The document discusses vermicomposting, which is a method of composting using earthworms. It describes the nutrient content of vermicompost and explains that it has higher nutrient levels than farmyard manure or bacterial compost. The document also outlines the process for preparing vermicompost, including using organic materials like leaves and manure in layers, maintaining proper moisture and temperature conditions, and harvesting the finished compost after several weeks. Vermicompost provides various benefits for plants such as disease resistance and enhanced nutrient availability.
To achieve sustainable agricultural production it is imperative to explore alternative integrated soil and nutrient management systems with minimum environmental degradation. Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) aims at maintenance or adjustment of soil fertility and plant nutrient supply to an optimum level for sustaining the desired crop productivity through optimization of benefit from all possible sources of plant nutrients in an integrated manner (Roy and Ange, 1991). Continuous and imbalanced use of fertilizers under intensive agricultural cultivation had adverse impact on the soil. Use of bio and organic fertilizers and adherence to ecofriendly land management practice enhances crop production and sustains soil fertility (Sailaja and Usha, 2002). Keeping these in view, INM practice is seen as a viable option in restoring the soil physical structure and chemical fertility, improving soil organic C and therefore, sustaining the system productivity. Sources such as nitrogen fixers, phosphate solubilizers, mycorrhize and other beneficial organisms contribute to enhance efficient uptake of plant nutrients (Gupta et al., 2003).
INM tries to reduce the need for chemical fertilizers by taking advantages of non-chemical sources of nutrients such as the manures, composts and bio-fertilizers (Gopalasundaram et al., 2012). Bio-fertilizers application not only increases plants growth and yield, but increase soil microbial population and activity; resulting in improved soil fertility (Ramesh et al., 2014). They include free-living bacteria which promote plant growth even in polluted soils. Azospirillum, Azotobacter, Pseudomonas, Bacillus and Thiobacillus are examples of these bacteria (Zahir et al., 2004). Niess (2002) reported that plant growth promoting bacteria reduced the toxicity of heavy metals and increased plant growth and yield.
Apart from this, agroforestry interventions through integration of suitable trees, soil improvement through cover cropping, soil and water conservation measures etc can be potential INM strategies that can be practiced to sustain yield, minimize risk, utilize the lag phase, and improve productivity (Rao, 2000). The success of INM depends on the judicious use of the right combination of INM component suitable for a particular land use system.
To achieve sustainable agricultural production it is imperative to explore alternative integrated soil and nutrient management systems with minimum environmental degradation. Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) aims at maintenance or adjustment of soil fertility and plant nutrient supply to an optimum level for sustaining the desired crop productivity through optimization of benefit from all possible sources of plant nutrients in an integrated manner (Roy and Ange, 1991). Continuous and imbalanced use of fertilizers under intensive agricultural cultivation had adverse impact on the soil. Use of bio and organic fertilizers and adherence to ecofriendly land management practice enhances crop production and sustains soil fertility (Sailaja and Usha, 2002). Keeping these in view, INM practice is seen as a viable option in restoring the soil physical structure and chemical fertility, improving soil organic C and therefore, sustaining the system productivity. Sources such as nitrogen fixers, phosphate solubilizers, mycorrhize and other beneficial organisms contribute to enhance efficient uptake of plant nutrients (Gupta et al., 2003).
INM tries to reduce the need for chemical fertilizers by taking advantages of non-chemical sources of nutrients such as the manures, composts and bio-fertilizers (Gopalasundaram et al., 2012). Bio-fertilizers application not only increases plants growth and yield, but increase soil microbial population and activity; resulting in improved soil fertility (Ramesh et al., 2014). They include free-living bacteria which promote plant growth even in polluted soils. Azospirillum, Azotobacter, Pseudomonas, Bacillus and Thiobacillus are examples of these bacteria (Zahir et al., 2004). Niess (2002) reported that plant growth promoting bacteria reduced the toxicity of heavy metals and increased plant growth and yield.
