Method of Vermicomposting

EARTHWORMS SPECIES USED FOR VERMICOMPOSTING

More than 3000 species of earthworm has been discovered in world out of then 2 species are used in making vermicompost such as Eisenia foetida (surface feeder) & Eudrilus eugeniae(night crawler) are mostly used because they are heavy feeder and have a ability to convert wide range of natural waste into Black gold within a short periods and have ability to survival temperature up to 39°C.

METHOD OF VERMICOMPOSTING

Basically there are different method of vermicomposting but out of them two methods are mostly used which is as follows:

• Pit method
• Bed method

PIT METHOD

In this method composting is done in cement pit of size 2*1*1 m or in vermi bags, the length may be change according to the requirements.

MATERIAL REQUIREMENT

• Brick chopps or Stone
• Cow dung
• Dry leaf
• Green leaf
• Jute bags
• Water
• Earthworm
• Soil

PROCEDURE

1. Firstly make a layer of brick/stone 10cm in pit.
2. Then make a cow dung slurry in a bucket and pour it 5cm on that brick/stone layer.
3. Then make a soil layer of 5cm on cow dung slurry layer.
4. After the soil layer release 200-300 earthworm per pit.
5. Then add dry leaves 10-15cm on soil layer.
6. Make a layer of semi-decompose cow dung 10-15cm on dry leaves layer.
7. Then make a layer of green leaves or fodder 10-15cm on that semi-decomposed cow dung layer.
8. Again make a layer of semi-decompose cow dung 10-15cm on green leaves layer.
9. Then watering the pit according to the requirement of moisture contain.
10. Now finally cover the jute bag on the pit.

FAVOURABLE CONDITION FOR EARTHWORM

• pH nearly neutral between 6.5-7.5.
• Aeration 50-60%
• Temperature 25-29°C 
• Moisture 60-70%

WATERING SCHEDULE

• In rainy season, watering the pit twice in a week.
• In winter season, watering once in a day.
• In summer season, watering twice in a day.

HARVESTING

• Stop watering when 80-90% natural waste is fully decomposed.
• Vermicompost is ready to harvest after 65-70 days.
• Harvesting should be done when it appear black or granules.
• After two days compost can be separated and use.

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