Writing for medium- to large-scale commercial worm growers of all types, Sherman (North Carolina State Univ.) presents information on the techniques and systems needed to successfully run a vermicomposting operation. Vermicomposting includes using earthworms and microorganisms to breakdown organic wastes, which creates a product that combines worm castings and decomposed organic matter. This material is called vermicast, and is similar to compost but is a much richer soil amendment that improves soil fertility, structure, and drainage. Sherman identifies how vermicast benefits soils and plants, then follows with detailed information on earthworm physiology, feeding requirements, disease and pest control, vermicomposting system setup and design, worm bed monitoring, vermicast harvesting practices, local and state regulations, and how to prepare business, marketing, and education plans. Sidebar discussions and excellent color photographs and figures support the narrative. An excellent resource section, bibliography, and index are also included. The real value of this work is the applicability of the national and international information brought together in one resource for use by vermicompost operators. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All readers. --Jennifer B. Huffman, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point

Vermiculture, the process of using worms to turn organic food waste into compost, has been around for decades but has been growing in popularity. Vermicompost or vermicast, the product of vermiculture, makes a rich, organic soil amendment or growth medium which has been shown to increase yields, reduce the damage caused by some diseases and pests, and help repair degraded soil. This book covers everything one would want to know about vermiculture, from how it works to designing a harvesting system and laying out postharvest practices. Sherman also profiles a range of worm-farming examples from throughout the U.S. and around the world, including details such as the size of the operation and its setting, the cost of setup, the amount of food waste processed, and the span of time the process takes. While written for use in a mid- or large-scale setting, much of the information here about earthworm biology and living conditions will also be beneficial for smaller-scale use by home gardeners.--Anne Heidemann Copyright 2018 Booklist