Earthworms And Vermicompost

EARTHWORMS AND VERMICOMPOST We manufacture and export a unique range of Earth Worm & Vermicompostacross the world. Our Vermicompost are used by a large number of customers to meet their varied requirements. These Vermicompost are developed by highly qualified and experienced professionals who are familiar with latest market demand. We provide Earth Worm & Vermicompost at very cost effective prices, which suit to customers’ budget. Charles Darwin first showed the significance of earthworms as agent of soil formation and in maintaining the soil fertility and hence he was known as the “Father of Earthworm Farming”. We all know the importance of earthworms in agriculture. Earthworms play an important role in improving the soil properties physically, chemically and biologically, which are necessary for obtaining better crop yields. Earthworms contains large amount of proteins (70%) in their body, which can be used as portentous food for animals, birds and fishes & even to human beings in some countries. Few valuable amino acids, proteins & medicines are extracted from the earthworm body, which are useful for human beings. The conversion of any organic waste in the form of vermicompost is the major role played by the earthworms in the nature. The enrichment of plant nutrients through vermicompost is achieved by the earthworms. The earthworm farming is not a new technology as it has a long history, however it was not adopted scientifically. But now it becomes very essential to adopt earthworm farming scientifically for economic point of view as well as for stability & sustainability in agriculture production. Under improper intensive farming and technologies the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in the soil is increasing. The soil becomes dead and unproductive as a result the production level goes on decreasing. Organic farming in the form of vermicompost obtained from the earthworms is one way to overcome the problems of low productivity. The earthworms enhance the decomposition rate of organic waste and improve the biological activities in the soil. The production of vermicompost from any organic waste i.e. agricultural waste, city garbage, industrial waste and sewage waste by using earthworms and its utilization in agriculture is one of the most Economic ways in keeping the soils alive for sustainable production/productivity. Earthworm population is required in

abundance for the production of vermicompost from organic waste. The potential benefits of the vermicompost are as under: It helps in reduction of noxious qualities of a wide variety of organic waste i.e. elimination of smell, reduction of harmful micro-organism, increase in bulk density & greater ease of physical handling. It helps in production of marketable organic fertilizer. It helps in protein production for stock food or even human food from organic waste. The compost is very dark in color and similar to farmyard manure in color uses and appearance. Compost should be dark brown in color and has a fine smell and should have 15-20 % moisture in it. HIGH GRADE VERMICOMPOST Our High Grade Vermicastings is a wonderful natural organic fertilizer, rich in beneficial micro organisms and nutrients. Our High Grade Vermicastings contains 16 types of nutrients and they are mixed at the right Proportion. These nutrients are readily available for the Plants at any given time and in addition they are water soluable. Our High Grade Vermicastings Contains large quantity of humus, which helps soil particles to cluster, which create channels for the passage of air, water and improve its holding capacity. So plant root get more pore space and plants get more water holding capacity, so water requirements of the plant is decreased. The result is root growth factor, plant germination rate, stem diameter are markedly increased. Humus consist more Humic acid and they bind plant nutrients but they also release nutrients to the plants at the time of demand. Humus prevent the harmful effects of plant, Pathogens , fungi and nematodes and unwanted bacteria. The Micro organisms known as actino mycetes, which is a main component of the High Grade Vermicastings is one of the best antibiotics for plants and protect the plants from disease and pest. Our High Grade Vermicastings contain large amounts of asospirillam which is of great use in maintaining the nitrogen factor in soil. Our High Grade Vermicastings also contain large amounts of enzymes, plant growth hormones and vitamins. Nutrients present in Our High Grade Vermicastings , has higher life time ( 2- 3 time) when compared with the field soil. It increase the perfume of flowers, quality, life period, cultivation of flowers, and also their yield. Our High Grade

Vermicastings is biologically active mound containing thousands of bacteria’s enzymes, hormones and vitamins. The soil containing Our High Grade Vermicastings has, N-5 times, phos –7 times, pota – 11 times, mg-2 times, cal-2 times higher than other field soil and FYM (farm yard manure).

