02-05-2014, 12:53 PM
A STUDY ON VARIOUS METHODS OF VERMICOMPOSTING AND ANALYZING ITS COST ECONOMICS
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ABSTRACT
Vermistabilization, also known as vermicomposting, is a biodegradation process for stabilization of biosolids and organic solid wastes using earthworms. Vermicomposting is the process of turning organic debris into worm castings. Although worm castings have been found to improve the condition of the soil and the growth of plants, there has not been much research done on this subject.The objectives of this project were: Studying different types of vermicomposting.Studying different types of earthworms and its characters.Studying cost economics of various vermicomposting.Two types of earthworms have consistently been domesticated for commercial use due to their relative insensitivity to environmental changes. The Red Wiggler, or manure worm [Eisensia Foetida]. The Red Worm, manure worm [Lumbricus Rebellus].
INTRODUCTION
Vermicomposting is a method of preparing enriched compost with the use of earthworms. It is one of the easiest methods to recycle agricultural wastes and to produce quality compost. Vermicomposting is organic manure (biofertilizer) produced as the vermi cast by earth worm feeding on biological waste material: plant residues .vermicomposting are popularly called as”BLACK GOLD”. Earthworms consume biomass and excrete it in digested form called worm casts. Worm casts are popularly called as Black gold. The cast are rich in nutrients, growth promoting substances, beneficial soil micro flora and having properties of inhibiting pathogenic microbes.
Vermicompost is stable, fine granular organic manure, which enriches soil quality by improving its physicochemical and biological properties. It is highly useful in raising seedlings and for crop production. Vermicompost is becoming popular as a major component of organic farming system.
VERMICOMPOSTING
The different methods of vermicomposting depend upon the amount of production and composting structures. Small-scale vermicomposting is done to meet the personal requirement and farmer can harvest 5-10 tonnes of vermicompost annually.
While, large-scale vermicomposting is done at commercial scale by recycling large quantity of organic waste with the production of more than 50 – 100 tonnes annually. Vermicomposting is done by various methods, among them bed and pit methods are more common.
VERMICOMPOSTING MATERIALS
Decomposable organic wastes such as animal excreta, kitchen waste, farm residues
and forest litter are commonly used as composting materials. In general, animal dung
mostly cow dung and dried chopped crop residues are the key raw materials. Mixture
Of leguminous and non-leguminous crop residues enriches the quality of vermicompost.
Bio-Composting
The term bio-compost means plant matter that has been decomposed and recycled as a fertilizer or manure. Bio-compost is considered as a key ingredient in organic farming
Bio-compost is very rich in nutrients. It is mainly used in gardens, landscaping, horticulture, and agriculture. The process bio-composting is done by simply piling up wastes in the garden or any outdoor place and then leave it undisturbed for a year or more. Bio-compost in the ecosystems is very useful for control of soil erosion, wetland construction, and as landfill cover.
Modern day bio-composting process has many steps like monitoring of the composting. It is usually done by shredding the plant matter, adding of sufficient water to maintain the proper moisture level and then regularly turning the mixture to provide better aeration. Worms and fungi added helps in the process of decomposition. They break up the complex compounds into simpler ones and during the process lots of heat, carbon dioxide and ammonium is produced. This ammonium is again utilized by the microbes which are made available to the plants as nitrites and nitrates.
BED METHOD
Composting is done on the pucca / kachcha floor by making bed (6x2x2 feet size) of organic mixture. This method is easy to maintain and to practice.
Prepare new bedding. Dump the contents of the bin onto a large plastic sheet, and separate into small cone shaped piles. Place a bright light above the piles. The worms will move down away from the light. Remove the compost from the top. Repeat this four or five times until a small pile of worms and compost remain. Place the worms and the compost in the bin with fresh bedding. Vermicomposting is organic, non-burning and rich in nutrients. It can be used for any garden project.
HARVESTING VERMICOMPOST
In the tub method of composting, the castings formed on the top layer are collected periodically. The collection may be carried out once in a week. With hand the casting will be scooped out and put in a shady place as heap like structure. The harvesting of casting should be limited up to earthworm presence on top layer. This periodical harvesting is necessary for free flow and retains the compost quality. Otherwise the finished compost get compacted when watering is done. In small bed type of vermicomposting method, periodical harvesting is not required.Since the height of the waste material heaped is around 1 foot, the produced vermicompost will be harvested after the process is over