Vermicomposting is important in both smallhold and large scale agricultural production in several ways.
Vermicomposting
is rapid and minimizes nutrient losses. Suitable earthworms are found throughout the world and the best worms are available through commercial channels. Suitable mixtures of organic feeds are widely available and the
environmental range for
vermicomposting is broad. Environmental conditions that affect the survival and distribution of earthworms, moisture, temperature, pH and aeration can be controlled within the vermicomposting bed. Vermicomposting processes organic material more rapidly than traditional composting yet the final products are very similar. Farmers, especially smallhold farmers need inputs for crop production and vermicomosting offers an affordable source of organic fertilizer.