Apart from this, agroforestry interventions through integration of suitable trees, soil improvement through cover cropping, soil and water conservation measures etc can be potential INM strategies that can be practiced to sustain yield, minimize risk, utilize the lag phase, and improve productivity (Rao, 2000). The success of INM depends on the judicious use of the right combination of INM component suitable for a particular land use system.
Vermicomposting :- Vermicomposting is a method of making compost with the use of earthworms which generally live in the soil eat biomass and excrete it is digested form .This compost is generally called vermicompost
Vermiculture :- vermiculture means scientific method of breeding and raising earthworms in controlled condition
Materials required for vermicomposting prepration
Vermicompost is the product or process of composting using various worms, usually red wigglers and other earthworms to create a heterogeneous mixture of decomposing vegetable or food waste and vermicast (worm castings or worm manure, is the fecal matter of an Earthworm).
Vermicomposting is very economic friendly and very useful for the growth of crops.
Less expensive than chemical fertilizer as well as other fertilizers. It can be used for several times.
A brief study on Integrated Nutrient Management (INM). This presentation has created by me after studying many articles and research papers regarding INM. Suggestions are kindly invited.
Substances containing carbon are organic matter.
Soil organic matter consists of decomposing plant and animal residues.
It also includes substances of organic origin either leaving or dead.
biological weed control ,what is bio-control of weed ,how biological control of weed works ,advantage of biological weed control ,methods and agents of biological weed control
Vermicomposting :- Vermicomposting is a method of making compost with the use of earthworms which generally live in the soil eat biomass and excrete it is digested form .This compost is generally called vermicompost
Vermiculture :- vermiculture means scientific method of breeding and raising earthworms in controlled condition
Materials required for vermicomposting prepration
Vermicompost is the product or process of composting using various worms, usually red wigglers and other earthworms to create a heterogeneous mixture of decomposing vegetable or food waste and vermicast (worm castings or worm manure, is the fecal matter of an Earthworm).
Vermicomposting is very economic friendly and very useful for the growth of crops.
Less expensive than chemical fertilizer as well as other fertilizers. It can be used for several times.
A brief study on Integrated Nutrient Management (INM). This presentation has created by me after studying many articles and research papers regarding INM. Suggestions are kindly invited.
Substances containing carbon are organic matter.
Soil organic matter consists of decomposing plant and animal residues.
It also includes substances of organic origin either leaving or dead.
biological weed control ,what is bio-control of weed ,how biological control of weed works ,advantage of biological weed control ,methods and agents of biological weed control
Farmers’ best friend, earthworm has been existent at least since the past 20 million years. Needless to say, they have been faithfully releasing the organic nutrients from the dead tissues back into the soil and thus making it available to the living organisms. They have an important roll in organic farming.
Earthworm Secret
Earthworms feed on the decaying organic matter and survive in soil. During digestion in the alimentary canal, all the organic waste gets transformed into natural fertilizer. The pH is neutral and it is an odorless organic matter. After digestion, the undigested food is excreted. There is a thin oily layer on the excreted material or casting which takes as much as two months to erode. In other words, the castings that are rich in plant nutrients are made available gradually since they are released slowly into the soil. Hence they last longer. These castings also contain microbes and hence the process of decomposition is continued through microbial action outside the body of the earthworms.
What is Vermicomposting
Vermicomposting
Vermicomposting
Biologically, it is defined as the process of turning organic debris into worm castings that play a crucial role in increasing the fertility of soil. These castings contain seven times more potash, five times more nitrogen and 1.5 times more calcium than what is found in the topsoil. In addition they have better moisture retention capacity, aeration, porosity and structure than the topsoil. The water absorption capacity of the soil is enhanced thanks to the burrowing action of the earthworm, and the organic content in the castings. Research has shown the castings to hold nine times their weight in water.
Objective of Vermicomposting Project
The main objective of vermicomposting project is to produce organic manure of exceptional quality for the organically starved soil. Agricultural wastes, wastes from dairy and animal farms are usually dumped into at places resulting in a foul mess. By vermicomposting these wastes, they are not only utilized efficiently but also help in making a value-added product.
