Vermicomposting is proposed as an effective way to reduce domestic organic waste through decomposition using earthworms. The document discusses how vermicomposting produces high-quality fertilizer while reducing issues like odor from organic waste accumulation. A study is proposed to measure the effectiveness of vermicomposting for domestic organic waste reduction by setting up worm bins using two methods - a drum composter and pit method - and applying the resulting vermicompost to home gardens.

1. Vermicomposting effectiveness in
domestic organic waste reduction.

2. 1.Introduction
Organic waste is the major environmental problem in most countries. Also in Sri Lankan scenario
organic waste cause many effects to the human and environment. In solid waste accumulation organic
waste take the more proportion. Organic waste cause forming odor, releasing methane gas, spreading
diseases,increasing house fly problems, pollute the surface water etc. Also when organic waste mix
with the other waste materials then it will be difficult to separate from each other. So the best
solution is reducing domestic organic waste that add to main sector of solid waste.
Vermicomposting is a method of making compost by using earthworms. So
vermicomposting can fulfill that requirement with its efficient and environmental friendly manner.
Vermicomposting provide high quality organic fertilizer for residents and their home gardens. Many
researchers found that nutrient composition of vermicomposting is high quality than the normal
composting methods. Now vermicomposting technology is an upgrading technology and some
countries get total benefits of its. In Sri Lankan scenario vermicomposting is not much popular as
much as than other countries. Vermicomposting can play a major role in sustainable development of a
country.
Soil fauna play a major role in soil processes especially in nutrient recycling.
Among of them Earthworms play a vital role in maintaining soil property’s quality and managing the
efficient recycling of nutrients. In the vermicomposting use this earth worms for making sustainable
organic manure. For millions of years that before the green revolution, earthworms have been
ploughing the soil and fertilizing them. But now earthworm population is less because of using
chemicals. By adding vermicomposting soil get the nutrients and also provide worms and their eggs
in to the soil. Then they help to maintain optimum soil properties.
By this research it is expected to measure the effectiveness of vermicomposting in domestic
organic waste reduction.
Keywords (Organic waste, Vermicomposting, Worms,Decomposition)
2.Research Problem
Organic waste are prominent in the most of case in the urban solid waste. Most of the solid waste
problems/issues derive from the organic waste. Ex. Odor, growth of flies. When organic waste mixed
with the other inorganic waste,it difficult to separate. Also then difficult to use for composting, Bio
gas…etc. So that if we can use a part of organic waste to decompose into organic fertilizer for
own home gardens then amount of urban organic solid waste will be reduce. Also when doing
normal composting in the home gardens can be derive problems with Odour, nutrients
leaching/loss, contaminations. So that Vermicomposting can help to reduce these problems
when we are doing in correct way. We can gain a nutrient rich fertilizer for home gardens.
3.Comprehensive literature review (local and international
including recent literature)

3. International
Composting is an important method of generating organic fertilizer through accelerated bio oxidation
(Dominguez et al. 1997). There are two types of composting mainly as windrow composting and
forced aerated piles (Dominguez et al. 1997).
Vermicomposting is a derivation of conventional composting technology. It is the method of
composting using earthworms. Mostly used worm types in vermicompost technology is Eisenia
foetida and Eudralilus eugeniae (Gupta, 2005). However various studies have been conducted to find
suitability of different worm species to increase the effectiveness of vermicomposting. In a study
conducted to it may be concluded that vermicomposting using Perionyx excavatus is beneficial in
treating garden waste due to it is high frequency of reproduction and faster growth rate than most
other species and the efficiency in converting organic matter(Jayanthi & Jayanthi 2014).
Vermicompost is a nutrient-rich, microbiologically-active organic fertilizer produced by interactions
between earthworms and microorganisms during the breakdown of organic matter. It is a stable,
granular material with a low C: N ratio, high porosity and high water holding capacity (Lazcano &
Domínguez 2011). It has many advantages; easy and cheap management, renewable,pollution
reduction, economically viable (Sharma, 2004).
Ability of pollution reduction by vermicompost is an important consideration in modern world.
Vermicompost can help restore the degenerated & chemically contaminated soils resulting from the
heavy use of agrochemicals (Anon 2009).
When considering manure based beddings, studies conducted in comparison of animal manure usage
in conventional composting with vermicompost it was concluded that cattle manure used to the active
phase of composting and vermicomposting, vermicompost exhibited lower levels of actinomycetes,
enhanced fungal growth and had low concentrations of total microbial biomass. In addition,
earthworms appeared to modify the degrading activity of the manure to a much greater extent than the
active phase of composting (Lazcano et al. 2008).
Furthermore studies conducted using turkey litter based vermicompost and compost resulted that
the vermicomposting potential of P. ceylanensis over turkey litter based bedding can produce nutrient-
rich vermicompost with superior quality (Jayakumar et al. 2011).
Vermicompost is a very effective way to stabilize fresh green waste such as fresh grass clippings,
green leaves that can be taking long time in conventional composting (Frederickson et al. 1997). In a
study conducted regarding vermicompost and compost as substrate component in root shrub cutting
growth it was concluded that vermicompost were good materials for rooting cuttings and could be
present at large proportions in the rooting media while compost had too high Electrical Conductivity
for this purpose and it considered appropriate for rooting media in low proportions (Fornes & Belda
2013).
Composting is a renowned subject in waste reduction sector. Use of vermicomposting in municipal
waste reduction has been researched previously. Through their analysis, it was concluded that E.
foetida to be superior in performance in reduction of total organic carbon, reduction in C: N ratio,
increase in EC (Pradhan & Sharma 2003). Therefore it is a good method to reduce organic waste by
vermicomposting.
Local
Composting is a frequently practiced method of organic fertilizer production. In Sri Lanka, compost
production has been a widely researched area. However vermicomposting is not much practiced in
agriculture practices. There are severalstudies done about different sectors of vermicomposting.
About 4,000 species of earthworms are found around the world but only few
species are used in vermicomposting. In a study done in Sri Lanka to find the performance of different
earthworm species in vermicomposting, they found that Peryonix excavates has better growth in
vermicompost yet Eudrilus eugeniae was the most efficient species among Eisenia foeitida and P.
excavates,E. eugeniae(Rajendran & Thivyatharsan 2014).
Earthworms are widely studied in both biological and soil science aspects.
Pontoscolex corathrurus, E. foeitida and P. excavates were studied for their spreading, cast and

