VERMICOMPOST :
It is a simple technology for converting biodegradable waste into organic Manure with the help of Earthworms.
*Simply it is also called as excreta of Earthworms.
*Earthworms are Valued by farmers because in addition to aerating the soil.
MATERIALS REQUIRED FOR VERMICOMPOST :
* 1. Water
* 2. Cow dung
* 3. Thatch roof
* 4. Soil or Sand
* 5. Earthworm Species
* 6. Gunny bags
* 7. Biodegradable Wastes Collected from fields and kitchens ( Locally available waste materials ).
PROCEDURE OF VERMICOMPOST PREPARATION.
1. To Prepare Composteither a plastic or a Concentrate tank can be used.
2. Collection the biomass and placed it under sun for about 8 to 12 days now chop it to the required size using the cutter.
3. Prepare a cow dung slurry and sprinkle it regularly on the heap for Quick decomposition.
4. Add a layer of sand or soil at the bottom of the tank.
5. Now prepare Fine bedding by adding partially decomposed cowdung , dried leaves and other biodegradable wastes collect from the Fields and Kitchen.
6. Continue adding both the chopped bio-waste and partially decomposed cowdung layer wise into the tank.( 0.5 to 1.0ft).
7. After adding all the bio wastes Releasing the Earthworms Species Over the mixture and cover the compost mixture with dry straw or gunny bags.
8. Sprinkle Water on regular basis to maintain the moisture level.
9. If we a plastic tank cover the thatch roof to prevent the entry of ants, lizards, mouse, snakes etc. And protect the compost from rain water and direct sunlight.
10. Thoroughly turn up the soil and can maintain proper moisture and temperature to improve the quality of compost.
11. After completion of composting sieve the material and harvest the Earthworms.
12. Collect the prepared vermicompost material in a gunny bags and maintain the proper moisture before Marketing.
NUTRIENT CONTENT IN VERMICOMPOST :
1. 1.6% – Nitrogen
2. 0.7% – Phosphorus
3. 0.8 %- Potassium
4. 0.5%- Calcium
5. 0.2%- Magnesium
6. 175 ppm Of Iron
7. 96.5 ppm Of Manganese
8. 24.5 ppm of Zinc
ADVANTAGES OF VERMICOMPOST:
1. Develops roots of the plants.
2. Improves physical structure of the soil.
3. It will increases the fertility of the soil and Water resistance.
4. It helps in germination, plant growth, and crop yield.
5. Nutrient soil with plant growth harmones such as Auxins , Gibberlic acid etc.
DISADVANTAGES OF VERMICOMPOST:
1. It releases a very foul odour.
2. It is a time consuming process and take as long as 3 to 6 months.
3. The bin shouldn’t be too dry or too wet.
4. The nurture the growth of pests and pathogens such as fruit flies, centipedes , and flies etc.
MARKET VALUES :
MARKET PRICE AT LOCAL PLACES:
Rs 15 to Rs 20 /-
EARTHWORM SPECIES : Eisenia foetida
* 1 Kg Of Eisenia foetida Species are 600 – 1000 Earthworms
* 1 Kg Of Earthworms Price is- Rs 300/- – Rs 500/-
* 1Kg Of Vermicompost bag Costs is – Rs. 20/-