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A DISSERTATION ON

VERMICULTURE TECHNOLOGY USE FOR A SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of


Degree of
MASTER OF SCIENCE
IN
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Submitted to

Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University, Srinagar Garhwal


(A Central University)
Submitted By:
Anupriya Kumari
M.Sc. Environmental Science
(IV Semester)
Under the supervision of
MR. Arjun Kumar

Alpine Institute of Management and Technology,


Dehradun, Uttarakhand
[2019-2021]
CANDIDATE DECLARATION

I hereby declare that the work which is being presented in the


dissertation entitled “VERMICULTURE TECHNOLOGY ;USE FOR
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT” in partial fulfillment of
requirements for the award of the degree of Master Science in
Environmental Science and Submitted in the Department of
Environmental Science of Alpine Institute of Management &
Technology, Dehradun is an authentic record of my work carried out
during the period of 02 June 2021 to 30 July 2021 under the
supervision of Mr. Arjun Kumar.

Date:

Place: Dehradun
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

In accomplishment of this dissertation successfully, many have


bestowed upon me their blessing and heart pledged support. I am
expressing my special gratitude of thanks to all those particulars who
have been concerned with this dissertation.
Primarily I would thank God for blessing me abundantly. Then I
would like to thank Mr. Arjun Kumar and Mr. Mustaque Kausar
(Lecture, Dept. of Environmental Science, AIMT) for their valuable
guidance which helped me patch this dissertation successfully. Their
instruction have served as the major contributor towards the
completion of this dissertation.
I would also like to express my gratitude of thanks towards all my
friends as a whole in lending me their support in completing this
dissertation

Anupriya Kumari
CONTENT

1. ABSTRACT
2. INTRODUCTION
3. REVIEW OF LITERATURE
4. VERMICULTURE SYSTEM
4.1Downunder worm form
4.2The ultimate home vermiculture system
4.3The swag hanging outdoor worm system
5. BIOREACTOR SET UP
5.1Reactor
5.2Substrate for worms
6. WORMS AND ITS TYPES
7. TECHNOLOGY FOR SUSTAINABL DEVELOPMENT
USING EARTHWORMS
8. VERMIWASH
8.1Properties of vermiwash
9. BENEFITS OF VEMICULTURE
10. CONCLUSION
11. REFERENCES
Abstract

Vermiculture means artificial rearing or cultivation of worms


(Earthworms) and the technology is the scientific process of using
them for the betterment of human beings. Vermicompost is the excreta
of earthworm, which is rich in humus. Earthworms eat cow dung or
farm yard manure along with other farm wastes and pass it through
their body and in the process convert it into vermicompost. The
municipal wastes; non-toxic solid and liquid waste of the industries
and household garbage’s can also be converted into vermicompost in
the same manner. Earthworms not only convert garbage into valuable
manure but keep the environment healthy. Conversion of garbage by
earthworms into compost and the multiplication of earthworms are
simple process and can be easily handled by the farmers. 

Earthworms are macroscopic clitellate oligochaete annelids that live


in soil. They are segmented worms, bilaterally symmetrical, with an
external gland (clitellum) for producing the egg case (cocoon), a
sensory lobe in front of the mouth (prostomium), and an anus at the
end of the animal body, with a small number of bristles (setae) on
each segment. They are hermaphrodite animals, and reproduction
normally occurs through copulation and cross-fertilization, following
which each of the mated individuals produces cocoons containing 1–
20 fertilized ova. The resistant cocoons, which are tiny and roughly
lemon-shaped, with shape differing between species, are usually
deposited near the soil surface, except in dry weather when they are
laid at deeper layers. Cocoons hatch after an incubation period that
varies according to the earthworm species and environmental
conditions.
2.INTRODUCTION

The vermiculture technology can successfully deal with the waste.


