Vermicomposting – Definition, Types, Objectives, Process, Etc.

Vermicomposting is a natural method for producing compost using earthworms. Vermicomposting is also called composting with worms. Vermicomposting is considered an eco-friendly method of utilizing organic wastes into compost that can be used as fertilizers. The vermicomposting process utilizes various worm species, primarily red wigglers, white worms, and other earthworms. Vermicomposting leads to the production of a mixture of bedding materials, decomposing food or vegetable waste, and vermicast.

Vermicompost is a nutrient-rich organic fertilizer and soil conditioner that is relatively simple for plants since it contains water-soluble elements. Inorganic fertilizer made from worm castings is occasionally utilized. In this article, we will discuss the objectives, types, methods, advantages, and disadvantages of vermicomposting.

What is Vermicomposting?

A scientific process by which earthworms and microorganisms are used to help stabilize active organic waste and transform it into a useful soil supplement and source of plant nutrition is called Vermicomposting. It is one of the simplest methods for turning agricultural waste into high-quality compost. Earthworms consume biomass and release the digested remnants as worm castings. Worm casts are frequently called “Black gold.” The castings are rich in nutrients, contain compounds that encourage growth and have favourable soil microflora, all of which can limit dangerous germs. Because vermicomposting treats organic wastes more quickly than traditional composting, it has become more popular in both industrial and household utilization of organic wastes.

Types of Vermicomposting

The amount of production and the structures used for composting determine the different types of vermicomposting.

• Small-Scale Vermicomposting: A farmer can collect 5 to 10 tones of vermicompost per year when vermicomposting is on a small scale to suit personal needs.
• Large-scale vermicomposting: It is carried out on a commercial scale, producing between 50 and 100 tonnes of organic waste per year.

Methods of Vermicomposting

There are many ways to create vermicompost, but the Bed and Pit procedures are the most popular.

• Bed Method: By constructing a bed of organic material measuring 6✕2✕2 feet, composting is done on the pucca or kachcha floor. This approach is simple to maintain and use.
• Pit Method: Composting in pits that are 5✕5✕3 feet in size and made of cement is the pit method. Thatch grass or any other native materials are used to cover the structure. This method is not favoured since it produces more waste, has poor aeration, and costs more to produce.

Objectives of Vermicomposting

The major objectives of vermicomposting are:

• To compost organic wastes to feed nutrient-deficient soil with high-quality manure as well as to dispose of solid organic wastes.
• A large amount of organic waste produced by agricultural operations, dairy farms, and animal shelters that is typically discarded as waste and emits an unpleasant odour can be used by correctly composting it to create an end product with added value.

Vermicomposting Materials

Animal waste, kitchen garbage, farm waste, and forest litter are all examples of decomposable organic waste that are frequently utilized as composting ingredients. The main raw sources are typically dried chopped crop wastes and animal manure, primarily cow dung. A mixture of both leguminous and non-leguminous crop leftovers improves the vermicompost’s quality. There are several species of earthworms, including Perionyx excavatus (blue earthworm), Eisenia foetida (red earthworm), and Eudrilus eugenia (night crawler). Because of its rapid reproduction rate and ability to turn organic matter into vermicompost in about 45 days, red earthworms are recommended. Since it is a surface feeder, vermicompost is created by the top conversion of organic resources.

Process of Vermicomposting

The following describes the full vermicomposting procedure:

Preparation of Vermi Bed

The process of preparation of vermi bed involves the following steps;

• A thin (5 cm) layer of shattered bricks and coarse sand is laid on top of a layer of moist, loamy soil called the vermi bed, which is roughly 15 to 20 cm thick.
• The loamy soil is added with earthworms, which will make it their home there.
• A compost pit measuring around 2 meters by 1 meter preferably by 0.75 meters with a vermi bed layer between 15 and 20 cm thick can accommodate 150 earthworms.
• After that, a few random lumps of fresh cow manure are scattered over the vermi bed.
• After that, dry leaves or, preferably, chopped hay, straw, or agricultural waste biomass are stacked into the compost pit to a depth of about 5 cm.
• The pit is kept wet for the following 30 days by watering it as required.
• The bed should neither be dry nor wet.
• The pit can then be covered with a jute bag to keep the birds away.
• Plastic sheets should not be used on the bed, since they trap heat.
• After the first 30 days, it is covered with moist, pre-digested organic waste of animal and/or plant origin from the kitchen, hotel, hostel, or farm, with a thickness of around 5 cm. Do this twice per week.
• To maintain the pits moist, regular watering should be done.
• If the weather is very dry, it should be examined regularly.
• All organic wastes should be turned over or mixed frequently.

