Start an Organic Fertilizer Business with Earthworm Castings

Starting an Organic Fertilizer Business with Earthworm Castings – Easy and Affordable

Earthworms may seem unappealing at first glance, but they offer great value in agriculture and present a significant business opportunity.

Dr. Ni Luh Kartini, a soil expert from Udayana University and the creator of “kascing,” points out that fields with earthworms are usually more fertile. This is because the waste produced by these creatures greatly benefits plants and improves soil structure.

How exactly do earthworms impact agriculture? Initially, earthworms create tunnels by pushing through the soil or consuming it (Minnich, 1997). After feeding, they excrete solid waste, which is highly beneficial for soil fertility.

According to Edwards and Lofty (1977) in “Biology of Earthworms,” most of the soil consumed by earthworms returns to the ground in a nutrient-rich form. Plants utilize these nutrients effectively. However, the production of earthworm castings depends on the season, species, and health of the population.

What Benefits Do Earthworms Provide to Soil?

Interestingly, the activities of earthworms increase essential nutrients in the soil, such as phosphorus (P), nitrogen (N), and potassium (K), which are crucial for plant growth. A study at an old mining site in Ohio, USA, found that earthworms could boost phosphorus levels by up to 165% and potassium by 19%.

In addition to enriching the soil with nutrients, earthworm tunnels enhance drainage and aeration, making the soil more friable. Organic matter and soil layers mix more thoroughly, leading to healthier soil conditions.

Richard’s book, “Introduction to the Soil Ecosystem” (1978), explains that earthworms can burrow as deep as one meter. This deep tunneling increases water infiltration and reduces soil erosion. In short, earthworms help distribute water within the soil more effectively.

The Earthworm Castings Fertilizer Business

Haris Benyamin, an entrepreneur from Pengalengan, West Java, has long used earthworm castings as fertilizer, or casting. He cultivates African and Lumbricus rubellus earthworms to produce this organic fertilizer.

He believes that organic farming can become more affordable due to the availability of earthworm castings. Currently, organic rice is priced at around Rp. 28,000, which is relatively inexpensive.

Compared to fertilizers made from pig, horse, cow, or chicken manure, casting offers superior quality and has excellent potential as a fertilizer.

Cultivating earthworms is not complicated. The key is to feed them adequately. For instance, if you have 1 kg of earthworms, you only need to provide 1 kg of food. To increase the amount of waste produced, you should increase the food supply.

Raising earthworms doesn’t require much space. You can use stacked containers on a rack. Feed the worms with a 1:10 ratio. For 1 kg of earthworms, provide 3-10 kg of food. The type of food needed isn’t complicated either; cow manure or organic compost will suffice.

The most challenging part of the process is separating the worms, worm eggs, soil, and castings. Once you complete this, simply package the castings for sale. Harris has achieved a monthly turnover of up to 20 million rupiahs with a 20% margin per package sold.

Are you interested?