Vermicompost

• Compost obtained from decomposition of organic residues by earthworms.
• Phenomenon is known as vermiculture.
• Vermiculture is the simple, low cost, low energy biotechnology of multiplying earthworm by providing them optimum condition for rapid multiplication by feeding them with biodegradable materials such as agricultural wastes, city garbage, kitchen waste etc.
• Esenia foetida, E. eugeniae are two species of earthworm used for vermicomposting.
• Nutrient content in vermicompost: N-1.6%, P-2.2% and K-0.67%

Advantages of Vermicomposting

✓Several enzymes, hormones such as Gibberlins are present in earthworms.

✓Earthworm churn and make the tunnel into the soil. So, soil becomes porous better soil structure, more

infiltration of water, better moisture holding capacity.

✓Vermicompost help in multiplication of earthworm which reduce the incidence of nematodes.

✓Reduce soil erosion and leaching of nutrients.

✓Reduce soil toxicity by buffering action.

✓Enhances quality and nutritive value of horticultural crops and value addition to produce.