Types of Earthworm and Classification
Study of earthworms was pioneered by Charles Darwin. Taking the cue, Barrett and George Oliver carried out an extensive study and demonstrated the benefits of earthworms in agriculture. Barrett was the first person to grow earthworms on a commercial scale.
Totally there are 386 different varieties of earthworms that have been identified that are broadly classified into 3 categories, viz. epigeic, endogeic and diageic. This classification is based on their feeding habits, habitat in soil strata, response to the soil conditions and defecation activities.
Epigeic
Thriving on soil surface, they convert the organic waste into humus very quickly.
They have a high metabolic activity but it lasts only for a limited period.
They need a huge amount of organic content as a part of their feed and thus ideal for commercial vermicompost project.
Although they a
As the name suggests, Vermibed is the bedding (bed) of earthworms (vermes). It is the medium through which compost technology is used nowadays. Being light the product is not only easy to install but is also used to enhance aeration control. The product is mainly referred to by agricultural farmers willing to enjoy higher yields by using vermicompost.
In recent years, it is no doubt that in India, where on one side pollution is increasing day by day due to accumulation of organic waste and on the other side there is a great shortage of organic manure.
It has been estimated that India, as a whole, generates as much as 25 million tonnes of urban solid waste of diverse composition per year. Solid waste comprises of both organic and inorganic matter.
Under the present condition of environmental degradation, vermicomposting technology is the best way to meet all the requirements of the society. This is a process of recycling trash/agricultural wastes in an efficient and eco-friendly manner in order to produce quality compost.
Organic wastes can be broken down and fragmented rapidly by earthworms, resulting in a stable non-toxic material with good structure, which has a potentially high economic value and also acts as a soil conditioner for plant growth.
It is a type of composting in which worms eat and metabolize organic matter that comprises to a better end product known as Vermicast (commonly called as BLACK GOLD) which has a stuff of nutrients that can be directly incorporated into the soil to help with plant fertilization, soil enrichment and soil stability.From a social point of view, organic fertilizers will:
Improve the social status of the individuals and the community.
Create motivation for people to live in the countryside by providing job
opportunities and business plans.
From a hygienic point of view, organic fertilizers will:
Produce chemical-free crops which will improve people's health.
Reduce the danger of lung diseases and other diseases resulting from burning the organic wastes in the field.EPIGEIC EARTHWORMS:
Earthworms of this group cannot make burrows in the soil. They can only move through crevices of the surface. They feed exclusively on decomposing organic wastes.
ENDOGEIC EARTHWORMS:
They are subsoil dwellers. Secretions of body wall of earthworms cement and smoothen the walls of the burrows and protect the wall from collapsing easily. They move below 30cm or more in the soil
ANECIC EARTHWORMS:
They are found in the soil, which is not frequently disturbed. They make very complicated burrows in the sol and they firmly pack their burrow walls with their castings. The Anecic earthworms like Epigeic earthworms are commonly found in temperate countries.Vermicompost is an excellent soil additive made up of digested compost. Worm castings are much higher in nutrients and microbial life and therefore, are considered as a higher value product. Worm castings contain up to 5 times the plant available nutrients. It not only adds microbial organisms and nutrients that have long lasting residual effects, it also modulates structure to the existing soil, increases water retention capacity. Vermicompost contains an average of 1.5% - 2.2% N, 1.8% - 2.2% P and 1.0% - 1.5% K. The organic carbon is ranging from 9.15 to 17.98 and contains micronutrients Nitrogen, phosphorus, Potassium..
Praramva
Biotech Pvt.Ltd was established in the year 2011 (A.D) by the three Biotech graduates of
Kathmandu University. Praramva Biotech is now one of the largest manufacturers of
Vermicompost in Nepal. Besides that, it has its own well equipped laboratory that
produces wide portfolio of bio based products for disease and pest management, crop nutrition
and soil health management. Praramva Biotech Pvt. Ltd specializes in manufacturing biological
crop protection and plant nutrition based products for progressive farmers, who need more than
sustainable results. The main aims of the Praramva Biotech Company are:
• To help farmers to increase their productivity and economy.
