INTRODUCTION

The presence of earthworms in soil ecosystems is an indicator of the well- being of a system. Earthworms have the unique ability to convert elements such as minerals, nutrients and microbes from the soil or composting systems into an excretion that contains the vastest amount of plant nutrients, microbes and growth elements that do exist. The excretion is called vermicast or vermicompost.

Vermicompost is a compost that has been digested by worms (vermi) and does not need to be turned, because worms "turn" the organic matter in their digestive tract, eliminating work for gardeners.

Vermicompost tea is a liquid derived from soaking and or brewing compost in water and is used as a foliar and soil application to plants. Vermicompost tea protected the leaves and stems of plants from the top down and not only from the soil. Direct application on the plant dramatically boosted its growth and vitality. The extract was rich in microbes, which helps restore plants after being exposed to pesticides and other environmental damage. It can contain the three basic plant nutrients: nitrogen in the form of nitrate or ammonium (N03 and NH4); phosphorus (P); and potassium (K).

MATERIALS NEEDED IN MAKING VERMITEA

1. Large clean bucket,

2. High quality vermicompost / worm castings

3. Some type of permeable bag like nylon material (such as nylon stockings) for holding the

compost;

4. Aged water – if you are using tap water you should let it sit for a day or two so as to remove the

chlorine. Preferably, use some rainwater or pond water if you have some on hand.

5. A bucket

STEP BY STEP PROCEDURE

1. Dissolve 2kg of molasses on the 200L water placed in a container

2. Put 10kg vermicast in a nylon stocking or similar permeable bag. .

3. Tie off nylon, and dip and submerged in water-molasses mixture. Cover the container to

keep away from insect and animals. Place the brewing in a shaded area out of direct

sunlight

4. After 3 days remove the vermicast sack. Mix the water mixture and this will be the

Vermitea. Harvest and transfer to clean containers.

USES AND RATES OF APPLICATION OF WERMITEA

Use a ratio of 10 parts water to 1 part tea Disease- For disease suppression on fruits, vegetables and ornamentals, applications can be

made as often as every 5 to ten days. As A Root Drench- Can be used unfiltered by applying directly to the soil area around a plant.

The tea will step down into the root system. Root feeding is not affected by rainy weather. Root Zone- Spray it over the root zone to feed the plant through the roots. I prefer to put

compost tea in a watering can and water the leaves. A good amount drips off to enrich the soil. This is fast, easy, and effective.

Transplant Solution- Another great use for compost tea: use it as a transplant solution, to help your plants in transitioning to their new environment

Compost Pile- If you have any tea left over, consider putting it on your compost pile. This can help accelerate the microbial activity of your compost pile, which means quicker composting!

Plant. - Compost Tea can be applied about every two weeks to your garden plants once plants and transplants have become established. By established, we simply mean that they have been in the ground 7 to 10 days and are over the initial shock of transplant.

TIPS AND SUGGESTIONS

Apply VCT early in the day, to allow the foliage to dry before night, which reduces the chance of foliar diseases

Use well-aged, finished compost Unfinished compost may contain harmful pathogens and compost that is too old may be

nutritionally deficient. COMPOST TEA and MANURE TEA ARE NOT THE SAME THING! Manure teas may be made in the same way but are not generally recommended as foliar sprays and are not as nutritionally well-balanced.)

If molasses are not readily available, you can use brown sugar. Best if you put out the sack of vermicast 3 times a day. Water your garden as you normally would Water your houseplants Use the worm compost tea to water seedlings or baby plants Cover a whole plant with worm compost tea including the leaves. Many people believe that the

beneficial microbes in worm tea help protect plants from diseases. A sprayer or spray bottle works well. Be sure to strain the worm compost tea before adding it to the spray bottle.

Serve worm compost tea at your next tea party.

REFERENCES

http://www.homecompostingmadeeasy.com/composttea.html

http://www.healthy-vegetable-gardening.com/using-compost-tea.html

http://farming.pinakbet.net/2013/02/how-to-make-vermi-tea/

http://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/yard-garden/soils/vermicompost-tea/

http://www.ijsrp.org/research-paper-0416/ijsrp-p5276.pdf