Preparation of Compost Pit

The following steps should be taken for the preparation of the compost pit;

• A compost pit of any practical size can be built in a field, garden, or backyard.
• It could be a single pit, two pits, or a tank made of brick and mortar with the appropriate water outlets in any size (a reasonable size is 2 m by 1 m by 0.75 m).
• To counteract the ant problem, place a water column in the middle of the vermipits’ parapet wall.
• The “four chambers” pit will make it simple for earthworms to go continuously from one chamber that has fully composted material to the chamber that contains the pre-processed trash.

Nutrient Content of Vermicompost

The origin of the raw material and the type of earthworm used determine the amount of nutrients in compost. Beyond other nutrients, a fine worm cast is a rich source of N, P, and K. Vermicompost contains nutrients that are immediately available and released one month after application.

Parmeters	Content
pH	6.8
Organic Carbon %	11.88
Organic Matter %	20.46
C: N ratio	25-30
Total Nitrogen (%)	1.02
Available Nitrogen (%)	0.50
Available Phosphorous (%)	0.30
Available Potassium (%)	0.24
Ca (%)	0.17
Mg (%)	0.06

Advantages of Vermicomposting

The principal advantages of vermicomposting are:

1. Aids in plant development, germination, and crop yield.
2. Enhances the soil’s physical structure.
3. By using vermicompost, the soil becomes more fertile and water-resistant.
4. Develops the plant’s roots.
5. Provides auxins, gibberellic acid, and other plant growth hormones to the soil as fertilizer.
6. Adds essential nutrients to the soil like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
7. Helps recycle organic waste in a useful manner.
8. Can be done indoors and in small structures allowing year-round availability of compost.

Disadvantages of Vermicomposting

The following are some major disadvantages of vermicomposting:

1. The process of transforming organic waste into useful forms is time-consuming and can take up to six months.
2. Vermicomposting requires a lot of maintenance. The feed must be added regularly, and it is important to watch that the worms are not overfed.
3. They promote the development of diseases and pests like fruit flies, centipedes, and flies.
4. It emits an extremely unpleasant smell.
5. The container for waste shouldn’t be either dry or very damp. Periodically, the moisture levels must be checked.
6. Limitation on the amount of waste that can be composted at a time.
7. Hot and cold weather can affect the activity of the worms impacting the rate of composting.

Application of Vermicomposting

Following are some of the most common applications of vermicomposting;

1. The worm castings can be used as an alternative for fish feed.
2. Extracts and fluids from earthworms can be used in therapeutic products.
3. Improvement of the soil quality degraded by chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
4. Used in agricultural studies.
5. Worm cultivation can be used for commercial purposes also.
6. Can be used widely in horticulture settings.

FAQs – Vermicomposting

1. What is the Vermicomposting Process?

The process by which earthworms and microorganisms are used to help stabilize active organic waste and transform them into a useful soil supplement and source of plant nutrition is called Vermicomposting.

2. What are the Different Types of Vermicomposting?

The main 2 types of vermicomposting are:

• Small-scale vermicomposting: 5 to 10 tonnes of vermicompost per year on a small scale to suit personal needs.
• Large-scale vermicomposting: It is carried out on a commercial scale, producing between 50 and 100 tonnes of organic waste per year.

3. What are the Factors Affecting Vermicomposting?

The main factors that can affect the process of vermicomposting and the quality of compost are; temperature, moisture, pH, waste content, ammonia content, salt content, and aeration of the soil.

4. What is the Problem of Vermicomposting?

The main problems of vermicomposting are that it emits a rotten smell from the decomposing food due to improper burial of waste or excess amount of waste added.

5. What are the Disadvantages of Vermicomposting?

Problems of vermicomposting are; it is a time consuming process, it releases rotten odor, it requires high maintenance, hot and cold weathers may affect the process, limitation to the amount of compost that can be produced, etc.