Researchers at the Perm National Research Polytechnic University have developed a novel method to produce granular vermicompost, a natural fertilizer derived from organic material processed by worms and other soil-dwelling creatures. This breakthrough promises to lower production costs, simplify storage, and improve the practicality of using vermicompost on farms across Canada and the United States. The update was shared by the university’s press service with socialbites.ca, underscoring its potential impact on sustainable agriculture.
Vermicompost is known for its plant-friendly nutrients and beneficial microorganisms, which can enhance soil structure and fertility. While the concept is well established, turning vermicompost into uniform granules has been challenging. Traditional methods can involve harsh additives or fail to yield granules with consistent strength and size, complicating transport and application. The new approach addresses these issues by optimizing the granulation process to produce durable, easy-to-handle granules that retain the fertilizing properties of the raw material.
The core idea involves combining the base soil mix with an aqueous solution of baking soda and then shaping the mixture through an extruder fitted with 7 mm dies. The resulting green‑ish paste is fed into a drum where it is granulated, dried at an elevated temperature range of 90 to 100 °C, and sieved to settle on the target size fractions. Any granules smaller than 3 mm are crushed and returned to the mixing stage for reuse, minimizing waste and maximizing yield. This closed loop helps keep raw material consumption low and improves overall process efficiency. As Pavel Skovorodnikov, a senior researcher at the Department of Chemical Technologies, explained, the extrusion step produces uniform granules and ensures the final product matches the intended 3–6 mm commercial fraction after drying.
According to researchers, the new method yields vermicompost that is robust enough for transport and long-term storage, while also maintaining the biological activity that is crucial for soil health. The production costs are kept down thanks to inexpensive starting materials and a streamlined process, which reduces waste and downtime. The process also emphasizes reclaiming very small granules, converting them back into feedstock rather than discarding them. This attention to material efficiency aligns with broader goals of sustainable manufacturing and waste reduction in agricultural inputs, a point echoed by the study team in their communications with socialbites.ca.
Beyond the manufacturing advantages, the team notes that incorporating vermicompost into soil can help restore fertility and improve both the qualitative and quantitative outcomes of crop production. In field trials and controlled studies, soils amended with the granular vermicompost demonstrated improved nutrient availability, better moisture retention, and enhanced microbial activity, all of which contribute to healthier plant growth and yields. These benefits position the technology as a practical option for farmers seeking to reduce synthetic fertilizer dependence without sacrificing crop performance. The researchers highlight that the material’s uniform granule size also facilitates precise dosing, whether in large-scale agricultural operations or smaller garden plots, making vermicompost more accessible to a wider range of growers. Evidence from trials and ongoing monitoring supports the conclusion that this product can contribute to more resilient farming systems in diverse Canadian and American soils. (Source attribution: Perm National Research Polytechnic University)
Overall, the development represents a meaningful step toward affordable, efficient, and sustainable soil amendment solutions. By combining a thoughtful chemical approach with mechanical processing and careful material management, the research team has produced a vermicompost product that is both practical for producers and beneficial for soil ecosystems. The work aligns with contemporary agroecology principles and may encourage broader adoption of biological inputs in modern farming practices. Further studies are expected to refine the process, optimize energy usage, and expand the range of soil types that can benefit from the granular vermicompost technique. (Attribution: PNIPU press release)