VERMICOMPOSTING

M.SC. SY SEM- 3MAHESH JOSHI

ENVIORNMENTAL SCIENCE

What is Vermicomposting?

1. Vermi – worm/earthworm

2. Vermiculture – the science of breeding and raising earthworm

3.Vermiculturist – a person who farms, breeds and cares for vermi/worms

4. Vermicasts- excreta of worms

What is Vermicomposting?Vermicomposting – Use of worms for composting organic materials

Vermicompost – The product of vermicomposting containing worm castings, bedding materials as well as organic matter in various stages of decomposition

•Produces compost that can be used in gardens/houseplants

•Breaks down yard debris (sticks, leaves, grass clippings)

•Breaks down un-eaten food

•Great for the environment

Why Vermicompost?

Why Vermicompost?

Compared to ordinary soil, vermicompost has :

5x more Nitrogen7x more Phosphorus1.5x more Calcium11x more Potassium3x more Magnesium

Principles of VermicompostingIn vermicomposting, microorganisms and earthworms “soil engineers” work together, thus, speed up the process and gives more quality on the compost suitable for organic farming

Vermicompost does not heat

Vermicompost may be low in NPK but contains essential micronutrients (e.g., calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper, iron and zinc) not found in “complete fertilizers”

Vermicompost has microbial activities that promote plant healthand pest/disease resistance

Number of Earthworm Species 4,000 in the world

Characteristics

They have 2 tubes (one inside the other). The inner tube is a digestive system which can be seen outside as a dark line inside the worm. The black color is actually the food in the digestive tract

ABOUT VERMIS

Biology of Vermi

Characteristics

Active at night (nocturnal)

Many are migratory

Feed on microorganisms (fungi and bacteria) in the soil

Hermaphroditic (have both sex organs)

Breathe through their skin

Biology of Vermi

Cocoons (eggs) to Juveniles (young) - 2 weeks Juveniles (young) to Adult (Breeder) - 2 weeks

Breeding worms can lay 2 to 5 cocoons per week that will hatch in 21 days and mature in 60 to 90 days

The African nightcrawler can grow to more than 30 cm in length and 3 grams each

Biology of Vermi

Aeration Not water-loggedOxygen needed for respiration

Moisture (40-80%)For maintenance of body fluids (80% > of body weight)

Temperature Cold-blooded 20-30 C

Worm - Eisenia foetida

Selection of place for

vermiculture

Vermitech-Implementation

Dig the pit

Student activities

Spread the coconut fiber

Pour the cow dung water on the coconut fibers.

Student Activities…….

Fill the pit with agro waste ,cow dung, and fallen

leaves from trees

After two weeks apply earth worm on the bedding (13-12-2009)

After three weeks We can observe the Vermicomposed manure at the top of the pit. (The appearance of black granular crumbly powder on top of vermibeds indicate harvest stage of the compost. )

Student Activities…….

•Watering is stopped for at least 5 days at this stage. Now the manure is

ready to use.•The earthworms go down and the compost is collected from the top.•Separate the baby worms and worm cocoons from it by sieving method.

Where to Compost?

• Can be done inside or outside

• Little to no smell emitted as long as the box is maintained

• Can be a large or small container

•Vermicompost is an eco friendly natural fertilizer• It does not have any adverse effect on soil, plant and environment.•It improves water retention capacity of soil because of its high organic matter content.• It promotes better root growth and nutrient absorption.• Earthworm castings in the home garden often contain 5 to 11 times more nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium as the surrounding soil.•Promoting home composting as a solution to reduce global warming caused by methane by degradable waste in landfills.

Advantages of Vermicomposting

•This project can be started from any available fund.•Raw materials available easily and locally in abundance. •Successful Organic Farming and no Marketing problem.•No Chance of failure. •No requirement of electricity .•Additional Income form cow dung, agro waste and wastes available .

Economics of Vermiculture

Thank you