. {Biology of Earthworm “F Earthworms are commonly known as dew worm, rainworm, night crawler, meg adriller, big worm, angler worm, etc. i They are grouped under Phylum Annelida and Class Oligochaeta. / They prefer to live in burrows made in moist soil. They stay in the burrows during day time nicl come out in the night as well as in the cloudy weather, During the rainy season they crawl over the soil surface. / Uarthworms burrow through the soil. They swallow every thing on the way. They. egest waste materials in the form of worm castings. They reproduce sexually only. Earthworms are hermaphrodites; But copulate in order to transfer the spermatozoa. Vertilization and the development occur ix isicle the cocoon. The development is direct. -y possess great power of regeneration, Zarthworm populations depend on ideal soi} I remperatre, moisture, pH, salts, aeration, texture and available fooad.17 . sfer neutral pH. Most of the earthworms prefer WH. Changes _ They are extremely sensitive to P- in soil pH induce the worms to go into diapausc. Habitat a Barthworms live in burrows in moist looses oil, over the surface of the earth. They burrow oer the earth, eat the soil, grind them in their gizzard, digest them in their intestine and void out as wor” casts, Brariched Hofizontal Vertical burrow burrow a burrow Fig.2.6’ Habitat of earthworms. Earthworm lies in burrows during day and comes out at night for feeding. They are nocturnal. They are commonly seen on the soil surface during rainy season when their burrows are flooded with water. The burrows are horizontal or vertical. They may be branched or unbranched. .18 : The inner surface of the burrow is coated with » mucous and debris. The worm casts are deposited ‘Inside the burrows as well as on the mouth of the j burrows . a Habit Earthworms are burrowing in habit. They exhibit wriggling movement. They are nocturnal in habit. They come out during night and rainy season. They. are detritivores, feeding on detritus. They may be phytophagous, geophagous or _phytogeophagous. Ph top hagous worms eat plant’ materials. | Geaphagous worms eat soil. Geophytophagous worms eat both soi and ant. mr They are omnivores eating on both plant and animals materials. >& : chen ye 83:. M Oh i ive cultivation “tn this area intensive CU) fuent use of chemical Sortie: en i js the reason for the poo” distributior rthworms. ; “ Exotic Species e native of foreign NewZealand and and the de the f the Exotic earthworm species ar countries like China, Australia, Russia. : The Exotic species are suitable for vermicomposting, because- + They have rapid growth. + They feed on almost any organic matter. + They have a wide temperature tolerance. They can be easily handled. + They have high reproductive rate, So they are imported from foreign countries. Eisenia fetida avigny, 1826) (-_ A Chinese Wotm known under various cormmon names such as red worm, compost worm, manure worm, brandling worm, tiger worm and red wiggler worm, is a species of earthworm adapted to decaying organic material. iz + These worms thrive i i ein rotting vegetation compost and manure. Se ae ?’+ They are epigeic. + Itis co. i in distri i smopolitan in distribution.84 The body is long, slender, cylindrical ay, bilaterally symmetrical, tt is about 10 to 73 em long and 3 to 6 cn in thickness, The dorsal surface is light pink to brow and the ventral surface is pale and buff Mm nature, It has 700-720 segments. Clitellum is saddle shaped. It occupies in the segments 26-32, The cocoons can be stored by freezing. Tt can tolerate a wide range of temperature from 6 to 35°C, It is a commercially produced earthworm, Tt is suitable for vermicompostin, Eisenia hortensis _ (Michaelson, 1890) ~ It is an European night crawler, It is widely distributed in India, North and South America, South Africa, Australia and California. The body length is 5 cm. They are generally pink grey in colour with a banded or striped appearance. The tip of the tail is often cream or pale yellow in colour.85 The species is usually found in deep woodland litter and garden soils that are rich in organic matter. [tis used for vermicomposting and sewage Gt is widely distributed in North America, India, South America, Africa and Newzealand. it is commonly called African night crawlers. They are larger epigeic species. + They live on the soil surface. + They feed on the decaying plants and animal parts. «The body is long, slender, cylindrical