Micro organisms grow 100 times more in the field soil when it enriched with Our High Grade Vermicastings . So the result is the micro organisms grow more when Our High Grade Vermicastings are mixed with the soil. Our High Grade Vermicastings absorb the moisture from open air at night time and maintain the moisture level of the soil at correct ratio. Calcium is present in higher concentration in Our High Grade Vermicastings and it correct the ph level of soil at correct ratio and also maintain the ph level of the soil at correct ratio. In Our High Grade Vermicastings micro organisms present 1000 times more than that of field soil and these micro organisms give all kinds of nutrients to the plants. So the nutrients available to the plants are increased and the growth rate of the plants is much higher than their normal level. Our High Grade Vermicastings do not burn and not burn the plant and has no odour. BENEFITS ➢ Ph level of the soil is maintained at correct level ( 7.2 – 7.5) ➢ Soil factor of soil are corrected. So top soil is protected and loss of nutrients is reduced ➢ Readily available nutrients are present in Our High Grade Vermicastings which is readily soluble and leaves no residue in the soil. ➢ Our High Grade Vermicastings has many growth hormones such as cytokines, gibberellins and auxins which help in obtaining the best growth. ➢ All nutrients are mixed at a correct ratio, so that it is not toxic and in addition it prevents deficiency synptoms in Plants. ➢ Encourages vigorous plant growth and fibrous rootsystem. ➢ Helps with moisture retention improve aeration of soil. ➢ No odor, fumes or worry of human health concerns when applying. ➢ The yield is increased at marked able.

➢ The yield of the plant is very very tasty, colourful , harmless and rich in ➢ ➢

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quality. The seeds of the product has higher germination capacity. Our High Grade Vermicastings is Ecofriendly The plant attains drought resistance capacity. Use of Our High Grade Vermicastings results in increased growth of plants and increased disease resisting power of the plants therefore the yield is increased by 15 – 30%.

BIOLOGICAL BENEFITS ➢ ➢ ➢ ➢ ➢ ➢ ➢

It has improved nitrogen fixation by increased microbial activity It Suppresses growth of Planet pathogenic microbes. It reduces nematode population in the soil Good Subtract for microbial growth. Soil structure is transformed from hard to light. Erosion is reduced and prevents top soil crusting Enhances porosity and percolation.

CHEMICAL BENEFITS ➢ Maximies retention of nutrients in the soil ➢ Maintain Soil ph level balanced

➢ Improve soil organic matter ➢ Improve uptake of nutrient by Plants. VERMICOMPOSTING USING LOCAL VARIETIES OF EARTHWORMS About two thousand five hundred species of earthworms have been identified in the world of which more than five hundred species of earthworms have been identified in India. These earthworms can be cultured or used in composting applying simple procedures either in pits, crates, tanks, concrete rings or any containers. Organic material to be used is recommended only after pre-processing or pre-digestion of respective material through partial anaerobic phase (done under black polythene cover or with a clay seal

layer). The biodung composting technology standardised by Dr Priti Joshi is highly recommended as a pre-digestion mechanism. Diversity of earthworm species varies with different types of soils and hence choosing a local or native species of earthworm for the local soil and for vermicomposting is an important step. There is no need to import earthworms from elsewhere. Local species of earthworms that are generally used in India are Perionyx excavatus and Lampito mauritii. Compost pit of any convenient dimension can be dug in the backyard or garden or in a field. The most convenient pit of easily manageable size is 2m x 1m x 0.75m. [A tank may be constructed with brick and mortar with proper water outlets, or a plastic crate (600 mm x 300 mm x 300 mm) with holes drilled at the bottom or empty wooden crates (deal wood boxes/apple cases) or well rings made of cement or clay of 750 mm diameter and 300 to 450 mm height can also be used with slight modifications in the thickness of layers used. If nothing is available then four worn out car-tyres be placed one above the other and composting started in it. To make it simpler it can also be done in a 25-litre bucket]