4. cocoon production in order to insert them in to soil to assess the effect on soil fertility(Samaranayake
& Wijekoon 2010). The study resulted that highest number of casts,cocoons and adult population was
found in rainy season. It can be concluded that it was due to the fact that earthworms require high
moisture in their environment to moisten their skins. Their survival depends on that as their air
circulation is done by skin.
Vermicomposting bedding can be made with animal manure. Animal manure is a good source of
carbon. In a study conducted in Sri Lanka it has been estimated that using different animal manure for
vermicompost bedding can improve C: N ratio, carbon content and NPK values of vermicompost
(Kalmath & Swamy 2012).
Earthworms are very important soil organisms for agriculture. But pesticides and other artificial
chemicals destroys the earthworms. From a study conducted using Chlorpyrifos (Mangala et al.
2010), it was concluded that pesticide application can adversely effect on organic matter breakdown
under tropical conditions. After 2-3 months of recommended dose also has shown loss of soil
organisms such as termites and earthworms.
Effectiveness of vermicompost in domestic level was studied using okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.)
cultivation (Perera & Nanthakumaran 2015). The study was done comparing growth of plants, fruit
yield and quality of okra using different fertilizers. The study results posed that vermicompost had
almost close effect on growth as chemical fertilizer and the fruit quality and fruit yield was more than
all the fertilizers used.
4.Specific Objective/s
 To determine the suitability of vermicomposting for domestic waste reduction.
 To determine the decomposition rates with the vermicomposting.
 To apply vermicomposting for own home gardens.
 To work with natural system rather than eliminate them.
 To introduce easy and efficient organic manure to Sri Lanka residents.
5.Methodology
In the first step worm bins will be prepared. There two types of vermicomposting methods will be
used; Drum composter and Pit method. Drum composter will be made of plastic. Drum composter
dimensions, the diameter will be 0.56 m and height will be 0.85 m. After that there will be drill 12
holes with ½ inches. Plastic tray will be placed for bottom of worm bin to collect the any moisture
that may seep out. Also will be drilled holes on the upper sides of bin to help get the required Oxygen
and prevent odour. A lid will be used to provide shade for worms. Worm bin will be placed in the
room temperature.
A pit will be prepared in dimensions of 1.0 m width, 1.0 m length and 0.2 meter height. After that
a fabric cover with holes will be applied to the pit as an inner coating. Upper side will be covered by a
net.
In this 2 methods will be used same bedding. Shredded newspapers/Card board,Shredded leaves,
cow manure, compost, Grass clippings and some soil will be used as bedding material. This will be
added as a mixture and fill the bin with ¾ full of moist bedding. Allow to set the bedding material for
severaldays before the worm add.
Before fill the bedding will be add a sand layer to bottom with height of 5 cm and after will be
add coir dust layer with 5 cm on the sand layer. On that layers bedding will be added. Bedding will be
moistened thoroughly before adding the worms.
Epigeic and anecic earthworms will be added on the bedding layer. After thin cow dung and soil
layer will be added on the worms.

