Worms And Vermicomposting
Introduction : Vermicompost (or vermi-compost) is the product of the composting process using various species of worms, usually red wiglers, white worms, and other earthworms, to create a mixture of decomposing vegetable or food waste, bedding materials, and vermicast. Vermicast (also called worm castings, worm humus, worm manure, or worm feces) is the product of the breakdown of organic matter by earthworms.[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][1] These castings have been shown to contain reduced levels of contaminants and a higher saturation of nutrients than the organic materials before vermicomposting.Vermicompost contains water-soluble nutrients and is an excellent, nutrient-rich organic fertilizer and soil conditioner.[3] It is used in farming and small-scale sustainable, organic farming.
Importance of Vermicomposting:
Vermicomposting is more than just composting with worms. It is a way to help cut down on methane gases (greenhouse gases), its eco-friendly and produces one of the most nutrient enriched fertilizers around. It is cheap and low maintenance to produce. Most important it is one more way to make our tomorrow a little greener.
Best Types of Worms for Vermicomposting:
The best types of worms for vermicomposting are red wigglers (Eisenia fetida) and red worms (Lumbricus rubellus). These two species make great worms for the compost bin because they prefer a compost environment to plain soil, and they are very easy to keep.
Worms that feed on vegetable waste, compost, and organic bedding produce richer casting than those that feed on plain soil.
By – Assistant Professor – Neelam Devrari
Horticulture Department
Uttaranchal (P.G.) College Of Bio-Medical Sciences & Hospital
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