This cycle permits treating the soil the degradable materials and
simultaneously using their items to upgrade crop creation and hence
dispenses with the utilization of compound composts. the accentuation
on synthetic manures has prompted the drawn-out awkwardness in
soil pH and its ripeness which has made unsalvageable harm the
environment. It has come up with a new hope to sustain agriculture in
an ecofriendly manner which provides us good quality of food without
any harmful chemical constituents in it.Vermicomposting is regarded
as a clean, sustainable, and zero-waste approach to manage organic
wastes but there are still some constraints in the popularization of
vermicomposting. Instead of increasing research in the field of
vermicomposting, practical application of vermicomposting needs
more attention. Vermicomposting on a large scale is required to solve
the problem of waste disposal effectively and on a global level. One of
the major constraints is the lack of awareness and proper knowledge
regarding vermicomposting and the use of vermicompost. It is
necessary to guide farmers about vermicomposting and the
appropriate use of vermicompost by organizing various training and
extension activities. Innovative and effective agricultural activities
must be developed to educate and assist farmers for organic farming.
They should be educated about the process of vermicomposting and
quantities of vermicompost that should be applied to achieve the best
results in agricultural fields. Higher cost of organic fertilizer than
synthetic fertilizer is also an obstacle for farmers to adopt organic
farming on a large scale. Mass application of vermicompost is not
achieved due to the failure of policy implementation related to
vermicompost technology.
Different species of earthworms have different life histories, occupy
different ecological niches, and have been classified, on the basis of
their feeding and burrowing strategies, into three ecological
categories: epigeic, anecic, and endogeic (Bouché 1977). Endogeic
(soil feeders) and anecic species (burrowers) live in the soil and
consume a mixture of soil and organic matter, and thus excrete
organomineral feces. Epigeic species of earthworms are litter dwellers
and litter transformers; they live in organic soil horizons, in or near
the surface litter, and feed primarily on coarse particulate organic
matter. They ingest large amounts of undecomposed litter and excrete
holorganic fecal pellets. These species are small in body size and
uniformly pigmented with high metabolic and reproductive rates,
which represent adaptations to the highly variable environmental
conditions at the soil surface. In tropical regions, epigeic earthworms
can also be found in the axils of Bromeliaceae plants.
4. VERMICULTURE SYSTEM

As a result of vermiculture, solid wastes can be converted into a


nutrient-rich substance. Vermiculture is the cultivating of earthworms.
A natural bioreactor is used to transform organic waste into an useful
by-product, using earthworms as a flexible bioreactor.

4.1 DOWN UNDER WORM FORM

ØThis affordable Worm Farm uses top feeding redworms to


consume organic wastes derived from your food scraps.
Ø The castings can be used in garden as a soil conditioner.
Ø The worms live and breed in the top layer.
4.2 The Ultimate Home Vermiculture System

Ø It is designed with the homeowner in mind who needs a larger


capacity unit than the standard worm bins.
Ø It is a sturdy, stable construction with little fear of tipping by
children or pets.
Ø It is a conve nient process because of its height,which is
easily accessible by all family members.
Ø Its angled harvesting tray allows for easy drainage and liquid
separation.
Ø Its rubber legged bumpers protect floors from scratches.
Ø It is easy to operate harvesting mechanism.
4.3 THE SWAG HANGING OUTDOOR WORM SYSTEM
Ø This system is also known as “Off- The-Ground Vermiculture”.
Ø It can be hanged from any shady spots like a porch, balcony,
basement rafter, or tree branch.
Ø No rats, mice or cockroaches can reach it or get in.
Ø The continuous flow technology prevents liquid from pooling
inside the unit.
Ø There is no small or moving parts to break or lose.
Ø It has less maintenance and is easy to harvest the finished
redworm castings by just opening from bottom.
Ø This is highly durable.
Ø Velcro lined mesh cover can be used which can be opened easily
for adding scraps.
5. BIO REACTOR SET UP:

· In order to create a worm-bed, you need to shred newspaper into


1-inch strips and fill the container to the brim.
·
· Newspaper shreds are soaked in water and then wrung dry to
remove surplus water. Place the wet, fluffed-up newspaper into
the container and close the lid. The container should be half- to
three-fourths filled, depending on the size of the container.
· On top of the newspaper, the worms are dumped in a well-lit
location or in the sun (making sure the light or sun is shining
down on the box). Because they dislike light, the worms will
immediately retreat within the bedding material to avoid being
seen. Upon entering the bedding, they will begin establishing
themselves in the bedding. To prevent the bedding from drying
out, it is maintained wet.
· Over the bedding material, a thin layer of soil is applied. To
digest their meal, worms require dirt or sand. The worm bed is
replenished with new food after seven days. During the first
week, the worms must adjust to their new surroundings.
5.2 REACTOR:

A worm box can process more than 2.267 Kg.of food waste each
week. To Start with,two to three square feet of surface area is best for
growing worms. One Kilogram of worms is enough to start growing a
worm colony in a worm box.
5.2 SUBSTARATE FOR WORMS

A worm box can process more than 2.267 Kg.of food waste each
week. One Kilogram of worms is enough to get started. The worm bed
should never smell sharp, if it smells sharp, calcium carbonate can be
added for ventilation and drainage. There are three methods to gather
worm castings. Bright Light and Scoop Method, Side to Side Method
and Sun Dried Method. The sun will dry the castings as they are
dumped from the canister into the surrounding area under the plastic
cross region.

6. WORMS ITS TYPES:

• Based on earthworm digging habits and lifestyle:


1.Eisenia Foetida.
When it comes to consuming food waste, red worms, or (Eisenia
foetida), are the greatest option. In the top 18 inches of soil, these
worms can be found as surface worms.
2.Lumbricus Rebellus.

However, they are actually soil earthworms that can adapt to worm
box conditions.
Soils with plenty of organic materials are their natural environment.
Working principle

Ø It has a good air flow which is accomplished by ventilation


slots throughout the unit, maintaining maximum surface
oxygenation for efficient, rapid, aerobic composting.
Ø A liquid collector tray with overflow safety valve is present
which allows for simple and clean dispensing of nutrient-rich
liquid fertilizer.

WORM FRIENDLY HABITAT


Ø These units are extensively used in municipalities, educational
facilities, non-profit organizations and others.
Ø Each unit features a black snap on lid and built-in carrying handles
for easy transport.
Ø Ventilation is accomplished through three vents, one on the top and
two on the body (one at each end).

WORM WIGWAM

Ø This has been designed to process large amounts of food & organic
wastes
Ø It can be used in restaurants, farms, public gardens, dormitories &
schools.
Ø This system requires no compost turning and requires no separating
of worms.
Ø About 8 tons of waste can be composted per year by using this
system.
Ø It has a raised floor design providing maximum aeration for faster
worm feeding and shorter composting times.
Ø This system never needs to be emptied
ADVANCED BIOSYSTEM-CLIMATE-CONTROLLED
VERMICULTURE SYSTEM

Ø This Advanced BioSystem is a perfect solution to small to mid


volume, on-site, organic waste processing.
Ø It can be connected in series to other modules, as the need for
additional capacity arises.
Ø This unit is ideal for processing not only food scraps, but also paper
waste, and is developed
for either indoor or outdoor operation.
Ø This system can be used anywhere because the climate inside the
system can be controlled.
Ø The whole set-up can be transferred easily.
Ø It is a compact system.

