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Introduction:-
Vermicompost (or vermi-compost) is the product of the composting process using various species of worms, usually red wiglers, white worms, and other earthworms, to create a
mixture of decomposing vegetable or food waste, bedding materials, and vermicast.
Vermicast (also called worm castings, worm humus, worm manure, or worm feces) is the end-product of the breakdown of organic matter by earthworms. These castings have been shown to contain reduced levels of contaminants and a higher saturation of nutrients than the organic materials before vermicomposting.
Vermi is the Latin word for worm. Vermicomposting is simply composting with worms. Vermicomposting refers to the method of converting organic waste in to worm castings.It is one of the most cost efficient and environmentally friendly methods of waste disposal. In an ideal condition earthworms can consume practically all kinds of organic matter and they can eat their own body weight per day for example one kilogram of worms can consume one kilogram of residues every day.
And yet their casts contain eight times as many microorganisms as their feed. And the casts don’t contain any disease pathogens-pathogenic bacteria are reliably killed in the worm’s gut. Worm casts also rich in nutrients such as Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Potassium. Vermicompost involves aerobic decomposition of organic waste by using microorganisms. Maximizing the waste-processing rate depends on maintaining high earthworm density throughout the vermicomposting process.In particular temperatures, moisture, waste character, earthworm densities are the factors. The density of earthworms in any Vermicomposting system is related to rate of waste processing.
In (sub-) tropical countries in which the soil‟s water- and nutrient-retention capacity is usually only very limited, this method of composting takes on great significance. The vast majority of naturally occurring earthworms are indigenous to the tropics.
Vermicompost As a Flexible method:-
Vermiculture can be practised anywhere, even on a small scale, and easily be integrated into any agricultural system. For example, the waste from the crops currently being produced and processed (e. g. coffee pulp, or cuttings from shade trees in tea gardens) can easily be integrated into the worm compost as a co-substrate. Vegetable waste has a more complex structure and a higher C/N ratio than cattle slurry. Besides this, micro-organisms can pre-digest it, thereby ensuring good aeration. Worm humus is a fertiliser suitable for all types of crops.
What exactly is vermicompost?
Worm compost is one of the highest-grade and most nutrient-rich natural fertilisers in the world. Its soil conditioning properties and plant-strengthening effect encourage the growth and yield of the plants.
Characteristics:-
· similar to the soil found in deciduous woodlands and mixed forests
· black, odourless and crumbly substrate
· balanced nutritional composition for plants
· it contains an above-average number of micro-organisms which revitalise the soil
· loose yet stable soil structure (clay-humus complexes)
· absolutely free from all types of synthetic chemical additives.
Which species of earthworms?
Special species of earthworms have been bred since about 1930 for use in worm composting. Of the over 3,000 species of earthworms, special compost worms (mainly Eisenia fetida) are used in vermiculture.
Eisenia fetida – hard workers.
The most frequently used species of compost worm is the red wiggler (Eisenia fetida), which is natu-rally predisposed towards high rates of conversion and reproduction. Eisenia fetida (formerly foetida) grow to a length of 6 – 13 cm on average. They are reddish in colour, with yellowish rings, making them easy to distinguish from other species. In threatening situations they exude a foul-smelling mu-cous, which is the reason for the name of this species: “fetida” means stinky.
Various worm composting methods:-
There are various methods of making worm compost: tray stacks, windrows, compost heaps and bins, complete recycling systems, containers and box systems. Sometimes a simple wooden chest is suffi-cient. Most worm composting methods are relatively simple and require little effort.
Size of the worm compost heap - Most compost heaps are 1 – 2 m wide, 30 – 50 cm high, and can be as long as desired.
Location of worm compost heaps -The compost heaps can be distributed between rows of trees, or housed in shelters.
Climate- The Eisenia fetida is very tolerant of temperatures between 0 - 30°C and is therefore well suited to locations in the open air. To ensure that the earthworm bed does not get too hot, shade trees or a roof should protect it from direct sunshine.
Ø temperature 20°C - 25°C (ideally)
Ø humidity 80%
Ø sufficient oxygen (loose soil, to guarantee aerobic conditions)
Ø pH-value 7.5 – 8.0 (ideal), 5.0 - 8.4 (tolerance value) --> Acidic pH-value can be compensated by Liming.
