VERMICULTURE

1. Vermiculture - the culture of worms

2. Vermicomposting - the use of worms for composting organic materials.

3. Vermicompost - the product of vermicomposting containing worm castings, bedding materials as well as organic matter in various stages of decomposition.

4. Vermiculturist - the Worm Man or a person who farms, breeds and cares for WORMS. eg A professional WORM farmer is called Vermiculturist.

Understanding the Terminology

VERMICULTURE

• It defines the thrilling potential for waste reduction, fertilizer production, as well as an collection of possible uses for the future. Vermiculture enhances the growth of plants that provide food along with producing prosperous and financially rewarding fertilizer. The “vermi” or earthworms are important in enriching the soil with organic matter which comes from biodegradable materials such as dead plants and animals which the earthworms ingest

Vermicomposting

• Vermicomposting is defined as the practice of using concentrations of earthworms to convert organic materials into usable vermicomposting or worm castings. These systems focus on the waste material and managing it so that it can be successfully and efficiently processed in a worm system

Facts About Earthworms

• The earthworm is one of nature's pinnacle "soil scientists." Earthworms are liberated, cost effective farm relief. The worms are accountable for a variety of elements including turning common soil into superior quality. Worms facilitate the amount of air and water that travels into soil. They break down organic matter and when they eat, they leave behind castings that are an exceptionally valuable type of fertilizer

Benefits of Earthworms

• a) Increased channels. The worms create tunnels through the soil and break down the root mat. They also open up channels for oxygen and rainfall to penetrate.• b) Increased moisture. This results in the worm-

populated soil becoming wet faster and deeper and consequently the soil that has been in contact with worms holds the moisture longer.• c) Increased plant-growth. The tunnels created by

worms , which is rich in nitrates, and plant roots take advantage of the tunnels as easy-growth channels and pathways. Higher available nutrient content. As a result of the combined action of the worms and their bacteria.

Working on Vermiculture

The pit is systematically filled with four layers of waste.•

• First layer -- (Bottom of the pit) is filled up to 2 inches with coconut fibre and rice husk .

• Second layer is 2 inches thick, consisting of sawdust, chopped rice/wheat straw. diminish the bed by sprinkling water.

• Third layer is the earthworm food, this includes an admixture of cow-dung, green plants, vegetable odds and ends, discarded parts of fruits, droppings of horses, sheep or scrap of cardboards etc.

• This feed should be spread till a height of 6 to 8 inches

Cont…

• Release about 100 earthworms on the top without hurting them. These earthworms will start penetrating to the bottom.

• Once all these earthworms disappear, cover the surface with jute bags and keep them wet by sprinkling water in a sensible way.

• • The jute bags may be turned upside down thrice in the first week, twice in the second

week and only once in the third and following weeks, without causing any disruption to the top.

• • Water and heat inside the tank assist the organic matter to decay - reproduce the

number of earthworms - both these take place simultaneously.

• In case no heat is felt by hands, understand that the manure is almost ready for use.

• From one tank, 50 kg. of manure is produced

Cont..

• Spread a paper on the ground and empty the contents of the tank slowly in sunlight.

• Let this heap remain in daylight for about half to one hour. This will induce the earthworms to penetrate deep and reach the bottom.

• Now the upper layers of organic manure can be lifted slowly.

• Later the earthworms at the bottom may be separated from one another and deposited in the refilled tank.

What is Compost ??

Compost is simply decomposed organic matters: plants and animals.

It is considered a gardener’s gold for being nutrient rich.

It consists of decomposed and partially decomposed matter that’s dark and powdery.

It is an excellent source of microorganisms.

Benefits of Compost

• Protects Plants from Drought :- Compost has the ability to hold more moisture. Humus, the end result of composting, is so absorbent that it can almost hold water twice its weight.

Improves soil Aeration Without air, soil tends to become

alkaline. Also, it loses the organic matter and nitrogen essential to productivity. Beneficial soil organisms will fail to thrive due to lack of oxygen.

Cont…

• Stops Erosion:- Compost can prevent erosion by improving soil structure. Soil containing a lot of humus holds together better because water permeates the soil.• Slowly Releases Nutrients:- Compost acts as a kind of nutrients storehouse releasing nutrients gradually throughout the plant’s growing season.

Cont…

• Prevents Disease:- Compost has seemingly miraculous powers to prevent and control plant disease better than any chemical fungicide.• Recycle Waste:- Composting is the only waste disposal conserving nutrients from the waste eventually returned to the soil