VermiCompost

Vermicomposting is the biological degradation and

stabilization of organic waste by earthworms and microorganisms

to form vermicompost. This is an essential part in organic

farming today. It can be easily prepared, has excellent

properties, and is harmless to plants. The earthworms

fragment the organic waste substrates, stimulate microbial

activity greatly and increase rates of mineralization.

These rapidly convert the waste into humus-like substances

with finer structure than thermophilic composts but possessing

a greater and more diverse micro-bial activity.

Vermicompost being a stable fine granular organic matter,

when added to clay soil loosens the soil and improves the

passage for the entry of air. The mucus associated with

the cast being hydroscopic absorbs water and prevents

water logging and improves water-holding capacity. The

organic carbon in vermicompost releases the nutrients

slowly and steadily into the system and enables the plant

to absorb these nutrients. The soil enriched with vermincompost

provides additional substances that are not

found in chemical fertilizers.

Many agricultural industries use compost, cattle dung

and other animal excreta to grow plants. In today’s

society, we are faced with the dilemma of getting rid of

waste from our industries, household etc. In order for us

to practice effective waste management we can utilize

the technology of vermicomposting to effectively manage

our waste. This process allows us to compost the

degradable materials and at the same time utilize the

products obtained after composting to enhance crop

production.

Standard VermiCompost Nutrient Parameters

pH 6.12 ± 0.03

Total salts (ppm) 3148.67 ± 48.58

Total Nitrogen (%) 1.11 ± 0.05

Organic carbon (%) 9.77 ± 5.05

C/N ratio 8.80

Available phosphate (ppm) 597.67 ± 0.58

Calcium (ppm) 322.33 ± 24.91

Magnesium (ppm) 137.33 ± 19.50

Potassium (ppm) 2428.33 ± 326.28

Manganese (ppm) 0.69 ± 0.01

Iron (ppm) 0.11 ± 0.01

Copper (ppm) 0.01 ± 00