Vermicompost
M.Yuvaraj*
Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Agricultural College and Research Institute, Vazhavachanur, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Tamil Nadu (606 753), India
P. P. Mahendran
Department of Crop Management, Agriculture College and Research Institute, Kudumiyanmalai, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Tamil Nadu (622 104), India
DOI: NIL
Keywords: Climate, Earthworm, Plant growth, Vermicast
Abstract
Vermicomposting is the process of turning organic debris into worm castings. The worm castings are very important to the fertility of the soil. The castings contain high amounts of nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium. Castings contain: 5 times the available nitrogen, 7 times the available potash, and 1½ times more calcium than found in good topsoil. Earthworms live in the soil and feed on decaying organic material. After digestion, the undigested material moves through the alimentary canal of the earthworm, a thin layer of oil is deposited on the castings. Several researchers have demonstrated that earthworm castings have excellent aeration, porosity, structure, drainage, and moisture-holding capacity. The content of the earthworm castings, along with the natural tillage by the worms burrowing action, enhances the permeability of water in the soil.
Downloads
not found
Reference
Ndegwa, P.M.; Thompson, S.A.; Das, K.C. (1998). "Effects of stocking density and feeding rate on vermicomposting of biosolids" (PDF). Bioresource Technology. 71: 5–12.