Scribd
Upload
11 views10 pages

Vermicomposting

Vermicomposting is a rapid composting process that utilizes specific species of earthworms to decompose organic waste into nutrient-rich vermicompost. This eco-friendly method enhances soil quality, improves aeration, and increases moisture retention while promoting organic matter recycling. The process involves careful management of earthworm populations and organic materials, resulting in high-quality compost suitable for agricultural use.

Uploaded by

GANESH KRISHNA S
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
11 views10 pages

Vermicomposting

Vermicomposting is a rapid composting process that utilizes specific species of earthworms to decompose organic waste into nutrient-rich vermicompost. This eco-friendly method enhances soil quality, improves aeration, and increases moisture retention while promoting organic matter recycling. The process involves careful management of earthworm populations and organic materials, resulting in high-quality compost suitable for agricultural use.

Uploaded by

GANESH KRISHNA S
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 10

Vermicomposting

• Composting is the biological decomposition of solid and putrescible


organic matter into stable mineral compounds.
• It results in the formation of a humus-like material called compost.
• Organisms involved - bacteria, fungi, earthworms, insects and some other
soil organisms
• Organic matter improves both physical and chemical properties of soil.
• It enhances the aeration and the moisture retention capacity of the soil.
• Compost acts as a source of slow-release fertilizer.
• Composting promotes the production of organic matter and nutrient
recycling.
• Vermicomposting is the composting of solid organic wastes using some
species of earthworms.
• It is much faster than the traditional composting techniques.

• The compost, produced by the breakdown of organic debris by


earthworms, is known as vermicompost.

• Eco-friendly, pollution-free, simple and cost-effective fertilizer


production process.

• Fruits, flowers & vegetables produced by using vermicompost, have


higher protein, carbohydrate & lipid contents and better keeping quality
• In vermicomposting, earthworms eat biodegradable wastes such as municipal
wastes, non-toxic industrial wastes, agricultural wastes and domestic garbage
which can be converted into vermicompost.
• They keep the environment clean and healthy also.
• The earthworm species with high composting potential are usually selected
for vermiculture and commonly employed species in India are:
(1) Endemic species - Perionyx excavatus, P. sansibaricus, P. scales,
Dichogaster annae, Lampito mauritii, etc.
(2) Exotic species - Eudrilus eugeniae, Eisenia foetida, E. andrei, Lumbricus
rubellus, etc.
• Lampito mauritii, Perionyx sansibaricus and Dichogaster annae are
common in Kerala.
• Eudrilus euginiae is found to have higher feeding capacity, faster growth rate,
and greater biodegradation potential.
• Vermicomposting essentially involves an intimate interaction between the
detritivorous composting earthworms and the symbiotic microflora inhabiting
their gut.
• Earthworms do not produce cellulotytic enzymes and so they cannot digest
plant materials.
• This is compensated by the bacteria living in their intestine.
• These bacteria produce enzymes which digest the plant materials ingested by
earthworms.
• Earthworms first fragment & ingest the plant materials, then grind them into
fine particles in their gizzard for the action of bacterial enzymes.
Desirable qualities of the earthworms used in vermiculture
(i) High adaptability to acclimatize and colonize in organic matter.

(ii) High physiological efficiency to ingest, digest and assimilate


large quantities of organic matter.

(iii) High reproductive potential to multiply in large numbers in a


short period of time.

(iv) Short life cycle.

(v) High tolerance against a wide range of environmental conditions.


Methodology of vermicomposting

• Vermicomposting can be carried out in bins made of bricks, cement, or stone


slabs or wooden planks lined with plastic sheet.

• After allowing the waste for primary decomposition for a period of 15 to 20


days, the material is filled in tanks.

• During this period, raking and upturning of the waste 2 or 3 times would
aerate the material and also would help in removing the heat generated
during the process.

• A thatched shed, preferably open from all sides and with unpaved floor, is
constructed in east-west direction to protect the site from direct sunlight.
• The site of vermibeds on the raised ground is watered first. Then, a 4"-6"
thick layer of slowly biodegradable agricultural residue, such as dried leaves,
straw, sugarcane trash, etc., is laid over it and soak with water.

• This is followed by 1" thick layer of vermicompost or farmyard manure.

• Earthworms are released to each vermibed at the following rates:

(i) For the treatment of cow dung or agricultural waste: 1.0 kg/bed

(ii) For the treatment of household garbage: 1.5 kg/bed

• The loaded waste is finally covered with jute mat to protect earthworms
from birds and insects.
• Water is sprinkled on the vermibeds daily according to the requirement and
the season to keep them moist.
• The waste is turned upside down fortnightly, without disturbing the basal
layer (vermibed).
• The appearance of black, granular and crumbly powder on the top of
vermibeds indicates the harvest stage of the compost.
• Watering is stopped for at least 5 days at this stage
• The earthworms go down and the compost is collected from the top without
disturbing the lower layer (vermibed).
• The first lot of vermicompost is ready for harvesting after 2-2.5 months and
the subsequent lots can be harvested after every 6 weeks of loading.
• The process of vermicomposting is completed within 60 to 75 days
depending on the earthworm population.

Multiplication of earthworms

• Prepare a mixture of cow-dung and dried leaves in 1:1 proportion.

• Release earthworms at the rate of 50 numbers/10 kg of the mixture.

• Add more dried grass, leaves, or husk and mix well and keep the mixture in
shade.

• Sprinkle water over it from time to time to maintain the moisture level.

• Earthworms multiply nearly 300 times within one to two months. These
earthworms can be used to prepare vermicompost.
Advantages of vermicompost
1. Vermicompost is an eco-friendly manure, prepared from
biodegradable organic wastes and it is free from chemical inputs.
2. It does not have any adverse effect on soil, plant and
environment.
3. It improves soil aeration and soil texture and thereby reduces soil
compaction.
4. It improves the water-retention capacity of the soil by virtue of its
high organic content.
5. It promotes better root growth and nutrient absorption.
6. It improves the nutrient status of the soil in relation to both
macro-and micronutrients.

You might also like