Practical – I

VISIT TO A VERMICOMPOSTING UNIT

AIM: To visit a vermicomposting unit.
OBJECTIVES: After completing this practical, you will be able to:
 familiarize yourself with the layout of a vermicomposting unit;
 become familiar with the infrastructure of a vermicomposting unit
 identify the inputs required to run a vermicomposting unit; and
 acquaint with the routine day-to-day activities to manage a vermicomposting unit.
PRINCIPLE: Management of vermicomposting unit involves the understanding and
performance of a series of time bound activities. Such activities involve the selection of a
suitable species of the earthworm, preparation of vermibeds, making food substrate suitable for
feeding to the earthworms, inoculation (introduction) of earthworms to the vermibed, taking
care of worms, harvesting of mature vermicompost, packing and marketing of vermicompost,
etc. Such management practices need to be performed timely and efficiently. Thus, after
visiting such a unit, you will be able to get familiar with such tasks that will help you to manage
a vermicomposting unit efficiently and profitably.
TOOLS/EQUIPMENT/MATERIALS REQUIRED:
 Vermicomposting unit with more than 10 operational beds.
 Notebook
 Pen
 Measuring tape
PROCEDURE:
1. Visit a vermicomposting unit with at least 10 working beds.
2. Contact in-charge or manager of the unit, observe and noted own the series of activities being
performed daily and their schedule.
3. Observe the unit and make note of the following : (i) Location of the unit, layout of the unit,
infrastructure required for starting a unit, transport connectivity to the nearest bus stand/railway
station, nearest source of raw material (feed) for earthworms and location of market outlets for
the produce.
(ii) Area of the vermicomposting unit, various types of rooms/sheds (permanent or temporary)
in the unit. Draw a rough sketch in your notebook.
(iii) Mode of transport of feed/cowdung for the earthworms from the nearest source to the unit,
cost of procurement and their processing.
(iv) Source of water. Is it tap water or water from the tube well? Also, note down the procedure
for watering the beds.
(v) Name of earthworm species used, number of days required to complete one life cycle,
number of cocoons produced in a week, number of the young ones produced per cocoon and
survivability of the young ones.

