Recent Developments in Vermicomposting and Vermistabilization: A Brief Review

Wang, L. K., and Wang, M. H. S. (2026). Recent developments in vermicomposting and vermistabilization: a brief review, Environmental Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (E-STEM), 2026(8C), Lenox Institute Press, Massachusetts, USA. 13 pages. DOI : 10.17613/87zr3-gkv35 ; DOI : 10.17613/s3wax-met40 ; .... ABSTRACT: Vermicomposting, also known as vermistabilization, has evolved from a conventional biological waste-treatment method into an increasingly engineered process for resource recovery, soil improvement, and the production of high-value biostimulants. This brief review examines recent developments in vermicomposting while relating them to the classical engineering principles that established the scientific foundation of the technology. Recent studies demonstrate the effective conversion of municipal biodegradable wastes, agricultural residues, paper-mill sludge, cattle manure, and sewage sludge using earthworm species such as Eisenia fetida, Eudrilus eugeniae, and Perionyx sansibaricus. Major advances include microbial pretreatment to accelerate the decomposition of lignocellulosic residues; the incorporation of biochar and animal manure to improve earthworm growth, microbial activity, nutrient quality, and sludge stabilization; and substrate-specific optimization of vermicomposting systems. Reactor geometry, aeration, bedding depth, temperature, moisture content, loading rate, and earthworm welfare remain essential design considerations. Two-stage treatment integrating pre-composting with vermicomposting can further accelerate stabilization, reduce pathogen loads, and improve the nutrient characteristics of the final product. Recent commercial investment in earthworm-derived biostimulants also indicates growing recognition of vermicompost as a marketable agricultural resource. Collectively, these developments point toward precision vermistabilization: an integrated approach combining microbial bioaugmentation, engineered amendments, optimized reactor design, appropriate earthworm-substrate selection, and commercial-scale production. Vermicomposting is therefore becoming an increasingly important component of circular-economy waste management, sustainable agriculture, nutrient recovery, and environmental protection. KEYWORDS: vermicomposting; vermistabilization; earthworms; Eisenia fetida; Eudrilus eugeniae; microbial bioaugmentation; biochar; sewage sludge; biodegradable waste; resource recovery; biostimulants; circular economy