EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING PROGRAM 1

AGR-409
VERMICOMPOST PRODUCTION AND PRACTICES

PRESENTATION BY : DEBASISH SAIKIA

REGISTRATION NUMBER : 12020055
SECTION - H2E02
ROLL NO – RH2E0C21
UNDER SUPERVISION OF : DR. TARUN SHARMA
INTRODUCTION 2
o Vermicompost, often referred to as worm compost or worm castings, is a nutrient-rich organic fertilizer produced through the breakdown
of organic materials by earthworms.

o This natural process not only enhances soil fertility but also improves its structure, water retention, and overall health, making it a
preferred choice for environmentally-conscious gardeners and farmers alike.

o EARTHWORMS:

o Earthworms are tubular, segmented, bristle bearing worms contributing to the biomass of soil invertebrates They are called biological
indicators of soil fertility
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THE EISENIA FETIDA
o Commonly called red wriggler, red worm, tiger worm,
vermicomposting worm etc., the Eisenia fetida appear coloured
(red, brown, or purple or even darker).
o The average conversion efficiency ranges up to 7mg/worm /day.
o Eisenia fetida is the mostly widely used earthworm in Verm
technology for vermicomposting due to their hardy nature and
easier culturing process.
o They have a high multiplication rate and thereby converts the
organic matter into vermicompost unit in 45-50 days.
o Since it is a surface feeder it converts organic materials into
vermicompost from top.
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METHODS
o Pit Method:
o In this method, organic matter is collected in cemented pits. There are a total of twelve pits in the vermicompost
unit. The pits are made of bricks and cement. The dimensions of the pit are (20 feet x 3 feet x1.6 feet).

o HDPE Method:
o HDPE grow bags are made from strong woven high density polyethylene material which ensures greater strength,
waterproofing, higher tear and puncture resistance, resistance to mould etc. HDPE grow bags have full UV
protection against the sun for a longer life and thus are durable. The bags used in our unit are of dimensions (11.7
feet x 4 feet x 1.10 feet).

o Heap Method:
o It is a method of aerobic composting that involves mixing waste materials and partially decomposed dung into
heaps. The heap in our unit is of the dimensions (12 feet x 4 feet x 1.5 feet).
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Cemented Method HDPE Method Heap Method

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PROCESS OF VERMICOMPOSTING
o Place a layer of chopped husk of (1-2) inches.

o Now we place a layer of partially decomposed cow dung in form slurry of 9 inches.

o We cover the pit with straws/gunny bags and water them periodically in order to maintain temperature
and moisture.

o Periodically we turn the pits to remove excess heat from the dung.

o After a week’s interval earthworms are added by forming a tunnel in the pits.

o The pits are now re-covered with straw/gunny bags.

o Periodically watering of pits is done in order to maintain the adequate temperature and humidity.

o The pits are refilled with dung whenever required.

o After a span of 3-4 months the vermicompost is ready to be harvested, sieved and sold
PROCESS OF VERMICOMPOSTING 7
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ACTIVITIES PERFORMED

o Collecting fresh cow dung o Constructing Vermiwash structure

o Turning the dung for removal of heat o Sieving

o Slurry preparation o Packaging and Selling

o Pit filling o Temperature and moisture testing

o Adding earthworms o Dung cake preparation

o Adding gunny bags/ straws o Clod Removal

o Watering the pits

o Cleaning the unit

o pH testing
ACTIVITIES PERFORMED 9
ACTIVITIES PERFORMED 10
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PROJECT WORK

o TOPIC: PREPARATION OF VERMICOMPOST WITH DIFFERENT TYPES OF

PLANTS

o OBJECTIVE: To enrich the nitrogen content of vermicompost by adding the plant

materials during the vermicomposting process.

Plant Plant material to cow dung ratio

Moringa 1:4
Bathua 1:6
Chickpea 1:6
Bamboo 1:6
PROCESS 12
ADVANCED VERMIWASH STRUCTURE 13
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DATA ANALYSIS

Parameters Quantity / pit

Cow Dung (slurry form) 45-50 qtls

Earthworms 8 kgs

Vermicompost harvested 12-15 qtls

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WHAT HAVE I LEARNED?