Vermibed (vermes= earthworms; bed= bedding) is the actual layer of good moist loamy soil placed at the bottom, about 150 to 200 mm thick above a thin layer (50 mm) of broken bricks and coarse sand. Earthworms are introduced into the loamy soil, which the worms will inhabit as their home. About 100 earthworms (a combination of epigeics and anecics) may be introduced into a compost pit of about 2m x 1m x 0.75m, with a vermibed of about 15 to 20 cm thick. The vermibed should always be kept moist, but should never be flooded. Handful? lumps of fresh cattle dung are then placed at random over the vermibed. The compost pit is then layered to about 50 mm with dry leaves or preferably chopped hay/straw. For the next 30 days the pit is kept moist by watering it whenever necessary. The bed should neither be dry nor soggy. The pit may then be covered with coconut or Palmyra leaves or an old jute (gunny) bag to discourage birds. Plastic sheets on the bed are to be avoided as they trap heat. After the first 30 days, as above, wet organic waste of animal and/or plant origin from the kitchen or hotel or hostel or farm that has been pre-digested is spread over it to a thickness of about 50 mm. This can be repeated twice a week. All these organic wastes can be turned over or mixed periodically with a pickaxe or a spade. Care should be taken not to disturb the vermibed in which the worms live. Keep adding garbage till the

compost pit is nearly full. Continue to keep the pit moist for another 30 to 45 days, turning over the material in the pit with care avoiding injury to the worms. Turning over can be done on every fifth or seventh day with the help of a forked spade. Regular watering should be done to keep the right amount of moisture in the pits. In 60 to 90 days the compost should be ready as indicated by the presence of earthworm castings (vermicompost) on the top of the bed. The compost should be turned occasionally since this allows for aeration. If the weather is very dry it should be dampened periodically. The pile should be moist not wet and soggy. Vermicompost can now be harvested from the bin/pit. The material should be placed in a heap in the sun so that most of the worms move down to the cool base of the heap. The compost is then sieved before being packed. . The earthworms and the thicker material, which remains on top of the sieve, goes back in the bin and the process starts again. Compost works best with a mixture of coarse and fine materials, layered together. An interesting fact is that it was Charles Darwin who was one of the first persons who noted the importance of earthworms, more than a century ago. These "creepy-crawly" creatures are the most useful gardeners. They break down dead plant material and other organic wastes, recycle the nutrients, and turn over the soil. You can collect earthworms from your neighbourhood or get earthworms from nurseries. One can also contact the local agricultural department, municipalities, and nurseries of the forest departments for earthworms. Since earthworms are now becoming big business one can also check in the firms/horticultures/nurseries, which deal in earthworms, but is always desirable to collect them yourselves. FOUR-TANK SYSTEM To simplify the loading procedure for composting in rural sectors where the availability of organic material is not in bulk, a four-tank system can be set up based on a combination of biodung composting method and vermitech technique that enables continuous compost production using cattle dung produced daily at cattle sheds, weeds, leaf litter and other farm waste. A tank 4m x 4m x 1m (l x b x h) is preferably made under shade of tree. This is then divided into four equal parts with 22.5cm brick walls that have vents to facilitate aeration as well as migration of earthworms from one tank to another. This unit is designed especially for the small farmer who

approximately collects 20 to 30 kg of cattle or farm waste per day. The schedule of loading the unit is described in the Table. In the same manner two-tank system for household garbage or less quantity of farm waste is recommended. This is a smaller tank 1m x 1m x 1m made above ground under shade. The tank is divided into two equal halved units vertically by a wall containing vents. An average family produces 250 to 500 gm of garbage that is added daily into one of the tanks. After a few days when a layer is formed 15 to 20 cm dry/green leaves and a thin layer of soil are made to cover it. VERMICOMPOST is known to be the world's best fertiliser and it is known to change the look of your garden. Vermicompost means that the worms are kept in a bin with shredded paper or other biodegradable bedding. You feed them food waste that you get from your kitchen. They feed on the food waste and digest the waste and bedding then excrete nutrient-rich castings. After a few months, the castings combined with the well-decomposed bedding, become vermicompost -- one of the richest soil improvements around. It is a simple method and it does wonders on your garden, plants, flowers and vegetable garden. To start Vermicompost you will require the following things. ➢ ➢ ➢ ➢