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(vi) Sources for procurement of earthworm species.
(vii) Length, breath and height of the vermibed, rate of inoculation of worms and types of
vermibeds being maintained.
(viii) Harvesting- Duration when the first lot is ready to harvest and the method of harvesting.
(ix) Packing and storage of the vermicompost.
(x) Records maintained in the unit. Date of the start of the unit, date of introduction of worms,
days taken to produce 1st lot of vermicompost, date of first harvesting and subsequent
harvesting, quantity of the vermicompost produced in one cycle, income from the unit, etc.
OBSERVATIONS:
(i) Name and address of the unit visited.
(ii) Name of the earthworm species used.
(iii) Different types of vermibeds and their lay out.
(iv) Infrastructure required for the unit and their placement.
(v) Shed and materials required for construction and their source.
(vi) Source of feed for the worm and their cost.
(vii) Routine unit activities and the number of persons engaged in the unit.
(viii)Number of vermibeds with mature compost.
(ix) Harvesting process and the separation of worms.
(x) Packaging – Quantity of packets, number of packets prepared per day.
(xi) Storage of vermicompost – Method and duration.
RESULT: Visited ……………………………………… (name and address) of the
vermicomposting unit and noted the following activities being performed on routine basis:
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
PRECAUTIONS:
 Before visiting the vermicomposting unit, fix an appointment with the in charge of the
unit and plan your visit accordingly.
 Do not interfere with the ongoing activities in the unit.
 Do not touch anything in the unit without permission.
 Wear protective clothing, such as apron, face mask, gloves, etc., before touching the
vermibeds/earthworms.
 Maintain discipline and hygienic conditions in the unit.
KEY LEARNING OUTCOME: Proficient in understanding the layout of a vermicomposting
unit, its infrastructure, its inputs requirements and routine activities performed at the unit.
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 Practical – II
DESIGNING A SHED FOR VERMICOMPOSTING
AIM: To design a shed for vermicomposting.
OBJECTIVES: After completing this practical, you will be able to:
 recognize different types of sheds used for vermicomposting; and
 design a vermicomposting shed suitable for your location and requirement.
PRINCIPLE: The purpose of designing a vermibed is to protect the earthworms from rain,
sun and heat. Design for vermicomposting shed varies from region to region and place to place.
Preferably, it should be made from locally available raw materials so as to keep its construction
cost low. For those areas, where tree branches or bamboo are available, they can be used as
poles for the shed. Thatched roofing may also be done with dry vegetation such as straw, palm
branches etc., based on their availability. These are called as temporary shed. Vermicomposting
sheds may also be made from steel pipes or angles and roofing can be done with galvanized or
steel sheets. These types of sheds are called as permanent shed. Roofing can also be done with
High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) sheets, but if possible avoid them as they get overheated
due to sun. Open sheds are preferred because of their low cost and they maintain ideal
conditions for growth and multiplication of earthworms. Depending upon the availability of
funds, composting sheds may also be made by bricks and the roof can be made with terracotta
roof tiles, roof shingles, corrugated metal, steel sheets, timber clad, etc. The shed should be
made at some elevated level ground so that during rain the water does not stagnates. Old
abandoned structures like that of factories or sheds can also be used for the purpose. But they
should be well ventilated. Floor may be made up of soil or may be pakka (or cemented bricked).
Kachha (unbricked) floor is also good but problem comes when soil burrowing predatory
insects attack the beds.
One such insect is mole cricket (Gryllotalps sps.), which feed on cocoons and juveniles of
earthworms. The cricket burrows in the soil and many a times become very difficult to control.
In such cases, floor may be made pakka to prevent burrowing of these predators. To prevent
entry of similar predators, a trench containing water may be made around the composting shed.
In the absence of composing shed, vermicomposting can be done under the shade of a tree.
While making sheds for your composting unit, the undermentioned points should be kept in
mind
 The shed should be made at an elevated platform.
 The shed should have outward slope.
 The shed should be well ventilated and near to a clean water source.
 The shed should be protected from pathogens, predators and contaminants.
Vermicomposting Under Different Sheds:
(1) Temporary Shed
(2) Permanent shed
(3) Vermicomposting Under a Tree
TOOLS/EQUIPMENT/MATERIALS REQUIRED:

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  Vermicomposting unit.
 Notebook.
 Pen.
PROCEDURE: 1. Visit a few vermicomposting units in your area.
2. Record distinguishing features of each vermicomposting shed
3. Record measurements of each shed with the number of beds present in it.
4. Note the raw material required, source of their procurement and cost for designing the shed.
5. Compare different type of sheds, cost of construction and their pros and cons.
6. Select the shed type that suits your budget and composting requirements.
OBSERVATIONS: Record your observations in the table given below:
Type of shed Raw material required/used Appropriate cost of Remarks
construction (Rs.)

RESULT: The design drawn below is suitable for my location for vermicomposting (draw a
sketch of the shed):

PRECAUTIONS:
 Enter the unit after taking prior permission of the unit manager or in-charge.
 Always follow the bio-security and hygienic measures in the vermicomposting unit.
 Do not interfere with the farm activities.
 Wear protective clothing, face mask, eye protection glasses, gloves, etc. in the unit.

KEY LEARNING OUTCOMES: Be able to design an appropriate shed using the right
materials for vermicomposting as per your requirement, location and budget.

