Vermicompost

Vermicompost is a managed process of worms digesting organic matter to transform the material into a beneficial soil amendment. Vermicompost is defined as the organic matter of plant and animal origin consisting mainly of finely divided earthworm casting, produced non thermophilically with bio-oxidation and stabilization of the organic material due to the interaction between aerobic microorganism and earthworms as the material pass through the earthworm gut.

Good quality compost production in ambient temperature can also be accomplished in a shorter time by the process of vermicomposting that involves the use of proper species of earthworm. The native cellulose activity of earthworms and microorganisms in the earthworm gut promote faster decomposition of ingested organic material. The combined effect of enzymatic activity and grinding of organic material to fineness by earthworms produces vermicomposting and that is not observed in compost pits without earthworms.

The earthworms are voracious eaters who consume biodegradable matter and give out a part of the matter as excreta or vermin casting. The vermicast contains nutrient-rich manure for the plant. vermicompost apart from supplying nutrients and growth-enhancing hormones to the plant improves the soil structure leading to increase water and nutrient holding capacity.

Advantages of Vermicompost:

· Vermicompost is rich in all essential plant nutrients.

· Provides excellent effect on overall plant growth encourages the growth of new shoots, leaves improve the quality and self-life of the produce.

· Vermicompost is free-flowing, easy to apply, handle and store and doesn’t have any bad odor.

· It improves soil structure, texture, aeration, and water holding capacity and prevents soil erosion.

· Vermicompost is rich in beneficial microflora such as fixers, P- solubilizers, cellulose decomposing, microflora etc in addition to improving the soil environment.

· Vermicompost contains earthworm cocoons and increases the population and activity of earthworms in the soil.

· It neutralizes soil protection.

· It prevents nutrient losses and increases the use efficiency of chemical fertilizers.

· Vermicompost is free from pathogens, toxic elements, weed seeds etc.

· Vermicompost minimizes the incidence of pest and diseases.

· It enhances the decomposition of organic matter in soil.

· It contains valuable vitamins, enzymes and hormones like auxins and gibberellins.