A bin Biodegradable bedding Food waste Worms

BIN For worm containers use wooden boxes, metal tubs and plastic basins, provided they allow good air circulation. The worm container should be shallow and not too deep, no more than 18 inches deep. To determine the size of bin you need, you'll need to calculate how much food waste your family creates in an average week. For example: If your household creates an average of four pounds of food waste each week, a 2x2' bin should be adequate. The bin should have the greatest surface area for proper air circulation and for dumping more food waste. For proper air circulation drill 1/4" drainage holes through the bottom of your bin. For example for plastic, drill 14-20 holes, 9-12 holes for a wooden container. Raise the bin up on bricks or wooden blocks, and place a tray or a sheet of plastic underneath. Put your bin in some comfortable place, and where worms won't be

subjected to extreme temperatures. Worms like temperatures ranging from 55-77° F. BEDDING Bedding giving worms a place to work and rest. It also helps hold moisture in your box. Use light, fluffy biodegradable materials free from pesticides or chemicals. For perfect bedding tear newspaper (without the colour comics and glossy advertisements) into thin strips, the thinner the better. You can also use shredded cardboard. Put some sand in to the bedding since it contributes nutrients and grit to help worms digest food waste. Periodically sprinkle small amounts of crushed eggshells or ground limestone, which is a good source of calcium. Plan on 5 to 8 pounds of bedding for a 2'x2' box. Place the bedding in a clean trashcan or other large container. Pour in three pounds of water per pound of dry bedding, and mix well. Note that the bedding should be uniformly damp, but not dripping wet. Toss in a handful of soil, crushed eggshells, or other additives. Lift and fluff the bedding to aerate then put it into the bin. Sprinkle the worms over the surface of the bedding, gently untwining any wiggling clumps. Place a bright overhead light over the bin and the worms will burrow down into the bedding. It is advisable to leave a light on your worm box for the first three or four days. After a few days the worms will settle down and do their best. WORMS The best worms for vermicomposting are red worms (Eisenia foetida or Lumbricus rubellus). The red worm is capable of reproducing quickly in captivity, while munching profuse quantities of food waste. If your bin is a 2x2' bin then use one pound of worms (1000 worms). You can buy worms from garden centres or nurseries. FOOD WASTE Worms are not picky eaters; they will munch on just about anything. Give your worms peels and other vegetable waste. However while giving them banana waste don't put the peel because banana peel attracts fruit flies. You can even toss in coffee filters and tea bags, but do take off the tea bag tag and the little metal. You can also put plate scrapes, eggshells in the bin. Things that are absolutely No-No are meat and bone, dog and cat litter, plastic, glass, aluminium foil and other non-biodegradable items. FEEDING THE WORMS To feed the worms divide the bin in four sections. Bury scraps under a few inches of bedding in the first section and cover it with loose plastic or

newspaper. After 4/5 days its time to feed the worms again and then fill the scrapes in the second section. This way you can fill all the sections and you don't have to dig into the waste. Remember red worms are voracious eaters but your bin should not smell of bad odour. If that is the case then you have added too much of food and the worms are finding it difficult to cope up. Stir the bedding to aerate, cover the box and add no more food until the smell hasn't gone. Worms are low-maintenance, and you can skip two or three weeks without feeding them. Any longer than that, and you'll have a big box of dead worms. WORM HARVESTING The method of harvesting is very simple. Put on your rubber gloves. Place a large sheet of plastic on the floor or on a table. Pour the entire contents of the bin onto the sheet. Shape the compost into cone-shaped mounds. Then shine a bright light above the mounds; this will drive the worms toward the bottom interior of each mound. Wait 5-10 minutes, and then gently scrape off the layers of vermicompost until all you have left is worms. Put the worms into a temporary storage container while you clean out the bin and fill it with fresh bedding. You may see tiny, lemon-shaped cocoons; these contain baby worms, so be sure to add them to the new bin. Bury food scraper for four months and you will get a nice box full of vermicompost after leaving the bin alone for three to four months.