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 Practical – III
IDENTIFICATION OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF RAW MATERIALS FOR
VERMICOMPOSTING
AIM: To identify the different types of raw materials used for vermicomposting.
OBJECTIVES: After completing this practical, you will be able to:
 identify the different types of raw materials that can be used for vermi composting;
 select the suitable and available raw materials for vermicomposting.
PRINCIPLE: Earthworm species like Eisenia fetida and Eudrilus eugeniae can feed on a wide
variety of biodegradable organic matter and convert them into compost. Some of the
biodegradable materials are preferred more by earthworms. So, rate of composting depends on
the type of organic matter offered as feed. Non biodegradable materials such as glass, plastics
and stones cannot be composted. You should also avoid spicy cooked food and non-vegetarian
food for composting.
Raw Materials for Bedding:
 Biogas slurry,
 Cattle dung,
 Kitchen waste,
 Industrial waste (food processing and sugar industry waste),
 City refuse or garbage, bio-degradable waste,
 Plant product e.g. sawdust, leaf litters, etc.
 Horticultural waste agricultural residue e.g. vegetable waste, sugarcane trash, etc.
TOOLS/EQUIPMENT/MATERIALS USED:
 Vermicomposting unit in Agricultural Universities/Agriculture Institutes/ Krishi
Vigyan Kendras/ Municipal Corporation Composting Sites/NGOs/ Nearby private
composting units. Protective clothing and coverings such as apron, hand gloves, etc.
 Notebook.
 Pen.
PROCEDURE: 1. Visit a few nearby vermicomposting units (as mentioned above).
2. Notedown the name and location of the vermicomposting units.
3. Observe and record the raw materials used for vermicomposting and its composting
quality.
OBSERVATIONS: Record your observations in the table given below:
Name, address of the Raw materials being Suitability of the raw
vermicomposting unit used material in composting
(Excellent/Very Good/
Good/Average/Poor)

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 RESULT: Following types of biodegradable materials were found suitable for
vermicomposting:
(i) Agriculture waste from the left over, stalks of wheat, paddy, maize, cotton, millets,
pulses, sunflower, ground net, shells, etc.
(ii) Wastes of fruits and vegetables.
(iii) Forestry waste such as, wood shavings, peals, sawdust, pulp, etc.
(iv) Leather cutting waste.
(v) Leaf litter.
(vi) Weeds.
(vii) Wastes from paper mills, breweries, sericulture, sugarcane, coffee/and mushroom
industry.
(viii) Left over slurry from biogas production.
(ix) Waste products from the vegetable market.
(x) Municipal solid waste.
(xi) Animal dung.
PRECAUTIONS:
 Enter the vermicomposting unit only after seeking prior permission from the
manager or in-charge of the unit.
 Do not interfere with the routine activities of the unit.
 Maintain hygienic conditions while visiting the vermicomposting unit.
 Carefully record all the information in a note book.
 Use protective clothing such as, apron, gloves, etc. in the unit.
KEY LEARNING OUTCOMES: Able to identify and select the suitable raw materials for
producing a good quality vermicompost.

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 Practical – IV
PREPARATION OF VERMIBEDS
AIM: To prepare a vermibed.
OBJECTIVES: After completing this practical, you will be able to:
 use suitable tools and equipment for preparing appropriate vermibed; and
 prepare vermibeds of different shapes and sizes.
PRINCIPLE: Vermicomposting can be carried out broadly in two ways. First, is in vessel
composting system. In this type, you can use any locally available vessel like earthen pot, wash
basin, garden pot, used plastic tank or wooden or metallic box etc. Vessel composting is more
suitable for house hold composting. You can also do composting in cement or HDPE cistern or
tank which may be placed over or under the ground. Second system of composting is
composting in windrow or beds. In this type, the organic waste is placed in the form of a row
or pile. Sometimes, composting is also carried out in tank or pits. However, the tank or pit
system has got certain disadvantages such as high cost of construction, less chances of aeration,
low exposed area, and stagnation of water in deeper layers, which slows down the rate of
decomposition. Thus, vermicomposting in windrows or in beds on the surface is preferred.
Selection of a particular system of composting also depends upon many factors such as the
quantity of waste to be handled, quality of waste, site of production, availability of raw
materials, rain fall, day and night temperatures, profit target, availability of shed etc.
Various Vermicomposting Systems:
 Composting in Cemented Vermicomposting Pit
 Vermicomposting in HDPE Vermi-trenches
 Vermicomposting in Windrows Under Shade of a Tree
 Vermicomposting in Used Plastic Tank
TOOLS/EQUIPMENT/MATERIAL USED:
 Bricks.
 Feed/ Raw materials for vermicomposting.
 Protective clothing and coverings, such as gloves, apron, eye protection glasses,
face mask, etc.
 Notebook.
 Pen.
PROCEDURE:
1. Visit a few vermicomposting units of your area. Pen down their names and locations.
2. Observe the different type of the beds. Note down sizes, pros and cons of each bed.
3. Prepare a composting windrow or bed by putting the organic matter or feed in the form of a
row. Keep the width of the windrow as 1m and height as 0.5m, respectively.
4. Each windrow can be demarcated by loose bricks. Windrows can be made even without
demarcation of bricks.

