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COMPOSTINGCOMPOSTING

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Composting – the process of producing

compost (organic fertilizer)

from biodegradable materials

through microorganisms

(anaerobic and aerobic)

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PrinciplesPrinciples� A Carbon to Nitrogen Ratio of 25-35:1 for materials

needed for efficient bacterial decomposition

� Moisture content of at least 40% is required

� Rate of composting is 2-24 weeks depending on

conditions

� Quality of compost depends on the materials used and

the organisms involved

Traditional CompostingTraditional Composting

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The Legal Basis of CompostingThe Legal Basis of Composting

� Prohibits open dump site of waste disposal

Ecological Solid Waste Management Act (R.A. 1003 of 2002)Ecological Solid Waste Management Act (R.A. 1003 of 2002)

The Legal Basis of CompostingThe Legal Basis of Composting

� Prohibits the burning of solid wastes

Ecological Solid Waste Management Act (R.A. 1003 of 2002)Ecological Solid Waste Management Act (R.A. 1003 of 2002)

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The Legal Basis of CompostingThe Legal Basis of Composting

� Requires the segregation of solid wastes

Ecological Solid Waste Management Act (R.A. 1003 of 2002)Ecological Solid Waste Management Act (R.A. 1003 of 2002)

Vermicomposting – the process of producing

vermicomposting (organic

fertilizer or soil amendment) from

biodegradable materials through

the action of microorganisms and

earthworms

Principles: The same as composting

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Advantage of Vermicompost vs. Ordinary compostAdvantage of Vermicompost vs. Ordinary compost

� Faster to produce (2-4 weeks with earthworms as

bioreactors)

� Less labor needed – worms do the turning over

� Granular texture (fine and grainy)

� Greater microbial diversity (beneficial organisms)

� High-quality organic fertilizer (no soil present)

� Contains humic acid and plant growth regulators

� Pleasant odor and does not “heat”

� Produces earthworm biomass

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Rural VermicompostingRural Vermicomposting

�The application of vermicomposting for

recycling crop residues (e.g. rice straw and

cane tops) and animal wastes (e.g. pig,

cattle and poultry manures) into

vermicompost/vermimeal for sustainable

agriculture and aquaculture

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Urban VermicompostingUrban Vermicomposting

� The application of vermicomposting for

recycling of biodegradable household

and other wastes into vermicompost for

environmental sanitation, food

production and livelihood generation

Mag Vermi Tayo!Mag Vermi Tayo!Mag Vermi Tayo!Mag Vermi Tayo!Mag Vermi Tayo!Mag Vermi Tayo!Mag Vermi Tayo!Mag Vermi Tayo!