The Importance of Aquaponic Worms Earthworms are acknowledged as one of the most efficient natural decomposers in any gardening system. Plants slough off because worms help break down anything from solid waste to extra roots and other rotting substances. Worm castings are excellent plant nutrients since they are produced by the worms. For these reasons, many aquaponics producers embrace the concept of including worms into their aquaponics systems. This article will go over the advantages of using worms in aquaponics systems and how to incorporate them into your system. Why Use Worms in Aquaponics? Using worms in your aquaponics plants system and aquaponics fish food is a terrific method to improve the efficiency of your system. Worms will not harm your plants but will aid in the elimination of trash in your grow bed. Here are some of the advantages of utilizing worms in your aquaponics system. Decomposes Fish Waste Beneficial bacteria in aquaponics turn fish waste into nitrates that plants may use to flourish. However, if you have too many fish, which produces too much fish waste, ammonia spikes might occur, which can be harmful to both plants and fish. Because fish are great decomposers, worms can help avoid an ammonia rise in your system. They contribute to the breakdown of solid fish waste that collects in the grow beds. The decomposed fish waste is converted into vermicompost, commonly known as worm castings. Pathogens Should Be Removed According to research, worms may efficiently kill microorganisms that cause illnesses in human and plant health. Worms produce coelomic fluids, which include antimicrobial characteristics. The addition of worms to your aquaponics farms reduces the possibility of disease contamination. Assist in Plant Disease Control When worm castings are steeped in oxygen-rich water, they generate a beneficial tea that promotes plant development. Plants are protected from diseases, pests, and parasite infestations as a result. What are the Best Aquaponic Worms? Red worms are the ideal worms to utilize in an aquaponics system. Red worms are ideal for aquaponics systems due to their ability to survive in wet environments and their efficiency at waste breakdown. Eisenia fetida and Lumbricus rubellus are the two most common species of red worms. Gray worms may be abundant in your soil garden, but they are not as effective at decomposing solid waste as red worms. Grow Bed Adding worms to the grow bed is the most popular procedure among aquaponics gardeners. This will provide the most benefits to your system. Tips for introducing worms to the grow bed: •
It is better to introduce worms during the day. Worms dislike light and will quickly crawl and hide from it if placed in a grow bed.