Earthworms are soil's silent heroes: 3 Malaysian vermiculturists tell us why
Waste, an inevitable byproduct of human existence, is being transformed into a source of wonder and regeneration. At the heart of this transformation lies the unassuming hero – the humble earthworm. Often underestimated and misunderstood due to their slimy nature, these diligent creatures are turning waste into wealth and enriching our soils.

This week, we uncover the transformative power of earthworms to turn waste into wonder through the stories of three dedicated vermiculturists.

Ng Tet Wong’s venture into earthworm farming was sparked by the abundance of biomass from oil palm plantations and a shortage of organic material for farming across Malaysia.

Capt (Rtd) Kamarul Zaman Bachik or Man Bachik, 62, is a military civil engineer-turned-environmental advocate who has been actively involved in gardening since early 2000s, sharing his insights and expertise through the Vermicompost and Gardening Malaysia (Worm Composting) Facebook group.

Muhammad Fairuz Samsubaha, 46, is a former IT professional who is now a vermiculturist at VMS Malaysia. He started vermicomposting eight years ago as a sustainable agricultural practice and has been actively teaching communities since then.

Different worm species

Understanding the differences between various worm species can shed light on their suitability for composting purposes. Ng building a vermicompost bay for residents at USJ17, Selangor. Photo: Ng Tet Wong

Muhammad Fairuz explains that earthworm species can be categorised based on their habitat preferences.

Most common earthworm species in your backyard burrow deep into the ground, while others reside closer to the soil surface or within leaf litter.

However, African Night Crawlers (or ANC, a popular species used in vermicomposting), dwell above soil, under leaf litter and possess traits that make them ideal for composting purposes. They have a voracious appetite, consume large quantities of organic matter on the surface, and reproduce rapidly, resulting in a prolific production of vermicompost. The cocoons of the ANC are also visible, which makes cultivating them easier.

History of vermicomposting in Malaysia

In the early 2000s, the Department of Agriculture, (Seksyen Kawal Perosak – Bahagian Perlindungan Tanaman & Kuarantin Tumbuhan), introduced vermicomposting technology.

At that time, composting worms were classified as “beneficial organisms”, prompting the importation of Tiger and Red worms for the initial batch.

Although non-indigenous, African Night Crawlers (Eudrilus eugeniae) and other composting worms like Tiger/Red Wigglers (Eisenia fetida) and Redworms (Lumbricus rubellus) have seamlessly integrated into our ecosystem. Currently, the only local species deemed suitable for composting remains the Malaysian Blue Worm (Perionyx excavatus). Ng remains passionately committed to vermicomposting and working with earthworms to turn waste into a valuable resource. Photo: Beatrice Yong

Productive and efficient animals

Composting worms exhibit astonishing reproductive rates, multiplying by more than 20 times annually, potentially transforming 100kg into 2,000kg under optimal conditions. They can eat more than their body weight and churn out half their body weight in vermicast a day.

“They eat and poop even while you sleep; never taking any breaks. They’re the greatest workers you can find, and every part of the process is value-generating. Vermicomposting diverts food waste from going into landfills, and does not require much equipment or labour cost to start,” says Ng, 65.

The process yields valuable vermicast or “worm poop”, which when combined with naturally composted organic material, forms vermicompost – known in gardening circles as “miracle dust”, capable of reviving plants even on the brink of death.

“Earthworms also serve as indicators of healthy soil, offering numerous benefits such as increased nutrient availability, better drainage and enhanced soil structure, all vital for plant growth,” says Man Bachik.

A powerful soil regenerator

Compared with traditional compost, Man Bachik says, “The main difference between compost and vermicompost lies in the abundance of beneficial microbes associated with earthworm activity. While both contain similar nutrients, vermicompost offers the added advantage of beneficial microbes and enzymes, enhancing soil fertility and promoting plant growth.”

Compared to traditional compost, vermicompost has a more balanced nutrient profile and a near-neutral pH, making it readily available to plants and effective in suppressing diseases and pests. Overall, this makes vermicompost a strong choice for farmers looking to regenerate their soil and transition into using more sustainable agricultural practices. Fine black vermicompost sieved and ready to be used.

A growing opportunity

With a notable increase in productivity and effectiveness, the demand for vermicompost has surged in recent times. However, the industry currently faces a shortage of suppliers to meet this growing demand.

“There is an untapped market waiting to be explored, offering farmers an opportunity to enhance soil fertility and create additional value. In the palm oil industry, on-site vermicomposting can utilise the millions of felled trees a year to enrich the soil,” Ng emphasises.

He highlights the profitability of earthworm farming, noting its ability to generate value within a short time frame of just two weeks.