Construction of a worm farm :-
Stage 1: Bedding - To create a perfect climate, a “worm bed” is made by using coarse materials such as shredded twigs, coconut fibre, mulch or wood shavings/sawdust as a basis, varying ac-cording to what is available locally. All the components should have been produced or-ganically.
Properties of the worm bed:
· protection from extreme fluctuations in temperature
· guarantees well-balanced humidity and aeration.
Stage 2: Feed - The next step is to cover the worm bed with a layer of feed matter consisting of vegetable waste and manure.
Stage 3: Introducing the worms - The worms are added to the compost heap in batches.
Stage 4: Watering the worm compost - The amount of water needed depends on the climate (temperature, evaporation).
Stage 5: Cover the compost heap - In order to protect the worm population from predators such as birds, rats, snakes, cock-roaches and ants, but also from heavy rains, the compost heap needs to be covered. Here, the most suitable materials are:
· banana leaves
· polyethylene foil
· wood
· bamboo
· bricks
· corrugated sheeting
· palm leaves
Stage 6:
Monitoring the worm compost - The compost heap should be checked once a week.
Harvesting the vermicompost:-
The compost can be harvested in about 2 – 5 months.
There are various ways to go about it:
If the compost heap takes the form of a windrow, the source material is introduced to one end of the windrow and added to continuously. Care should be taken that the new material added is in contact with the old substrate. The compost worms move over to the fresh substrate and continue conversion there. The older material can then be harvested and, if necessary, left to mature.
If the worm bed is constructed in layers, this should consist of several trays.
The bottom tray (collect-ing pan) serves as a reservoir for the liquid seepage. The bottom of the working trays designed to hold the compost material should have holes or slits in them large enough for the worms to pass through. They are placed on the collecting pan. The first working tray is now filled with the source material: at the bottom comes a layer of coarse material (e. g. wood shavings), and on top of this a layer of finer material (leaves and manure). As soon as most of the material has been converted to compost, the next working tray is placed on top of it, so that the bottom of this tray is in contact with the material below, and filled with fresh material. Once the worms have migrated up into the new tray, the worm compost can be removed from the lower tray. If the compost bed is on a slight incline and not filled completely, then the finished compost is sieved into the upper part. Alternatively, the upper humus layer can be removed carefully by hand, and the worms then retreat downwards.
Storage of vermicompost:-
The worm humus is slightly moistened and then stored in sacks in the shade. The humus is stored for up to one month before being applied to the soil.
Spreading the vermicompost:-
The vermicompost is usually spread when it is moist. Once the “finished” compost has been worked into the soil, it serves not only as a nutrient carrier or fertiliser, but also helps to keep the soil loose and improves its water storage capacity.
· The compost is usually spread one to three times a year.
· 10 litres of worm humus can supply about 100 litres of soil with all the nutrients and soil biota which plants require.
The liquid variety- ‘Vermiwash ‘:-
The seepage (vermiwash) drained from the worm bed is especially valued, and is used in diluted form as foliar spray. This concentrated liquid fertiliser contains valuable amino and silicic acids.
Great potential for large and small organic farms alike:-
Vermicompost is a high-grade, nutrient-rich plant fertiliser which at the same time improves the struc-ture of the soil and its water- and nutrient-storage capacity. Farms in Mexico, for example, were able to increase their coffee yields from 6 to 8 quintals (qq). The worms are an one-off investment and, if treated properly, will continue to propagate. Nevertheless, the procedure is labour intensive and time consuming and requires fastidious management.
Characteristics of Waste Before Comosting
Micro and Macro nutrients of vermicast
CONCLUSION:-
The following conclusions were made:-
· The results from the casting analysis had revealed that the organic waste and the sludge can be converted into usable form with its nutrient release. Though there may not be a great increase in nutrient, the small change in nutrient value and the reduction in C/N ratio make the plant to uptake.
· The castings which is rich in microorganism enhance the plant growth hormones
· The result showed the increase in Earthworm population in the case of paper mill sludge than in tannery industry.
· This is a eco friendly and cost effective methods.
· It is an ideal method for the management of solid waste.
· To conclude hold promise to play a significant role in protecting environment as it uses waste as raw material and in building up of soil fertility and improving soil health for sustainable agriculture.
Eisenia fetida
Eggs of Eisenia fatida
Vermicompost used Potato Field
Normal Manure and Chemical feritilizer used Potato Field
Ø pH-value 7.5 – 8.0 (ideal), 5.0 - 8.4 (tolerance value) --> Acidic pH-value can be compensated by Liming.