and metamerically segmented. + The posterior end tapers and becomes flattend. « Itis about 9-26.5 cm long and 4-8 mm in thickness. + The anterior end is bright blue or green in colour and posterior end is faded. + The dorsal surface is red-brown in colour and. ventral side is light brown in colour.5 121 (1. Site Selection for -Wermicomposting Verrnicomposting can be done in an elevated cool, shady area with high humidity. The selected vermicomposting area should have slope to prevent water stagnation. Abandoned cattle shed or poultry shed or unused buildings can also be. used. If it is produced in open area, shady place is selected. A thatched roof may be provided to protect the process from direct sunlight and rain. Transport facility, should be there for daily visit, marketing, etc. 7 2. Selection of Containers The containers used for vermicomposting are called bioreactors. The following containers can be used + Plastic bucket + Plastic basin *> + Wooden box * Concrete tank + Well rings + Card board box + Bin _A cement tub may be constructed t i of 2% jeet and a breadth of 3 feet. The leasth ney be dt ; Baber, any level depending upon the size ofr 123 The bottom of the tub is made to a slope to drain the excess water from vermicompost unit. Asmall sump is necessary to collect the drain water. In another option hollow blocks or bricks may be arranged in compartments to a height of I foot, breadth of 3 foot and length to a desired level. In this method, moisture control will be very easy and excess water will be drained. Vermicompost can also. be done. in wooden boxes, plastic buckets or in any container with a drain hole at the bottom, * 3. Selection of Suitable Species of Earthworms The earthworms are selected on the following criteria: 1, Easy to culture. . High affinity for the composting materials. . Voracious féeder. : . Feeding on a wide range of organic wastes . High rate of vermicast output. . Prolific breeders. . Resistance to diseases 8..Adaptable to climatic changes. The surface dwelling, epigeic earthworms should be used for vermicompost production. a) ty tA 1 be?124 The carthworm which lives below the soil is not suitable for vermicompost production. Vne African earthwornt (Budrilus eugeniae), d worm (Eisenia fetida) and Indian blue worm | “ excavatus) are the common worms used for Vermicompost production. 2: Selection of suitable earthworm. Fig. In certain conditions these three worms can xed together to enhance the vermicompost he we od araduction (polyculture).preferred over other two types because off the following reasons: + It produces more vermicompost in a short period. + Alarge number of young earthworms is:also produced during the cornposting period. + Wide range of feeding. + Resistance to disease. * Adaptable to climatic changes. i 125 ; ; The African worm (Eudrilus eugeniaé) is 1. A hospitable bedding. 2. A food source. 3. Adequate moisture (75 to 90% fa 4, Adequate aeration. 5. Optimum femperature (25- 30 6. Neutral pH 4. Multiplication of Earthworms (Vermiculture) Production of large quantities of desired worms SC , EX pS 5 x 3 4 Syme OY mad Dharwee —y for Vermicomposting is called multiplication of 7 earthworms. It is also called vermiculture, ¢ A breeder box has to be used for this purpose. ’ A breeder box may be either a wooden box or a A paper carton with polythene lining inside or a € crate or an earthen pot. a A box of size 60 cm X 60 cm Sem can hold s € a population of 5500-6000 adult worms.a 134 1. Types of Vermicomposting ,. Thé NTE: are two types of vermiculture namely, 1. Monoculture 2. Polyculture *™MoOnoculture In Monoculture method onl earthworm is cultured, he vermicompost obtained: from § Monoculture method shows lesser concentration ‘of micronutrient and macronutrient, : The Srowth, biomass and Secundity. of § earthworm are lesser, on Polyculture , In polyculture method epigeic and anecic Species of earthworms are used jointly, ' The vermicompost obtained from polyculture method shows higher concentration of micronytrient and macronutrient, The growth, biomass and Secundity of earthworms are higher. It increases the mineralization Process and microbial activity. The culture system and the waste deposited -"* are the game in both cultures, “4 Y one species of 12. Harvesting the Vermicompost The collection of vermico ™post from the omposted area is called harvesting, c4 135 ‘The finished material will be browr: or earthy