Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela

Ministry of Popular Power for Education

U.E Diocesan College San Fernando

5th Year Section 'B'

WORM FARMING FOR THE PRODUCTION OF FERTILIZER

ORGANIC

Teacher: Participants:
Neliza Chacón Sebastián Cordero
Emma Venegas
Krisbel Gutiérrez

San Fernando, January 2024

 Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela

Ministry of Popular Power for Education

U.E Diocesan School San Fernando

5th Year Section 'B'

WORM FARMING FOR THE PRODUCTION OF ORGANIC FERTILIZER

Participants:
Sebastián Cordero
Emma Venegas
Krisbel Gutiérrez
Summary

The present project is aimed at strengthening identified weaknesses.

at the Diocesan College Angel Adolfo Polachini Municipality of Biruaca, State
Apure, regarding the existence of land spaces that can
to become idle and the deficit in the execution of social projects
productive in it,
previous diagnosis participatory community what reddish such
results,
in addition to the lack of knowledge they have about the execution of this type of projects

above all, to the obtaining of organic fertilizers through Vermiculture.

It is carried out under the qualitative approach, participatory action research, as
technique for gathering information in-depth interview applied to 3
key informants, and as analysis the categorization and triangulation
of answers. It is a project that achieved its objective in terms of training.
in the production of organic fertilizer (humus) through Vermiculture and
to form an ecological consciousness, where the conservation of the environment is a
main purpose and where sustainable endogenous development is
practiced.

INTRODUCTION

Education plays a vital role for the new

adaptation and formation of knowledge that has been deteriorating due to
through the new communication strategies of today's society, it
which makes the effort evident in finding the best way for the
new generations in terms of their knowledge that undoubtedly
they can use to approach reality and take appropriate actions
to solve problems, but of the new challenges that
Institutions and the community must integrate for the implementation of projects.
that produce a development of potential for society. Currently
it has been observed how environmental degradation has increased and
produced increasingly evident consequences in nature, which
allows for new alliances. The educational context is one of the axes
what creates wills in favor of the environment, in order to optimize the
participation in the development of projects that lead to improving the
teaching and learning process through beneficial activities
from an environmental point of view, such as the production of compost
organic. Hence, this elaboration leads to the production of
homegrown crops that can become a viable operating model and not
not only for educational institutions but also for communities
that work with crop planting and other similar methods that
they implement new ways of knowledge and that is why education,
the institution and the community play a predominant role, as these
they allow a new lifestyle for human beings, which through it
there must be an educational skill open to allowing participation from
all and each of the entities involved, in this case teachers,
students, researchers, and the general community, since, when
initiate production processes such as comparing effectiveness of the
homemade organic fertilizer produced by the California red worm and the compost
industrial in agricultural production, practically manifesting a principle
basic, since what is being done is to nourish the soil and these in turn nourish the
plants. On the other hand, it should be emphasized that the production of organic fertilizer

with the California red worm is a way to create new products of

crops, that avoids the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, the
which do not contribute any benefit to the soil, on the contrary,
they contribute to serious alterations to the soil and plants, which leads to the
implementation of organic fertilizer, as it continuously cares for the soil
to retain your fertility and thus work in harmony with nature
 CHAPTER I

THE PROBLEM

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Vermiculture is an activity through which a

rational and intensive exploitation of worms in captivity to transform
organic matter into fertilizer. Humus is the resulting product of
digestive transformation process of the worm; it is a colloid
chemically stable that is used as fertilizer constituting a
alternative practice for soil fertility management.

Vermiculture can be considered a micro experience.

viable production for the school as its implementation requires a
minimum money investment, takes up little space, and does not develop odors. To
On the contrary, it prevents odors produced by household waste.

The production of worms involves a limited expenditure of time and

energy, as the care of the worms only requires maintaining the
medium with a relative humidity and feed it with organic waste,
arranged in layers of a few centimeters. The consumption of material
Decomposing organic matter allows the use of all types of waste.
domestic, particularly peels and vegetable waste, which implies
that its maintenance does not require high costs from the producers.
 To conclude, we must understand and comprehend that recycling waste
Organic by means of vermiculture is a vital necessity for the school.
and the community in general, due to the ecological and
profitability that allows its implementation.