• To achieve sustainable development through scientific research based method in agriculture and
environment sector.
• Production and processing of medicinal plant.
• To reduce chemical fertilizers, pesticides and insecticides and promote organic farming.
This PPT prepared by Dr.E.Sreenivasan of The Western India Plywoods Ltd,is an introduction to the field of industrial wood waste management using vermitechnology
Natural farming @ Dr. Siddhartha S. Jena.pptxsidjena70
A brief about organic farming/ Natural farming/ Zero budget natural farming/ Subash Palekar Natural farming which keeps us and environment safe and healthy. Next gen Agricultural practices of chemical free farming.
Characterization and the Kinetics of drying at the drying oven and with micro...Open Access Research Paper
The objective of this work is to contribute to valorization de Nephelium lappaceum by the characterization of kinetics of drying of seeds of Nephelium lappaceum. The seeds were dehydrated until a constant mass respectively in a drying oven and a microwawe oven. The temperatures and the powers of drying are respectively: 50, 60 and 70°C and 140, 280 and 420 W. The results show that the curves of drying of seeds of Nephelium lappaceum do not present a phase of constant kinetics. The coefficients of diffusion vary between 2.09.10-8 to 2.98. 10-8m-2/s in the interval of 50°C at 70°C and between 4.83×10-07 at 9.04×10-07 m-8/s for the powers going of 140 W with 420 W the relation between Arrhenius and a value of energy of activation of 16.49 kJ. mol-1 expressed the effect of the temperature on effective diffusivity.
"Understanding the Carbon Cycle: Processes, Human Impacts, and Strategies for...MMariSelvam4
The carbon cycle is a critical component of Earth's environmental system, governing the movement and transformation of carbon through various reservoirs, including the atmosphere, oceans, soil, and living organisms. This complex cycle involves several key processes such as photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition, and carbon sequestration, each contributing to the regulation of carbon levels on the planet.
Human activities, particularly fossil fuel combustion and deforestation, have significantly altered the natural carbon cycle, leading to increased atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations and driving climate change. Understanding the intricacies of the carbon cycle is essential for assessing the impacts of these changes and developing effective mitigation strategies.
By studying the carbon cycle, scientists can identify carbon sources and sinks, measure carbon fluxes, and predict future trends. This knowledge is crucial for crafting policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions, enhancing carbon storage, and promoting sustainable practices. The carbon cycle's interplay with climate systems, ecosystems, and human activities underscores its importance in maintaining a stable and healthy planet.
In-depth exploration of the carbon cycle reveals the delicate balance required to sustain life and the urgent need to address anthropogenic influences. Through research, education, and policy, we can work towards restoring equilibrium in the carbon cycle and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.
Artificial Reefs by Kuddle Life Foundation - May 2024punit537210
Situated in Pondicherry, India, Kuddle Life Foundation is a charitable, non-profit and non-governmental organization (NGO) dedicated to improving the living standards of coastal communities and simultaneously placing a strong emphasis on the protection of marine ecosystems.
One of the key areas we work in is Artificial Reefs. This presentation captures our journey so far and our learnings. We hope you get as excited about marine conservation and artificial reefs as we are.
Please visit our website: https://kuddlelife.org
Our Instagram channel:
@kuddlelifefoundation
Our Linkedin Page:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/kuddlelifefoundation/
and write to us if you have any questions:
info@kuddlelife.org
WRI’s brand new “Food Service Playbook for Promoting Sustainable Food Choices” gives food service operators the very latest strategies for creating dining environments that empower consumers to choose sustainable, plant-rich dishes. This research builds off our first guide for food service, now with industry experience and insights from nearly 350 academic trials.
