Vermicompost Definition

“Vermicompost is a process of using earthworms to break down the organic waste into manure rich in high nutritional content”.

What is Vermicomposting?

The scientific method of making compost, by using earthworms, is known as Vermicomposting. Generally, they are found living in soil, feeding on biomass and excreting it in a digested form.

Vermiculture is also known as “worm-farming”. In this process, the earthworms are fed on the organic waste materials and it produces excreta in the form of “vermicasts” that are highly rich in minerals and nitrates such as phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, and potassium. Finally, these are used as organic fertilizers and boost soil quality.

Vermicompost is also known by different names, like Vcompost, compost, vermicast, worm castings, worm humus, or worm manure. Vcompost is the end-product of the breakdown of organic matter by few species of earthworms. Containing water-soluble nutrients, microbes, and bacteria, vermicompost is one of the best, nutrient-rich organic fertilizers and soil conditioners available. The process of producing vermicompost is called vermicomposting. The use of vermicompost as organic fertilizer is the best option for people who want to produce food in the garden or lawn as healthy and natural as possible. The most important fact of vermicast produced by earthworms is that it is 100% organic.

The method of making Vermicomposting comprises two types:

Bed Method: 

This is a simple and smooth method in which beds of organic matter are prepared.

Pit Method: 

The organic matter is collected in cemented pits in this method. However, this method is not so prominent as it involves problems of poor aeration and waterlogging.

Making of Vermicompost

The entire making process of vermicompost is mentioned below:

Objective

To prepare vermicompost using earthworms, and Cow Dung, Jaggery, ButterMilk, Mustard Oil Cake, other Biodegradable Wastes.

Principle

The making process of Vermicast is mainly required to add nutrients to the soil. VermiCompost is a natural/organic fertilizer that allows a smooth flow of water to the growing plants for better growth. In preparing the compost, the earthworms are mainly used as they eat the organic matter and produce castings through their digestive systems.

Advantages Of Vermicompost

The major benefits of vermicompost are:

  • Empower to develop the roots of the plants.
  • Boost the physical structure of the soil.
  • Vermicompost improves the fertility and water resistance of the soil.
  • Supports germination, growth of the plant, and crop yield.
  • Nurtures soil with the growth of the plant hormones such as auxins, gibberellic acid, etc.

Merits of Vermicompost

  • Vermicompost being prepared from organic wastes which are biodegradable and are a natural fertilizer and eco-friendly too. It does not contain chemical elements.
  • Since it is an organic fertilizer it does not impact the environment, soil, and plants adversely.
  • Vcompost boosts the soil aeration, tilth and texture and reduces the  soil compaction. 
  • Vermicast improves the soil’s water retention capacity by owing to its high organic matter content
  • Boosts the nutrient absorption and growth of the root are promoted by it.
  • By the use of the Vermicompost, both the micro and macronutrients of the soil status are enriched.

Generally, the nutrients profile of Vermicomposts are:

  • 1.6 % of Nitrogen.
  • 0.7 % of Phosphorus.
  • 0.8 % of Potassium.
  • 0.5 % of Calcium.
  • 0.2 % of Magnesium.
  • 175 ppm of Iron.
  • 96.5 ppm of Manganese.
  • 24.5 ppm of Zinc.

Materials Required For Preparing The Vermicompost

  • Water.
  • Cow manure.
  • Soil or Sand.
  • Gunny bags.
  • Earthworms.
  • Weed biomass
  • A large bin (plastic or cemented tank).
  • Dry leaves and straw collected from paddy fields.
  • Biodegradable wastes collected from kitchen and fields.
  • Mustard oil cake
  • Jaggery
  • Butter milk

Procedure

  1. Either plastic or a concrete tank can be used to prepare Vcompost . Upon the availability of the raw materials the size of the tank depends.
  2. After collecting the biomass, place it under the sun for about 10-15 days. Now using the cutter chop it to the required size.
  3. Prepare a slurry of cow dung and sprinkle it on the heap for fast decomposition.
  4. At the bottom of the tank add a layer (2 – 3 inches) of soil or sand.
  5. Now by adding partially decomposed cow dung, prepare fine bedding, dried leaves and other biodegradable wastes collected from fields and kitchen. On the sand layer distribute them evenly.
  6. Keep on adding both the chopped bio-waste and moderately decomposed cow manure layer-wise into the tank up to a depth of 0.5-1.0 ft.
  7. Once you complete adding all the bio-wastes, release the earthworm species over the mixture and cover the compost mixture with gunny bags or dry straw.
  8. To maintain the moisture content of the compost, sprinkle water on a regular basis.
  9. With a thatch roof cover the tank to prevent the entry of unwanted elements like ants, lizards, mice, snakes, etc. and safeguard the compost from rainwater and direct sunshine.
  10. Have a frequent check to avoid the compost from overheating. Maintain proper moisture and temperature.

Output

After three weeks, around 4000 to 5000 new worms are introduced and the entire raw material is turned into the final product – Vermicompost.