7
5. Keep the length of bed/windrow as per the available area/space.
OBSERVATIONS: Record your observations in the table given below:
Name & address of No. of beds Type of the Size of each bed Remarks
the composting unit maintained bed/system (in vessel (length, width &
or window) height)

RESULTS: ............................... type of vermibed is suitable for my location and requirements.

PRECAUTIONS:
 Enter the composting unit only after taking prior permission from the unit manager or
in-charge.
 Do not obstruct the ongoing farm activities in the unit.
 Wear apron, face mask, protective glasses, gloves (if required).
 Always follow the bio-security and hygienic measures in the composting unit.
 Do not keep width of windrow/bed more than 1 m, as it slows down the rate of
decomposition.
 Do not keep the bed higher than 0.75m as it reduces the composting efficiency.
KEY LEARNING OUTCOMES: Be Proficient in making appropriate type vermibed using
suitable tools and equipment.

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 Practical – V
PREPARATION OF FEED FOR EARTHWORMS
AIM: To prepare feed for the earthworms.
OBJECTIVE: After completing this practical, you will be able to:
 procure raw materials from suitable source; and
 process the raw material and make it ready as feed for earthworms.
PRINCIPLE: Biodegradable raw materials are not preferred to be used as such for
earthworms. They need some preliminary treatment prior to putting in vermicomposting beds.
Such treated materials are readily accepted by the earthworms. Another reason for this
treatment is that it reduces the time taken for composting as well. In other words, the process
of vermicomposting becomes faster after partial decomposition of the raw materials.
TOOLS/EQUIPMENT/MATERIALS REQUIRED:
 Raw materials for vermicomposting (as identified in previous practical ).
 Cowdung/sheep dung /goat dung.
 Spade.
 Rake.
 Garden hose.
 Wheel barrow.
 Protective coverings such as gum boots, apron, glasses, etc.
PROCEDURE: 1. Transport the raw materials for vermicomposting (as identified in previous
practical ) from source to the site of composting.
2. Transfer the raw materials near to the composting shed with the help of spade and a wheel
barrow.
3. Segregate non- compostable materials such as plastics, stone glass, ceramics, metals from
the compostable materials.
4. If compostable materials contain large pieces, then, break them into smaller pieces.
5. Transport cowdung or animal dung to the source using wheel barrow.
6. Break the large lumps of cowdung, if it is there.
7. Mix the cow dung and raw materials (in the ratio of 3:1) using the rake.
8. Sprinkle water using the water hose or watering can.
9. Make a heap of the mixed material.
10. Keep the heap for partial decomposition for 2 to 3 weeks.
11. During this period, turn the heap by 5-6 times using the rake.
12. Keep the contents sufficiently moist by sprinkling water on it (maintain moisture level
between 50-60%).

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OBSERVATIONS: ........................... (kg) organic matter took ........................... days for its
partial decomposition.
RESULT: Organic matter waste is partially decomposed and is ready to be offered to the
earthworms as feed.
PRECAUTIONS:
 Wear apron, eye protection glasses, gloves, gum boots etc. for your safety and hygiene.
 Use 2-3 days old cow dung or animal dung.
 Break the large lumps to smaller pieces.
 Heap should retain moisture whose range should be between 50 to 70% during the
vermicomposting process.
 Partial decomposition period can be increased in case of wastes that are harder (e.g. the
waste that takes more time for decomposition such as dried stems, palm leaves etc.) and
accordingly, time can be reduced for the wastes that are softer (such as flowers and
green leaves).
KEY LEARNING OUTCOMES: Able to prepare feed for earthworms after partial
decomposition of the raw materials.

