This is my PPT presented during my M.Sc Environmental Science COurse at Department of Environmental Science, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India.

1. M.SC. SY
SEM- 3MAHESH JOSHI
ENVIORNMENTAL
SCIENCE

2. 1. Vermi – worm/earthworm
2. Vermiculture – the science of
breeding and raising earthworm
3.Vermiculturist – a person who
farms, breeds and cares for
vermi/worms
4. Vermicasts- excreta of worms

3. Vermicomposting – Use of worms for composting organic
materials
Vermicompost – The product
of vermicomposting containing
worm castings, bedding
materials as well as organic
matter in various stages of
decomposition

4. •Produces compost that can be used in
gardens/houseplants
•Breaks down yard debris (sticks, leaves, grass
clippings)
•Breaks down un-eaten food
•Great for the environment
WhyVermicompost?

5. Compared to ordinary soil, vermicompost has :
5x more Nitrogen
7x more Phosphorus
1.5x more Calcium
11x more Potassium
3x more Magnesium

6. In vermicomposting, microorganisms and earthworms “soil engineers” work
together, thus, speed up the process and gives more quality on the compost
suitable for organic farming
Vermicompost does not heat
Vermicompost may be low in NPK but contains essential micronutrients (e.g.,
calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper, iron and zinc) not found in “complete
fertilizers”
Vermicompost has microbial activities that promote plant health
and pest/disease resistance

7. Number of Earthworm Species
 4,000 in the world
Characteristics
They have 2 tubes (one inside the
other). The inner tube is a digestive
system which can be seen outside
as a dark line inside the worm. The
black color is actually the food in the
digestive tract
ABOUT VERMIS

8.  Characteristics
 Active at night (nocturnal)
 Many are migratory
 Feed on microorganisms (fungi and
bacteria) in the soil
 Hermaphroditic (have both sex organs)
 Breathe through their skin

9.  Cocoons (eggs) to Juveniles (young) - 2 weeks
 Juveniles (young) to Adult (Breeder) - 2 weeks
 Breeding worms can lay 2 to 5 cocoons per
week that will hatch in 21 days and mature in 60
to 90 days
 The African nightcrawler can grow to more than
30 cm in length and 3 grams each

10. Aeration
Not water-logged
Oxygen needed for respiration
Moisture (40-80%)
For maintenance of body fluids
(80% > of body weight)
Temperature
 Cold-blooded
 20-30 C

11. Worm - Eisenia foetida

12. Student activities

13. Student Activities…….

15. (13-12-2009)Student Activities…….

16. •Watering is stopped for at least 5 days at this
stage.
Now the manure is ready to
use.
•The earthworms go down
and the compost is collected
from the top.
•Separate the baby worms
and worm cocoons from it by
sieving method.

17. • Can be
done inside
or outside
• Little to no
smell
emitted as
long as the
box is
maintained
• Can be a
large or
small
container

18. •Vermicompost is an eco friendly natural fertilizer
• It does not have any adverse effect on soil, plant and
environment.
•It improves water retention capacity of soil because of
its high organic matter content.
• It promotes better root growth and nutrient absorption.
• Earthworm castings in the home garden often contain 5
to 11 times more nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium
as the surrounding soil.
•Promoting home composting as a solution to reduce
global warming caused by methane by degradable waste
in landfills.

19. •This project can be started from any available fund.
•Raw materials available easily and locally in abundance.
•Successful Organic Farming and no Marketing problem.
•No Chance of failure.
•No requirement of electricity .
•Additional Income form cow dung, agro waste and
wastes available .