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Course SeminarSeminar
onon
Role of Vermicompost in Crop Production Role of Vermicompost in Crop Production
Department of Agronomy,Institute of Agricultural Sciences,
Banaras Hindu University,Varanasi-221 005
Speaker
Ramesh Kumar Singh ID. No. A-1002
M.Sc. (Ag)
Supervisor
Dr. R. P. Singh (Prof. & Head)
Skeletons of the seminar Introduction Objectives Types of earthworms Characteristics of vermicompost Vermicomposting materials Types of vermicomposting Methods of vermicomposting Rate of application Advantages of vermicompost Effect on soil properties Effect on crop growth and yield Conclusion Future research needs
Introduction
TheThe wordword vermicompostvermicompost originated from Latin word originated from Latin word “vermes” which means which means “worms”
Vermicomposting is a method of preparing Vermicomposting is a method of preparing enriched compost with the use of earthworms. It is one of enriched compost with the use of earthworms. It is one of the easiest methods to recycle agricultural wastes to the easiest methods to recycle agricultural wastes to produce quality compost. produce quality compost.
Earthworms consume biomass and excrete it Earthworms consume biomass and excrete it in digested form called in digested form called worm castsworm casts. . WormWorm castscasts areare popularlypopularly calledcalled asas Black goldBlack gold. . TheThe castscasts are rich in are rich in nutrients, growth promoting substances, beneficial soil nutrients, growth promoting substances, beneficial soil micro flora and having properties of inhibiting pathogenic micro flora and having properties of inhibiting pathogenic microbes and promote PGPR.microbes and promote PGPR.
ObjectivesObjectives
To improve soil physico-chemical properties
To accelerate microbial processes
To enhance nutrient availability
Types of earthwormTypes of earthwormEpigeic Epigeic (Greek for “upon the earth”)(Greek for “upon the earth”)
eg- eg- Eisenia foetida, EudrilusEisenia foetida, Eudrilus eugeniaeeugeniae
Anecic Anecic (Greek for “out of the earth”)(Greek for “out of the earth”) eg-eg- Lampito mauritii Lampito mauritii
Endogeic Endogeic (Greek for “within the earth”)(Greek for “within the earth”) eg- eg- Octochaetona thurstoniOctochaetona thurstoni
Card et al., 2004
Important characteristics of red earthwormImportant characteristics of red earthworm( ( EiseniaEisenia foetida foetida ))
Character Eisenia foetida
Body length 3-10 cm
Body weight 0.4-0.6 g
Maturity 50-55 days
Conversion rate 2.0q/1500 worms/2 month
Cocoon production 1 in every 3 days
Incubation of cocoon 20-23 days
ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Mizoram
Characteristics of vermicompostCharacteristics of vermicompost
Characteristics Value
pH 6.8
EC (dSm-1) 28.14
Nitrogen (%) 1.02
Phosphorus (%) 0.37
Potassium (%) 0.40
Calcium (%) 1.2
Magnesium (%) 0.38
Zinc (%) 0.038
Copper (%) 0.025
Organic carbon (%) 11.88
C: N Ratio 11.64ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Mizoram
A. Chemical
B. B. Physical1) Porous, having particle size of 0.2-2.2 mm
2) Dark brown in colour
3) Odourless
4) High CEC (Cation Exchange Capacity)
5) High water retention capacity
6) Vermicompost has electrically charged particles that improves adsorption of plant nutrient in soil
7) Mucus type of substance coated on each particle increases aeration in the soil, excellent water retention properties and improves drainage in heavy soil
8) Contains sufficient moisture
Contd…
CC. . Biological1) Total Bacteria count (cfu g-1) : more than 1010
2) Fungi, Actinomycetes (cfu g-1) : 102 - 1010
Gupta, 2002
Best conditions for vermicompostingBest conditions for vermicomposting
ConditionCondition Value Value References References
Temperature 15-25 ºC Georg , 2004
Moisture 80-90 % Dominguez and Edwards,1997
pH 5-9 (7.0-8.0 optimum) Georg , 2004
Aeration Good aerobiety
Density 1-4 kg earthworm/m² of bed OACC, manual
C: N ratio 48-170 Elvira et al., 1996
Vermicomposting materialsVermicomposting materials
Farm residuesFarm residues Forest litterForest litter Kitchen wastesKitchen wastes Animal excretaAnimal excreta EarthwormsEarthworms
Types of Types of vermicompostingvermicomposting
Depending upon the amount of production and composting structure. It is two type
1. Small-scale vermicomposting
2. Large-scale vermicomposting
Methods of Methods of vermicompostingvermicomposting
Method Size
1.Bed method 2 x 0.6 x 0.3 (m)
2.Pit method 2 x 1 x 1 (m)
3.Cement rings 0.9 (dia.) x 0.3 (ht.) (m)
4.Commercial model 4.5 x 1.5 x 0.9 (m)
5.Polybag method 8 x 4 x 2.5 (ft.)
