Behind the Worms: The Research Driving Terravore

At Terravore, we're passionate about turning food waste into something that benefits both people and the planet. But we don't just want to say that vermicompost works; we want to understand exactly how and why it works.

That's why our founder, Didi, is currently completing a Master's in Environmental Management, in which her dissertation investigates the effects of different application rates of food waste-derived vermicompost on plant growth.

Control: Commercial Compost treatment (No vermicompost added)

The research compares different vermicompost-commercial compost mixtures to determine which application rate yields the best growth response. Two crops, lettuce and radish, are being monitored throughout the experiment, with measurements including plant growth, leaf development, chlorophyll content, and biomass.

As the experiment progresses, we're already beginning to see some fascinating differences between the treatments.

Control radish vs 80% Vermicompost Radish

Some plants are showing faster growth, deeper green foliage, and stronger overall development, while others appear to respond differently depending on the amount of vermicompost applied. Although it's still too early to draw conclusions, it's exciting to watch the results unfold.

This research is important because there is no single "perfect" application rate for vermicompost. Using too little may limit its benefits, while using too much may not always produce better results. By testing different proportions under controlled conditions, we're aiming to generate practical recommendations that growers, gardeners and farmers can apply with confidence.

Control commercial Lettuce vs 60% Vermicompost Lettuce

For Terravore, this research is more than an academic exercise. It reflects our commitment to ensuring that the products we create are backed by evidence and experience. Every batch of vermicompost we produce represents food waste diverted from landfill, nutrients returned to the soil, and another step towards a more circular food system.

Over the coming weeks, we'll continue to share updates from the trial, including photographs, observations, and key milestones as the plants develop.

All Vermicompost Lettuce treatments (0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%)

Once the dissertation has been completed and assessed, we'll publish a summary of the findings here on our website, and the full dissertation will also be made available for anyone who would like to explore the research in more detail.

We're looking forward to sharing the journey and, hopefully, contributing another piece of evidence demonstrating the role that vermicompost can play in building healthier soils and more resilient food systems.