About Soil Microbiology dealing with composting, vermicomposting and their uses.

3. A Bio-fertilizer is a substances which contains living microorganisms which, when
applied to seed, plant surfaces, or soil, colonizes the rhizosphere or the interior of
the plant and promotes growth by increasing the supply of primary nutrients to the
host plant. The Advantages of Bio-Fertilizers are:
 It add nutrient through the natural processes of nitrogen fixation, solubilizing
phosphorous and stimulating plant growth through substances.
 The microorganisms in bio-fertilizers restores the soil’s natural nutrient cycle
and build soil organic matter.
 Bio-fertilizers provide eco friendly organic agro-input and are more cost-
effective than chemical fertilizers.
 Bio-fertilizers can be expected to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and
pesticides.

6. ǺCompost is organic matter that has been decomposed and recycled as
a fertilizer and soil amendment. Compost is a key ingredient in
organic farming.
ǺComposting organisms require four equally important ingredients i.e.
carbon, nitrogen, oxygen and water to work effectively.
ǺThe most efficient composting occurs with a carbon: nitrogen mix of
about 30 to 1.
ǺThe composting process is dependent on micro organisms for
breakdown of organic matter into compost.

9. Vermicomposting is the product or process of composting through the utilization of
various species of worms mainly earthworm. Vermicast is the end product of the
breakdown of organic matter by earthworms. It is also known as worm castings,
worm humus or worm manure.

11. Biogas refers to a mixture of different gases produced by the
breakdown of organic matter in the absence of oxygen. It can be
produced from raw material such as agricultural waste, manure,
municipal waste, plant material, sewage, green waste and food
waste.
It is a renewable energy source.
Biogas can be produced by anaerobic digestion with anaerobic
bacteria which digest material inside a closed system or fermentation
of biodegradable materials.

13. Compounds Percentage
1.Methane 50-75
2.Carbon Dioxide 25-50
3.Nitrogen 0-10
4.Hydrogen 0-1
5.Hydrogen Sulphide 0-3
6.Oxygen 0

14. The biogas is used for generating electricity.
It can be used for any heating purpose such as cooking.
It can also help to reduce global climate change.
If compressed, it can replace compressed natural gas for use in
vehicle.