like and the original bedding materials will no longer be recognizabie. The volume of materiel decomposed will be much reduced possibly down to 10% ofits volume. Fig.8.10: Harvested vermicompost. In the zzb method of composting, the castings formed on the top layer are collected periodically. The collection may be carried out once ina week.139 3. Migration Method Earthy move from one place to in search of food or favorable condition The method used in vermicomposting, is based on the worms tendency to migrate to new regions, either to find new food or to avoid undesirable conditions such as dryness oF light. The method js very common and easy to use, ‘A box is constructed with a screen bottom The mesh ig usually 1/4", 1/8" sizes can be used Jt has been filled with a few centimeters of damp peat moss and then sprinkled with a food attractive to worms such as chicken mash; coffee grounds, or fresh cattle manure. The box with the mesh bottom is placed directly on the worm bed. The worms migrate into the boxes. The box is removed and the worms are collected. This system can be set up in a number of locations. This will help in quick harvesting. This method is used extensively in Cuba. < Large onion bags are also used instead of boxes. The advantage of this system is that the worm beds are not disturbed. 2. Manual Method a mm. : Manual hay picking the w, .. hand. This p: me advant vesting involves hand sorting, or ‘orms directly from the compost by aaa oe OCess can be facilitated by taking any ge the fact that worms avoid light. a in containing compost with worms is ae ina Pile on a flat surface. he pile is exposed to light, 7 : he worms will quickly dive downwards. A layer of co mpost is harvested unti become visible again. mH the worms pla! ‘ the This process is repeated several times until . there is nothing left on the ground except a huddled mess of worms under a thin covering of compost. _ These worms can then be quickly scooped into a container, weighed and prepared for delivery. There are several minor variations and enhancements on this method. A container can be used instead ofa flat surface. Several piles can be made side by side at once, so that the person harvesting can move from one to another, returning to the first one in time to remove _the next layer of compost. They are all labour intensive, so this operation is suitable for small scale operation. . + Manual method is used by hobbyists and small- growers, particularly those who sell worms scale g to the one vermicomposting or bait mar Ket. CO DI Oh MO GF140 4. Sideways Separation The finished material is moved to one side, hiie fresh bedding mixed with organic waste, ig aced alongside. During the following 7 to 14 days the worms | migrare from the finished vermicompost into fresh hedding. ndvantage of this method is that it allows the cocvans to hatch in the meantime and most will aiso move across. 5. Light Retraction Method The varthworms move away from the light and aguresated in shaded or dark place is called light retraction method. | his method a large plastic sheet is spread e floor. The compost present in the bin is spread on eet Ne compost is then piled into mounds. AS sht light is placed over the mounds or exposed to sunlight. The worms quickly move away from the light source and move to the bottom of the pile. After 10-15 minutes the top of the bedding is ped off. is procedure repeated till the worms iogether at the bottom of the pile with very «lding material. 141 The worms are then collected and Placed immediately into the new bed. 6. Shifting Method In this method the worms and bedding are shifted through a coarse screen of a sieve. In the shifting method worms and compost are separated through a sieve. Castings fall through the mesh while the worms stay behind. The shifting of worm is done quickly into a new bed or with a gentle shaking before the worms get a chance to wriggle down through the wire mesh, 7. Mechanical Harvesting Method Mechanical method is the separation of worms from vermicompost using a device. The device used for separation of worms and compost is called mechanical harvester. It is the easiest and quickest method for separation. The mechanical harvester consists of a rotating cylinder, a conical screen and a wheel barrow with wheels. The cylinder is about 8-10 feer in length and 2-3 feet in diameter. The cylinder walls are fitted with a screen of different mesh sizes. The cylinder