Fig.2 Pit method Fig.2 Pit method
Fig.1 Bed method Fig.1 Bed method
Fig.3 Cement rings methodFig.3 Cement rings method
Fig.4 Commercial modelsFig.4 Commercial models
Fig .5 Polybag method
Steps in vermicomposting:- Site selection
Make vermicomposting structure of appropriate size
Leave space 0.5 m
Water the pits periodically to keep contents moist
Level the base of pit and spread 15-20 cm dried material at bottom of the bed
Make 7-8 cm thick layer of partially/fully decomposed cow dung
Repeat above two steps until the height of filling in pit is 40-60 cm
Release earthworms on upper layer of bed
Cover the structure with gunny bag /leaves/polythene
Vermicompost ready in 50-60 days
Mature compost is grey to brown colour loose granular mass
Harvested vermicompost sieved before application
Rate of applicationRate of applicationCrops Rate References
Field crops 5-6 t/ha ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Mizoram
Fruit crops 3-5 kg/plant ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Mizoram
Pots 100-220 g/pot ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Mizoram
Vegetable nursery 1 t/ha www.ejournal.icrisat.org
Transplanted vegetables
400-500 g/plant www.ejournal.icrisat.org
Flowers 7.5-10 q/ha www.ejournal.icrisat.org
AdvantagesAdvantages ofof vermicompostvermicompost Rich in essential plant nutrients Provides efficient conversion of organic wastes/crop/animal
residues Improves soil physico-chemical properties Reduces the incidence of pest and diseases Contains valuable vitamins, enzymes and hormones like auxins,
gibberellins etc. Prevents nutrient losses and increases the efficiency of chemical
fertilizers A stable soil conditioner Prevent soil degradation and enhance soil fertility status Environmentally safe nutrient supplement for organic food
production An easily adoptable low cost technology Highly profitable venture, if properly taken
Table 1: Comparative average nutrient content of vermicompost and other composts
Marwah et al., 2004
Compost Nutrient content (% )
N P2O5 K2O
Vermicompost 1.6 2.2 0.7
Rural compost 1.2 1.1 1.5
Urban compost 1.2 1.9 1.5
Paddy straw compost 0.9 2.1 0.4
Maize stalk compost 1.1 1.3 1.0
EFFECT ON SOIL
PROPERTIES
Chemical and biological Organic farming(use of vermicompost)
Chemical farming(use of chemical
fertilizers)
Available nitrogen (kg/ ha) 256.5 185.0
Available phosphorus (kg/ ha) 50.2 28.5
Available potash (kg/ ha) 489.5 426.5
Azotobacter (1000/gm of soil) 11.7 0.8
Phospho bacteria (100,000/kg of soil)
8.8 3.2
Carbonic biomass (mg/kg of soil) 273.0 217.0
Table 2: Farm soil properties under organic farming and
chemical farming
Suhane, 2007RAU, Bihar
Table 3: Effect of vermicompost and vermi-wash on soil physico- chemical properties of samba rice cultivation during initial and final stages
Treatment pH Electrical Conductivity
(dSm-¹)
Water holdingcapacity (%)
Porosity (%) Moisture content(%)
Initial Final Initial Final Initial Final Initial Final Initial Final
Control 7.5±2.0 7.4±2.01 2.12±1.1 2.0±1.0 41±0.02 44±1.02 34±2.10 39±2.0 36±1.02 41±1.1
Vermicompost 7.4±0.01 7.1±0.01 1.02±1.0 1.01±1.0 43±0.01 47±1.0 36±1.0 41±1.0 39±1.1 44±1.0
Vermi-wash 7.3±2.0 7.2±1.02 2.1±1.1 2.0±1.1 42±1.0 46±1.1 35±1.1 40±1.1 38±1.0 43±1.1
Vermicompost & vermi-wash
7.0±0.03 7.0±0.03 1.01±0.01 0.02±0.01 45±0.3 49±1.0 39±0.03 44±1.0 41±1.0 46±1.0
Tharmaraj et al ., 2011Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu
Table 4: Effect of vermicompost and vermi-wash on soil chemical properties of samba rice cultivation during initial and final stages Treatment Nitrogen (ppm) Phosphorous
(ppm)Potassium
(ppm)Calcium (ppm) Magnesium (ppm)
Initial Final Initial Final Initial Final Initial Final Initial Final
Control 55+2.1 61±2.0 64±2.0 69±2.0 180±2.0 184±2.1 1.0±1.0 1.5±1.0 1.0±1.0 1.5±1.0
Vermicompost 59±1.1 64±1.0 68±1.1 73±1.0 184±1.0 189±1.0 2.0±1.1 2.5±1.0 2.0±1.1 3±1.0
Vermi-wash 58±1.0 63±1.1 67±1.1 72±1.1 183±1.1 188±2.0 1.5±1.1 2.0±1.0 1.2±1.1 2.0±1.0
Vermicompost & vermi-wash
63±1.1 69±0.2 72±1.0 77±1.0188±1.
0195±1.
