Worm Castings –The Original Soil Conditioner And Other Conditioners Chris Franco, Gateway Rose Society

Program Agenda Castings-The “Original” Soil Conditioner Nutritional Information Benefits Fungal Control Uses & How to Apply Other Soil Conditioners Sources References

Castings-What are They? It starts with the dirt and an appetite – Earth worms consume “dirt” for the plant and animal organic matter it contains.

Eat, Eat, Eat… Earthworm Anatomy 101

After Meals… – Earthworms excrete “castings”

About Castings… – About Castings… Castings contain >10,000 different biological organisms. Microbes in the castings further breakdown organic material to so that it is available to plant root feeder cells.

Castings and Nutrition Unlike “Soluble” fertilizers – Organic matter nutrients are not “lost” to leaching – Hyphae “wrap” nutrients Transport nutrition to plants For “aggregates” build soil structure

Castings and Nutrition The N and P and K of it all? – About (varies) Organic source – Acts like higher concentration – Steady absorption – Long lasting nutrition Guaranteed Analysis – pH about 6.7 to 7-GREAT!!

Benefits of Castings Low Nitrogen is non burning-can be applied in root zone Slow release nitrogen & Over 60 high quality micronutrients pH friendly and no odor Repel pests that feed on plant juices (via plant enzyme production)

As little as 5% worm castings added to plants can increase there vigor and flowering. Plants on left without. Plants on right with

Castings and Fungal Control Castings have 10,000 souls on board – Bacteria, molds, beneficial fungi, etc. Plant fungal infections occur due to fungal imbalance – The wrong fungi bind nitrogen -> impaired growth, weakness, etc. Traditional approaches to control? – chemical fungicides

Castings and Fungal Control Key point: Casting introduce beneficial soil organisms Theory: castings bring soil with fungal problems into balance Field studies indicate castings restored balance to soil high in phytophora and fusarium Casting applied – Vigor returned – phytophoria and fusarium levels reduced

Uses & How to Apply Application for established Roses – Mix 4 cups 2-3 inches below the surface for each plant once per year. How much for new Roses – One part castings to three parts of your preferred soil mix.

Uses & How to Apply Compost Tea – One part castings to three parts water – Stir well and allow to sit for hours. Stir well again. – Water as usual…

Soil Structure and Conditioners Soil Types – Sand – Silt – Clay

Soil Range

Types of Soils What type of Soil do you have?? Measure! – 1 Quart Jar with Lid and a hand trowel – At 4 inches down, take 4-5 scoops from different spots in your yard or bed – Fill the jar 1/3 to ½ full. Add water to an inch below the top – Mix like crazy!! – Let the mixture settle (might take overnight)

The Results!!!

So, Now What? What do roses like? 1/3 clay, 1/3 course sand,1/3 decomposed organics matter

Conditioning Your Soil For new roses: – Follow the above recipe For existing roses: – Add conditioners as needed by soil type – If roses are growing poorly, replant Soil Testing – Soil testing measures the results of general soil fertility. – Test results include essential nutrients for plants, pH, – Will provide suggestions for fertilization applications.

Local Sources for Castings Gateway Rose Society!! Castings Happen in Racine – – Local Garden Shops

References

Thank you!!