Introduction of Vermicompost
Vermicomposting is a scientific method of making compost, using earthworms. They are often found living in the soil, feeding on biomass and removing it in the form of digestion. Vermiculture means “worm culture”.
Earthworms eat organic waste and excrete excrement in the form of “vermicasts” rich in nitrates and minerals such as phosphorus, magnesium, calcium and potassium. These are used as fertilizers and improve soil quality.
Vermicomposting involves two methods:
Egg method: This is a simple method by which the eggs of living things are prepared.
Pit method: In this method, the organic material is collected in a cement pit. However, this method is not the most important because it involves the problem of poor air and water.
Vermicompost contains: 2-3% nitrogen, 1.55-2.25% phosphorus and 1.85-2.25% potassium (NPK). NPK is important for promoting plant growth, improving root health, early flowering and improving vigor. Vermicompost is also rich in hummus and other beneficial bacteria that increase the number of nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the soil.
It promotes actinomycetes in the soil, which helps to produce the growth hormone, indole-3-acetic acid. In addition, actinomycete is a biopesticide, an antibiotic and a biocorrosion agent.
Vermicompost helps improve the texture, porosity, structure, drainage, aeration and water holding capacity of the soil. It also prevents soil erosion, making it a good friend for the home garden.
The nutrients in this fertilizer promote plant growth and promote the growth of shoots and leaves. A natural process to neutralize soil pH.
Promotes soil microbial activity, promotes growth and prevents bacterial, fungal and bacterial attacks. Vermicompost is an organic fertilizer that is prepared by the decomposition and degradation of bio-waste using worms. We offer ten organic earthworms. After eating the organic material, they excrete it to form a highly nutritious vermicast. This process is called vermicomposting. It’s a quick process. It takes 1000 hours to digest a natural substance in one hour in an earthworm.
We all know that organic fertilizers have great benefits for the soil as they are highly nutritious, improve soil structure, porosity, water holding capacity and many other things. Vermicompost contains more nutrients than other organic fertilizers such as garden manure. This is why vermicompost has many benefits.
Meaning of Vermicompost
Compost is a by-product of the microbial decomposition of grass. In contrast, vermicompost or vermicasting refers to the useful granular form of compost that is completely digested by farm and farm waste. Vermiculture requires about 1000-1200 worms to destroy 1kg/q of organic material.
Vermicompost provides soil nutrients and humus which improves soil and promotes plant growth. It serves as an organic fertilizer for seeds and development.
Organism participating in vermicomposting:
Bacteria, microorganisms and earthworms participate in the process of vermicomposting, in which bacteria and microorganisms are used as food for worms.
All over the world, 3 or 4 types are used in vermicculture but only 2 types are used in India. Eisenia foetida and Eudrilus eugeniae are used throughout India for herbal purposes. A list of some types of earthworms is given below with some characteristics that are used in different parts of the country.
Vermicomposting methods
There are different methods of vermicomposting. However, the bed and pit method is the most commonly followed in them. In the bed system, the bed is made of organic mixture and soil.
In the pit system, 5ft5ft3ft cemented pits are used for composting. They are covered with local materials such as grass, dry leaves, branches, etc. However, air and water vapor is a major problem in this process. Therefore, many farmers do not choose this compost method.
When the tanks are prepared, there should be enough space to ensure that the water does not leak. Litter for earthworms usually includes sawdust, sand, broken brick pieces, and dirt. Worms are first removed from the landfill, followed by the materials. The depth of the food should not exceed 2 feet deep.
During the first 2 months, the tank must be sprinkled with water from time to time and well ventilated. The weight, size, and productivity of worms increase and are at their best when the temperature, humidity, and nutrients are good.
Why vermicompost?
Vermicompost is a product that digests the earth and sells it to the atmosphere using the program of small and large things in the house. Vermicomposting, or vermicomposting, creates a rich soil amendment with a variety of plant nutrients and beneficial microorganisms.
Vermicomposting has many benefits, but two of the most popular are (1) turning organic matter into soil and reducing landfill costs and (2) creating resources from waste. Vermicomposting can be fun for school children, and vermicomposting can be used in the garden to promote plant growth.
Vermicompost can be mixed with potting soil at a level of 10% by volume or applied directly to your soil; both options will provide the plants with useful crops, food and a variety of beneficial microbes.
Benefits of using vermicompost
People are aware of the benefits of using plant inputs. Vermicompost is an excellent organic fertilizer for agriculture and the environment. Hence, marketing of vermicompost is now a profitable and growing industry. Commercialization of vermicompost in urban areas seems promising.
Vermicompost is packaged beautifully and sold in well-designed and printed packages. People of all ages are actively involved in the production and sale of vermicompost. Marketing of vermicompost can be another source of income.
Vermicompost contains a lot of essential nutrients for plants. It improves soil quality, aeration and water holding capacity and prevents soil erosion.
Vermicompost is an environmentally friendly, nutritious soil solution for gardening and patio gardening. It promotes seed germination and plant growth.
How long is vermicompost good for?
Worm casts can keep for up to a year when stored in a cool, dark place. Sunlight will cause loss of water and nutrient content. The water content should be kept at a level of 40%. If it is dry, sprinkling it with water can make it moist.
When properly stored, worm castings will be maintained for a long time with a thin layer of oil. The oil coating is produced by worms and works to store nutrients so that they can slowly release them into the soil over a period of time.