is fitted in s/anting position. Below the harvester a wieel barrow is fitted for collecting vermicompost. VT -6 ~Bl 142 : Rotating cylinder Screen mesh Wheel barrow Wheel Fig.8.12: Harvester for vermicompost and i earthworm. The cylinder is rotated by a small electrical motor which is fitted on one end of the cylinder. The bedding material with worm is added at , the upper end of the rotating device. As the cylinder rotates the castings fall through the screen into the wheel barrew. ot, The worms ride the entire distance of the device "and reach the lower end of the cylinder. From the -, cylinder the worms are collected immediately. Ey This device is used for the separation of worms and compost at the same time,_ 4 apt 174 a Z: Predators ~ _#-Protect the worms from predators. PR's. Don’t Dump and Run. . : Pe. ,,.Don’t dump every thing, Need limited feed- Niddkc, PPW19. Spiced Food . ~ . oes dislike spiced food such as onions, yartic, salt, oil, ghee, eggs,etc. 20, Say No & Se 2+ To meat, dairy, products, bones, fish, greasy food, etc. To metal, glass, plastic, etc. Plants with heavy cellulose. Grass clippings sprayed with pesticides. Sticky food labels, rubber bands, tea bag staples, etc. q The bed materials should be turned upside —down once in days. Avoid compactedness of >bed materials. Problems of Vermicomposting .. Vermicomposting creates the following ‘oblems: 1. Odour ; * Poor maintenance causes odour. Excessive “watering leads to putrefaction of bed and feed materials. This releases ammonia which causes ——odour. l 175 2. Flies Flies are attracted towards vermibed, 3. Pathogens Possibility for the spread of disease producing pathogens. 4, Death of worms Worms die because of the following reasons: + Too wet » Too dry reme temperature Poor aeration Shortage of food. 5. Worms Crawling Away ‘Worms easily move out of the bed and escape. 6. Mold Formation Too: much of acidic condition causes mold growth. 7. Drying of Bed Too much ventilation causes drying of bed 8. Water Collection ~ Too much water collects at the bottom 9. Poor Awareness People are not aware of the importance of vermicompost 11. Lack of Funds Government has not allotted any fund for vermicomposting. 12. Lack of Trained Labours Trained labours are lacking,Ss 1 Causes promoting vermitechnology. Problems and solutions to Solutions Over feed present Food scraps exposed Bin too wet. Not enough Food scraps exposed Rotten food. Yoo mu food: especially Stop feedi for 2 weeks. compostables. Bury foo completely. Mix in d lid off. uff beddin; d bin. completely. bin. worms. Remove non bedding; leav Bury food Don't overfeed Avoid putting| rotten food in | | \ | ' 177 Problems | Causes Solutions i Bin too wet. | Mix in dry bedding; leave lid off. Bin too dry. Thoroughly dampen | bedding. | Extreme Move bin Worms temperatures. | where temp. | dying between 55 and 77°F. Not enough Fluff bedding; 1 air. drill holes in bin. Not enough Add more food. bedding and food scraps. See solutions Worms —_| Bin conditions oe crawling away not right. Leave lid off and worms will burrow back into [bedding178 eroblems Causes Solutions | "eld forming [Conditions too Cut back on acidic, citrus fruits. 2h oF; ———___ edding Too much Dampen ying out ventilation, bedding; keep 5 lid on. aT Poor Leave lid off ventilation daser Blecting in zitom 2 > 2 > Feeding too much watery scraps. for a couple of days; bin add dry bedding Cut back on coffee grounds and food scraps | with high water content. FDED ED ~~. Methods of 7 Vermicomposting | SS The decomposition of organic wastes into compost by earthworm is called vermicomposting. ‘Vermicomposting is a simple biotechnological process of composting in which earthworms are used to enhance the conversion of crop residues and animal excrements into a valuable product. It helps in turning organic debris into worm casts, The wormeastings improve fertility of the soil, ‘The vermicomposting namely, is carried out in 2 ways 1, Batch system 2. Continuous flow system 1. Batch system Vermicomposting ina limitedvolume of organic wastes is called batch system of vermicomposting. In batch system, the bed materials and feed materials are added one time only. Worms are introduced; Watering is done periodically, After ‘wo months the vermicompost is harv ested.182 awn, Paddy straw or green leaf manure and kitchey »ste are spread over this to a height of 6 inches. ed 8€ow dung or horse dung should be spread to eight of 3 inches. em) z)¥ater has to be sprinkled on alternate days 2 Microbial decomposition of cow dung and eanic materials generate héat. mo After 2 weeks the heat of vermibed c $ Lwnto 25-30" C. omes > The heat is identified by putting the hands » wn. in the compost mixture. If there is optimum at then the vermibed is ready for introducing the thworm. By making holes randomly in the mixture of pit, required numbers of earthworms are let S- aide, > Upper surface of the pit should be covered th gunny bag or coconut leaves. 