Previously, vermicompost was considered an expensive fertiliser, priced at RM2,000 per tonne compared to other organic alternatives. Ng’s objective is to democratise access to vermicompost by scaling up production using palm oil waste, thereby making it more affordable for all.

Muhammad Fairuz elaborates, “The demand for vermicompost exceeds the current supply capacity. Suppliers need to produce at least 30 tonnes per month to meet the needs of existing customers.” Man Bachik standing before his vermicomposting facility at the National Stud Farm in Tanjung Rambutan, Perak where he transforms stable wastes into valuable resources.

Man Bachik acknowledges a significant rise in interest in vermiculture over the years, attributing it to the increased accessibility of information compared to previous decades. However, he cautions against the proliferation of misleading information and stresses the importance of adhering to scientifically sound composting practices tailored to local climates and conditions.

That is the reason he shares his knowledge and scientific research avidly.

The Vermicompost and Gardening Malaysia (Worm Composting) Facebook group has grown since 2015, boasting a membership of close to 10,000 individuals from diverse backgrounds, reflecting the growing enthusiasm for vermiculture.

Muhammad Fairuz echoes Man Bachik’s observations, affirming that vermiculture remains a burgeoning industry, particularly among farm owners seeking to produce their own fertilisers.

Notably, durian farmers are increasingly turning to vermiculture to convert durian waste into cost-effective fertilisers. Given the high expense of fertilisers for durian cultivation, this shift towards vermiculture offers a sustainable solution while reducing reliance on imported materials.

Understanding their characteristics Embarking on your vermicomposting journey at home requires a good understanding of the peculiarities of worms, says Muhammad Fairuz. These humble creatures possess both female and male reproductive organs and lack teeth, unlike the colossal creatures depicted in Dune.

Their diet primarily consists of organic waste broken down by microbes. Despite their lack of eyesight, worms are highly sensitive to temperature and light.

“One tip when relocating worms for the first time is to expose them to light, so that they burrow deep instead of escaping their new home,” says Muhammad Fairuz.

In choosing a species of earthworms, Man Bachik shares, “Western references often recommend temperate worms like Tigers or Red Wrigglers.

“However, African Night Crawlers perform better in our tropical climate.”

The other misconception is the necessity of using store-bought feed to fatten up worms. Man Bachik advocates for managing waste from one’s surroundings instead and avoid store-bought feed.

Starting your own vermicomposting at home

To ensure the happiness of your worms, it’s crucial to maintain optimum conditions. The initial 2-3 weeks are particularly critical, requiring careful attention to ensure the worms are well taken care of and acclimatised to their new environment. This includes maintaining a moisture level of at least 80%-90% and a temperature range of 24-29ºC.

Additionally, providing the right amount of food is essential for them to produce vermicompost. One common mistake in vermicomposting is overfeeding.

“It’s important to start with a small amount of waste and gradually increase it, rather than filling the bin with too much food, which can lead to the death of the worms,” says Man Bachik.

According to Muhammad Fairuz, “Vermicomposting is essentially an extension of composting, with the key difference being that worms accelerate the process.

“Overfeeding can disrupt this balance, causing the composting process to overtake the worms’ eating habits, leading to increased temperature and moisture levels inside the bin, which can be detrimental to the worms’ survival.”

To start vermicomposting, it’s recommended to use a mix of carbon or brown waste, such as egg trays, dried leaves or boxes, and to avoid green waste initially. Mixing green and brown waste helps to populate the bins with microbes, with a recommended carbon-to-nitrogen ratio of 25:1 to encourage microbial reproduction.

When setting up the bin, focus on surface space rather than height, as this provides more room for the worms to move and thrive. If you do not have a garden space or a grounded area, a minimum size reference would be the yellow baking tray.

Brown waste should be laid down as bedding, allowed to settle for a day before introducing the worms to ensure the bedding is ready and free of any potential issues like acidity or ants.

Begin with 500g of worms and 2kg of brown waste as bedding, place the worms on one side of the bedding and add food to the other side, providing two areas for the worms to escape if needed.

With the right amount of care and love, your worms should be thriving within a few weeks. Get ready for some happy wriggles ahead!

To learn more or start your journey in vermicomposting, join Fairuz in one of their weekly workshops at Kota Damansara (facebook.com/myvermiculture/) or get your starter worm kit or vermicompost from Ng’s Facebook (tet.wong) or read up on scientific research on vermicomposting by Man Bachik Vermicompost and Gardening Malaysia (Worm Composting) Facebook Group.

Ready, Set, Grow! is a column brought to you by Eats, Shoots & Roots, a social enterprise with the aim of connecting people to nature through growing food.

Stay tuned for upcoming workshops by following them on Instagram and Facebook.
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Worms are gardeners’ best friends when it comes to vermicomposting, turning waste into wealth.