Vermi Composting

Project at a Glance

Vermicomposting

Department of Zoology was established vermicomposting unit since from year 2009.

⦁    Goal:

⦁    Vermiculture and vermicomposting is one of the most valuable ecological endeavors we have engaged in as it caters not only environmental protection but also helped us acquire knowledge on its proper methodology
⦁    Vermiculture is environment friendly since earthworms feed on anything that is biodegradable, vermicomposting then partially aids in organic waste management.
⦁    Vermicompost does not have any adverse effect on soil, plant and environment.
⦁    It improves soil aeration and texture thereby reducing soil compaction
⦁    E. foetida is especially adapted to living in a decaying environment, especially ones such as rotting vegetables, manure and actual compost, which makes it a very good choice for vermicomposting

 Context:-
⦁    Vermiculture and vermicomposting technology training is given to for the student and farmer
⦁    2.This practice is considered as a consultancy.
⦁    3.Manuare is used for Garden of college and excess is sold in general market

Practice:
⦁    Vermiculture is the science of worm composting. Worms can eat their body weight each day in fruit and vegetable scraps, leaving castings as the byproduct. Worm castings are called worm compost (www.gardens.com).
⦁    Clean-up and Preparation of Vermi Beds.We have cleaned each vermi beds and started to gather substrates.
⦁    Substrate Application- We put a mixture of loam soil, carabao manure and partially decomposed leaves in the first vermi bed while in the second bed; we put a mixture of carabao manure, partially decomposed rice straw and rice hull and shredded moist newspapers.
⦁    Before putting the substrate the  materials could easily decompose (partial decomposition). We also mixed the different media together well for the worms to easily digest these.
⦁    .Introducing the Red wriggler (Eisenia foetida). After 10 days upon putting the substrates into the vermi beds, we introduce the vermi worms into the substrate.
⦁    Introducing the Vermi Worms, Red wriggler (Eisenia foetida). After 10 days upon putting the substrates into the vermi beds,
⦁    We used the Red wriggler (Eisenia foetida) in our vermicompost. Aerobic decomposition lasts for 7 – 14 days depending on the materials used and the ratio of the worms to the substrate  Within the period, we moistened (not soggy) the substrate regularly to provide the right moisture (60 - 80%) for the vermi worms to grow and multiply.
⦁    Feeding the Vermi Worms. After introducing the red wrigglers, we fed the worms by placing vegetable waste, weeds etc
⦁    Harvesting of Vermicast. Harvesting will commence 10 to 14 days or 2 weeks after stocking of worms.
⦁    Re-Applying Substrates. After the harvest of the vermi cast, we applied substrates in the vermi beds anew. In the first bed, we put pure carabao manure without any loam soil like what we put before.
⦁    Using the Harvested Vermicast. Our harvested vermicast or worm manure was used as organic fertilizer for seedlings and college garden

Evidence of Success:

⦁    The Vermiculture and Vermicomposting activity is such a worthwhile and exciting venture. We have learned a lot specifically in the methodologies, benefits and significance of this activity. After almost three months, project delivery and execution, we can therefore conclude that:
⦁    Vermiculture is a substantial way of reducing wastes, producing fertilizers and maintaining the balance of the ecological environment;
⦁    Vermicomposting can produce high-quality fertilizers which are better compared to other commercial fertilizers in the market;
⦁    Vermiculture converts farm wastes into organic fertilizer, making it an environment-friendly technology;
⦁    Vermiculture increases crop yield and lessens dependence on chemical fertilizers thus mitigating climate change;
⦁    Vermiculture can be made into a livelihood program and become a source of extra income through selling the vermicast and also the vermi worms;
⦁    Taking worms out of their natural environment and placing them in the vermi beds creates a human responsibility. They are living creatures with their own unique needs, so it is important to create and maintain a healthy habitat for them to do their work. If you supply the right ingredients and care, your worms will thrive and make compost for you.

 Problems Encountered and Resources Required (Financial, Human & Other)

⦁    Vermiculture is a way of composting using earthworms to speed up the process. We, in the group, have engaged ourselves in our unique way of innovative vermiculture and vermicomposting activity for almost three months. From that span of time, we recommend that:
⦁    Sufficient time should be allotted for the project in order to maintain it towards its sustainable development
⦁    Better infrastructure for the project should be identified for easy supervision and monitoring;
⦁    Appropriate roofing materials should be used in establishing the beds’ roofings to prevent excessive rain in penetrating the culture beds that can possibly kill the vermin worms;
⦁    Proper ventilation in the vermi beds should be provided, this can be done through proper roofing because partially closed vermi beds might hinder the worms to access oxygen which they need for them to replicate;
⦁    Schedule of the project-in-charge of the day should be systematically planned and designated so that the project will be monitored regularly to prevent circumstances that might destruct or hinder the progress of the project.
⦁    Special technical and supportive staff should be appointed by the management.
⦁    funds should be raise to extend this activity