Literature on Studies related to Vermicomposting can be referred for further research and extension.
Vermicomposting is an effective way to produce earth worm bait, and offers an easy method to decompose domestic or community organic wastes thereby reducing the generation of greenhouse gas and odour. Vermicompost has proved to be an excellent source of plant nutrient that also enrich the soil health. Vermicompost has also been shown to reduce the severity of plant diseases such as onion white rot.
Quality of the vermicompost largely depends on the healthy environment of the earth worms. It is not less than an Intensive Livestock Farming! Contrary to conventional composting where main focus is on moderate temperature (45-60 degree C) and high C:N ratio, optimum temperature for vermin composting is around 25 degree C with high humidity.
According to the Report [Download the document] from International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, the utilization of vermicompost results in several benefits to farmers, industries, environment and overall national economy -
- Less reliance on purchased inputs of nutrients leading to lower cost of production
- Increased soil productivity through improved soil quality
- Better quantity and quality of crops
- For landless people provides additional source of income generation
- Cost-effective pollution abatement technology
- Wastes create no pollution, as they become valuable raw materials for enhancing soil fertility
- Boost to rural economy
- Savings in purchased inputs
- Less wasteland formation
Extension specialists in Agriculture and Horticultural divisions are encouraging people to make vermicomposting a domestic practice. Vermicomposting, or composting with earthworms, is an excellent technique for recycling food waste in
the apartment as well as composting yard wastes in the backyard. In Europe and North America, vermi composting is becoming an emerging tool for organic farming. Following reports regarding the benefits and preparation process can be of interest from small scale and domestic perspective-
- Factsheet on Vermicomposting by University of Nabraska, Lincoln
- Vermicomposting guide from New maxico State University
Vermicompost can be prepared in a scientific way without spending hafty bucks. In tropical climate it is very easy to start the business with five basic components - containers or vermipits with concrete masonary, bedding, water, worms and domestic waste including animal manure, kitchen waste, weeds etc.
