Exploring the Viability of Vermicomposting at Truman State University

Anna E. Larsen
Dr. Bob Johnson, Faculty Mentor

Composting allows for discarded nutrients to be recovered and returned to the soil where new food can be grown. While Truman has an existing compost project using traditional composting methods, this study explores the feasibility of employing vermicomposting methods to produce a product with a different nutrient makeup. In contrast to traditional composting, which is the controlled aerobic decomposition of organic material, vermicomposting is the consumption of organic waste by worms, and the excretion of a nutrient rich product. Within this study, a commercially available mix of composting worms were housed in plastic composting bins then fed plant scraps as a control, and dining hall food waste to gauge the viability of vermicomposting using dining hall waste. If successful, this project could provide diversity in the compost products produced from dining hall food waste on campus, and aid in the growth of healthier crops at the University Farm.

Keywords: Vermicomposting, Food Waste, Sustainable Agriculture

Topic(s):Agricultural Science

Presentation Type: Poster Presentation

Session: TBA
Location: TBA
Time: TBA