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 Practical – VI
FILLING THE ORGANIC MATERIALS IN VERMIBEDS
AIM: To fill the organic materials in the vermibed.
OBJECTIVES: After doing this practical, you will be able to:
 fill the biodegradable waste materials in the vermibeds whilst; and
 taking proper precautions.
PRINCIPLE: Earthworms need feed (waste organic material) for their growth and
development. They feed on the waste materials, crush them and finely convert the matter into
fine particles, pass them through gut, partially digest them and excrete them in the farm of
pellets or casts or vermicasts. This vermicast is rich in organic matter, microbes, enzymes and
hormones. These further increase the rate of decomposition of the organic matter so that the
process of vermicomposting goes on at a faster rate. Thus, filling of organic materials in the
beds is an important step in vermicomposting.
TOOLS/EQUIPMENT/MATERIAL REQUIRED:
 Partially decomposed organic matter.
 Spade.
 Rake.
 Protective coverings such as gum boots, gardening gloves, apron, etc.
 Wheel barrow.
 Garden hose bucket. Any locally available biodegradable material.
 Sand.
 Garden soil.
PROCEDURE: 1. Select a vermicomposting bed of a size that is suitable to your requirements.
2. Lay a basal layer of sand upto 3-5 cm on the bed.
3. It is followed by 5 to 7 cm thick layer of garden soil.
4. On top of the previous layer, make a bedding layer which is made up of any locally available
biodegradable material such as dried leaves, hay, straw (paddy or cereals or legumes), leaves,
saw dust, peat moss, mushroom spent, coconut leaves, sugarcane wastes etc. Maintain
thickness of this layer within 5 to 7 cm.
5. This layer is followed by a layer of partially decomposed organic matter as prepared in
previous Practical.
6. Maintain the height of the filled bed upto 75cm.
7. Break the large lumps of materials that are used and level the bed using rake.
8. Sprinkle water on the bed with a garden hose or a watering can.
9. Leave the beds for 3-4 days. Record your observations.
10. Note the emission of heat by digging the bed with a gardening fork. If smell or any heat is
evolved, sprinkle water, overturn the material with rake and wait for it to cool down.

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 OBSERVATIONS: Observations were made on evolution of heat or foul smell, if any
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
RESULT: The bed is suitable for introducing earthworms.
PRECAUTIONS:
 Fill only pre-decomposed organic matter in the beds.
 Fill only decomposable organic matter (no stone, glass, plastics or ceremics etc. be put).
 Do not add any dairy, meat products, oily cooked food, citrus fruits, eggs in the beds.
 Keep height of the bed till 75cm only. In beds higher than 75cm, the rate of
decomposition slows down.
 If beds evolve heat or foul smell donot introduce earthworms into the bed.
 In the absence of the availability of sand or soil you can straight away put straw layer
followed by partially decomposed organic waste.
 In case, it is not possible to construct a shed, beds can be laid down under the trees such
as, drumstick, subabul, banana or any other tree, so that the leaves falling from them
add to the nutritive value of the compost. Moreover, your income will also be
supplemented from the produce of these trees.
KEY LEARNING OUTCOMES: Be skilled to fill biodegradable waste materials in
vermibeds as per the recommended procedure whilst taking proper precautions.

