Vermicompost

What exactly is Vermicompost?

Vermicomposting turns organic debris into worm castings, which are rich in nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium. They contain 5 times more available nitrogen, 7 times more available potash, and 1.5 times more calcium than topsoil. Earthworm castings improve soil aeration, porosity, structure, drainage, and water-holding capacity. 

Their burrowing action enhances water permeability, and they can hold up to nine times their weight in water. Vermiconversion has been done on a small scale for some time, and a recommended rate of vermicompost application is 15-20 percent.

Preparation
Production Process
Advantages

Preparation

Compost worms need The Five Essentials

  • An hospitable living environment, usually called “bedding”
  • A food source
  • Adequate moisture (greater than 50% water content by weight)
  • Adequate aeration
  • Protection from temperature extremes

Production Process

  • Selection of suitable earthworm
  • Selection of site for vermicompost production
  • Containers for vermicompost production
  • Vermiculture bed
  • Worm Food
  • Watering the vermibed
  • Harvesting vermicompost
  • Storing and packing of vermicompost

Advantages

  • Vermicompost is rich in all essential plant nutrients
  • Provides excellent effect on overall plant growth
  • Free flowing, easy to apply, handle and store
  • It improves soil structure, texture, aeration, and water holding capacity
  • Rich in beneficial micro flora such as a fixers, P- solubilizers
  • Contains earthworm cocoons and increases the population and activity of earthworm in the soil.
  • It prevents nutrient losses and increases the use efficiency of chemical fertilizers.
  • Vermicompost is free from pathogens, toxic elements, weed seeds etc.
  • Vermicompost minimizes the incidence of pest and diseases.
  • It enhances the decomposition of organic matter in soil.
  • It contains valuable vitamins, enzymes and hormones like auxins, gibberellins etc.