commercial farms may find it viable as a farming method.
Vermiponics – aquaponics without fish, allows for greater nutrient availability for plants to grow.