INTRODUCTION

 Vermiculture is the process of garden composting using worms. Overtime, all organic
material naturally goes through the process of decomposition. However, with
vermiculture, the process is significantly accelerated. The worms consume the
decaying organic material and then flush it out of their system in what is referred to
as ‘castings’ or ‘worm manure.’ The worm castings are nutrient rich.
 Vermiculture allows a grower to create organically rich compost year round. Most
growers use various types of worms such as earthworms, white worms, and red
wigglers to compost. The compost created by the worms is an excellent soil
conditioner and all-natural fertilizer.

METHOD OF PREPARATION OF VERMICOMPOST

 A thatched roof shed preferably open from all sides with unpaved (katcha) floor is
erected in East-West direction length wise to protect the site from direct sunlight.
 A shed area of 12’X12’ is sufficient to accommodate three vermibeds of 10’X3’ each
having 1’ space in between for treatment of 9-12 quintals of waste in a cycle of 40-45
days.
 The length of shed can be increased/decreased depending upon the quantity of
waste to be treated and availability of space.
 The height of thatched roof is kept at 8 feet from the centre and 6 feet from the sides.
 The base of the site is raised at least 6 inches above ground to protect it from
flooding during the rains.
 The vermibeds are laid over the raised ground as per the procedure given below.The
site marked for vermibeds on the raised ground is watered and a 4”-6” layer of any
slowly biodegradable agricultural residue such as dried leaves/straw/sugarcane trash
etc. is laid over it after soaking with water. This is followed by 1” layer of
Vermicomposting or farm yard manure.

 The loaded waste is finally covered with a Jute Mat to protect earthworms from birds
and insects.
 Water is sprinkled on the vermibeds daily according to requirement and season to
keep them moist.
 The waste is turned upside down fortnightly without disturbing the basal layer
(vermibed).
 The appearance of black granular crumbly powder on top of vermibeds indicates
harvest stage of the compost. Watering is stopped for at least 5 days at this stage.
The earthworms go down and the compost is collected from the top without
disturbing the lower layers (vermibed).
 The first lot of Vermicomposting is ready for harvesting after 2-2 ½ months and the
subsequent lots can be harvested after every 6 weeks of loading. The vermibed is
loaded for the next treatment cycle.
Advantages of Vermicomposting
 Vermicomposting is an eco-friendly natural fertilizer prepared from
biodegradable organic wastes and is free from chemical inputs.
 It does not have any adverse effect on soil, plant and environment.
 It improves soil aeration, texture and tilt thereby reducing soil compaction.
 It improves water retention capacity of soil because of its high organic matter content.
 It promotes better root growth and nutrient absorption.
 It improves nutrient status of soil-both macro-nutrients and micro-nutrients.

SELECTION OF LOCATION
 Select a place away from direct heat, strong sunlight and incessant rains.
 Dig a pit measuring 2 feet x 2 feet x 2 feet. Line the pit with polythene (PVC) sheet to
arrest escape of earthworm through crevices.
 Earthen pot, Brick, Cement tank or Wooden boxes can also be used to house
earthworms.
 WORKING ON VERMICULTURE

The pit is systematically filled with four layers of waste.

 First layer -- (Bottom of the pit) is filled up to 2 inches with coconut fibre, rice husk
and sugarcane bagasse.

 Second layer is 2 inches thick, consisting of sawdust, chopped rice/wheat straw.

Dampen the bed by sprinkling water.

 Third layer is the earthworm food, this includes an admixture of cow-dung, green
foliage, vegetable remnants, discarded parts of fruits, droppings of horses,
 asses, pigs, sheep or biogas slurry, human excreta, paper or scrap of cardboards.

 This feed should be spread till a height of 6 to 8 inches.

 Release about 100 earthworms on the top without hurting them .These earthworms
will start penetrating to the bottom.

 Once all these earthworms disappear, cover the surface with jute bags and keep
them wet by sprinkling water in a judicious way.

 The jute bags may be turned upside down thrice in the first week, twice in the second
week and only once in the third and following weeks, without causing any disruption
to the top.

 Water and heat inside the tank assist the organic matter to decay- Proliferates the
number of earthworms - both these take place simultaneously.

 By 4 to 5 weeks, production of heat inside the pit will cease and will come down to
600‡ to 650 Fahrenheit.

 In case no warmth is felt by hands, understand that the manure is almost ready for
use.

 From one tank, 50 kg. of manure is produced.

Precautions

 Vermicomposting pit should be protected from direct sun light.

 To maintain moisture level, spray water on the pit as an when required.
 Protect the worms from ant, rat and bird.