Willie Nelson Net Worth: A Journey Through Music, Movies, and Business Venturesgreendigital
Willie Nelson is a name that resonates within the world of music and entertainment. Known for his unique voice, and masterful guitar skills. and an extraordinary career spanning several decades. Nelson has become a legend in the country music scene. But, his influence extends far beyond the realm of music. with ventures in acting, writing, activism, and business. This comprehensive article delves into Willie Nelson net worth. exploring the various facets of his career that have contributed to his large fortune.
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Introduction
Willie Nelson net worth is a testament to his enduring influence and success in many fields. Born on April 29, 1933, in Abbott, Texas. Nelson's journey from a humble beginning to becoming one of the most iconic figures in American music is nothing short of inspirational. His net worth, which estimated to be around $25 million as of 2024. reflects a career that is as diverse as it is prolific.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Humble Origins
Willie Hugh Nelson was born during the Great Depression. a time of significant economic hardship in the United States. Raised by his grandparents. Nelson found solace and inspiration in music from an early age. His grandmother taught him to play the guitar. setting the stage for what would become an illustrious career.
First Steps in Music
Nelson's initial foray into the music industry was fraught with challenges. He moved to Nashville, Tennessee, to pursue his dreams, but success did not come . Working as a songwriter, Nelson penned hits for other artists. which helped him gain a foothold in the competitive music scene. His songwriting skills contributed to his early earnings. laying the foundation for his net worth.
Rise to Stardom
Breakthrough Albums
The 1970s marked a turning point in Willie Nelson's career. His albums "Shotgun Willie" (1973), "Red Headed Stranger" (1975). and "Stardust" (1978) received critical acclaim and commercial success. These albums not only solidified his position in the country music genre. but also introduced his music to a broader audience. The success of these albums played a crucial role in boosting Willie Nelson net worth.
Iconic Songs
Willie Nelson net worth is also attributed to his extensive catalog of hit songs. Tracks like "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain," "On the Road Again," and "Always on My Mind" have become timeless classics. These songs have not only earned Nelson large royalties but have also ensured his continued relevance in the music industry.
Acting and Film Career
Hollywood Ventures
In addition to his music career, Willie Nelson has also made a mark in Hollywood. His distinctive personality and on-screen presence have landed him roles in several films and television shows. Notable appearances include roles in "The Electric Horseman" (1979), "Honeysuckle Rose" (1980), and "Barbarosa" (1982). These acting gigs have added a significant amount to Willie Nelson net worth.
Television Appearances
Nelson's char
3. Nutrient content
BINM: Vermicompost
3
Nutrient Content
Organic carbon 9.15 to 17.98 %
Total nitrogen 1.5 to 2.10 %
Total phosphorus 1.0 to 1.50 %
Total potassium 0.60 %
Ca and Mg 22.00 to 70.00 m.e / 100 g
Available S 128 to 548 ppm
Copper 100 ppm
Iron 1800 ppm
Zinc 50 ppm
4. N. P. Kcontent in basic manures
Vermi
compost
2.1 – 2.6
Farmyard
manure
1.1 – 1.5
Bacterial
compost
1.2 – 1.5
P(%) 1.5 – 1.7 0.7 – 0.8 0.7 – 0.9
K (%) 1.4 – 1.6 0.6 – 0.7 0.6 – 0.7
Element
N (%)
4BINM: Vermicompost
5. Terms related to vermicomposting
BINM: Vermicompost
5
Vermicomposting:
Vermicomposting is a method of making compost, with
the use of earthworms, which generally live in soil, eat
biomass and excrete it in digested form. This compost is
generally called vermicompost or Wormicompost.
Vermiculture:
Vermiculture means scientific method of breeding and
raising earthworms in controlled conditions.
Vermitechnology:
Vermitechnology is the combination of vermiculture and
vermicomposting.
6. 6
BINM: Vermicompost
Thus, earthworms can be used in the followingareas.
For development of arable soils, turnover of soil,
break down of plant organic matter, aeration and
drainage
For production of useful products like vermifertilizer
and worm tissue for animal feed.
For maintenance of environmental quality and
monitor of the environment for soil fertility, organic
and heavy metal non-biodegradable toxic material
pollution.