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 Practical – VII
INOCULATION OF EARTHWORMS IN VERMIBED
AIM: To inoculate (introduce) earthworms in the vermibed.
OBJECTIVES: After completing this practical, you will be able to:
 procure suitable earthworm species for vermicomposting; and
 introduce the earthworms in the prepared vermibeds.
PRINCIPLE: The presence of earthworms in the vermibeds increases the rate of
decomposition of organic matter. By their movements, they keep turning the organic matter
and thus cause aeration of the medium. They also consume the organic matter and convert them
into fine matter. The earthworms mix enzymes, hormones and microbes from their gut to the
excreted materials. All these factors create a conducive condition that leads to an increase in
the rate of vermicomposting. That is why composting in the presence of earthworms takes less
time and is superior to the ordinary compost.
TOOLS/EQUIPMENT MATERIALS REQUIRED:
 Garden rake.
 Protective coverings, such as hand gloves, apron, face mask, etc.
 Antiseptic soap.
 Watering can.
 Garden can/hose.
PROCEDURE: 1. Visit some vermicomposting units/Agriculture University/Krishi Vigyan
Kendra/ Agricultural Institute/State Agriculture Department and arrange for obtaining a few
suitable species of earthworms that are recommended for vermicomposting.
2. Pack the earthworms in the pre-existing vermicompost and sprinkle some water on it.
3. You could do it yourself, take the help of a garden rake and open some area of the pre-
existing vermicomposting bed. By picking with the help of hands, collect earthworms in a
trough (manger). Put some compost over it and sprinkle some water over it.
4. Carry the earthworms to the vermibeds to be inoculated.
5. Gently place the earthworms on the surface of the beds @ around 1000 worms/m2.
6. Sprinkle water on the bed with a water can or a garden hose.
7. Observe the movement of the earthworms into the bed.
8. Wash your hands with an antiseptic soap after inoculation is done.
OBSERVATIONS: Record your observations as per points given below:
(i) Earthworm species procured for inoculation ........................................
(ii) Quantity of earthworms inoculated in each vermibed:
(a) Vermibed 1........................................
(b) Vermibed 2........................................

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(c) Vermibed 3........................................
(d) Vermibed 4........................................
(iii) Movement of earthworms into the bed ........................................
RESULT: Inoculation of earthworms in vermibeds is done.
PRECAUTIONS:
 Wear an apron, hand gloves and take other hygiene and safety measures, while working
at the vermicomposting unit.
 Beds should have sufficient moisture in them prior to inoculation of earthworms.
 During transportation of the worms from the source, they should be packed carefully
with sufficient food, moisture and provision of air.
KEY LEARNING OUTCOMES: Able to inoculate earthworms in a prepared vermibed after
taking correct precautions to obtain an optimum composting process.

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 Practical – VIII
WATERING OF VERMIBEDS
AIM :To provide water to the vermibeds.
OBJECTIVES: After completing this practical, you will be able to:
 judge the water requirement of the vermibeds; and
 provide right quantity of water to the vermibeds.
PRINCIPLE: Earthworms donot have lungs for their breathing. They respire through their
skin. Earthworms keep their skins moist with mucilage and water. Atmospheric air gets
dissolved in the moist layer and by diffusion oxygen enters into the blood capillary of the
earthworms. The insufficient moisture makes the earthworms uncomfortable and they may die
due to lack of oxygen. Even for normal functioning of decomposition, microbes need moisture.
That is why vermibeds need continuous availability of moisture. For normal vermicomposting,
an optimum moisture level of 50 to 60% is required.
TOOLS/EQUIPMENT/MATERIALS REQUIRED:
 Watering cane/ water hose/ sprinklers.
 Protective covering such as, hand gloves, apron, etc.
 Moisture meter.
PROCEDURE: 1. Observe the vermibeds for water requirements.
2. You can make use of moisture meter to exactly know the level of moisture in the beds.
3. You can use a simple test (Hand squeeze test) to known the right level of the moisture.
 Hand Squeeze Test:- The test is a simple rules of thumb test. Take some material from
the bed in your hand and try to make a ball of it. If water squeezes out of the ball that
means water level is more. However, if the ball crumbles that means water level is too
less. Also, if the ball is stable, it indicates that the moisture content is optimum in the
bed.
4. Water vermibeds with the help of watering cane or water hose or sprinklers.
5. During summer, water is required more frequently than in winter.
OBSERVATIONS: Select any four vermibeds and observe the moisture level in the beds
and record your observations in the table given below:
S. No. of Moisture Level Remark
Vermibed
Too less Right level Too much

