VermiCompost

VERMICULTURE:

VERMICULTURE is the method of mass multiplication of Earthworms.

VERMICOMPOST: 

VermiCompost is nothing but the excreta of Earthworms, which is rich in humus and nutrients.

VermiCompost Contains :

2.5-3% N

1-1.5% P

1.5 - 2 % K

In India , only two species are being commonly used for VERMICULTURE

1) Eisenia foetida 

2)Eudrilus eugeniae

Material Required:

1)Cattle dung

2) Agricultural wastes 

e.g.

Vegetables wastes , Sugarcane trash

3) Plant products:

e.g

Sawdust and pulp , Various types of leaf litter , City refuse or garbage 

Biogas slurry , industrial wastes 

Methods of VermiCompost preparation:

1) Pit method 

2) Heap method or in concrete tank

*All the methods shed is necessary for protecting the worms from rain and direct sunlight.

Heap method

Procedure:

1) Prepare the heap of organic matter having size 2.5 -3m length , and 90 cm width

2) First sprinkler the water on ground 

3) Place 3-5cm thick layer of slowly decomposing organic substances such as Coconut Coir, grass , rice husk , baggas and sprinkle sufficient water on it.

4) Over this layer , place 3-5 cm thick layer of partially decomposed FYM or Compost or garden soil and moist it .

5) Then release the earthworm on it.

6) Then place a layer of partially decomposed crop residue , cowdung , weeds , leaves of glyricidia, poulty manure , fish meal .

Sprinkle sufficient water on it.

7) Cover the heap with gunny bag and sprinkle water daily to maintain 40-50 % moisture content.

The temperature of the heap should be 25-30%.

8) After 2- 2.5 months the heap will be ready for harvest with good quality VermiCompost.

Advantages of VermiCompost:

1) VermiCompost is rich in all essential plant nutrients.

2) VermiCompost is free flowing, easy to apply, handle and store and does not have bad odour .

3) It improves Soil structure, texture, aeration, and water holding capacity and prevents soil erosion.

4) VermiCompost is rich in beneficial micro flora such as fixers , P- Solubilizers , cellulose decomposing micro flora in addtion to improve soil environment.

5) VermiCompost Contains earthworm cocoons and increases the population and activity of earthworm in the soil.

6) It prevents nutrient losses.

7) VermiCompost is free from pathogens , toxic elements, weed seeds

8) VermiCompost minimizes the incidence of pest and diseases .

9) It enhances the decomposition of organic matter in soil.

10) It contains valuable vitamins , enzymes and hormones like auxins , gibberellins etc.

✍️ Agricoss Vaishnavi Nimkar

Mob No: 7666441799