Determining the Rate of Decomposition
for Various Food Scraps
Using Two Species of Worms



Taron N. Tomaski
School of Science and Natural Resources
Lake Superior State University
Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan 49783

December3, 1996

	Abstract Composting improves soil structure and fe~ility, and breaks down organic
debris. Vermicomposting is adding worms to hasten these processes. The objectives of
this study were 1 ) to determine how fast two different species of worms could digest
various food scraps fed to them, and 2) to determine ifthe Red worms ( Lumbricus
rz'bellzis) and or Leafworms (Lumbricus terrestris) increased in biomass over the time of
this experiment. On July 1 7, 1 996, six 5- gallon buckets were filled about three-fou~hs
filH with a soil mixture. Two buckets were assigned to each type ofworm and two
buckets were used for a control with no worms. Various food scraps were placed into
nylon bags, weighed and then put into their respective buckets. These bags were checked
periodically to deterrnine how fast the worms decomposed the food scraps given to them.
It was deterrnined that the Red worms decomposed the food scraps faster than the Leaf
worms (p<.O I ). The Red worms were observed to increase their total numbers but an
appropriate weight could not be obtained at this time since the newly hatched worms were
too small to pick out oftheir bedding. There was no observed reproduction in the Leaf
worms and there was no increase ofbiomass. In conclusion, I would suggest adding Red
worms over Leaf worms to your compost piles to increase the breakdown of kitchen
scraps.



Selected References


Keyser Joseph M. 1992. "Worms ofEndearment (indoor composting)". American
Horticulturist 7 1 6

McClellan, Doug 1993. "Field ofWorms". Technology Review 96: 20-21

Ri~	David. 1995. ~~oung Composters Learn With ~ BioCycle 36: 72-75