BY- PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS:

Vermicompost is a 100% standard fertilizer that contains a spread of


worms and decaying human waste. The larvae of the caterpillar are
useless and very common compost known to humas.
Vermicompost is rich in essential minerals for plant growth, such as
concentrated nitrate, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium and calcium.
It also contains manganese, copper, zinc, cobalt, borax, iron, carbon
and nitrogen.
It contains a certain amount of humus soil. Harmful humus is also a
problem for many conservation plants such as calcium, iron,
potassium, sulfur and phosphorus. This improvement is quickly seen
in the sewage. It contains nitrogen which is open to various sources,
potash that is accessible to various sources, and 1.5 times more
calcium than is found in an unprecedented area.
Vermicomposting is a common practice and is a collaborative effort to
re-use supplements in the case of worms and viruses. Therefore,
vermicompost is considered a high concentration of biofertilizer with
various bacterial associations (Pathma and Sakthivel, 2013). Worm
compost development is creeping in the world and is considered to be
a universal progress. As a general fossil report, it looks at the pioneer
waste selection system, and in any case it is considered a renewable
asset and cannot be buried or eaten. This is reasonably prudent,
economically viable and standard for proper decaying waste, so
reusing standard hazardous and stupid waste would be great. Widely
used (Garg et al. 2006). Earthworm compost standard waste and
reduce the amount by 40-60%. The skin definitely weighs between 0.5
and 0.6 g, absorbs the weight indiscriminately and removes some of
the waste you eat every day. Moisture content is localized at between
32 and 66% and the pH is about 7.0. (Reddy et al., 1998). Earthworm
cast contains a higher proportion of both large areas and
micronutrients (actually two layers) than nursery waste. Similarly,
previous experiments have shown that vermicompost provides all the
improvements in easily accessible systems, producing continuous
adoption of plant regeneration (Sreenivas et al., 2000).
Vermicomposting is an example of the development of common waste
products such as peat that has broken down properly using worms. All
soil treatment processes can be used for vermicomposting, but the
larvae are used to perform vermicomposting after incomplete
decomposition of waste. Vermicompost is an advanced biofertilizer
that contains all the essential nutrients of the soil and contains all the
basic nutrients such as N, P and K. With potassium: 0.70%. It was
also fortified with various micronutrients such as Mg (0.46%), Fe
(7563 ppm), Zn (278 ppm), Mn (475 ppm), Bo (34 ppm) and Cu (27
ppm). Therefore, it eliminates the use of additional non-designed data
sources. In addition, vermicompost additives are often much higher
than conventional kindergarten fertilizers (Alamet. Al., 2007).
Vermicompost identifies the basic components of a variety of garden
plants, vegetables, flowers, normal plant development and further
harvest.

Reactor Method Study

Worms live in raised boxes, usually rectangular and not a few meters
wide. Content is top notch and the object is provided with a basic
matrix and a break line that can be completely fixed permanently. The
definition of "Travel Through" suggests that the caterpillar is not
angry in bed. The tool goes up, passes the respondent (and the
caterpillar intestines) and out comes the base (E Fetida usually feeds
up and pours water droplets nearby) at the bottom of the sheet object).
The process of removing equipment from a foundation often has a
number of professionally controlled "crash" restrictions that fall into
the cross section of the foundation, remove the essentials and cause
them to fail. Clive Edwards reports that a “well-controlled” route with
a unit with a minimum area of 1000 square meters is capable of
controlling 2-3 tons of standard waste per day (Bogdanov, 1999). ).
These types of structures are also used by Australian-owned
Vermitech, producing three biosolids that continue to support the
Australian operating environment (Fox, 2001)

Vermicomposting

It can also put the vermicompost in a generous box. Regularly the


owner has only fertilizer. The fertilizer is created somewhere about 7
days before being set according to the situation. This soil treatment
method initiates some compost spasms which spreads all over the
bottom of the case. The farmer then becomes a worm at that point and
can benefit from the compost a few days before adding another layer
of fertilizer. A more prominent layer of dung is actually added and
formed until worm compost appears in the more raised areas of the
case.

Peak method of vermicomposting

This philosophy is quick and clear. No cleaning or evacuation plans


are needed immediately after installation. Make many openings in the
PVC pipe. It is enriched by planting it intermittently upwards in
important openings of the nursery. Find the explicit worm. Start
stacking in the kitchen several times a week.

