THE RED WIGGLERS ISSUE:

aka Eisenia fetida or the “Manure Worm”

Welcome to the first issue of AG-BIO-R&D!

I’m thrilled to kick off this journey with a focus on the humble yet powerful red wiggler worm, Eisenia fetida, often called the “manure worm.” Over the past 45 days, I’ve embarked on an experiment that has not only expanded my knowledge of vermiculture but also deepened my commitment to sustainable agricultural practices.

It all started with 4,000 red wigglers—tiny but mighty creatures with an insatiable appetite for organic matter. My goal was simple yet ambitious: to double their population and create a thriving ecosystem of nutrient-rich worm castings. The results have been nothing short of remarkable. In just 45 days, I’ve seen the worm population grow to an estimated 8,000, doubling the output of one of nature’s most effective soil enhancers.

But the journey didn’t stop there. To enhance the diet of my growing worm population, I took a road trip down to Miami Zoo, where I had the privilege of meeting Ms. Jones, the Compost Director. Her enthusiasm for sus- tainable practices is infectious, and I was particularly impressed with their use of an Enviro-Drum, a large-scale composting system that efficiently processes organic waste. Ms. Jones introduced me to “Zoo Doo,” a unique compost made from the waste of zoo animals, rich in nutrients and perfect for my worms. Bringing Zoo Doo back to my operation has added a new dimension to my vermiculture experiment, providing a nutrient-dense food source that has further boosted the health and productivity of my worms.

In this first issue, you’ll find a wealth of information on the benefits of vermiculture, insights into how I’ve integrated these practices into my farm, and tips for creating your own worm farm. I hope you find this issue as exciting and inspiring as I do. Welcome to AG-BIO-R&D—let’s grow together!

Article by: Kevin D Rodgers Sustainability - B.A. (Junior) School of Sustainability College

of Global Futures Arizona State University email: kdrodge1@asu.edu