Department Best Practices

VERMICOMPOSTING:

Goal:

• To use college organic waste like litter for vermicomposting
• The use of vermicompost to flora of college campus
• To guide the enable the farmer to produce nutrient rich compost from the available farm waste and thereby to improve soil fertility
• Vermicomposting is an excellent method of recycling of Farm and home waste.
• To establish Vermi composting units at Farmyards

The Context:

• Vermicomposting is the scientific method of making compost, by using earthworms.
• They are commonly found living in soil, feeding on biomass and excreting it in a digested form.
• Vermiculture means “worm-farming”. Earthworms feed on the organic waste materials and give out excreta in the form of “vermicasts” that are rich in nitrates and minerals such as phosphorus, magnesium, calcium and potassium.
• Vermicompost is earthworm excrement, called castings, which can improve biological, chemical, and physical properties of the soil.
• The main objective of vermicomposting project is to produce organic manure. Agricultural wastes, wastes from dairy and animal farms are usually dumped into at places resulting in a foul mess. By vermicomposting these wastes, they are not only utilized efficiently but also help in making a value-added product

The Practice:

• To prepare compost, either a plastic or a concrete tank can be used. The size of the tank depends upon the availability of raw materials.
• Collect the biomass and place it under the sun for about 8-12 days. Now chop it to the required size using the cutter.
• Prepare a cow dung slurry and sprinkle it on the heap for quick decomposition.
• Add a layer (2 – 3 inch) of soil or sand at the bottom of the tank.
• Now prepare fine bedding by adding partially decomposed cow dung, dried leaves and other biodegradable wastes collected from fields and kitchen. Distribute them evenly on the sand layer.
• Continue adding both the chopped bio-waste and partially decomposed cow dung layer-wise into the tank up to a depth of 0.5-1.0 ft.
• After adding all the bio-wastes, release the earthworm species over the mixture and cover the compost mixture with dry straw or gunny bags.
• Sprinkle water on a regular basis to maintain the moisture content of the compost.
• Cover the tank with a thatch roof to prevent the entry of ants, lizards, mouse, snakes, etc. and protect the compost from rainwater and direct sunshine.
• Have a frequent check to avoid the compost from overheating. Maintain proper moisture and temperature.

Evidence of Success

• After the 24th day, around 3000 to 4000 new worms are introduced and the entire raw material is turned into the vermicompost.
• Develops roots of the plants.
• Improves the physical structure of the soil.
• Vermicomposting increases the fertility and water-resistance of the soil.
• Helps in germination, plant growth, and crop yield.
• Nurtures soil with plant growth hormones such as auxins, gibberellic acid, etc.
• Vermicomposting is an eco-friendly process that recycles organic waste into compost and produces valuable nutrien

Problems Encountered and Resources Required

• It is a time-consuming process and takes as long as six months to convert the organic matter into usable forms.
• It releases a very foul odour.
• Vermicomposting is high maintenance. The feed has to be added periodically and care should be taken that the worms are not flooded with too much to eat.
• The bin should not be too dry or too wet. The moisture levels need to be monitored periodically.
• They nurture the growth of pests and pathogens such as fruit flies, centipede and flies.
• Organic waste is produced less because of small college campus area.

College Vermicomposting Unit