Pit or trench

Some breeders go to vermicompost holes and jump over huge


openings that cover regular worms and waste. Of course, before
adding worms and litter, the breeder must line up the pits to prevent
the worms from moving into the winding soil. Feed packs are good for
covering and foiling segments of worms, but legal water spills are
currently being considered. Breeders fill beautiful holes with standard
materials such as straw, grass clippings and fertilizers and,
accordingly, cover them with soil. About 7 days later, the pits are
watered to notice its saturation, and the breeder adds the worms. The
worm immediately digs a tunnel into the pit and begins a
vermicomposting facility.
7. Technology for sustainable development using earthworms

The next advance for acceptable improvement with regular safety


promises to provide a more convenient response to certain social,
financial, biological and culture-torturing diseases and may be the use
of important worm species [3,10].

1) "BERMI SYNTHESIS TECHNOLOGY " for a strong organization


of solid urban and mechanical waste (organic matter) through
biodegradation and change and conversion to support resources
(Bermicompost nutritional biofertilizer).

2) "WORM-FILTRATION TECHNOLOGY" for the treatment of


urban waste water and some mechanical, cleaning and disinfection for
reuse.

3) "VERMI-REMEDIATION TECHNOLOGY" to purify artificially


contaminated objects (soils) and further treat their physical, material
and natural properties for reuse.

4) "Vermicompost production technology" to restore and further


create wealth in the soil without reacting to catastrophic agricultural
products by using vermicompost to produce safe and substance-free
food for the entire population.
5) Use night crawler to convey some "biological activity
combinations" for pharmaceutical organizations and important
unrefined materials for use in flexible petroleum, detergent, chemical
and beauty businesses.

VERMI INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY, and worm


protein as a raw material for abundant uses in fisheries, dairy products
and poultry, dare to create hotspots for foods that are more nutritious
for the entire population.

Worm-prone vermicomposts are self-made, self-contained, self-


improving, and self-redesigning, with little or no energy that does not
require waste progress, creation, manipulation, and recognition. To
facilitate. They overwhelm all advances in "biochange,"
"biocollation," and "biocreation" in how to use organic substances that
no one else can use anyway. They regulate all advances in "biological
treatment" as they gain a more unmistakable use of the rate of
destruction achieved by various advances. They incorporate about
100-1000 times more "extensions" than other regular developments
[11, 12].

Progression that relies on nocturnal crawlers is "naturally and


financially practical" in that worms are "significantly unlimited
resources" and recover rapidly (for example, 28 worms, relatively).
(All 256 worms that expand to a degree) And things are completely
"biodegradable". The best part is that the use of some vermicompost
developments is more rational because it is based on the results
provided by various progressive actions (worm biomass and worm
compost). It feels like "killing a few birds" in one shot.
8. Vermiwash

Vermiwash is a liquid that assembles part of the water through part of


the movement of the worm and is very important as a leaf atomizer.
This is a combination of excrement near micronutrients from normal
soil particles and the release of organic liquids from night crawlers.
They are sent to leaves, buds and various plants in a typical climate.
Vermiwash is a liquid at any point in its proper accumulation, which
is clear and straightforward. In addition to filling as a biopesticide, it
has been shown to have an extraordinary propulsion boosting effect.
Vermicompost is an aqueous concentrate of vermicompost that is
isolated inside abundant night owls and contains several proteins.

Synthetic compounds for plant progress, short-range supplements and


major nutrients that reduce crop resistance to various diseases and
affect event changes and crop usefulness (Zambare et al. 2008).
Growth examples such as the abundant use of inorganic fertilizers
near herbicides and pesticides and the development of open water
resources. In this situation, it is imperative to seek effective and
environmentally friendly choices.