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 RESULT:
....................... vermibeds were moisture is deficient. This is fixed by .......................
........................vermibeds had right level of moisture.
……………….vermibeds were over flooded. This is corrected by…………………………
PRECAUTIONS:
 The beds should not be too wet or too dry.
 In case you see the water oozing out of beds, stop watering them, otherwise
nutrients will flow away and quality of the vermicompost will degrade.
 Vermibeds should be watered with soft water only. In case you are using
underground water get it tested so that it is not hard. The hard water is not suitable
for vermicomposting.
 Wear apron, gloves and adopt other safety and hygiene measures in the unit. After
finishing the work, wash your hands and face with antiseptic soap to avoid any
infections.
KEY LEARNING OUTCOMES: Able to identify the moisture level of the vermibed and
provide the right quantity of water to the beds.

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 Practical – IX
COVERING OF VERMIBEDS
AIM: To cover vermibed with suitable covering material.
OBJECTIVES: After completing this practical, you will be able to:
 select suitable covering material for the vermibeds; and
 cover vermibeds as per the recommended procedure.
PRINCIPLE: As you know, the earthworms are dark creatures (photophobic), so they move
away from sunlight. They are therefore not seen feeding at the surface of the beds. If the beds
are covered, then they can come near the surface and feed. This in turn increases the rate of
vermicomposting too. Covering beds helps in retaining moisture. Hence, the covered beds
don’t need to be watered frequently. Covering vermibeds also saves the earthworms from
predators. The covering material decomposes with time and acts as feed for the worms.
TOOLS/EQUIPMENT/MATERIALS REQUIRED:
 Gunny bags/hessian cloth or any other locally available biodegradable material.
 Protective covering such as hand gloves and apron.
 Rake.
PROCEDURE: 1. Visit a few well settled vermicomposting units of your area.
2. Note the location and address of the unit.
3. Note the type of covering material being used in the unit and enquire about other options
available for covering the bed.
4. Observe and note all the possible ways to cover the beds.
5. Practice covering of one bed using gunny bags/hessian cloth or any other locally available
biodegradable material and rake.
OBSERVATIONS:
Name & address of Number of Material used for Any other Remarks
the vermicomposting beds being covering the beds material
unit maintained suggested

RESULT: ......................... is found to be the best material for covering vermibeds in my

locality because ...........................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................................
PRECAUTIONS:
 The bed covering material should be cheap and locally available.

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  The material should be biodegradable.
 The material should not be polythene or HDPE or any other synthetic material.
 Before visiting the vermicomposting unit, take prior permission from in charge or
manager of the unit.
 Do not interfere with the normal functioning of the unit.
 Adopt all safety and hygienic means in the unit.
KEY LEARNING OUTCOMES: Able to select and use suitable and locally available
covering material for the vermibeds.

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 Practical – X
TURNING OF VERMIBEDS FOR AERATION
AIM: To turn the vermibeds for ensuring proper aeration.
OBJECTIVES: After completing this practical, you will be able to:
 judge the right time for turning of the beds; and
 turn the vermibeds properly.
PRINCIPLE: Turning of the vermibeds brings the undecomposed/partially decomposed
material to the surface so that it is readily available to worms and aerobic microbes for
decomposition. Thus, turning of the beds makes the process of vermicomposting faster. Beds
need to be turned when slow activity is observed in the beds or there is foul smell or composting
is almost completed in the upper layer of the bed and lower layers are still underdecomposing.
After turning and settlement of the earthworms in the bed, the top layer of the bed should be
leveled gently using a rake so that the earthworms are not hurt.
TOOLS/EQUIPMENTS/MATERIALS REQUIRED:
 Protective coverings such as apron, face mask, eye protection glasses, hand gloves, etc.
 Rake.
 Notebook.
 Pen.
PROCEDURE: 1. Observe the vermibeds. First turning to bed should be given when the
material on the top layer of the bed seems to be almost matured (composting process is
completed in top layer).
2. Observe the bed, it should not be too wet at the time of turning. A wet bed will not allow
proper aeration by the earthworm and microbes and affect the decomposition process.
3. Turn the bed gently using rake.
4. The earthworms should not be hurt during the process.
5. Visit some well settled vermicomposting unit of your area. Observe and note down its
location, address and number of beds.
6. For each bed, enquire the date of putting the feed material in the bed, introduction of
earthworms and number of earthworms initially inoculated, stage of beds/composting at first
turning and date of 1st turning.
7. Similarly, note down the data mentioned above for 2nd or any other subsequent turnings. 8.
Record your observations in the table.
RESULT: With ................... mean number of earthworms and ................... Turnings,
vermicompost is ready for harvesting ................... days. More than one turnings of bed was

