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James A. Fay, Dan S. Golomb Energy and The Environment

This presentation discusses vermicomposting, which is a process that uses earthworms to break down organic waste into a nutrient-rich fertilizer. It describes how various organic materials can be combined and processed using earthworms over 45-50 days to produce vermicompost. Vermicompost benefits soil and plants by improving soil structure and providing readily available nutrients. The presentation outlines the materials, methods, steps, and benefits of vermicomposting for agricultural and household use.

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Amita Sinha
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272 views16 pages

James A. Fay, Dan S. Golomb Energy and The Environment

This presentation discusses vermicomposting, which is a process that uses earthworms to break down organic waste into a nutrient-rich fertilizer. It describes how various organic materials can be combined and processed using earthworms over 45-50 days to produce vermicompost. Vermicompost benefits soil and plants by improving soil structure and providing readily available nutrients. The presentation outlines the materials, methods, steps, and benefits of vermicomposting for agricultural and household use.

Uploaded by

Amita Sinha
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Presentation on Vermicomposting

Submitted by:
Amit Raj
CUJ/I/2013/IEVS/021
Center for Environmental Sciences
8th Semester
Submitted to:
Dr. Purbi Saikia
Contents:
1. Introduction
2. Vermicomposting
3. Vermicomposting Materials
4. Types of Vermicomposting
5. Method of Vermicomposting
6. Vermicomposting prepairation
7. Preventive Measure
8. Advantages of Vermicompost
VERMICOMPOSTING
 Vermicomposting is a simple biotechnological process of
composting, in which certain species of earthworms are
used to enhance the process of waste conversion and
produce a better product.
 Vermicomposting is a method of preparing enriched
compost with the use of earthworms. It is one of the
easiest method to recycle agricultural wastes and to
produce quality compost.
 It is a stable, fine granular organic manure, which enriches
soil quality by improving its physiochemical and
biological properties.
 Highly useful in raising seedlings and for crop production.
Vermicomposting Materials
 Decomposable organic wastes such as animal excreta,
kitchen waste, farm residues etc. are commonly used as
composting materials.
 In general, animal dung mostly cow dung and dried
chopped residues are the key raw materials.
 Mixture of leguminous and non leguminous crop residues
enriches the quality of vermicompost.
Types of Vermicomposting
 Small-Scale Vermicomposting
 Personal requirement (5-10 tonnes of vermicompost
annually).
 Large-Scale Vermicomposting
 Commercial Scale (50-100 tonnes annually).
Methods of Vermicomposting
 Bed Method:
Composting is done on the pucca/ kachcha floor by
making bed (6X2X2 feet size) of organic mixture.
This method is easy to maintain and to practice.
 Pit Method:
Composting is done in the cemented pits of size
5X5X3 feet. The unit is covered with thatch grass or
any other locally available materials. This method is
not preferred due to poor aeration, water logging at
bottom, and more cost of production.
Steps followed for
vermicompost preparation
 Vermicomposting unit should be in a cool, moist and
shady site.
 Cow dung and chopped dried leafy materials are mixed in
the proportion of 3:1.
 Kept for partial decomposition for 15-20 days.
 A layer of 15-20cm of chopped dried leaves/ grasses
should be kept as bedding material at the bottom of the
bed.
 Beds of partial decomposed material of size 6X2X2 feet
should be made.
 Each bed should contain 1.5-2.0q of raw material and the
number of beds an be increased as per raw material
availability and requirement.
 Red earthworm (1500-2000) should be released on the
upper layer of the bed.
 Water should be sprinkled with can immediately after the
release of worm.
 Bed should be kept moist by sprinkling water daily.
 Bed should be turned once after 30 days for maintaining
aeration and for proper decomposition.
 Compost gets ready in 45-50 days.
 The finished product is ¾ of the raw materials used.
Preventive Measures
 The floor of the units should be compact to prevent
earthworms migration into the soil.
 15-20 days old cow dung should be used to avoid excess
heat.
 The organic wastes should be free from plastics,
chemicals, pesticides, metals etc.
 Optimum moisture level (30-40%) should be maintained
18-25°C temperature should be maintained for proper
decomposition.
Nutrient content of
vermicompost
 The level of nutrients in compost depends upon the source
of the raw material and the species of earthworm. A fine
warm cast is rich in N P K besides other nutrients.
 Nutrient in vermicompost are in readily available form
and are released within a month of application.
Advantage of vermicompost
 Vermicompost is rich in all essential plant nutrients.
 Vermicompost is free flowing, easy to apply, handle and
store and does not have bad odour.
 It improves soil structure, texture, aeration and water
holding capacity and prevents soil erosion.
 It prevents nutrient losses and increases the use efficiency
of chemical fertilizers.
 Vermicompost is free from pathogens, toxic elements,
weed seeds etc.
 It enhances the decomposition of organic matter in soil.
Thank you

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