Hello readers,
In my last article, I had given a brief introduction of earthworms and their ability to eject highly nutriotious excreta which becomes a manure or compost of excellent quality. Before moving further to learn more about vermicompost ‘technology’, let us first understand how earthworms make this excreta. We, the humans have a digestive system which is hollow, and much more complex with very long, compactly coiled intestine, then there is a bag like stomach, liver, pancreas and so on.
In comparison, digestive system of Earthworm is made up of a long, straight hollow tube in the center of its body cavity. Food of earthworms comprise dead and decaying organic material that is mixed in the soil. Earthworm eats lots of soil with its mouth. This soil passes through the tubular digestive tract.
On the way, it is processed in different organs of digestive system by the action of digestive enzymes. In this process, earthworm receives all the nutrients essential for its own growth and overall well-being. The remaining portion of food which is not digested is pushed further till the rear end of the body and is ‘ejected’ out as small ‘pellets’. These are known as ‘vermicasts’ which enrich the soil with many essential micro and macronutrients. This ability of earthworms can be used to process and enrich our kitchen waste with all the essential nutrients. Following is an overview of the process of setting up a vermicompost pit in your society premises.
Construct a suitable pit. using bricks and little cement. The size and dimensions of pit will depend upon the volume of biomass, i.e. your kitchen or garden waste.
Collect the biomass and place it under the sun for about 8-12 days. Now chop it to the required size using the cutter.
Prepare a cow dung slurry and sprinkle it on the heap for quick decomposition. Now, add a layer (2 – 3 inch) of soil or sand at the bottom of the tank.
Next, prepare fine bedding by adding partially decomposed cow dung, dried leaves and other biodegradable wastes collected from garden and kitchen. Distribute them evenly on the sand layer.
Continue adding both the chopped bio-waste and partially decomposed cow dung layer-wise into the tank up to a depth of 0.5-1.0 ft.
After adding all the bio-wastes, release the earthworm species over the mixture and cover the compost mixture with dry straw or gunny bags.
Sprinkle water on a regular basis to maintain the moisture content of the compost.
Cover the tank with a thatch roof to prevent the entry of ants, lizards, mouse, snakes, etc. and protect the compost from rainwater and direct sunshine.
Have a frequent check to avoid the compost from overheating. Maintain proper moisture and temperature
Earthworms are very sensitive to the changes in pH, temperature, moisture content etc. Any change in these parameters can adversely affect well-being of the worms. All the biodegradable waste you want to use for vermicomposting must be pre-processed as earthworms feed on dead, decaying organic matter. Also never add any oily, spicy, salty food to your vermicompost pit. If you take these precautions, earthworms will stay and keep on producing generations happily. All the best and have a good weekend!
For any guidance and assistance in setting up a vermicompost unit, maintaining it and harvesting the final product in your garden, society premises, please contact-
Paryavaran Dakshata Mandal Dombivali: 9833046634
Paryavaran Dakshata Mandal Thane: 9372358454
(The author is an environmentalist. Views personal.)
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