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How to make ‘Vermicompost’

Vermicompost acts as a fertilizer for organically deprived soil which can be replenished using the nutrients present in the compost thus making it more useful for plants. A vermicompost is comparatively more rich in mineral components like potassium, Sulphur, Phosphorus and others which is an added advantage for the soil and plant growth.

Updated on: 31 January, 2022 11:55 AM IST By: Dr. Sangeeta Soi
Vermicompost

Vermicompost acts as a fertilizer for organically deprived soil which can be replenished using the nutrients present in the compost thus making it more useful for plants. Vermicompost is comparatively richer in mineral components like potassium, Sulphur, Phosphorus, and others which is an added advantage for soil and plant growth.

It is the main role of earthworms that makes the compost useful. The important use of making vermicompost is that it can be used in your own farms as well as can be sold after packaging which is a whole new idea of processing in order to make the profit through a simple and easy technique which one can perform at home or in your backyard.

So, come let us know, how to prepare vermicompost through these simple steps:

  1. Make a tank of cement or one can just make a pit in your backyard or farm.

  2. Spread some earthworms, especially the species that are not deep soil dwellers instead they remain on top of the soil. Spread them at the base.

  3. Now put some soil in the tank and make it full by half.

  4. The base material needed should comprise cow dung, Goat and sheep dung, Organic sludge, Tree leaves, Crop residues, Sawdust, Sugarcane trash, Weeds, Coir waste, Slurry from the biogas plant, Poultry droppings, Vegetable wastes, Provide moisture to the soil.

  5. Add all the organic matter or organic waste of your household and farm avoiding meat and dairy products. Spread them evenly.

Explanation of vermicompost formation

6. As earthworm feed on the decomposed matter so leaves the tank for 3-4 days for decomposition of the organic material.

7. Beds should be turned once after 30 days for better aeration and proper decomposition

8. Compost gets ready after 45-50 days

9.The finished product is 3/4th of the raw material used.

Harvesting of vermicompost

Compost, when getting ready, appears dark black in color it can be sieved using fine seaver attached to the motor or manually. Before harvesting the compost the organic manure should be stopped adding a week prior and also stop watering so that the earthworms may move towards the base making the upper layer dry. Remove the portion from the top layer. The separated earthworms can be reintroduced in the tank to make another round of compost.

The most sieved can be packed and processed to sell in the market and the earthworms can be shared with other farmers who wish to make compost.

So, what’s waiting for !! Make your own and enjoy…..

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