2 A PVC pipe should be fixed to the bottom -face of the pit to collect vermiwash. a) > Vermicomposting will be ready in 45 to 60 alps. ys) 2. Heap Method > In heap method piles of organic wastes are ynped on the ground and are made into compost etirthworms. Dea It is a batch method. 44 -Organic material is piled on the ground. Rectangular wooden or brick structures can > be used. 183 ‘The suitable size for aheap isl0X 1x0 egy 2 Organic wastes like sawdust, paper and Straw x i ich materials suc! can be mixed, with nitrogen ric! us) as sewage, sludge, biogas’slurry and. fish sttdps. The heap is sprinkled with water daily to keep a moister level of 75 to 90%. a Organic material is dumped inside the container serially. The heap should be piled in a dome shape. Decomposition cam be accelerated by shredding raw materials into small pieces. The raw materials contain microorganisms. They ferment the organic wastes. As a result of fermentation, heat evolves and the heat of the organic wastes increases gradually. After 2 weeks the heat decreases to 25-30°C,. The piles shou remain at this temperature for 7 to 10 days The optimum moisiure level for maintaining aerobic conditions is 75 to 9.Proper moisture and aeration can be with m d by mixing fibrous materials nitrogen vicky materials Fig.9.3: Heap method of vermicomposting in polythene enclosure ‘The temperature of the piles should be within "©. Increasing or decreasing temperatures duce the activity of microfauna and rorms. he height of the bed can help to contro} the mperature © pH of the raw material should not exceed nature of worm casts indicates good cation of worms in the beds. 606 days, the mate nicompost is ready for harvesting. ial is completely degraded 185 The rate of degradation depends on the loading of) worms. The more the number of worms, the faster will be the degradation Seven days prior to harvesting, watering of the beds has to be stopped, so that the earthworms in the top layer move to the bottom layer. The finished bed materials gathered pyramidal heaps for about 24 hours. The semidried compost from the top of the bed can be collected and sieved to remove any inert material, The compost can be dried in shade, bagged and stored. About 3 tonnes of vermicompost can be harvested in two months from 10 beds, of size 10 X 1% 0.6m. The concentrated earthworms that remains at \ the bottom can be used again for vermicomposting { \ in The heap method is more effective than the pit method. 3. Bin or Tray Method (Goer of organic wastes into valuable compost in a tray by using earthworms is called bin er tray rethod of vermicompostin, abatch system of vetmicomy i S te] posting. —> Cit is a simple method. lt requires a bin, biodegradable bedding, food Waste and worms,Unit-W a 226 Physical Characteristics of : Vermicompost Vermicompost consi vermicasts, undigested or, cocoons, earthworms, vir microbes, etc. Ee Vermicompost is the black gold, Wis a renewable resource Itis black or brown in colour The vermicasts ma: powder, granules, or coiled threads, It is an odourless, material. + Ithas high porosity It facilitates aeration + It provides drainage * Water holding capacity is high * The water holding capacity of worm castings is 9 times greater than that of natural soil. It is lighter and never compacted + It improves soil structure, texture and prevents soil erosion. + It enhances the decomposition of organic matter in soil. 