7. Types of earthworms
BINM: Vermicompost
7
Earthworms belong to phyllum Annelida of Animal
Kingdom. They are long and cylindrical in shape and size
having a large number of grooves. There are about 3000
species of earthworms in the world which are adapted to
a range of environment. More than 300 species have
been identified in India. Although, hermophrodite, two
mature earthworms are required to propagate. At the
time of egg laying, the clitellum is transformed into hard,
girdle like capsule called cocoon. Shedding of cocoon
ranges from 1 to 5, only a few of them survive and hatch.
The juveniles and again formation of cocoons takes a
period of 50-60 days. Normally, the average life span of
earthworms varies with species ranging from 1 to 10
years.
8. 8
Epigeics (surface feeders) are important in vermicomposting. The
epigeics such as Eisenia foetida and Eudrilus eugeniae are exotic
worms and Perionyx excavatus is a native one being used for
vermicomposting in India.
Epianecic are feeders on leaf litter and soil at upper layers of soil.
This group such as Lampito mauritii is indegenous and is active in
in-situ decomposition of organic wastes and residues insoil.
Both epigeics and epianecics groups of earthworms are slender,
shorter in length and red to dark brown in colour. They have high
reproduction activity and efficient in recycling of organic materials.
Increased attention has been paid to Eisenia foetida and Eudrilus
eugeniae which have been found to be potential agent in
vermicomposting of wide range of agricultural wastes and can grow
at a wide range of temperature varying from 0-40 ◦C. However, the
optimum temperature ranges from 20-30 ◦C.
BINM: Vermicompost
14. Mechanism of vermicomposting
BINM: Vermicompost
14
Materials consumed by worms undergo physical
breakdown in the gizzard resulting in particles <2 µ,
giving thereby an enhanced surface area for microbial
processing. This finally ground material is exposed to
various enzymes such as protease, lipase, amylase,
cellulase and chitinase secreted into lumen by the gut
wall and associated microbes. These enzymes breakdown
complex biomolecules into simple compounds. Only 5-
10% of the ingested material is absorbed into the tissues
of worms for their growth and rest is excreted as cast.
Mucus secretions of gut wall add to the structural
stability of vermicompost.
15. Vermicompost preparation
BINM: Vermicompost
15
Basic raw material: Any organic material generated
in the farm like bhusa, leaf fall etc., Horse dung, due
to the risk of Tetanus virus, lethal to human beingsis
not advisable to be used as feeding material for
earthworms. Paddy husk, merigold and pine needles
have also not advised to be used as feeding materials
for earthworms.
Starter: Cow dung , Biogas slurry, or urine ofcattle
Soil animal: Earth worms (Species: Eiseniafoetida)
Thatched roof/vermished.
20. Favourable conditions of earth worms in the
composting material
BINM: Vermicompost
20
pH: Range between 6.5 and 7.5
Moisture: 60-70% of the moisture below and above
range mortality of worms taking place
Aeration: 50% aeration from the total porespace
Temperature: Range between 18 0C to 350C
22. Procedure:
BINM: Vermicompost
It is mostly prepared in either pit or heap method. The
dimensions either heap or pit are 10 x 4 x 2 feet. The
length and width can be increased or decreased
depending on the availability of material but not the
depth because the earthworms’ activity is confined to 2
feet depth only. First of all select a site which is not under
any economic use and is shady and there is no water
stagnation. The site should be near to a water source.
1st layer: bedding material of 1" thick with soft leaves
2nd layer: 9" thick organic residue layer finely chaffed
material
3rd layer: Dung + water equal mixture of 2" layer.
22
23. 23
BINM: Vermicompost
Continue the layer up to pile to ground level in the case
of pit method and upto 2ʹ in heap or surface bed method.
