Vermicomposting is a method for treating solid wastes in which organic materials are broken down by microorganisms in the presence of oxygen to a point where it can be safetly stored, handled and applied in the environment. This process can be done inexpensively in every household. Vermicomposting acts as a natural fertilizer for gardening and for farming.
The process of vermicomposting involves the dumping of all wastes like: kitchen wastes, cow dung, jute mats, etc. Earthworms are naturally used in a vermicomposting. The microorganism in the guts of the earthworm eats the organic wastes and breaks them into simpler parts. This procedure produces a fiber rich carbon containing humus. The gut of the earthworm also provides optimum temperature, Ph, oxygen and other favorable conditions, which are required for the efficient growth of a microorganism that carries out the biodegradation of wastes.
Why we have to do compost?
We have to do compost:
Why the worms are used in composting?
The worms are mainly used in this process as they eat organic matter and pass it through their digestive systems, by producing castings, or “worm poop”.
Nutrient profile of vermicompost: Vermicompost contains:
Benefits of vermicompost:
Disadvantages of vermicompost:
The process of vermicomposting involves the dumping of all wastes like: kitchen wastes, cow dung, jute mats, etc. Earthworms are naturally used in a vermicomposting. The microorganism in the guts of the earthworm eats the organic wastes and breaks them into simpler parts. This procedure produces a fiber rich carbon containing humus. The gut of the earthworm also provides optimum temperature, Ph, oxygen and other favorable conditions, which are required for the efficient growth of a microorganism that carries out the biodegradation of wastes.
Why we have to do compost?
We have to do compost:
- To add nutrients to soil.
- Compost is a natural fertilizer.
- Compost allows for easy flow of water and air to growing plants.
Why the worms are used in composting?
The worms are mainly used in this process as they eat organic matter and pass it through their digestive systems, by producing castings, or “worm poop”.
Nutrient profile of vermicompost: Vermicompost contains:
- 1.6 percent of Nitrogen.
- 0.7 percent of Phosphorus.
- 0.8 percent of Potash.
- 0.5 percent of Calcium.
- 0.2 percent of Magnesium.
- 175 percent of Iron.
- 96.5 percent of Manganese.
- 24.5 percent of Zinc.
Benefits of vermicompost:
- It helps better plant growth and crop yield
- It improves physical structure of soil.
- It enriches soil with micro-organisms
- It improves the fertility of soil.
- It increases water resisting in soil.
- It helps in germination, plant growth and crop yield.
- It improves root growth of plants.
- It enriches soil with plant hormones such as auxins and gibberellic acid.
Disadvantages of vermicompost:
- It is a time-consuming process.
- It is more expensive process.
- It is a long-term commitment.