The main rule for the placement of vermiwash is that the soil treated
by the worm has burrows that are continuously drawn by the crawler.
These passages are generously owned by microorganisms, also known
as drirospheres. The water flowing through these passages flushes the
passage-to-root improvements and is consumed by the plants. This
standard applies to the preparation of Vermiwash. With the
Vermiwash plan, it definitely takes about 40-50 days to get a clear
liquid with a rich shade of nuance that has accumulated to the lowest
degree.
Properties of Vermiwash

Vermiwash is a body cavity fluid extraction, several compounds and


plant enhancements bring substances such as cytokinins, gibberellins
and mocro supplements closer together, making them full-fledged
supplements necessary for plant progression (Buckerfield). et al.,
1999).

In Vermiwash nitrogen, which exists as a normal liquid, nitrogen-


emitting substances progress to animate the designed materials and
compounds (Tripathi and Bhardwaj, 2004).

The pH and electrical conductivity were higher when the


vermicompost was separated from the vermicompost.

When away from the vermicompost, the nitrogen content was 57%
higher and the potassium content was 79.6% higher. In any case, the
phosphorus material was 84% higher in the vermicompost when it
was away from the vermicompost. Moving from vermicompost on a
self-sustaining basis, wormwash had 89.1% and 97.6% higher
breakpoints in Ca and Mg. Furthermore, the sodium content isolated
from the vermicompost was 97.8% rich in vermicompost (Manyuchi
et al., 2013).

Vermiwash collects safe forces of various collection difficulties


(Yadav et al., 2005).

Varghese and Prabha (2014) found that Vermiwash created


biotechnology in terms of early stages, cost rationality, simplicity,
reproducibility and enthusiastic quality, just like biopesticides and
environmentally friendly soil improvers. progress in.

9.Benefits of vermicompost

In the soil:

It reassures the surface of the soil, disperses the air more and helps
plants to settle on the earth.

Promotes cutting of soil moisture retention.


Redraw the terrain with a minimum of creatures.

The microbial progression of the wormer is 10 to more than the


common substances ingested by soil and traditional worms.

Vermicompost soil improvements attract night crawlers to dig basic


holes that are well present in the soil

In addition, it will reach the limit of water retention.

Vermicompost is rich in humic acid and helps condition the soil and
balance the pH.

Supervise the reuse of supplements in the soil.

The finished vermicompost can be mixed directly into the soil, as a


soil improver, as a plant medium or to make fertilized tea.

Plant growth:

It also produces a yield of germination, plant improvement and


accumulation.

Get multiple plans for root soil and plants in permeable soil.
Furthermore, the soil is made up of microbial biomass.

Similarly screening worms contain the worm's gut microbiota and


normal fluids, substances that allow for updates and minerals that
aren't difficult for plants to retains.

Nutrients:

It gives the plant an important restyling and helps to cover the


pollution of the plant.

Vermicompost contains more nitrogen in different situations, more


phosphorus in different situations and more potassium in different
situations than standard soil, which is the standard mineral needed to
improve plants.

Madan and Rathore et al. , (2015) evaluated the effect of fertilizer and
vermicompost on improvement and found that 40% of obsessive
vermicompost further affected better plant movement
(Cicerarietinum). Root shoot length, new shoots and root biomass, dry
root and shoot piles, exceptional chlorophyll and carotenoids were
40% higher in vermicompost treatment.
Bevacqua and Mellano (1993) reported low pH in fertilized soils,
increased levels of standards, significant improvements and the
inclusion of soluble salts. In crop studies, Bryan and Lance (1991)
found that tomatoes filled with fertilizer-renewed soil produce more.
Maynard (1993) also shows a clear improvement in the yield of
isolated improved compost plants and normal ones that fill only the
soil. The various benefits derived from the use of compost, combined
with the potential for risky rot due to the release of nitrates in
groundwater, manifested in contrast to the inorganically organized
controls (Maynard,). 1989). In addition, the by-products were
instructed to cover the microorganisms in the plant.