Protect the worms against natural enemies like ants,
lizards, snakes, frogs, toads etc., Maintain proper
moisture and temperature by turnings and subsequent
staking. At the day of 24th, 4000 worms are introduced
in to the pit [1m2 =2000 worms] without disturbing the
pit by regular watering the entire raw material will be
turned into the vermicompost in the form of worm
excreta. The turnover of the compost is 75% [the total
material accommodated in the pit is 1000 kg; the out
turn will be 750 kg]
Procedure: contd
28. Harvesting of the vermicompost from the pit
BINM: Vermicompost
28
Stop watering before one week of harvest.
Sometimes the worms spread across the pit come in close and
penetrate each other in the form of ball in 2 or 3 locations.
Heap the compost by removing the balls and place them in a
bucket. However, under most instances, top layer has to be
disturbed manually. Earthworms move downward and
compost is separated. After collection of compost from top
layers, feed material is again replenished and composting
process is rescheduled.
The material is sieved in 2 mm sieve, the material passed
through the sieve is called as vermicompost which is stored in
a polythene bags
[Note: Vermicomposting is done under thatched roof to
protect worms against rain and sun].
29. 29
BINM: Vermicompost
Recomposting is done in the same pit or bed. Similar
to the above described pit/heap method,
vermicompost can be prepared in wooden box or
brick column in similar way.
In-situ vermicomposting can be done by direct field
application of vermicompost at 5 t/ha followed by
application of cowdung (2.5 cm thick layer) and then
a layer of available farm waste about 15 cm thick.
Irrigation should be done at an interval of 15days.
38. Precautions
BINM: Vermicompost
38
Do not cover vermicompost beds/heaps with plastic sheets
because it may trap heat and gases.
Do not overload the vermicompost heap to avoid high
temperature that adversely affect their population.
Dry conditions kill the worms and waterlogging drive them
away. Watering should be done daily in summer and every
third day in rainy and winter season.
Addition of higher quantities of acid rich substances such as
tomatoes and citrus wastes should be avoided.
Make a drainage channel around the heap to avoid stagnation
of water particularly in high rainfall areas in rainy season.
Organic materials used for composting should be free from
non-degradable materials such as stones, glass pieces,
plastics, ceramic tubes/bulbs etc.
39. Natural enemies and their control
BINM: Vermicompost
The important natual enemies of vermicultureare
ants,
termites,
centipedes,
rats,
pigs,
birds etc.
Preventive measures include treating of the sitewith
4% neem based insecticide before filling theheap.
39
40. Transportation of live worms
BINM: Vermicompost
Live earthworms can be packed with moist feed
substrate in a container (card board/plastic) with
provision of aeration. Feed substrate quantity should
be roughly 0.5-1.5 g/individual for 24 hours of
transportation journey. Culture should contain
cocoon, juveniles and adults because sometimes
adults do not acclimatize to new environment and
may even die. Under such circumstances cocoons are
helpful for population build up ofearthworms.
40
41. Application rate
BINM: Vermicompost
41
It can be applied in any crop at any stage, butit
would be more beneficial if mixed in soil after
broadcasting. The rate of application isas
Field crops 5-6 t/ha;
Vegetables 10-12 t/ha;
Flower plants 100-200 g/sq ft;
Fruit trees 5-10 kg/tree.
42. Advantage of vermicompost
BINM: Vermicompost
42
Vermicompost is a rich source of nutrients, vitamins,
enzymes, antibiotics and growth hormones. So it
gives disease resistance to plansts. Nutrient content
of vermicompost is higher than traditional composts.
It is a valuable soil amendment.
Vermicompost horbours certain microbial
populations that help in N fixation and P
solubilization. Its application enhances nodulation in
legumes and symbiotic mycorrhizal associations with
the roots.
43. 43
BINM: Vermicompost
Superiority of vermicompost over other synthetic growth
media is more pronounced in plant nurseries. It can be
used as rooting medium and for establishment of
saplings in nurseries.
It improves taste, lusture and keeping quality of the
produce.
It has immobilized enzymes like protease, lipase,
amylase, cellulase and chitinese which keep on their
function of biodegradation of agricultural residues in the
soil so that further microbial attack is speeded up.
It does not have foul odour as is associated with manures
and decaying organic wastes.