Friday, 29 November 2013

Red Wigglers vs. Earth Worms

In an aquaponic system, worms can play a vital role in helping break down left over plant matter and fish solids. Red Wrigglers are the preferred choice for aquaponics and are different from earth worms in the following ways:


Common Name
Red Wrigglers
Earth Worms
Alternative Name(s)
redworm, brandling worm, panfish worm, trout worm, tiger worm, red wiggler worm, red californian earth worm
night crawler, over 2,700 different kinds
Scientific Name
Eisenia foetida
Eisenia hortensis
Place of Origin
Europe
North America
Food Preference
Plant compost
Dirt
Environment Preference
Near the soil surface
Deep in the soil
Behaviour Traits
Preference for plant compost, castings make nutrients more bio-available
Good for soil aeration, bringing nutrients down into the soil, mixing soil
Where to Get
Backyard, sidewalks
Comments
Can be seen as an invasive species
Preference for dirt means although important for vermicomposting they are not as effective as red wrigglers




For further reading:

https://www.bae.ncsu.edu/topic/vermicomposting/pubs/vermicomposting_earthworm_q_and_a.pdf
http://www.whatcom.wsu.edu/ag/compost/Redwormsedit.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Invasive_earthworms_of_North_America
http://whatcom.wsu.edu/ag/compost/Redwormsedit.htm
http://home.howstuffworks.com/vermicomposting1.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earthworm
http://urbanext.illinois.edu/worms/facts/

Picture belongs to RedWormComposting.com.

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