Senior Project Outline

Vermicomposting System Outline

I.
a) What is Vermicomposting?
b) Why should farmers/gardeners utilize vermicomposting?
c) What are the benefits of VC over traditional composting techniques?
II.
a) The Process of VC (detailed).
b) Traditional VC bins and techniques vs. Improved techniques.
c) Traditional Coldframes vs. Improved Coldframes (design, materials, etc).
III.
a) Improved VC bin and Coldframe design (detailed).
b) Site specifics (location, drainage, orientation, landscaping, windbreaks, etc.).
IV.
a) Other uses for improved coldframe during warm season.
> Hot/active composting, tropical plant species, etc. (built into design).
b) Future improvements and possibilities of improved VC bin and coldframe.

Abstract Revised

My senior project will be researching and developing an experimental cold climate vermicomposting system. The project will provide extensive and in-depth research on vermicomposting and its benefits, specifically to local farmers, gardeners, and the ASU farm, over general composting techniques. The second part of my project will be the construction of a vermicomposting system specifically designed for cold climate functionality. The vermicomposting bin will double as a hotbed for active composting or as a coldframe for growing tropical plant varieties during the warm season. As stated on the ASU SD web site the goal of the SD and Research Farm in Valle Crucis is to educate, “students in agroecology, agroforestry, and sustainable, organic and alterative farming practices. Experimentation and information facilitates exchange with the local community in an effort to help local farmers and entrepreneurs better build and foster alternative, sustainable agricultural practices in the region” (www.susdev.appstate.edu). It is with these goals in mind that I will be further developing these alternative and organic gardening/farming practices. The general intention of this project is to enhance local organic food production capacity through the facilitation and exchange of innovative, locally specific farming techniques. Reducing local reliance upon foreign external inputs, i.e. commercial fertilizers, is an integral factor in increasing our regions capacity to consistently produce organic foods in the current and future markets of increasingly expensive petroleum based products. It is my objective through the research and development of this project to provide local farmers and entrepreneurs with progressive locally specific information to aid in this regions organic agricultural production capacity.

Abstract

Abstract
My senior project will be researching and constructing an experimental year-round outdoor vermicomposting system for the ASU farm in Valle Crucis. Through this project I will research and identify the optimal worm type, bin design and location, insulating techniques and local sources of food and bedding. The vermicomposting system itself after construction will require minimal maintenance and cost the farm nothing while supplying worm castings which will provide the farm with its first free source of multiple forms of organic fertilizers and soil amendments. This experimental vermicomposting system and set-up will upon completion of this project provide the ASU farm’s students, local farmers, gardeners, and residents with a regionally specific example and demonstration of vermicomposting’s viability and potential in the Appalachian region.