GENERAL OBJECTIVE

Development of Vermiculture for the Production of Organic Fertilizer

at the Diocesan College Angel Adolfo Polachini Biruaca Municipality, State
Apure.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES

Diagnose the needs of students regarding the promotion of

environmental values at the Diocesan College Angel Adolfo Polachini in the
Biruaca Municipality, Apure State.

Integrate the teaching staff and students of the education subsystem

secondary school of the Diocesan College Angel Adolfo Polachini in the Municipality

Biruaca, Apure State, in the activities of development and execution of

project.

Organize activities for the collection of organic material for

develop vermiculture.

Develop a vermiculture system for the production of organic fertilizer.

Promotion of environmental values at the Diocesan College Angel Adolfo
Polachini in the Biruaca Municipality, Apure State.
 JUSTIFICATION

In the country at the present moment, the irrational intervention of the

The hand of man in most ecosystems has generated impacts
negative environmental factors, active participation of the
members of a school community as dynamic entities and
transformers of environmental activity where they are located; being the
Vermiculture is an agricultural technique that promotes the environment in the

improvement of damaged ecosystems, accelerating the processes

natural and providing solutions to pollution problems, is characterized by
great importance the implementation of a project using this
biotechnology for the elimination of urban waste, such as the
Construction of a Vermiculture to Promote Environmental Values in the
Diocesan College Angel Adolfo Polachini in the Biruaca Municipality, State
Apure. The importance of this research is basically given by the
possibility of educating about environmental values, stimulating and encouraging
to the student population about the real possibility of improving the environment
increasingly sick. In developing this project with the waste
organic, it will be taught to work at low cost, with resources that
they can totally transform, achieving a level of hygiene that gives another
It would result more costly to provide a meaningful and low experience.
cost, feasible to implement in any community, that only for
ignorance has allowed to overlook a great source of wealth that
turns organic waste into a very rich biological substrate
non-pathogenic bacteria.
 Another factor that enhances the importance of this project is given by
the possibility of trading in vermiculture, and achieving some income
extra, to provide the opportunity for young people to visualize the eventuality of
start micro enterprises with vermiculture as the main focus, being very
cautious with the expectations that may arise, motivated by the fact that it is their
particularity of varying, case by case, as it would depend on the matter of
pollution, the characteristics of the substrate to be remediated, and the urgency
with what this solution is required.

SCOPE

This research aims to guide teachers in

Diocesan School Angel Adolfo Polachini in the Municipality of Biruaca, State
Apure for the development of environmental values for production of
organic fertilizer from vermiculture in the students of the institution
study object, so that teachers and students are capable of
make a paradigm shift in environmental conservation or context
social-educational, through the use of methods and techniques. This innovation
agricultural influences the various labor functions performed by the
teacher in the classroom, who will acquire manual and technical skills in the
production of organic fertilizers.
 CHAPTER II

THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

Background of the Research

The literature review resulted in the localization of

works whose theme refers to project implementation of
Worm farming and the teaching of environmental values.

Molina (2006) in his Environmental Education Program for the

Mucujún River Basin: A Window of University Extension, developed
a Project type Environmental Education Program aimed at working with the
child and youth population of seven (7) rural schools located within the
Cuenca, in Mérida, Venezuela, using motivation as a strategy regarding
the environmental values.

He designed an educational plan of Talks-Workshops in favor of the environment,

where they developed specific themes such as: establishment and management
of worm farming, establishment and management of the composter, manufacturing of
handmade paper, the school garden, among others. Also for topics
general aspects such as the use and management of soil resources; achieved the installation of

various vermiculture projects at La Caña School and Alto Viento School,

as well as Compost and Vermiculture built with children from Education
Primary at the Monterrey School, all located in the river basin
Mucujún, Mérida, Venezuela.

