
17/08/2024
Hello Everyone,
So after our 11 month tour here is a summary of getting your land thriving with worms, Because we all know the most healthy soils in the world have 7 million worms per hectare. SO here it is outline below for all farmers across the world. Tag a farmer in need!!!
Plan to Establish and Increase Worm Count to Optimal Population
Objective: To achieve an optimal earthworm population of 7 million worms per hectare (700 worms per square meter) by managing cattle manure effectively.
Step 1: Understand Worm Requirements
Target Worm Population: 7 million worms per hectare.
Organic Matter Needed: Each worm consumes its body weight in organic matter daily. To sustain 7 million worms per hectare, you need approximately 3.5 tonnes of organic matter per day per hectare.
Step 2: Calculate Annual Organic Matter Requirement
Daily Requirement: 3.5 tonnes of manure per hectare.
Annual Requirement: 3.5 tonnes/day × 365 days/year = 1,277.5 tonnes of manure per hectare per year.
Step 3: Determine Cattle Stocking Rate
Average Manure Production: One cow produces approximately 25 kg of manure per day.
Manure Contribution: To meet the annual organic matter requirement of 1,277.5 tonnes per hectare:
Number of cows per hectare
=1,277.5 tonnes/year
25 kg/day/cow × 365 days/year
Number of cows per hectare=
25 kg/day/cow×365 days/year
1,277.5 tonnes/year
Number of cows per hectare
=1,277,500 kg/year 9,125 kg/year per cow
≈ 140 cows per hectare
Number of cows per hectare=
9,125 kg/year per cow
1,277,500 kg/year
≈140 cows per hectare
Step 4: Implementation Plan
Rotational Grazing: Use rotational grazing techniques to spread manure evenly across the field. This helps distribute organic matter evenly and avoids overloading any one area.
Monitor Worm Population: Regularly check the worm population density to ensure it is increasing toward the target of 7 million worms per hectare.
Manure Management: If the number of cows per hectare is too high for grazing needs, consider supplementing organic material with compost or other organic inputs to maintain worm nutrition.
Adjust Stocking Rate: Depending on pasture condition, adjust the number of cows to maintain optimal manure distribution and worm population growth. Fewer cows may be needed if other organic materials are added.
Step 5: Evaluation and Scaling
Monitor Soil Health: Regularly test soil to measure worm population, organic matter content, and overall soil health.
Scale Up: As the worm population stabilizes and soil health improves, consider expanding the practice to other hectares or adjusting the cow stocking rate to optimize for both grazing and worm population.
Summary Derek James Butterfield
To reach and maintain an optimal earthworm population of 7 million worms per hectare, you would need to manage approximately 140 cows per hectare annually. This can be achieved through careful manure management, rotational grazing, and supplementary organic matter if needed. Regular monitoring will ensure that the worm population grows steadily, contributing to healthier and more