Vermicomposting is a process that transforms organic waste material into nutrient-rich soil. This is done by using specific species of worms that feed on the organic waste, break it down, and convert it into vermicompost (aka black gold). While three to five main types of worms can be used for composting, Indian Blue worms are the often underrated yet superior champion for vermicomposting. In this blog post, we will compare and contrast composting worms and explore in greater depth why Indian Blue worms outperform other worms by looking at their biology, feeding habits, and environmental tolerance.
Biology of Indian Blue Worms
Indian Blue worms, also known as Perionyx Excavatus, are an earthworm species native to the tropical regions of Southeast Asia. They are a relatively thin species of worm, growing up to six inches long, and can range in color from a deep purple to a slightly bluer hue when exposed to light. These worms are hermaphroditic, meaning they have both male and female reproductive organs.
One of the most significant advantages of Indian Blue worms over other species is their high reproduction rate. Once hatched, they become sexually mature and can breed in less than two months. In ideal conditions, adult blue worms produce nearly 19 cocoons a week, with one hatchling emerging from each, so they can quickly establish large populations in compost bins.
Feeding Habits of Indian Blue Worms
Indian Blue worms have a broad appetite and can consume various organic waste materials. This includes kitchen waste, such as fruits and vegetables, and yard waste, such as leaves and grass clippings. They can also consume paper and cardboard, making them an ideal option for those who generate a lot of paper waste. Blues will skim the surface for food but prefer a feeding depth of 3 to 6 inches, so burying scraps will ensure that these worms will process waste quickly.
Environmental Tolerance of Indian Blue Worms
Indian Blue worms are highly adaptable and can survive in various environmental conditions. They can tolerate temperatures ranging from around 60°F to 90°F, which means that they can be kept indoors or outdoors. They can also thrive in a variety of environmental conditions, making them an excellent option for those living in different climates.
Indian Blue worms are also highly tolerant of different pH levels, which measures how acidic or alkaline a substance is. They can survive in a pH range of 5 to 9, making them highly adaptable to different soil types. This is in contrast to other species of worms that are more sensitive to pH levels and require specific soil conditions to survive.
Efficiency of Indian Blue Worms
One clear advantage of Indian Blue worms over other species is their efficient conversion of organic waste into compost. They are fast and efficient composters that rapidly consume and digest organic waste material. In addition, they can convert waste material into nutrient-rich soil in a matter of weeks, making them an excellent option for those who want to produce compost quickly.
Another factor that contributes to the efficiency of Indian Blue worms is their low maintenance requirements. As a result, they can survive on minimal food and water and their relatively small waste output. This makes them ideal for those with limited space, as they do not require a lot of room to thrive.
Comparison to Other Worm Species
While Indian Blue worms are often considered to be the best composters, other species of worms are also commonly used for vermicomposting. In this section, we will compare Indian Blue worms to two different species: Red Wigglers and European Nightcrawlers.
Red Wigglers
Red Wigglers, also known as Eisenia Fetida, are a species of earthworm that is commonly used for vermicomposting. They are shorter than Indian Blue worms, reaching a maximum length of around four inches, but tend to be fatter worms. Red Wigglers are reddish-brown and have a distinctive yellow tail and a raised clitellum(Blues have a flat clitellum that is almost the same color as the rest of the body) . One can also observe a “wiggling” motion when they move.
Like Indian Blue worms, Red Wigglers are prolific breeders, yet they only produce two to three cocoons a week as opposed to the Blues nineteen. They are also highly efficient composters, consuming a wide variety of organic waste material and quickly converting it into nutrient-rich compost.
One of the advantages of Red Wigglers over Indian Blue worms is that they are better suited to colder temperatures. While Indian Blue worms can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, they are more comfortable in warmer environments. On the other hand, Red Wigglers can survive in temperatures as low as 30°F, making them an excellent option for those in colder climates. In fact, even if the worms themselves die from the cold, Red Wiggler cocoons have been known to survive throughout the harsh winter and will hatch in the spring when temperatures are more desirable.
Another advantage of Red Wigglers over Indian Blue worms is that they produce a more concentrated compost. This is because Red Wigglers consume a higher percentage of their body weight in organic waste material each day than Indian Blue worms do. This means that they produce less waste material and more nutrient-rich compost.
European Nightcrawlers
European Nightcrawlers, also known as Eisenia Hortensis, is another earthworm commonly used for vermicomposting. They are larger than Indian Blue worms, reaching a maximum length of around eight inches. European Nightcrawlers are also lighter than Indian Blue worms, ranging from a pale pink to a reddish-brown hue.
Like Indian Blue worms and Red Wigglers, European Nightcrawlers are efficient composters, consuming a wide variety of organic waste material and converting it into nutrient-rich compost. They are also highly adaptable to different environmental conditions, with the ability to survive in a wide range of temperatures and soil types. Additionally, Euros are a multipurpose worm that can be used for fishing bait or as treats for reptiles and amphibians. (Red Wigglers have a toxic secretion they put off when threatened that can make reptiles sick.)
One of the advantages of European Nightcrawlers over Indian Blue worms is that they are better suited to composting larger pieces of organic waste material. While Indian Blue worms and Red Wigglers are efficient at breaking down smaller pieces of organic waste, European Nightcrawlers are better at breaking down larger pieces, such as pumpkins or watermelon rinds. Since European Nightcrawlers like to hang out closer to the bottom of a worm bin, placing materials in a lasagna-type layering effect in your bin will be sure to keep these guys happy and productive.
Another advantage of European Nightcrawlers over Indian Blue worms is that they produce a more alkaline compost. This is because European Nightcrawlers consume more calcium than Indian Blue worms do, resulting in a higher pH level in the compost. This can be an advantage for those looking to produce compost for alkaline-loving plants.
Conclusion
While Indian Blue worms are often considered to be the best composting worms, there are advantages and disadvantages to using different species. Red Wigglers and European Nightcrawlers are both highly efficient composters and can be an excellent options for those with specific composting needs. Ultimately, the choice of which species to use will depend on factors such as environmental conditions, the type of organic waste being composted, and personal preferences. If you would like to experience these awesome little powerhouse composters for yourself, click this link to get started!