Raghvendra Kumar kushwaha

07-01-2023 04:35 AM

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Raghvendra Kumar Kushwaha and Ranjit Chouhan
M.Sc. (Agri.) Soil Science, University of Sam Higginbottom University of      
Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Allahabad-211007,U.P.
Department of Entomology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Bundelkhand University Jhansi, UP 284128.

Introduction
Vermicompost is a type of compost made by earthworms that uses rotting food waste along with the worms to complete the decomposition process. It is also frequently called “black gold.” It is a nutrient-rich organic fertilizer that has been utilized in sustainable organic farming and horticulture. Vermicomposting is generally regarded to be best done in temperatures between 15 to 25°C or 59 to 77° F. Earthworms feed most quickly in this environment, and as the temperature rises above 30 degrees Celsius, they begin to die.
Vermiculture is the practice of raising earthworms. Earthworms consume organic wastes and produce vermi-casts, which are nitrate, phosphorus and mineral rich excretions. These are used as fertilizer in the field, improving the soil’s quality.

Pit method of making Vermicompost
The best and simplest way to create vermicompost is in a pit; it takes 40 to 45 days to complete and is less expensive. This method used to prepare vermicompost. 
1) Necessary components.
2) Earthworm species.
3) Procedure for creating vermicompost.

1) Necessary components – Earthworms, brick, cement, sand and biodegradable debris, cow dung(10 to15 day old).
2) Earthworm species – We employed the Eisenia fetida species to make vermicompost. The has a number of names.   
Length of an earthworm:- 3.5 to 13.0 cm.
Diameter of an earthworm:- 3.0 to 5.0 mm.
The hue red. 
Other names are Tiger and Banding worm.

                   Fig-Plats of Eisenia fetida.

3) Procedure for creating vermicompost- 
Choosing the location for the vermi pit is the first step and the necessary materials are used to construct a concrete pit with the following dimensions: length, width and depth (10 fit x 1.8 fit x 2.5 fit) respectively and then continue to split the pit 4 x 5 into four equal portions and keep the holes punched for aeration. After a layer of biodegradable trash of 5 cm is first placed in the pit, 10 to 15 days old cow dung is added, but it should be noted that the pit should remain empty 5 to 10 cm from the top.  Then we place 1.5 to 2 kg of earthworms in each pit before covering the vermin pit with old jute bags, coconut husk etc. Additionally water is sprayed on it to keep the vermi pit wet. Additionally irrigation should be done every two days during the summer to ensure that there is 60 to 75 % moisture in the vermi pit, which encourages earthworm activity. Earthworms also live longer. Vermicompost is prepared in this manner in 40 to 45 days.

                      Fig- Plats of Vermi- pit.

How to buy earthworms
To purchase earthworms, visit the nearby Vermicomposting facility and Krishi Vigyan Kendra. You can also purchase earthworms online at https://m.indiamart.com/impcat/earthworm.html , https://heeraagro.com.

Vermicompost usage in agriculture
6 to 7 tonnes/hac should be used for field crop, 100 to 250 gm/square foot for flowers, 11 to 12 tonnes/hac for vegetables and 6 to 12 kg per plant for fruit trees. It increases the field’s physical and chemical condition and increases yields per hectare.

Benefit of using vermicompost in the field
When used in the field since it provides the following advantages.
1) Vermicompost enhances the field’s biological, chemical and physical conditions.
2) It shields plants against the impacts of illnesses spread through the soil.
3) Increases the soil’s microbial activity.
4) Humic acid is abundant and is a biochemical that helps roots grow and absorb nutrients.
5) It helps plants produce more fruit and flower and improves quality.
6) Increases the soil’s ability to store water and maintain health.