He also managed to demonstrate that it is feasible to develop projects with the

student population of any school and raise awareness among teachers and students;
create environmental awareness and motivation for conservation, impart
knowledge about the environment in general and the use and management of resources
creating awareness in children about their importance for life.

Orta (2006) in his work on Vermiculture in Pinar del Río, Cuba,

completed during the Master's course in Agroecology and Development
Sustainable, it mentions that in the neighboring communities of the Reserve of the
Biosphere 'Sierra del Rosario' there is a lack of knowledge about the application of the
worm farming technique as organic agriculture by the
farmers in the area and consequently the production is of low quality,
therefore the interaction between crops and livestock is very limited.
Developed a Technique for the production of worm humus,
turning it into a valuable resource in fish farming as feed and
as bait.

According to the author, this technique allows the use of organic matter such
like animal manure, urban dump sites, organic waste
industries and sludge from wastewater treatment plants and considers its
value for the environment since this technique also reduces unpleasant odors,
flies and populations of microorganisms harmful to human health and,
they can also mitigate the effects of waste pollution
organic.

On the other hand, at the Natural Sciences Museum of the University of

Navarre in Spain, where educational programs are implemented aimed at its
visitors, Echarri and Baguer (2008) developed a didactic proposal
concrete, in which they have jointly applied the knowledge in
environmental education, meaningful learning, and museology. They proposed
a didactic unit aimed at students aged 11-12, through visits
at the museum, to promote the learning of the value "respect" and its meaning
of the term "biodiversity".

Theoretical Bases

The theoretical foundations aim to give the research a

coordinated and coherent system of concepts and propositions that allow
address the problem. In this regard, Ortiz (2005) states that: “It is where it
summarize all the relevant literature available on the subject
investigation, which is based on a detailed and concrete search where the
the theme and the subject of the object to be investigated have a theoretical basis, which is

can debate, expand, conceptualize, and conclude.” (p. 76). In this sense, it
they present the theoretical foundations related to the topic under study.

Organic matter

It is composed of animal or plant residues, it is about

substances that are often found in the soil and that contribute to its
fertility. For soil to be suitable for agricultural activity, it must have
with a good level of organic matter.

Organic fertilizer

It is a fertilizer that comes from animals, humans, and remains.

vegetables from food or another organic and natural source. In contrast, the
inorganic fertilizers are made through artisanal or industrial means,
such as nitrogen fertilizers (made from fossil fuels and
air) or those obtained from mining, such as phosphates or potassium, calcium, zinc.
 Humus

It is the final state of decomposition of organic matter, action

carried out by decomposing organisms and microorganisms (such as
fungi and bacteria). It is characterized by its blackish color due to the large
amount of carbon it contains.

Eisenia foetida

Scientific name of the red earthworm, belongs to the genus

Eisenia, family Lumbricidae, order Haplotaxida, belongs to its
you see the subclass of oligochaetes.

Soil

It is the natural medium for the growth of plants. It also

defined as a natural body, consisting of layers or horizons,
composed of minerals, air, water, and organic matter. As a result of
the influence of time and the combination of climate, topography, organisms
living (flora, fauna, and humans) and the parental material (rocks and minerals)
native), the soil differs in its texture, structure, consistency, color and
chemical, biological, and physical properties.

Agricultural Techniques

Agricultural techniques according to Monroid (2006), 'It is an eco-technology'

simple, easy to apply as it is viable and productive, which takes the qualities
biological and physiological aspects of earthworms to enhance decomposition
aerobic decomposition of organic matter and production of a natural fertilizer similar to

humus, soft to the touch, with a pleasant smell, non-toxic for plants and
excellent soil improver.” (p. 88).

Vermiculture
 It is an easy-to-apply agricultural technique. No land is needed.
of one hectare nor great knowledge. Without scientific knowledge, and in
a small piece of land, approximately one square meter, is
It can be recycling the vast majority of organic waste from a
family. The beds, bunks or plant beds must be watered permanently to
maintain a humidity of 80%, water, by gravity, is deposited at
bottom of the bed. For this reason, they are built sloped and with a hole or
a hose at the lowest part that allows for its collection. This liquid has
a large concentration of 16 nitrogen and many micro elements. It is worth noting

highlight that the meat of the species Eisenia has a high percentage of
protein. Regarding its reproduction, it is very prolific, noticeable in
the stone workers a large number of individuals who are constantly
playing.

