|
Stacking Tray Bins Intro & Reviews |
|
|
Written by Administrator
|
|
Sunday, 11 September 2005 |
Stacking tray systems have multiple nesting trays with grid bottoms
that sit above a liquid collection tray. These systems offer a
harvesting method aimed to minimize hand-sorting of vermicompost from
worms and decomposing organic matter. Worms are fed in one tray until
it is full, then the next (empty) tray is set on top. Worms move upward
toward the available food. When the uppermost tray is full, the lowest
can be removed, emptied, and the vermicompost used.
A common misconception about stacking units is that each tray is a
working tray, and that the systems have much greater surface area in a
vertical stack than they actually do. This is not so. Redworms prefer
to work in the most microbially-active areas of the bin, usually within
6"-8" of the surface of any composting material, thus the lower trays
in these systems are left behind by the vast majority of redworms.
Possible challenges to stacking tray systems:
Stranded Worms! Although trays nest into each other, the
composting material in the tray below continues to settle over time,
while trays sit on tiny "shelves" and do not continue to move downward.
This may leave a gap that worms are unable to cross. Follow the
instructions carefully to avoid adding a new tray too early, and check
to see if worms have been left stranded. Adding a small pile of
shredded newspaper can serve as a "bridge" for worms to leave the
vermicompost and move upward.
Drownings! Quite a few users report finding some worms in the
liquid in the collector tray at the bottom of this type of bin. To
avoid these drowings, some drape landscape fabric over the top of the
collecting tray.
Heavy Trays When full, a single tray is fairly heavy, and lifting or moving the entire stack can be a very hard job.
Advantages of stacking tray systems:
Ease of Harvesting If the design is working well, by the time
you need a fresh tray to add on top of the stack, most of the worms
will have moved out of the lowest tray. With the exception of a few
stragglers, they have sorted themselves.
The manufacturer's instructions for each of the two models of stacking
tray bins reviewed here advise the user to add water to the bin with
each feeding and to pour more water through the bin in order to extract
liquid fertilizer. While this may work in hot, dry climates, Worm Digest
does not advise this type of bin management for most locations. It can
lead to a real "stink". Soaking the bedding until water pours through
the bottom plugs up all the pore spaces in the composting mass,
creating anaerobic conditions.
In addition, the instructions for these bins make no mention of the
need to add carbon bedding regularly. Adding shredded paper, leaves,
straw or any other high-carbon bedding keeps the compost balanced and
prevents overly acidic conditions. It should be moistened and added as
a cover to keep fruit flies and other pests from accessing the food
waste too easily..
The Bins
Can-O-Worms
Specifications:
Can-O-Worms
Trays: 19" diameter x 6"H
2.0 ft2 area
The unit stands 29" from floor to top of third tray.
Wriggly Wranch
Trays: 16" x 23" x 9"H
41cm x 58cm x 23cm
2.6 ft2 area
This bin stands 27" from floor to top.
Made from 100% recycled plastic.
Kit Includes:
* Collector tray & three working trays
* Lid, legs and drainage tap
* Cardboard circle / rectangle for first setup
* Fly-proof inserts (Wriggly WranchTM)
* Coconut fiber "coir" bedding block
* Instructions and setup guide
|
|
Last Updated ( Sunday, 02 October 2005 )
|
Latest News 
