Vermicomposting involves using earthworms to convert organic matter into nutrient-rich compost called casts. Various species of earthworms, including local (endemic) and foreign (exotic) types, can be utilized for efficient composting, preferably in setups like crates or tanks that maintain moisture. This process supports organic farming practices and allows for the recycling of biodegradable kitchen waste.

1. 015 VERMICOMPOST
Earthworms largely consume organic matter and give out their excreta called
as casts. these casts along with other composted organic material is called as
vermicompost. Vermicompost today is part of the organic farming package.
MATERIALS REQUIRED
Crate/Tank/ bucket with a few holes at the base or side outlet as drain
Gravel, sand, soil, earthworms, cattle-dung pats, straw
A few bricks to keep the crate.
Water
Crate
Outlet
Bricks

2. Earthworms may be surface dwellers (epigeics), intermediates (anecic), or
burrowers (endogeics). The epigeics largely are used in vermicomposting
though the anecics may also contribute in the composting process.
Epigeic (surface dwellers)
Eg: Perionyx excavatus
Anecic (intermediates)
Eg: Lampito mauritii
Endogeic (burrowers)
Octochaetona thurstoni

3. Several local species of earthworms (endemics) can be used in the
composting process. Local earthworms prefer a little soil, so it is better
to have the bed prepared with some good garden soil, as shown below.
for example in crate or tank
for local earthworms
Water
outlet
Bricks
Old Straw
Cattle dung-pats
Earthworms
Garden soil
Coarse sand
Gravel

4. Several foreign species of earthworms (exotics) are today used in the
composting process. For such exclusive composting earthworms set up
the unit as shown below.
Crate or tank
Water outlet
Bricks
Old Straw
Cattle dung-pats
Earthworms
Pre-digested
organic matter
Coarse sand
Gravel
for example in crate or tank
for exotic or exclusive
composting earthworms

5. Keep the unit watering. It should not be wet but should be moist.
Start collecting vermicompost as and when it is produced. Store with moisture.
You may even have 2 units: one with endemic species and one with exotic
species, and compare which produces more vermicompost.
You may add that compost to plants and see which vermicompost is better
the one from endemic species or one from exotic species.
You can also have these units at home and feed the earthworms with the
vegetable peels from the kitchen. They help in recycling biodegradable waste.

6. Keep the unit watering. It should not be wet but should be moist.
Start collecting vermicompost as and when it is produced. Store with moisture.
You may even have 2 units: one with endemic species and one with exotic
species, and compare which produces more vermicompost.
You may add that compost to plants and see which vermicompost is better
the one from endemic species or one from exotic species.
You can also have these units at home and feed the earthworms with the
vegetable peels from the kitchen. They help in recycling biodegradable waste.