Design and evaluation of vermicompost-based fertilizers for commercial horticulture

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

Synthetic fertilizer production is energy intensive and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and environmental degradation. Reliance on synthetically produced, petroleum-based fertilizers will continue to place pressure on food prices as oil prices increase. Accessing regional sources of fertility, such as manures, composts, and other organic waste by-products, can reduce the need for importation of synthetic fertilizers, thereby reducing carbon footprints, and optimizing local resource use. Vermicomposting is one approach that has been studied for several decades to manage municipal and agricultural organics. This composting technique utilizes different species of earthworms to aid in the degradation and stabilization of organic materials. An opportunity to design and develop alternative sources of fertility for commercial horticulture using waste by-products and processing techniques such as vermicomposting is emerging with the rising prices of synthetic fertilizers. The proposed study will support local enterprises, such as Trouter's Special Worm Farm and J&C Sod Farm, to develop alternative fertility products, using a range of feedstocks from different industries across Newfoundland and Atlantic Canada, for use in high value greenhouse, horticultural, and turfgrass production systems. A particular emphasis will be placed on the opportunities for organic certification of the vermi-cast fertility products. The industry - academic partnership will open new opportunities for Trouter's Special Worm Farm and other similar enterprises in the Atlantic Canadian region to market new products targeted for local horticultural and landscape industries.