Construction of a worm farm :-
Stage 1: Bedding - To create a perfect climate, a “worm bed” is made by using coarse materials such as shredded twigs, coconut fibre, mulch or wood shavings/sawdust as a basis, varying ac-cording to what is available locally. All the components should have been produced or-ganically.
Properties of the worm bed:
· protection from extreme fluctuations in temperature
· guarantees well-balanced humidity and aeration.
Stage 2: Feed - The next step is to cover the worm bed with a layer of feed matter consisting of vegetable waste and manure.
Stage 3: Introducing the worms - The worms are added to the compost heap in batches.
Stage 4: Watering the worm compost - The amount of water needed depends on the climate (temperature, evaporation).
Stage 5: Cover the compost heap - In order to protect the worm population from predators such as birds, rats, snakes, cock-roaches and ants, but also from heavy rains, the compost heap needs to be covered. Here, the most suitable materials are:
· banana leaves
· polyethylene foil
· wood
· bamboo
· bricks
· corrugated sheeting
· palm leaves
Stage 6:
Monitoring the worm compost - The compost heap should be checked once a week.
Harvesting the vermicompost:-
The compost can be harvested in about 2 – 5 months.
There are various ways to go about it:
If the compost heap takes the form of a windrow, the source material is introduced to one end of the windrow and added to continuously. Care should be taken that the new material added is in contact with the old substrate. The compost worms move over to the fresh substrate and continue conversion there. The older material can then be harvested and, if necessary, left to mature.
If the worm bed is constructed in layers, this should consist of several trays.
The bottom tray (collect-ing pan) serves as a reservoir for the liquid seepage. The bottom of the working trays designed to hold the compost material should have holes or slits in them large enough for the worms to pass through. They are placed on the collecting pan. The first working tray is now filled with the source material: at the bottom comes a layer of coarse material (e. g. wood shavings), and on top of this a layer of finer material (leaves and manure). As soon as most of the material has been converted to compost, the next working tray is placed on top of it, so that the bottom of this tray is in contact with the material below, and filled with fresh material. Once the worms have migrated up into the new tray, the worm compost can be removed from the lower tray. If the compost bed is on a slight incline and not filled completely, then the finished compost is sieved into the upper part. Alternatively, the upper humus layer can be removed carefully by hand, and the worms then retreat downwards.
Storage of vermicompost:-
The worm humus is slightly moistened and then stored in sacks in the shade. The humus is stored for up to one month before being applied to the soil.
Spreading the vermicompost:-
The vermicompost is usually spread when it is moist. Once the “finished” compost has been worked into the soil, it serves not only as a nutrient carrier or fertiliser, but also helps to keep the soil loose and improves its water storage capacity.
· The compost is usually spread one to three times a year.
· 10 litres of worm humus can supply about 100 litres of soil with all the nutrients and soil biota which plants require.
The liquid variety- ‘Vermiwash ‘:-
The seepage (vermiwash) drained from the worm bed is especially valued, and is used in diluted form as foliar spray. This concentrated liquid fertiliser contains valuable amino and silicic acids.
Great potential for large and small organic farms alike:-
Vermicompost is a high-grade, nutrient-rich plant fertiliser which at the same time improves the struc-ture of the soil and its water- and nutrient-storage capacity. Farms in Mexico, for example, were able to increase their coffee yields from 6 to 8 quintals (qq). The worms are an one-off investment and, if treated properly, will continue to propagate. Nevertheless, the procedure is labour intensive and time consuming and requires fastidious management.
Characteristics of Waste Before Comosting
Micro and Macro nutrients of vermicast
CONCLUSION:-
The following conclusions were made:-
· The results from the casting analysis had revealed that the organic waste and the sludge can be converted into usable form with its nutrient release. Though there may not be a great increase in nutrient, the small change in nutrient value and the reduction in C/N ratio make the plant to uptake.
· The castings which is rich in microorganism enhance the plant growth hormones
· The result showed the increase in Earthworm population in the case of paper mill sludge than in tannery industry.
· This is a eco friendly and cost effective methods.
· It is an ideal method for the management of solid waste.
· To conclude hold promise to play a significant role in protecting environment as it uses waste as raw material and in building up of soil fertility and improving soil health for sustainable agriculture.
Eisenia fetida
Eggs of Eisenia fatida
Vermicompost used Potato Field
Normal Manure and Chemical feritilizer used Potato Field