'y be in the form of pellets, cylindrical rods granular, organic ORO OT APT BL CEG 227 . Wormeast Bacterium ae Costing Zr eee eee Lo @ - eB lf . roe. S- eo ge n C4) ea o— Worm : Sol “a ) ° Jet casts particle | ‘eus (pellet) \ Actino Fungus mycetes Fig. 12.1: Components Oe Crees 0 + Vermicompost is free flowing, easy apply, handle and store. + Itimproves soil fertility + Itpreven:s soil degradation. + Vermicompost works as a“‘soil conditioner”. Its continued application over years leads to total improvement in the quality of soil and farmland.228 asts have a Strong adsorptive Power. The molecules like urea and human © creta can adhere to worm Casts, Vermifilter removes these impurities rom the S€wage water, Worm ¢ ‘Chemical Characteristics of Vermicompost Vermicompost is formed of th chemical components: Minerals Hormones he following Antibiotics Biocides Enzymes Organic compounds, ete Vitamins The nutrient content of vermicompost varies depending on the waste materials, used for compost preparation. If the waste materials are heterogeneous one, there will be wide range of nutrients available in the compost, If the waste materials are homogenous there will be /ess amount of nutrients It contains plenty of NPK, several muicronutrients, enzymes, hormones and other sutrients. ‘The hormones include auxins, gibberellins, cytokinins, ete. 229 + The vermicompost contains both macro- nutrients and micronutrients. + The macronutrients include: Organic carbon Sulphur Nitrogen Calcium Phosphorus Magnesium and Potassium Iron The micronutrients include: Manganese Boron and Zinc © Molybdenum Copper * The organic carbon of vermicompost is maximum and is 17.6%, * The percentage of calcium in vermicompost is 4.4, + [t contains 1.06% nitrogen. + Vermicompost has Less soluble salts Neutral pH © Greater ion exchange capacity Aumic acid Nitrates * Vermicompost is rich in humic acids. Humic acids enhance nutrients uptake by the plants by increasing the permeability of root cell membranes, stimulating root growth and root hairs.230 + Fresh earthworm casts contain: 5 times richer in nitrogen 7 times richer in phosphates 1 times richer ‘in. potash than the surrounding upper'6 inches of soi], + It neutralizes the soil pH. + Vermicompost is 4 times more nutritive cattle dung compost: + Vermicompost is free of toxic chemicals because earthworms biodegrad. bioaccumulate and detoxify heavy metal pesticides, etc. . Biological Characteristics of . Vermicompost + Vermicomposts are rich in microbial population and diversity, particularly fungi, bacteria ana actinomycetes. + “Microbial population is considerably higher in vermicompost than in compo: + , The vermicompost contains more than | bacterial count per-gram of vermicomp: + The vermicompost includes the following microbes: Actinomycetes Azotobacter Rhizobium Nitrobacter . Phosphate solubilizing bacteria. 231 + These microbes produce Plant Growth Regulators (PGR) such as Auxins Gibberellins i Cytokinins : Ethylene i Ascorbic acid. Vermicompost contains nitrogen fixing bacteria and mycorrhizal fungi. Vericompost is rich in beneficial micro- flora such as a nitrogen fixers, solubilizers, cellulose decomposing microflora etc. Vermicompost contains earthworm cocoons and increases the population and activity of earthworm in the soil. » The vermicompost also contains biocides and antibiotics which kill pathogens. Itcontains valuable vitamins, enzymes and hormones like auxins, gibberellins, etc Vermicompost.is free of pathogens, Vermicompost reduces pest attack, ‘Vermicompost reduces termite attack. Reduces weed growth. : Faster rate of seed germination Greater number of Jruits per plant Greater number of seeds. Better taste of fruits and vegetables. Wheat production is increased. Fodder growth is increased. Flower production is bicreased.232 Vermicompost inhibits the infection of tomato plants by Fusarium oxysporiy,, (Fungus). The microorganisms and earthworms degrade the organic wastes into rich inorganic castings which improve soi} fertility and plant growth. The: composting process encourages the production of beneficial microorganisms Gnainly bacteria and fungi) which inturn break down organic matter to create humus, It promotes higher yield of agricultural crops and thus reduces or eliminates the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides Compost has the ability to regenerate poor soil. Nutritive Value of Vermicompost Vermicompost contains the following components: in + Vermicasts Enzymes + Cocoons Hormones + Minerals Mucus + Micronutrients Antibiotics + Macronutrients Biocides + Vitamins Microbes, etc Microbial population is considerably higher vermicompost than in compost. Table, 12.1: Nutrient Content of Vermicompost. Nutrients Vermicompost (%) Organic carbon 11.6 | Nitrogen 1.06 Phosphorus 0.6 Potssium | 044 | Calcium 44 [Magnesium [033 “| |__ Sodium ot Zine ~~ | 0.06 7 |___ Copper 0.003 | Tron 0.76 [Manganese — 0-11 