VERMICOMPOST
Vermicompost is organic manure (bio-fertilizer) produced as the Vermicast by earthworm feeding on biological waste material; plant residues. This compost is odourless, clean, organic material containing adequate quantities of N,P,K and several micro-nutrients essential for plant growth. It is a preferred nutrient source for organic farming. It is eco-friendly, non-toxic, consumes low energy input for composting and is recycled biological product.
METHODS OF VERMICOMPOSTING
In general the following 3 methods of Vermicomposting are used.
- Vermicomposting of waste in field’s pits :- It is preferable to go for optimum size ground pits of 5m×15m×0.5m (L×W×D)
- Vermicomposting of waste in ground heaps:- Dome shaped beds with organic waste are prepared and the optimum size of ground heap is 5m 1m 1m (LWH)
- Vermicomposting of waste in large structures:- Vermicomposting is taken up in large structures such as series of rectangular brick columns, cemented tanks, stone block etc. The dimension of structure may vary with area availability.
Almost all types of biologically degradable and decomposable organic waste can be used in vermiculture and Vermicomposting. Commonly used composting materials are listed below:-
- Animal dung
- Agricultural waste
- Waste paper and cotton cloth etc
- Forestry waste
- City leaf litter
- City refuge
- Biogas slurry
- Industrial waste
- Rotten fish
Filling of
composting beds or pits:
The following step should be followed in filling of composting beds or pits.
- Spread a layer of decomposed or biogas slurry 15 cm deep.
- Moistened the bed with water and leave it for 48 hours.
- Place earthworms uniformly @400-1000/m
on top layer.
- Spread 2 cm layer of organic wastes, litter etc over the earthworm.
- Cover with gunny cloth and sprinkle water regularly to keep the bed wet. During summer month water are sprinkle twice a day.
- The whole materials are converted to humus, called Vermicompost in 65-70 days.
- Second bed can be followed next to the first using the earthworm from the first bed to repeat the process.
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| Vermicompost beds |
In general materials required for 10 sqm plot are:
- Dry organic matter – 200-300 kg
- Decomposed FYM – 300-400 kg
- Organic waste – 700-800 kg
- Earthworm – 4000-1000
- Water – as required
Care and
precaution:
- Following care and precaution should be considered where Vermiculture and Vermicomposting is practiced:
- Moisture should be maintained between 30-40 %.
- Temperature requirement for optimum result is 20-30˚c.
- pH of substrate should be between 6.8-7.5.
- Cover of food substrate is required for reducing moisture loss and also save worms from extra movement (outside substrate) or from predator like ants. Moist gunny bag also help in conservation of moisture.
Faulty signal :
1. Fault Odour
:
- Too wet – watering should be stopped
- Too much feed – feeding should be stopped for a week
- Acidity increase – eggs shell should be covered and mixed with the substrate.
2. Too much flies :
- The substrate should be covered properly with proper materials to protect flies from laying eggs in the substrate.
Separation
Technique of Earthworm and Cocoon:
- Heap the harvested Vermicompost for 6-12 hours under shade for separation of the worm.
- Make small balls of cow dung and kept inside the heap for 2-3 days.
- Remove the balls and earthworm and separate from the whole compost for reuse.
- Sieve gently the Vermicompost and pact it for further use or sale.
- Dry Vermicompost (if necessary) under shade to keep the moisture content below 20%.
Harvesting:
Vermicompost is ready when the top layer appears somewhat dark brown granular as dry leaves have been spread over the layer. It takes 65-70 days to reach this stage. Watering are stopped 7 days prior to harvest so that the worms settle at the bottom layer. The collected Vermicompost are shaded dry for 12 hours and packed in small gunny bags for storage.
Yield:
In general a bed having dimension of 10m1m0.5m (LWD) will produce about 500kg of Vermicompost every 3 months.
