Organic Farming :: Composting Techniques - Vermi-composting
- Vermicomposting {Asked JRF Agronomy & BHU GA }
- is a process of degradation of organic wastes by earthworms.
- The species like Eisenia foetida and Eudrilus eugeniae are effective in converting the agricultural wastes into compost. {Asked JRF Plant sc 2017 }
- Selection of suitable earthworm used for vermicompost production
- African earthworm : Eudrillus engenial
- Red worms : Eisenia foetida
- Asia worm : Peronyx excavatus {Source: https://www.agricoachingdelhi.in/}
- Most common available nutrients in vermicompost is as follows
- Organic carbon = 9.5 – 17.98%
- Nitrogen = 0.5 – 1.50% {Asked in JRF Agronomy 2016 & & BHU GA }
- Phosphorous = 0.1 – 0.30%
- Potassium = 0.15 – 0.56%
{Source: https://www.agricoachingdelhi.in/}
- Advantages of vermicompost
- 1. Vermicompost is rich in all essential plant nutrients.
- 2. Vermicompost is free from pathogens, toxic elements, weed seeds etc.
- 3. Vermicompost minimizes the incidence of pest and diseases.
- 4. Vermicompost is free flowing, easy to apply, handle and store and does not have bad odour.
- 5. It improves soil structure, texture, aeration, and waterholding capacity and prevents soil erosion.
- 6. Vermicompost is rich in beneficial micro flora such as a fixers, P- solubilizers, cellulose decomposing micro-flora etc in addition to improve soil environment. {Asked in JRF Agronomy& IBPS AFO }
- 7. Vermicompost contains earthworm cocoons and increases the population and activity of earthworm in the soil.
- 8. It neutralizes the soil protection.
- 9. It prevents nutrient losses and increases the use efficiency of chemical fertilizers.
- 10. Provides excellent effect on overall plant growth, encourages the growth of new shoots / leaves and improves the quality and shelf life of the produce.
{Source: https://www.agricoachingdelhi.in/}