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needed in the following conditions: .........................................................................................
PRECAUTIONS:
 Wear hand gloves, eye protection glasses, face mask and adopt other safety or hygiene
measures while working in the unit.
 Before visiting the vermicomposting unit seek prior permission from in charge or
manager of the unit.
 Do not interfere with normal functioning of the unit.
KEY LEARNING OUTCOMES: Able to identify the right time for turning of beds and
learnt to turn the beds correctly for proper aeration.

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 Practical – XI
IDENTIFICATION OF MATURITY STAGE OF VERMICOMPOST
AIM: To identify the maturity stage of vermicompost.
OBJECTIVES: After completing this practical, you will be able to:
 assess the physical properties of the vermicompost; and
 identify the mature vermicompost.
PRINCIPLE: As a vermicompost producer, it is very important for you to identify the right
maturity stage of the vermicompost. If you apply under mature (complete decomposition has
not taken place) vermicompost in the field/beds, they can be harmful for the plants. Moreover,
if the mature compost is not harvested timely (kept in vermibeds for a longer period of time),
it may be detrimental to the growth and multiplication of worms. In such a case, nutritive value
of the vermicompost may decline. Thus, identification of the correct maturity stage of
vermicompost is very important for effective and economic management of vermibeds. When
vermicompost is completely formed, you cannot recognize any residue in the substrate. Mature
beds are darker in colour. The surface of the mature bed looks brown to black with granular
appearance. It looks like boiled tea leaves spread on the surface. Mature vermicompost is free
of any foul odour. Many times the upper surface of the vermibed becomes granular, but lower
layers remain under composed. In such cases, turning of the vermibed increases the rate of
composting and gives desirable results in less time.
TOOLS/EQUIPMENT/MATERIALS REQUIRED:
 Protective covering such as, apron, face mask, hand gloves, etc.
 Notebook.
 Pen.
PROCEDURE: 1. Seek permission from the manager or in-charge unit to visit
vermicomposting units.
2. Visit the vermicomposting unit.
3. Enquire about the vermibeds having mature vermicompost and mark them.
4. Observe the marked vermibeds (mature beds) carefully and see how they differ visually from
immature beds.
5. Visit each bed and record your observations in the notebook.
OBSERVATIONS: Record your observations in the table given below:
S. No. Presence of any Colour of Presence of Smell of the Maturity
of bed undecomposed the granules on materials stage of bed
lumps of cow surface of surface of beds (Is it mature
dungs & residues beds or not)

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RESULTS: The identification features of the vermicompost at the maturity stage are as
follows:...........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................................
PRECAUTIONS:
 Enter the composting unit only after taking permission from in-charge or manager of
the unit.
 Do not interfere in the routine activities of the unit.
 Maintain healthy and hygienic environment in the unit.
 Make use of protective clothing and covering such as hand gloves, masks, apron etc.
 In case, you observe any large lumps of cow dung or any other under composed
material, just break them into smaller pieces for further decomposition.
 At the stage of appearance of granular material at the surface of the beds, turning of
beds help in rapid decomposition.
 After finishing your work in vermibeds, wash your hands properly with antiseptic soap.
KEY LEARNING OUTCOMES: Skilled in identification of maturity stage of the
vermicompost.

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