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Worm Castings –The Original Soil ConditionerAnd Other Conditioners
Chris Franco, Gateway Rose Society
Program Agenda
• Castings-The “Original” Soil Conditioner• Nutritional Information• Benefits• Fungal Control• Uses & How to Apply• Other Soil Conditioners• Sources• References
Castings-What are They?
• It starts with the dirt and an appetite–Earth worms consume “dirt” for
the plant and animal organic matter it contains.
Eat, Eat , Eat… Earthworm Anatomy 101
After Meals…
–Earthworms excrete “castings”
About Castings…
–About Castings…•Castings contain >10,000 different biological organisms.•Microbes in the castings further breakdown organic material to so that it is available to plant root feeder cells.
Castings and Nutrition
• Unlike “Soluble” fertilizers–Organic matter nutrients are not
“lost” to leaching –Hyphae “wrap” nutrients •Transport nutrition to plants•For “aggregates” build soil structure
Castings and Nutrition
• The N and P and K of it all?–About 3-1-1.5 (varies)•Organic source–Acts like higher concentration–Steady absorption–Long lasting nutrition
•Guaranteed Analysis –pH about 6.7 to 7-GREAT!!
Benefits of Castings
• Low Nitrogen is non burning-can be applied in root zone • Slow release nitrogen & Over 60 high
quality micronutrients• pH friendly and no odor • Repel pests that feed on plant juices
(via plant enzyme production)
As little as 5% worm castings added to plants can increase there vigor and flowering. Plants on left without. Plants on right with
Castings and Fungal Control
• Castings have 10,000 souls on board–Bacteria, molds, beneficial fungi, etc.
• Plant fungal infections occur due to fungal imbalance–The wrong fungi bind nitrogen ->
impaired growth, weakness, etc.• Traditional approaches to control?–chemical fungicides
Castings and Fungal Control• Key point: Casting introduce beneficial soil
organisms• Theory: castings bring soil with fungal
problems into balance• Field studies indicate castings restored
balance to soil high in phytophora and fusarium
• Casting applied–Vigor returned–phytophoria and fusarium levels reduced
Uses & How to Apply
• Application for established Roses–Mix 4 cups 2-3 inches below the
surface for each plant once per year.
• How much for new Roses–One part castings to three parts of
your preferred soil mix.
Uses & How to Apply
• Compost Tea–One part castings to three parts
water–Stir well and allow to sit for 12-24
hours. Stir well again.–Water as usual…
Soil Structure and Conditioners
• Soil Types–Sand–Silt–Clay
Soil Range
Types of Soils
• What type of Soil do you have??• Measure!– 1 Quart Jar with Lid and a hand trowel– At 4 inches down, take 4-5 scoops from different
spots in your yard or bed– Fill the jar 1/3 to ½ full. Add water to an inch
below the top– Mix like crazy!! – Let the mixture settle (might take overnight)
The Results!!!
So, Now What?
• What do roses like?1/3 clay, 1/3 course sand,1/3 decomposed organics
matter
Conditioning Your Soil
• For new roses:– Follow the above recipe
• For existing roses:– Add conditioners as needed by soil type– If roses are growing poorly, replant
• Soil Testing– Soil testing measures the results of general soil fertility. – Test results include essential nutrients for plants, pH, – Will provide suggestions for fertilization applications.
Local Sources for Castings
• Gateway Rose Society!!• Castings Happen in Racine–262-323-1975–www.flowersonspring.com• Local Garden Shops
References• www.stclaireseeds.com/worm_castings• www.wormsetc.com/worms-etc-blog/2010• www.organicrosecare.com/articles/worm• www.sdhydroponics.com/resources/articles• www.mypeoplepc.com/members/arbra• www.wormcompostingblog.com/worm• http://extension.illinois.edu/soiltest/
Thank you!!