Parra (2006) believes that it is necessary to take into account some

aspects, such as:

Selection of the location: The place should be shaded, with good drainage,
flat and with available water. Canoes or planters must be established
north to south, with a height of 70 cm and 1 m wide. The length of the flowerbed
it depends on the size of the place.

Placement of a thin layer (10 cm) of substrate (manure, waste

from harvest, cachaza), at the bottom of the selected land surface and
1 kg of worms is sown per m2; after a period of 7 to 8 days
One can observe the appearance of some small black tobacco-like substances.
from the coffee grounds in its texture, which indicates that the manure has been
converted into worm humus.

Likewise, the worms can be seen on the surface, this

It means they need to feed again and another layer should be added.
more than 10 cm of substrate, so the activity is repeated as many times
as far as possible until reaching the designed height in the flowerbed.

Surface irrigation application. The worms (due to their morphology),

they must avoid the light and immerse themselves in the substrate, so it is maintained the

humidity uniformly depending on the temperature, avoiding

puddling or dripping due to excess. If it rains on the surface it should not
regarding; it is not advisable to cover the flowerbed with jute bags, as
our experience tends to host some insects that are
harmful to the worm.

The harvest will be carried out using the net method, which is very
easy to apply, as a mesh is placed on the surface of the bed and
fresh food is placed on it, after 3 or 4 days when the
worms come up to eat, the mesh is removed and with it the worms. This
the operation is repeated as many times as necessary.

Storage of worm humus. This should be done after

the humus is dry, no less than 40% humidity, since it is still
There is microbial activity that contributes to the quality of worm humus.
I was also able to store it in bags that have ventilation and are shaded.
it has been shown that, once harvested after 8 months, it
they produce losses in its quality.

The handling of manure or substrate is the most important element.

within worm farming, so it should be taken into account that it must
the manure to be mature, more or less 10 to 20 days after having been
produced by the animal, dark green or brown in color, its smell is bearable
and the pH is stabilized. It must be taken into account for management.
of manure 3 important factors such as temperature, humidity, and pH
(acidity, alkalinity).
 Traditional agricultural planting can benefit from using fertilizer.
from worms, as long as it is obtained for self-consumption, when applied
vermicomposting from organic waste available in the own plot.

The best uses that can be offered with worm compost.

according to Monroid (2006), they are those who recognize and add value to
agricultural product that is obtained; such as:

Organic crops, which provide a premium for guaranteeing the

use of non-polluting inputs and sustainable farming practices
in this case are vegetables, fruits, and greens, which are
they export and are well priced in the national market.

The seedbeds and nurseries of agricultural plants, which use

germination trays (with very small and numerous cells of
growth), where high-quality nutrient substrates are required,
efficiency and consistency for the germination and intensive growth of
seedlings in greenhouses.

Due to its natural characteristics and properties, this product does not
seeks to compete with or replace chemical fertilizers (except for the
organic crops), as they also have properties as fertilizers
biological, it is used as a soil structure enhancer, as
enricher, as a microbial inoculant, as a growth regulator or
even as a simple and efficient growth substrate.

Vermicomposting should only be done when there are conditions of

sufficient availability and opportunity of usable organic matter and
abundant. It begins with the acquisition of adequate amounts of
earthworms or 'breeding feet' and technical advice. Sufficient land is required,
water and some simple facilities and equipment, which can be improved
gradually, as a result of the same activity. The production of compost bins;
using for the worms as an element of organic matter that
promote the use of organic matter. Hence, the worms and the
organic waste, motivation in the construction of new knowledge.

