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!!