VERMICOMPOSTING

INTRODUCTION
 Vermicomposting is the phenomenon of compost formation by earthworms.

 Earthworms play an important role in the cycling of plant nutrients, turnover of

organic matter and maintenance of soil structure.

 They can consume 10-20% of their own biomass per day.

 They ingest organic matter with a relatively wide C:N ratio and convert it to

earthworm tissue with a lower C:N ratio. Thus, they affect the physic-chemical

properties of soil.

 Earthworms make tunnels and mix soil.

 Thus they aerate the soil which promote the growth of bacteria and actinomycetes.

 Consequently, microbial activity of soil is increased due to increase in enzymatic and

biological activity of earthworms.

 About 500 species of earthworms are known in India and over 3,000 in the world.

 The most common members of the earthworms to be used in the vermicomposting

incude : Eisenia andrie, E. coetida, Dravida willsii, Endrilus euginee, Lamito mauritii,

Lubrieus rubellus and Perionyx excavatus.

PROCESS OF VERMICOMPOSTING:

1) Process of vermicomposting can be done in pits or concrete tanks, wells or wooden

crates.

2) A pit of 2x1x1 m3 dimension (1 m max. depth) is dug under a shade to prevent the

entry of water during rain.

3) Wooden brinks or pebbles are spread on the bottom of pit followed by coarse sand

to facilitate the drainage.

4) It is covered by layer loamy soil which is moistened and inoculated by earthworms.

5) It is covered by small lumps of fresh or dry cattle dung followed by a layer of hay

or dry leaves or agro-wastes.

6) Every day for about 20- 25 days water is sprinkled over it to keep the entire set up

moist. Until the pit is full dry and green leaves are put into the pit in each week.
 7) Vermicompost is ready after 40-45 % days. Vermicompost appears soft, spongy,

dark brown with sweet smelling.

8) Then it is harvested and kept in dark.

9) It is sieved and packed in polythene to retain 20% moisture content.

SUSTAINABLE BIOFERTILIZER:

 It is a sustainable biofertilizer generated from organic wastes.

 Vermicompost is an excellent source of nutrients for vegetables, ornamentals,

fruits and plantation crops.

 Using vermicompost, one can get 10-15% more crop yield, besides improvements in

quality of the product.

 For the first time, in, 1970, vermicomposting was started in Ontario (Canada).
 In recent years, the U.S.A., Japan and Philipines are the leaders of vermicompost

producers.

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