03.2±1.0 5.0±1.0 3.1±1.1 4.0±0.1
Tharmaraj et al ., 2011Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu
Table 5: Effect of vermicompost, earthworm and chemical fertilizers on growth and yield attributes of wheat
Treatments Shoot length(cm)
Ear length (cm)
Root length (cm)
Wt. of 1000 grains (g)
Grains/ Ear
Vermicompost (@ 2.5 t/ha) 83.71 13.14 23.51 39.28 32.5
Earthworms (1000 Nos.) 67.83 9.85 18.42 36.42 30.0
NPK (90:75:60) (Reduced Dose) + VC (Full Dose) (2.5 t/ha) 88.05 14.31 29.71 48.02 34.4
NPK (120:100:80) (Full Dose) 84.42 13.82 24.12 40.42 31.2
Control 59.79 8.91 12.11 34.16 27.7
Sharma, 2001University of Rajasthan, Jaipur
Table 6: Effect of vermicompost on yield of farmed wheat crops upon successive applications over 4 years
Treatment Input /ha Yield (q/ha)
Control (No Input) 15.8
Vermicompost 20 q/ha (1st Year Farming by VC) 35.3
Vermicompost 20 q/ha (2nd Year Farming by VC) 36.2
Vermicompost 20 q/ha (3rd Year Farming by VC) 37.3
Vermicompost 20 q/ha (4th Year Farming by VC) 38.8
Chemical Fertilizers NPK (120:60:40) kg/ha 35.4
Singh et al., 2009RAU (Noorsarai Campus), Bihar
Table 7: Yield and quality of rice under different organics and fertilizer levels
Treatment Yield (q/ha) Quality of grain
Grain Straw Grain length(cm) Protein (%)
OrganicsFYM 41.69 72.90 7.34 8.75
Vermicompost 45.15 74.96 7.73 8.88
Celrich 43.18 72.83 7.67 8.75
Control 35.88 60.28 7.01 8.42
CD(P=0.05) 2.32 2.74 0.06 0.10
Fertilizer levels100 % Rec. 45.00 74.44 7.55 9.36
90 % Rec. 42.86 72.36 7.53 8.96
80 % Rec. 40.49 68.76 7.38 8.43
70 % Rec. 37.56 64.38 7.18 8.05
CD(P=0.05) 2.32 2.74 0.06 0.10
Sharma et al., 2008CSAUAT, Kanpur
Table 8: Effect of vermicompost on yield characters Table 8: Effect of vermicompost on yield characters of pea of pea
Treatment Pods/plant Grains /pod 100-Grain
fresh wt.(g)
Yield (q/ha)
Vermicompost
@10 t/ha 6.00 6.36 50.33 81.11
Vermicompost
@15 t/ha 6.46 6.33 46.00 64.48
Vermicompost
@20 t/ha 7.00 6.33 40.33 75.41
Vermicompost
@10 t/ ha+ NPK 7.46 6.73 50.66 85.73
Vermicompost
@15 t/ha+NPK 6.46 6.73 41.00 62.98
Vermicompost
@20 t/ha+NPK 5.66 6.63 47.00 63.45
FYM@20t/ha
+NPK 6.93 6.72 41.33 60.16
Chauhan et al., 2010 GBPUAT Hill Campus Ranichauri
Table 9: Effect of vermicompost, cattle dung compost and chemical fertilizers on growth & yield of wheat
Suhane et al., 2008Rajendra Agriculture University, Bihar
Table 10: Growth performances of corn plants influenced by earthworms (with feed), vermicompost and conventional compost
Treatment Height (cm)
After 6 weeks After 14 weeks
(A)-Earthworm(50 Nos.)&Feed material(400g) 57 82
(B)-Conventional compost 70 78
(C)-Vermicompost 104 135
Sinha et al., 2007 Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
ConclusionConclusion The effect of vermicompost on plants are not solely attribute to the The effect of vermicompost on plants are not solely attribute to the
quality of mineral nutrition, but also provides growth promoting quality of mineral nutrition, but also provides growth promoting substances such as PGRs (GA3, IAA, cytokinin), enzymes substances such as PGRs (GA3, IAA, cytokinin), enzymes (phosphatase), vitamins, antibiotics in traces.(phosphatase), vitamins, antibiotics in traces.
Application of vermicompostApplication of vermicompost++vermiwash has long term effect on vermiwash has long term effect on physico-chemical and biological properties of soil, if it is solely physico-chemical and biological properties of soil, if it is solely applied in soil, it increases the beneficial microbial activity as well as applied in soil, it increases the beneficial microbial activity as well as microbial biomass .microbial biomass .
The integrated application of vermicompost with chemical fertilizer The integrated application of vermicompost with chemical fertilizer produced maximum no. of yield attributing characters which results produced maximum no. of yield attributing characters which results more yield than sole application of chemical fertilizers or organic more yield than sole application of chemical fertilizers or organic manure.manure.
Future Research NeedsFuture Research Needs Needs for assessments and efficient utilisation of native species for
litter decomposition and nutrient recycling etc.
Improve complementary interaction between native and exotic species
Focused on large scale operating system under adverse weather
condition
Better bed design to minimise operation problems:
Inadequate drainage
Difficulties in applying wastes to the beds
Labour and time consuming process for wastes processing
Never ending….……….