Another important study of worm composting technology

1) Reference [6] examined a vermicompost with unpleasant shadows


and found that most worms, unfortunately, eat a large number of
organisms per day. Eisenia fetida can eat normal foods at a rate equal
to daily body weight. Worm infestation also depicts normal
environmental mutations and general waste decay from 60% to 80%
compared to conventional fire-like treatments. In extreme conditions
(20-30 ° C) and humidity (60-70%), about 5 kg of worms (about
10,000 in number) converts one ton of waste into vermicompost in
just 30 days. When the soil is prepared with worms, the amount of
solid debris is greatly reduced from 1cm to 0.5cm of worm compost,
which indicates half the rate of change and the whole is converted
into worm biomass.

2) References [18 - 22] look at the paper and tin industry, packaging
and repair industries, silk industry, vegetable oil processing industries,
potato and maize production, corruption and the staining of "dirty
water" from sugar. increase. Wand factory, sesame oil extraction
industry, lumber industry, carpenter around the leafy evenings. This
standard scavenger provides excellent feeders for processing
contaminated worms near the crater in the evening. Reference [19]
also considered vermicomposting of mineral waste, which contains
sulfur deposits and created extraction problems. They can be treated
as worms mixed with common substances. The maximum filtering of
sulfur deposits with common materials was 4%. analyzed the
vermicompost of an aircraft coming from a coal-fired power plant that
was considered hazardous waste and raised the problem of rejection
that was evident due to the precious metals. Due to the equal amount
of nitrogen and microbial biomass, the contaminants around the
leaves in the evening are often eaten away by worms. They found that
25% of fly manure mixed with feeds made with Eisenia fetida and
non-verbal vermicompost green sisal hemp, ruthenium, and cut grass
was more NKP than other fertilizers. I have found that there are many
things. Night owls take precious metals from the trash and turn them
into vermicompost.
Vermicompost has been successfully tested for "human waste"
(fertilizer). Made in a year and a half, it has a truly amazing, odorless
and safe environment for germs. Sawdust gives the impression that it
is the best roofing material to use in vermicompost toilets, and carries
compost with a typical invisible scent, brittle surface, and subtle
tones.

Worm action tool in vermicompost

Worms probably serve as trademarks that initiate and destroy waste


from aerators, processors, grinders, degradants, and various other
functions.

1) Repair work

The vaccinated waste is finely ground into 2-4 micron particles in size
(stones bound to a solid gizzard) and contains a stomach-related
enzymatic activity pack. The gizzard and the structure close to the
stomach act as a "bioreactor."

2) Enzymatic Function

Packages related to gizzard and stomach are completed as a


"bioreactor". Worms release proteases, lipases, amylases, cellulases,
and chitinases into the sand sac and related structures in the stomach,
leading to rapid separation of cellulose and proteins from waste
products. They swallow nutrients, separate harmful bacteria, mix
minerals and supporting organisms and store them in the soil like
vermicast". [28]

Earthworms probably act as triggers for brands and wild waste from
aerators, processors, destroyers, degradators, and various activities.

1)Correction activity

Ingested waste products are finely ground (with the help of strong
gizzard stones) into small particles 2-4 micron in size and contain the
relevant structures in the stomach due to enzymatic activity. The part
related to the gizzard and stomach functions as a "bioreactor".

2) Enzyme activity

The gizzard and associated gastric system is transformed into a


"bioreactor." The worm radiates the power of proteases, lipases,
amylases, cellulases, and chitinases into the packs associated with the
sand sac and stomach, providing a rapid biochemical contrast of
cellulose and protein materials in organic waste. They ingest food
ingredients, purify dangerous microbes, mix them with stable
creatures such as minerals and "Bermicast" and store them in the soil
[28].
3) Worms strengthen degrading microorganisms and act
synergistically

Worms promote the improvement of "degradation and counterfeiting


microorganisms" (small animals, actinomycetes, parasites) in
dispersed biomass [28,29]. They have an infinite number of
degrading microorganisms in their intestines, which are called
"insignificant bacterial planned plants". They feed on
microorganisms and release them (usually more than ingested) into
the soil near nitrogen (N) and phosphorus fortifications.

