5.6 How to determine the area requirements for the vermicomposting process

The required can be estimated by applying the following formula:

Where,

Parameter	Description	Unit
A	Area windrow	m2
QW	Quantity of worms	kg
WL	Worm loading	kgWORMS/m2

Exercise

What is the required area if the optimal loading rate is 2 kg/m² per day?

Solution:

What are further area requirements?

Additional storage space may be required, depending on the intended use of the compost. Off-season storage may be necessary if the finished compost is only used during the growing season.

Moreover, access roads, turnaround space, and a wash area are required. If the site runoff and the leachate from the aeration system cannot be returned to the treatment plant, then a runoff collection pond must be included. Most composting operations also have a buffer zone around the site to control the odour.