The Red Californian Earthworm (Eisenia foetida) an Urban Sustainable Agriculture Allied

Abstract

Urban Agriculture is a sustainable alternative to tackle the food crisis that many cities live in
modern times. An Urban Agriculture limit is the actual space where to plant. Therefore, it has
managed to plant on tables, balconies and in many other spaces in order to produce; these
spaces are fill with organic substrates which substitute soil virtues. Another Urban Agriculture
weakness is the access to these organic substrates. The Vermiculture technique can give these
much needed nutrients to Urban Agriculture in a fast and effective and dynamic way. This
paper focuses on the measurement of the population growth index of the Red Californian Earthworm
(Eisenia foetida) in order to produce solid and liquid humus using organic waste from
urban houses. This essay was done at the Artisanal Bioisumes Laboratory (LAB) at the Bolivarian
University of Venezuela (UBV). Two types of organic substrates were used (compost and
egg shells and coffee waste). This essay is so that many communities visualize the easy way
that is to produce its own solid humus increasing agroecological practices. The best substrate
was the one made of egg shell and coffee waste since this substrate had a better earthworm
population growth and humus production.