Prepare Vermicompost With Us
Vermicomposting, in simple words is a process of converting biodegradable waste into an organic manure with the help of various species of worms. It consists of soil conditioning & fertilizing properties, helps in water retention, pest suppression and maintains nutrient balance in the soil. They are generally made using worms like earthworms, red worms called wigglers, white worms etc. Vermicomposting is a natural substitute of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Countries like Canada, Italy, Japan, India, Malaysia, the Philippines, and the United States are using large-scale vermicomposting. Read more.
Benefits of Vermicomposting-
1. Among its many benefits, vermicomposting contributes to waste recycling. Earthwormsconsumeindustrial, urban, domestic, agricultural, animal, paper,and solid waste,aswellaswastewater, during the process. This helps reuse waste in a way that it is beneficial to the environment.
2. Chemical fertilizers cause food poisoning in millions of people in various countries,andmanyofthese peopledie as an outcome. Thisiswhyvermicompost as a natural manureshouldbeusedinstead of harsh chemical fertilizers.
3. Ithasanumberofbiologicalbenefitsforsoil, it stimulates crop production and growth. Vermiculture has quite a substantial impact on the nutrient cycle and boosts crop pathogen and fungal disease resistance.
4. In addition to encouraging social responsibility, vermicompost may be beneficial for both the maker and the customer. It can also strengthen farming’s practical efficiency and production, as well as plant development. In addition, vermiculture minimizes the need for costly chemical fertilizers, which finally leads to cost cutting.
Also read- 15 Foods That Boost the Immune System
Vermicompost- Step By Step Guide
Now that we understand the purpose and necessity of vermicomposting, we can move on to the next phase, and that is the production of vermicompost. As we know that composting is a terrific way to minimize the overall environmental impact. It also creating a natural and useful soil addition that may save you from using highly corrosive fertilizers and pesticides. Unfortunately, many of you do not have enough yard area for a conventional compost heap at home. In this case, vermicompost is a fantastic alternative for composting at home because it takes up less room. All you’ll really need is some worms, organic garbage, and plant residue. Let’s have a look at the vercomposting process from beginning to end-
Step 1- Install a vermicomposting bed. In your backyard/garden, preferably 1 metre broad and 5 metres long and away from an air conditioner, heater, or oven.
Step 2- Hydrate the vermicompost bed so the worms don’t perish and can breathe effortlessly. Make sure it doesn’t get too soggy.
Step 3- The organic waste products should now be added to the bedding. Plant leftovers, kitchen residue, leaves, animal waste, and other materials can be added, avoid any sort of oily materials as it may attract ants. Make sure it’s uniformly spread on the compost bed.
Step 4- Rinse the bed with water. Make sure you have adequate water on hand. Keep a watch on the compost’s progress on a continuous basis.
Step 5- Finally, 1 kilogram of earthworms, red worms, and white worms should be added. The worms will ingest the organic waste and transit it through their digestive system, producing vermicompost, which is a granular form of castings.
Step 6- Put a cover on top of the compost bed, but make sure there is enough airflow. Worms prefer dark light conditions. Cotton sacks should used for the same. Plastic sheets should be avoided since they can trap heat and gases.
Step 7- Examine the amount of moisture on a regular basis. The earthworms will perish in dry situations, and they will dry out in damp conditions.
Step 8- In about a month, the vermicompost should be ready to harvest. You should begin collecting from the bedding’s top. Separate the earthworms from the undecomposed components by sieving the gathered harvest.
Step 9- You may put the remains to the compost pit, where it will be better utilized in the next term.
Step 10- The collected result might be utilized right away or saved for future fertilization activities. Before storing it, make sure it’s completely dry. And there you go, you have your exquisite manure ready!
How to start vermicomposting ?
Vermicomposts have quite a high concentration of micro and macro nutrients that plants require. Depending on the type of plant or manure used in vermicomposting, the amount varies. Vegetable cultivation and kitchen gardening have been transformed by vermicompost. It has produced the finest results in organic farming when compared to all other fertilizers. It may be used as a major fertilizer for all types of fruiting, subterranean, and leafy vegetables, whether they are planted in containers or raised beds Vermicomposting has grown in favor in both industrial and home settings because, as compared to traditional composting, it allows for an accelerated treatment of organic wastes.
FAQ
- What is vermicompost and why is it important?
A. Vermicompost is a type of compost made from organic waste that is processed by earthworms. It is an important form of organic fertilizer that can help improve soil health and plant growth while also reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills.
- What materials can be used to make vermicompost?
A. A wide range of organic materials can be used to make vermicompost, including food waste, yard waste, and even paper products. However, it is important to avoid materials that are toxic or can harm the earthworms, such as meat, dairy, and pet waste.
- How do I set up a vermicomposting system?
A. To set up a vermicomposting system, you will need a container or bin with bedding material, such as shredded paper or cardboard, and a population of earthworms. The bedding material should be damp but not too wet, and the bin should be placed in a cool, dark area with good air flow.
- How do I feed the earthworms in my vermicomposting system?
A. To feed the earthworms, simply add organic waste to the bin on a regular basis. It is important to avoid overfeeding, as this can cause odors and attract pests. A general rule of thumb is to add roughly equal amounts of food waste and bedding material.
- How long does it take to produce vermicompost?
A. The length of time it takes to produce vermicompost depends on a variety of factors, including the size of your system, the type of earthworms you are using, and the temperature and humidity in your composting area. Generally, it can take several months to a year to produce usable vermicompost.
- How do I harvest vermicompost?
A. To harvest vermicompost, simply remove the finished compost from the bottom of the bin and separate it from any remaining bedding material or undigested waste. This can be done by hand or using a sifter. The remaining bedding material and earthworms can be returned to the bin to continue the composting process.
- How do I use vermicompost in my garden?
A. Vermicompost can be used as a soil amendment to improve soil health and plant growth. Simply add a layer of vermicompost to the top of the soil or mix it in with the soil when planting. It can also be used as a liquid fertilizer by steeping it in water and applying it to plants.