5. After this layers we can add suitable organic waste that disposal from home. Earth worms will be
ate Vegetable and food waste, Grass clippings, pulverized egg shells, tea bags, coffee grounds. Avoid
adding the chemicals, metals, glass, plastics. Bones, dairy products, meats and garlic, onions and
spicy foods. Suitable food scraps will be buried in the bedding materials at different locations.
Weight of the total organic waste of domestic will be measured as kg per day. Then will be
separated suitable materials from total organic waste and measure the separated material’s weight.
Then will be found the amount of domestic organic materials that can be used for vermicomposting
and reduced organic waste amount from disposal for a month.
During composting period moisture will be provided daily and keep the optimum moisture
content. After 3 months will be finished the procedure and take sample and examine the nutrient
content and pH of the samples.
Experimental design
6.2.1 Data/sample collection
Daily measure the weight of organic waste.
At the end collect the sample from vermicompost pile from different locations.
6.2.2 Study site
1 home garden and faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna.
6.2.3 Describe the study group and controls
Not relevant.
6.2.4 Validation and quality control of methods
Not relevant.
6.2.5 Cost effectiveness of proposed methodology
As raw materials we only use local materials. So that methodology cost is very low.
6.3 Describe the method of data analysis
Use mini tab software to analyze the data.

6. 6.Work plan
No Activities
1 2 3 4 5 6
1. 1Raw material
collection.
2. 2Preparation of
worm bins.
3. 3Bedding
preparation.
4. 4Filling
beddings and
adding worms.
5. 5Conducting
the trial.
6. Data
collection.
7. Sample
analysis
8. Data analysis
9. Literature
collection
10. Preparation of
research
articles.
11. Final report
preparation
Month

7. 7.Summary of Budget
(1) Personnel
(i) NSF Research
Scientist
(ii) Research Student
(iii) Technical Assistant
(iv) Labour/Other
1st
Year
0.00
210,000.00
108,000.00
5392.40
Sub Total(Personnel)
323,392.40
(2) Equipment
400,000.00
(3) Consumables
4500.00
(4) Sample analysis (if outsourced)
0.00
(5) Statistical analysis
0.00
(6) Calibration of instruments
0.00
(7) Postgraduate registration fees
0.00
(8) Travel & Subsistence
37,000.00
(9) Miscellaneous
45,000.00
GRAND TOTAL
809,892.40

8. References
Kalmath, G.P. & Swamy, M.N.,2012. Animal manure as raw material for vermicomposting.
Wayamba Journal of Animal Science, pp.433–436.
Mangala, P. et al., 2010. Author ’ s personal copy Chlorpyrifos causes decreased organic matter
decomposition by suppressing earthworm and termite communities in tropical soil.
Environmental Pollution, 158(2010), pp.3041–3047.
Perera,K.I.M. & Nanthakumaran,A.,2015. Technical feasibility and effectiveness of
vermicomposting at household level. Tropical plant research,2(1), pp.51–57.
Rajendran, M. & Thivyatharsan, R., 2014. PERFORMANCE OF DIFFERENT SPECIES OF
EARTHWORMS ON VERMICOMPOSTING. International Journal of Research In Agriculture and
Food Sciences, 2(3), pp.1–6.
Samaranayake,J.W.K. & Wijekoon, S., 2010. EFFECT OF SELECTED EARTHWORMS ON SOIL
FERTILITY, PLANT GROWTH AND VERMICOMPOSTING. TropicalAgricultural Research &
Extension, 13(2), pp.33–40.
Dominguez, J., Edwards,C.A. & Subler, S., 1997. A Comparison of vermicomposting and
composting. Biocycle, (April), pp.57–59.
Fornes, F. & Belda, R.M., 2013. Compost versus vermicompost as substrate constituents for rooting
shrub cuttings. Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), 11(2),
pp.518–528.
Frederickson, J. et al., 1997. Combining vermiculture with traditional green waste composting
systems. Soil Biology and Biochemistry, 29(3/4), pp.725–730.
Gupta, P. K.,2005. Vermicomposting for sustainable agriculture. 2 ed. Jodhpur: Agrobios.
Jayakumar, M. et al., 2011. Effect of turkey litter (Meleagris gallopavo L .) vermicompost on growth
and yield characteristics of paddy , Oryza sativa ( ADT-37 ). African Journal of Biotechnology,
10(68), pp.15295–15304.
Jayanthi, B. & Jayanthi, M., 2014. VERMICOMPOSTNGOF PRUNUS AMYGDALUS BY USING
PERIONYXEXCAVATUS. Review of research,4(2).
Lazcano, C. & Domínguez, J., 2011. THE USE OF VERMICOMPOST IN SUSTAINABLE
AGRICULTURE :IMPACT ON PLANT GROWTH. In M. Miransari, ed. Soil Nutrients. Nova
Science Publishers, Inc, pp. 1–23.
Lazcano, C., Gómez-brandón, M. & Domínguez, J.,2008. Comparison of the effectiveness of
composting and vermicomposting for the biological stabilization of cattle manure for the biological
stabilization of cattle manure. Chemosphere, 72(2008), pp.1013–1019.
Pradhan,K. & Sharma, S., 2003. Municipal solid waste management through vermicomposting
employing exotic and local species of earthworms. Bioresource Technology, 90(2003), pp.169–173.
Sharma, A. K., 2004. Biofertilizer. 1 ed. Jodhpur: Agrobios.