Vermicompost is the excreta of earthworms, which is rich in humus and nutrients.
Earthworms live in the soil and feed on decaying organic material. After digestion, the undigested material moves through the
alimentary canal of the earthworm, a thin layer of oil is deposited on the castings. This layer erodes over a period of 2 months. So
although the plant nutrients are immediately available, they are slowly released to last longer. The process in the alimentary canal
of the earthworm transforms organic waste to natural fertilizer. The chemical changes that organic wastes undergo include
deodorizing and neutralizing. This means that the pH of the castings is 7 (neutral) and the castings are odorless. The worm castings
also contain bacteria, so the process is continued in the soil, and microbiological activity is promoted.
The African earthworm (Eudrillus engenial), Red worms (Eisenia foetida) and composting worm (Peronyx excavatus) are promising
worms used for vermicompost production. The African worm (Eudrillus eugenial) is preferred over other two types, because it
produces higher production of vermicompost in short period of time and more young ones in the composting period.
Materials for preparation of Vermicompost
Any types of biodegradable wastes-
1. Crop residues
2. Weed biomass
3. Vegetable waste
4. Leaf litter
5. Hotel refuse
6. Waste from agro-industries
7. Biodegradable portion of urban and rural wastes
Phase of vermicomposting
Phase 1
Processing involving collection of wastes, shredding, mechanical separation of the metal, glass and ceramics and storage of organic
wastes.
Phase 2
Pre digestion of organic waste for twenty days by heaping the material along with cattle dung slurry. This process partially digests
the material and fit for earthworm consumption. Cattle dung and biogas slurry may be used after drying. Wet dung should not be
used for vermicompost production.
Phase 3
Preparation of earthworm bed. A concrete base is required to put the waste for vermicompost preparation. Loose soil will allow the
worms to go into soil and also while watering, all the dissolvable nutrients go into the soil along with water.
Phase 4
Collection of earthworm after vermicompost collection. Sieving the composted material to separate fully composted material. The
partially composted material will be again put into vermicompost bed.
Phase 5
Storing the vermicompost in proper place to maintain moisture and allow the beneficial microorganisms to grow.
Nutritive value of vermicompost
The nutrients content in vermicompost vary depending on the waste materials that is being used for compost preparation. If the
waste materials are heterogeneous one, there will be wide range of nutrients available in the compost. If the waste materials are
homogenous one, there will be only certain nutrients are available. The common available nutrients in vermicompost is as follows
Organic carbon: 9.5 – 17.98%
Nitrogen: 0.5 – 1.50%
Phosphorous: 0.1 – 0.30%
Potassium: 0.15 – 0.56%
Sodium: 0.06 – 0.30%
Calcium and Magnesium: 22.67 to 47.60 meq/100g
Copper: 2 – 9.50 mg kg-1
Iron: 2 – 9.30 mg kg-1
Zinc: 5.70 – 11.50 mg kg-1
Sulphur: 128 – 548 mg kg-1
Advantages of vermicompost
Vermicompost is rich in all essential plant nutrients.
Provides excellent effect on overall plant growth, encourages the growth of new
shoots / leaves and improves the quality and shelf life of the produce.
Vermicompost is free flowing, easy to apply, handle and store and does not have bad
odour.
It improves soil structure, texture, aeration, and waterholding capacity and prevents
soil erosion.
Vermicompost is rich in beneficial micro flora such as a fixers, P- solubilizers,
cellulose decomposing micro-flora etc in addition to improve soil environment.
Vermicompost contains earthworm cocoons and increases the population and
activity of earthworm in the soil.
It neutralizes the soil protection.
It prevents nutrient losses and increases the use efficiency of chemical fertilizers.
Vermicompost is free from pathogens, toxic elements, weed seeds etc.
Vermicompost minimizes the incidence of pest and diseases.
It enhances the decomposition of organic matter in soil.
It contains valuable vitamins, enzymes and hormones like auxins, gibberellins etc.