CHAPTER III

METHODOLOGICAL FRAMEWORK

Type of Research

The research is framed within a field study. In this regard,

Velasco and Others (2005) state that fieldwork "usually refers to the
"period and the research method dedicated" (p.97). The author emphasizes that
this type of study is more than a set of techniques where it details the
essential aspects that intervene in the problem determining causes and
consequences that originate it. For the purpose of the investigation, it was detected that the

existing need through direct observation and manipulation of the

facts, where the teacher rarely uses the environment to
promote value in students; through the production of fertilizer
organic from a worm farm.

Research Design

Considering that for the first phase of the research design

it became necessary to incorporate information directly from the referred group and the

review of documents in reference, various types were resorted to

research for the development of this study. These were field studies,
case study, documentary and descriptive. The field research, is
defined according to Tamayo (2004), as: "It is when the data
they are directly collected from reality, thus the so-called
primary, their value lies in that they allow to ascertain the true
conditions under which the data has been obtained which facilitates its review or
"modification in case of doubts arising." (p. 110). The study was characterized by
to have direct contact with the facts to record the progress and development
demonstrated in the feasibility of the data obtained.

Research Modality

The study is framed within the modality of a project

feasible, which is defined by the Experimental Pedagogical University
Liberator (UPEL; 2006), such as: The research, preparation, and development of
a proposal for a feasible operational model to solve problems
requirements or needs of organizations or social groups.
Formulation of policies, programs, technologies, methods or processes, the
What support should be included in a documentary, field, or other types of research?

a design that includes both modalities. (p. 16). Its purpose is to elaborate
the proposal: Build a Vermiculture for organic fertilizer production,
for the promotion of environmental values, at the Diocesan College Angel
Adolfo Polachini Municipality Biruaca, State Apure. The project was carried out in
two phases to know: (a) the diagnostic phase, being detected in the community in
I study the need to promote environmental values in students.
Diocesan School Angel Adolfo Polachini, and, (b) the preparation of the
proposal.

Population and Sample

Regarding the population, Tamayo (2004) defines it as the

totality of the phenomenon to be studied; the population units have a
common characteristic, which is studied and gives rise to data from the
research. For the purpose of achieving the objectives of this
research, the population corresponding to this study is composed of
for all the students of the Diocesan College Angel Adolfo
Polachini Municipality Biruaca, State Apure. Strata were established.
corresponding to the levels that the students were attending (1st year, 2nd year
and 3rd year). Thirty percent (30%) of the
population, in this way the size of the selected sample remained
composed of a total of 139 units of analysis.

Data Collection Technique

As a data collection instrument, the questionnaire was used.

which was applied to students in the 1st year, 2nd year, and 3rd year.
Year. of the Diocesan School Angel Adolfo Polachini Municipality Biruaca, State
Apure, which is structured in three (03) parts: presentation,
instructions and the content of the eleven (11) items, with the categories
Always 'A', Almost Always 'AA', Sometimes 'S', and Never 'N'.

Validity and Reliability

Once the instruments were structured, we proceeded to a

recognition for its content validity, the validity of the instruments
information collection measures were assessed using validity of
content, through expert judgments, who provided their opinion
about the content and congruence that the instrument has regarding the
formulation of the items, if they measure the variables that are found in
study, clarity in their formulation, among many others
criteria that will allow for the good and proper construction of the instrument. The
exclusion of error is of great importance within the instruments of
information gathering, as the researcher needs to have confidence
that the results collected with the instruments in question, are
approximate the true value that needs to be measured. In order to assess the
reliability of the instrument used, the application of the method of
Cronbach's Alpha reliability coefficient, through the application of the
formula that relates the variance of the items and the variance of the total score:
Its interpretation determines that the closer the index gets to the extreme
1, reliability is better, considering a respectable reliability from
0.80. The application in the instrument of the present study resulted in
a coefficient of 0.89, which means the selection of the items and of
instrument meets the expectations of the research offering a
high reliability.

Data Processing and Analysis

After collecting the data, through the application of

the instrument was subjected to a descriptive statistical analysis for each one
from the variables. Hence, the data was then tabulated
manually, reflecting qualitatively and in percentage the responses
issued by the subjects of study in each of the items, was represented as
through charts demonstrating the results obtained and better visualizing the
interpretation.