Fresh earthworm casts contain: J times richer in nitrogen 7 times richer in phosphates IL times richer in potash than upper 6 inches of soil, Vermicompost has Less soluble salts Neutral pH Greater the surrounding ton exchange capacin:ke te 234 Humic acid 5 Nitrates ° The hormones Include auxing gibberellins, 2 “tptokinins, etc , *° The nutrient content of vermicompost varies depending on the waste materials, used for Compost preparation, _ * Ifthe waste materials are heterogeneous one, there will be wide -in the compost. ° range of nutrients available If the waste materials are homogenous “there will be less amount of nutrients. ° . The Vvermicompost contains both ynacronutrients and micronutrients, The macionutrients include: Organic carbon Nitrogen Phosphorus Potassium Sulphur Calcium Magnesium and Iron 235 Table.12.2: Comparison of the nutrient con tent of vermicompost and garden compost Nutrients Vermicompost Garden % compost % Organic carbon 11.6 12.2 Nitrogen 1.06 08 Phosphorus 0.6 0.35 Potassium 0.44 0.48 Calcium 44 2.27 Magnesium 0.33 0.57 Sodium O21 <0.01 Zine 0.06 0.901 Copper 0.003 0002 . Iron 0.76 17 Manganese “0.11 0.04 The micronutrients include: Manganese Zine Copper Boron and Molybdenum © The organic carbon of vermicompost is maximuy and is 17.6%,236 o7 e O a : ————___. 237 ° the percentage of calcium in vermicompost Magnesium) 9.33 oeS Table.12.3: Comparison of the nutrient of th Sodium ee eee ermicompost of two species of earthworm, . 0.19 Traces to 0.40 Rarameters Eisenia | Periomn | 0.76 “0.5 a . fetida excavates | 0.06 0.03 | pH 7.40 7.00. | 0.11 Traces to 0.40 ganic carbon (%)| 27.43 30.31 0.003 0.008 Nitrogen (%) 0.60 0.66 _ 0.001 0.005 Phosphate (%) 1.34 1.93 [Aluminium : Traces to 0.07]| Potassium (%) 0.40 0.42 (Cobalt a Present in 7 available form| Table.12.4: Nutrient levels of vermicast and Molybdenum — Present ia vermicompost CC available form| Nutrients Vermicompost Vermicast Good qualities of vermicompost. a — « Vermicompost is a “renewable resource” Le {77700 + It is the ‘Black gold’ | Organic carbon 11.6 25.37 | * Vermicompost works as a “soil a on ne TOC re conditioner’. Its continued application Nitrogen | LOG over years leads to total improvement in 0.6 1.625 the quality of soil and farmland. _ a 4 + Vermico t i i xi: aad [139 ||” Semen conning roan fcng = aa 3.75 * Organic fertilizer —— ad Powerful growth promoter280 + Pig dung Discarded food items Vegetable wastes | + Fruit peels The vermic methods: Ompost bed is prepared by two how I the first method both vermibed materials and cedstock materials are mixed into a single heap, It \) Predecomposed for 15 days by watering. After 1S days the worms are introduced on the bed Watering is periodically done to maintain 75 to » moisture. In 2 to 3 months, the vermicompost } is ready for harvest. ___In the second method, the vermibed and the feedstock are predecomposed separately. After 1S days vermibed is laid on the floor. Worms are inoculated. Then feedstock is loaded thrice ina i week Watering is periodically done to maintain 75 to f 90% moisture. In 2 to 3 months, the vermicompost is ready for harvest. Application of Vermicompost The solid wastes generated from agricultural activities include crop residues and animal “ Te reoyeled compost can be directly added to the soil without any proper treatment as they do not possess any toxic pollutants. 281 id wastes should be biocomposted Pe peeing to soil inorder to achieve piological transformation of the organic matter and to avoid potential risks of pathogens. Biocomposting of solid wastes brings about stabilization of the organic matter and effectively reduces pathogen concentrations in sludges . Incorporation of earthworm in biocomposting process has been considered to be an appropriate technology for biowaste management for producing nutrient enriched compost. : " During the process of vermicomposting, earthworms maintain aerobic conditions in the organic wastes through proper mixing. The biochemical process is enhanced by microbial decomposition of the substrate in the intestines. The earthworms convert a portion of the organic wastes into worm biomass and excrete undigested or partially digested matter as worm cast. Earthworms also enhance soil microbial activity, _ During vermicornposting process earthworm brings a valuable casting. 2. Role of Earthworms in gement ; e is the waste water coming out of «kitchen, municipality and industries.