KWB composting study includes worm experiment

Fifth grade students at Holloway Middle School take a "hands-on" approach to the recent vermiculture project presented by Keep Whitehouse Beautiful. The students learned about worm composting by conducting research on worms' eating habits. The worms and other materials were provided by KWB. For more information about composting, contact KWB at kwb75791@yahoo.com.

Fifth-graders at Holloway Middle School recently began a vermiculture project (worm composting).

"The students selected and named two earthworms and fed and recorded the amount they ate over the two weeks," Debbie Shafer, KWB president, said. Keep Whitehouse Beautiful provided volunteers and materials for this project.

From their soil unit at school these students learned that dirt and crushed rock mixed with humus (decomposed organic matter) makes soil rich. Composting is the mechanism by which humus is created.

The students discussed and made a list of the major benefits of adding compost to the soil in their yard and gardens. Those benefits included healthier soil, no need for man-made fertilizer with harmful chemicals, saves money, less watering is needed saving water and energy along with several others.

"These fifth-graders decided that this easy commitment to compost would make a huge difference in their living area," Shafer said.