Title: Earthworms helping economy, improving ecology and protecting health

Authors: Kangmin Li, Peizhen Li, Hongtao Li

Addresses: Asian Pacific Regional Research and Training Center for Integrated Fish Farming, Freshwater Fisheries Research Center, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, No. 9 Shanshui West Road, Wuxi 214081, China. ' Freshwater Fisheries Research Center, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, No. 9 Shanshui West Road, Wuxi 214081, China. ' Deputy GM Wuxi Medium Biological Products Co., Ltd No. 8 Zhonghezhou West Road, Zhoutie Town, Yixing 214262, China

Abstract: Earthworms can treat organic garbage, livestock manure and poultry droppings and turn them into premium organic fertilisers, because humus only exists in earthworm feces and castings, compared with other fertilisers. Earthworms can also supply quality animal protein as feed, and offer the best raw materials for the biochemical and pharmaceutical industries. Vermiculture should be put into a whole circular economy as a means of protecting environment, maintaining ecological balance, and fully utilising resources. However, it should be oriented to stabilise sludge and organic wastes at present time.

Keywords: vermiculture; macro-agriculture; sludge stabilisation; circular economy; earthworm composting; earthworms; vermicomposting; organic waste.

DOI: 10.1504/IJGENVI.2010.037276

International Journal of Global Environmental Issues, 2010 Vol.10 No.3/4, pp.354 - 365

Published online: 01 Dec 2010 *

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