Cultivating Tomorrow

Production of earthworm compost

In today’s times, farmers are using chemical fertilizers to a large extent in their fields. The reason behind this is that, due to the use of chemical fertilizers, a larger crop yield can be obtained in less time. However, the fertility of the soil has deteriorated. Also, the expenses for the farmer have increased.

The use of chemical fertilizers has led to the destruction of organisms like earthworms present in the soil. Earthworms work to loosen and aerate the soil, but due to chemical fertilizers, the earthworms in the fields have been destroyed.

Adopting organic farming has become necessary today because due to chemical farming, the structure of the soil has deteriorated, resulting in an increase in diseases. Therefore, organic fertilizers are very useful for organic farming. By using these fertilizers, we can practice sustainable agriculture and improve soil fertility.

What is Vermicompost?

Vermicompost is a living organism that resides in the soil, consuming organic matter in the soil. After consuming it, the essential parts are removed from its body and excreted outside, known as vermicompost. This process takes 24 hours.

Out of the nutrients that the earthworm consumes, it retains 10% for its body and removes 90% in the form of excreta from its body. Vermicompost is a nutrient-rich organic substance required for plant growth. It contains stimulants, suitable microorganisms, and disease-resistant properties that enhance plant growth.

Vermicompost is an essential component in organic farming. It is necessary to replenish the soil for future harvests. In the current times, chemical fertilizers are extensively used, leading to a decrease in soil fertility. This has increased the cost of production for farmers. Therefore, the use of vermicompost is essential for solutions and environmental conservation.

Methods of Making Vermicompost

Vermicompost can be prepared using both the pit and heap methods. However, both methods require proper management. To protect it from rain and direct sunlight, a shed should be constructed. The length of this shed should be 4.25 meters for two rows and 7.50 meters for four rows. The sides of the shed should be open, and the height of the side pillars should be between 1.25 to 1.50 meters. The height of the central pillar should be between 2.25 to 2.50 meters. Different materials such as straw, coconut leaves, or sorghum stalks, thick plastic sheets, or cement or wooden sheets can be used for the shed cover. Choose the appropriate type of earthworm for preparing vermicompost.

Maintain a temperature between 25 to 30 degrees Celsius for the best results.

Method 1: Pit Method

In this method, a pit of about 2.5 to 3 meters in length and 90 cm in depth is prepared for making vermicompost. Firstly, the ground should be moistened by adding water and making it damp. On the bottom of the pit, create a layer of organic materials such as coconut husk, straw, rice husk, or similar materials, about 3 to 5 cm thick. Then, sprinkle plenty of water over this layer. On top of this layer, place a semi-decomposed layer of cow dung, compost, or partially decomposed soil from the garden. Once this layer is fully formed, earthworms are introduced.

Method 2: The pile foundation

In this method, the length of the pile made of cement is 3 meters, the diameter is 2 meters, and the pit is 60 cm deep. The bottom of the pile should be filled with coconut husk, rice husk ash, wheat straw, or decomposed manure or soil from the garden. Both layers should be completely soaked with water, usually requiring 100 kg of organic matter per 7,000 kg of solid material to create a fertile mixture. The upper layer should be given a thickness of at least 50 cm of decomposed organic matter. The pile should always be covered with a layer of compost to retain moisture. The presence of air among the organic materials in the pile is crucial for the decomposition process. Therefore, it is necessary to turn the pile regularly by hand. Maintaining a controlled temperature within the pile is important.

Composting and Fertilizer Production for Organic Farming Steps

01

Selection and Construction of the Compost Pit

When selecting a site for composting, choose an area with good drainage to avoid waterlogging. Additionally, make sure there are no large trees nearby, as their roots can deplete the nutrients in the compost. The dimensions of the pit should be approximately 5 to 25 meters in length, 3 meters wide, and 1 meter high, depending on the available space.

02

Composting Materials

Place a layer of organic waste such as crop residues, straw, and dried leaves at the bottom of the pit, with a thickness of 8 to 9 cm. Water this layer thoroughly. On top of this layer, add a mix of decomposed organic matter like livestock manure, kitchen waste, and green waste, with a thickness of 8 to 9 cm. Water this layer as well. Repeat this process until the pit is full.

Types of Compost

  • Epigeic: These composts are found on the surface of the soil. They consist of 80% organic matter and 20% soil and other materials. They have a high reproductive rate and are relatively small in size.
  • Anecic: These composts reside in the soil up to a depth of one meter. They consume organic matter and soil and are of medium size.
  • Endogeic: These composts reside in the soil at a depth of 3 meters or more. They are long in size, have a pale color, and have a very low reproductive rate. They mostly consume soil.

The characteristics and properties of these three types of compost, epigeic, anecic, and endogeic, are considered when preparing compost. Among them, the species Eisenia fetida, Perionyx excavatus, and Lampito mauritii are highly suitable for composting. They consume as much food as their own weight daily.

    Benefits of Compost Fertilizer

    • Improves soil structure.
    • Enhances the formation of soil aggregates.
    • Prevents soil erosion due to the roots of plants.
    • Increases the water retention capacity of the soil.
    • Reduces soil temperature.
    • Reduces the rate of evaporation.
    • Maintains the appropriate pH level of the soil.
    • Provides essential nutrients to the soil and promotes healthy plant growth.
    • Enriches the soil with humus, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and other essential nutrients.
    • Facilitates organic waste management.
    • Increases the population of beneficial microorganisms in the soil.
    • Helps in maintaining soil texture.
    • Promotes the survival of beneficial microorganisms in the soil.
    • Keeps the soil fertile.