(P) Their excrement. N and P fortifications are also used by


microorganisms for very hot elongation and development [30].
Reference [31] has shown that the ingested material contains up to
1000 layers of microorganisms and "actinomycetes" as it passes
through the intestine. A comprehensive worm community of about
15,000 will then empower billions of microbial groups. Worms and
microbes work "well and synergistically" to accelerate the
breakdown of normal substances present in waste. It is the small
living animals that distinguish between cellulose in food waste and
cut grass and leaves in garden waste [32].

4) Humus

The latest collaboration between worm management and the degrading


of normal matter is "humus," in which giant typical particles are
transformed into a magnificent colloid of love containing "phenolic"
material. About a quarter of the typical material is converted to humus.
Humus is essential to the soil for plant improvement and diligence.
While the worm dumps "humus" into its waste, it usually takes some
time with past fertilizers to produce "humus" by indifferent collapse.

10. CONCLUSION

Vermiculture provides an amicable solution in the field of solid waste


management. Bioconversion and the by-products obtained do not
disturb the ecological balance.

The manure obtained can replace the chemicals, which affects the
soil as well as the water system. The pollution load on the
environment can be reduced considerably by adopting this Eco-
friendly method of bio conversion.

Vermiculture technologies for waste and land management and for


improving soil fertility to promote crop productivity and production
of valuable bioactive com- pounds of great medicinal values has
grown considerably in recent years all over the world and has been
scientifically improved. It is like getting “gold from garbage” (highly
nutritive biofertilizer) by vermicomposting technology; “silver from
sewage” (disinfected & de- toxified water for reuse in agriculture
& industries) by vermi-filtration technology; “converting a
wasteland (chemically contaminated lands) into wonderland” (fer
tile land) by vermi remediation technology; harvesting “green gold”
(food crops) by using “black gold” (vermicompost) by agro
production technology; creating a “worm factory” to produce
medicines & materials for societal use. The three versatile species E.
fetida, E. euginae and P. excavatus performing wide social, eco-
nomic & environmental functions occur almost everywhere.

The vermi-composting & vermi agro production technologies can


together maintain the “global human sustainability cycle” &
“circular economy”—using food wastes (negative economic &
environmental value) of the society to produce food (positive socio-
economic value) for the society again” while also protecting farm
soil and improving its fertility (positive economic & environmental
value). And if vermicompost can “replace” the “chemical fertilizers”
for production of “safe organic foods” which has now been proved
worldwide, it will be a giant step towards achieving global social,
economic & environmental sustainability.
In all developed nations a “worm farm” has become a necessity in
all wastewater & water treatment plants to resolve the problems of
“sludge” which is a biohazard and needs safe disposal in secured
landfills at high cost. Earthworms readily feed on them and convert
into vermicompost.

In any vermiculture practice, “worm biomass” comes as a valuable


by-product. It is finding uses and applications in modern medicine
and in several industries for sustainable production of essential
goods for societal use and consumption. On commercial scale tons
of worm biomass can result every year as under favorable conditions
worms “double” their number at least every 60-70 days.
All infrastructure based on vermiculture technologies
(vermicomposting, vermifiltration, vermiremediation & vermi-
agroproduction) using earthworms are easy to construct, install and
operate with minimum engineering considerations. They are highly
economical and cost- effective with highly valued by-products and
end-products. It is basically a “one-time investment” technology as
the earthworms multiply at a fast rate under favorable conditions of
temperature and moisture and increase the pace and rapidity of the
technological process.
Earthworms are truly justifying the beliefs and fulfilling the dreams
of Sir Charles Darwin who called them as “unheralded soldiers’ of
mankind” and “friends of farmers”.

11.References

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