The effect of red wiggler worms (Eisenia fetida) on aquaponics nutrient solution properties and system stability across solution temperature

Abstract

This project begins to quantify the potential benefit of red wiggler worms as a low cost input for aquaponics producers to increase nutrient concentration available to plants and thus increase subsequent yield. Through regular testing and analysis of the system's nutrient solution, it was found that worms had no immediate, consistent and demonstrable benefit as far nutrient concentration, system stability, or plant yield, and that fish species had more effect on system solution. This study does not rule out other benefits of worms in the system, in particular to the reduction of waste build up. Inconclusive results suggest that this study should continue over a longer duration.