Worm Liquid - Leachate
Posted: Sat Dec 29, 2018 11:24 am
Hi,
Having read the book 'Composting with Worms' there seems to be some contradictory advice over what to do with Leachate.
The Wormcity FAQ states:
"Your wormery has a sump to collect any liquid residue. (Leachate)
As the liquid passes through the bin it becomes charged with nutrients and therefore makes an excellent plant feed.
It can take many months to get any liquid, as it is all dependent on what is placed in the wormery. Obviously, vegetables will produce more water than bread. And if you use lots of paper, this will mop up any residues as well.
Dilute any liquid with 10 parts water and use it to feed your plants for free!"
Whereas the book states this:
"Leachate can be a toxic soup for worms, beneficial organisms and plants, pathogenic microbes and phototoxic compounds may well be present."
Goes on to say
"there are some who recommend its use as plant food. I could not recommend this, and people that do are ill advised."
So, whose advice should I take?
Having read the book 'Composting with Worms' there seems to be some contradictory advice over what to do with Leachate.
The Wormcity FAQ states:
"Your wormery has a sump to collect any liquid residue. (Leachate)
As the liquid passes through the bin it becomes charged with nutrients and therefore makes an excellent plant feed.
It can take many months to get any liquid, as it is all dependent on what is placed in the wormery. Obviously, vegetables will produce more water than bread. And if you use lots of paper, this will mop up any residues as well.
Dilute any liquid with 10 parts water and use it to feed your plants for free!"
Whereas the book states this:
"Leachate can be a toxic soup for worms, beneficial organisms and plants, pathogenic microbes and phototoxic compounds may well be present."
Goes on to say
"there are some who recommend its use as plant food. I could not recommend this, and people that do are ill advised."
So, whose advice should I take?