Biological Analysis of Verasoil Worm Castings
In 2021 we submitted our Verasoil Worm Castings to two independent laboratories, SESL Australia and Microbiology Laboratories Australia, to test and report the nutritional and biological results.
We’re proud to annouce that our worm castings excelled in these tests, from compost maturity to overall chemistry, beneficial microbiology, water retention and more.
Sample name: Verasoil Worm Castings B0005
Date sampled: 19/07/2021
Agent: Microbe Labs Australia
Authorised: Dr Ash Martin
Summary of AS4454-2012 Verasoil Worm Casting Results
Product classification
Verasoil
Customer indication
Vermicast
Maturity
Pasteurised product
Particle size
Soil conditioner
Biology
Pass/ Fail
Requirements passed (%)
Pathogens
Pass
100
Viable plant propagules
Pass
100
Physics
Pass/ Fail
Requirements passed (%)
Water related
Pass
100
Contaminants
Pass
100
Group
Biomass (mg/kg) Guide
Total microorganisms
51.6
50
Total bacteria
15
15
Total fungi
36.5
33.8
Bacteria
Pseudomonads
1.273
1.000
Actinomycetes
2.048
1.000
Gram positive
9.917
4.000
Gram negative
5.115
11
Methane oxidisers
BDL*
0.500
Sulphur reducers
BDL*
< 0.005
True anaerobes
BDL*
< 0.005
Eukaryotes
Protoza
0.000
1.250
Mycorrhizal fungi
3.000
10.000
Useful indicators
Verasoil
Guide
Microbial diverity
27.8
80.0
Fungi: Bacteria
2.4
2.3
Bacterial Stress
0.8
< 0.5
Microbial Maturity
75.0
80.0
Disease suppression
100.0
80.0
Nutrients held in microbes (mg/kg)
Nitrogen (N)
3.566
3.450
Phosphorus (P)
1.547
1.500
Potassium (K)
0.516
0.500
Sulphur (S)
0.516
0.500
Calcium (Ca)
0.516
0.250
Magnesium (Mg)
0.516
0.250
Carbon (C)
23.691
22.688
Comments
Biomasses of most beneficial microbe groups were excellent. Protozoa often take time to appear in compost so their absence here is not a major concern. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (VAM) require a living host plan, so the mycorrhizal fungi detected here are most likely ectomycorrhizas, the type that colonise many types of trees, and can be saprophytic. No True anaerobes were detected, which indicates sufficient aeration during the composting process. Microbial diversity was a little low. The Fungi to Bacteria ratio was in the typical range. Microbial maturity was very good, and the high Disease suppression indicator is OK. These results indicate that this compost is well balanced in terms of bacteria and fungi, and could make a useful biological addition to soils.
Physical contaminants
Verasoil
AS4454 Requirement
AS4454 Results
Glass, metal, rigid plastic > 2mm (% retained)
< 0.01
≤ 0.5
Pass
Light plastic >5mm (% retained)
< 0.01
≤ 0.05
Pass
Stones and clay lumps ≥ 5mm (% retained)
< 0.01
≤ 5
Pass
