Breeding attracts "worms" Chung Cheng students use organic secondary materials as planting fertilizers
Jul 10, 2023
In Taiwan, organic by-products are typically disposed of by burying or incinerating them in incinerators, both of which impose a heavy burden on the environment and harm the ecology. To achieve environmental sustainability, the "Vimmi Mushroom Man" team from the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Base of Chung Cheng University utilizes earthworms and microorganisms to convert organic by-products into humus-like products, creating a usable organic fertilizer known as "super fertile vermicompost." This approach not only reduces the waste of organic materials but also contributes to improving the agricultural environment.
The "Earthworm Mushroom Man" team is a collaborative effort among the Department of Earth and Environmental Science and Mechanical Engineering at Chung Cheng University, the Department of Assets Management at Yunnan University of Science and Technology, and Dean Chen Jianyi of Chung Cheng School of Science. The team's research focuses on decomposers such as earthworms, mealworms, and microorganisms. They develop and analyze optimal growing conditions to produce high-quality organic fertilizers. Wang Jinwen, the team leader, emphasizes that organic matter can be effectively converted into fertilizer through the actions of earthworms and microorganisms, making it an ideal nutrient source for plant cultivation.
Two years ago, Wang Jinwen was inspired by a TV show called "Beautiful Heart Taiwan," which introduced Li Chaoan, a senior earthworm farmer. Li's success story with earthworms motivated Wang Jinwen to explore the value of earthworms further. He even sought to learn from Li Chaoan directly. During the early stages of research and development, Wang Jinwen attempted to use dried raw chicken manure for vermicomposting, which resulted in a foul smell in the laboratory. Following discussions with members and the advice of Chen Jianyi, the dean of Chung Cheng School of Science, the concept of super-fertile vermicompost began to take shape.
Wang Jinwen explains that to understand the needs of earthworms and create a suitable environment for them, one must first immerse oneself in the world of earthworms. A characteristic of earthworms is their sensitivity to unsuitable environments. They would rather perish in the sun than endure an unfavorable habitat for growth. To provide an environment conducive to the growth of earthworms and the decomposition of organic by-products, the team adds mushroom chips to the vermicompost to adjust the soil quality. This enriches the soil with carbon sources, vital for organisms, and also balances the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio of comprehensive feces and vegetable leaves.
The team notes that high-quality fertilizers should have a pleasant, aromatic scent. Unfinished decomposition may result in a sour ammonia odor. Due to the nature of the soil, farmers may hesitate to use organic fertilizers. The team points out that while chemical fertilizers may promote plant growth, they can alter soil ecology and indirectly impact soil organisms, plants, and microorganisms. Over time, the soil may harden, rendering it unsuitable for further planting.
Through scientific testing to understand the elemental content and microbial diversity of each additive material, the "Fungi Mushroom Man" team collaborates with the Department of Assets and Management at Yunnan University of Science and Technology to conduct data research and investigation. This helps them produce fertilizers tailored for the optimal growth of different crops. In the case of Chiayi, where pineapple, lychee, and sugar cane are commonly grown, Wang Jinwen and the team aim to study the specific fertilizer nutrients required by local crops and use the power of earthworms to produce customized fertilizers accordingly.
