It is the method in which use of earthworms is done to convert organic waste into fertilizer. Use of organic manure increases organic level of soil and number of bacteria’s. To maintain the fertility level of the soil, use carbonic/natural manure. Natural manure includes cow dung, compost and green manure which provides essential component to the plants and increases yield. It is increases moisture content in the soil. Prevention of pest, diseases and weed is done through use of organic material. During rotting organic manure leaves carbonic content which lowers the pH of soil from 7.
Earthworm’s reproduction
If suitable temperature and moisture manure elements are there then earthworms are ready for sexual reproduction within 4 weeks. Adult earthworms gives 2-3 cocoons per week and in single cocoon there is 3-4 eggs. In this way the breeders cocoon produces approximately 250 cocoons in 6 months.
The major varieties of vermicompost earthworms are:
- Eisenia fetida
- Eudrilus eugeniae
- Perionyx excavatus
Use of vermicompost
- Use 2-3tonnes/acre of vermicompost in commercial crops.
- In vegetables, use 1-2tonnes/acre of vermicompost.
- In gardens, use 20kg/plant of vermicompost.
- For pots use 500gm of vermicompost.
- Vermicompost is also used as mulch.
Method of preparing vermicompost
Construction of beds is done having width of 1.0-1.5m and height of 0.25-0.2m. Beds are constructed in an open shed from all sides so that it is protected from sun rays, summers and rainy season. Firstly the base layer of sandy soil is added, then above this 3-4 layers of mustard or wheat straw is added and is moistened. Then next, 8-10 layers of carbonic component such as cowdung layer, waste of leaves or vegetable is added. Then add earthworms @1kg/m2. To moisten the soil, spraying with water is done. In summers, spraying is done 2-3 times and in winter spraying is done only 1 time in a day. Cover the bed with sack or leaves because earthworms work in dark. Vermicompost gets ready in 2-3 months. 2-3kg earthworms prepare 8qtl vermicompost. After preparation of vermicompost, stop water spraying and start collecting the compost. So when the compost is dry, the earthworms go down to the lower surface and when the composting material is kept then the earthworms come up and start their work.
