Abstract

WORMICOMPOSTING, GOLD FROM GARBAGE - A REVIEW

P.K. Nagalakshmi*, M. Prakash and O.S. Aysha

ABSTRACT

Vermicomposting as a principle originates from the fact that earthworms in the process of feeding fragment the substrate thereby increasing its surface area for further microbial colonization. During this process, the important plant nutrients such as nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus and calcium present in the feed material are converted through microbial action into forms that are much more soluble and available to the plants than those in the parent substrate. There are about 3000 species of earthworms in the world which are adapted to a range of environment. More than 500 species have been identified in India. Earthworms are active feeders on organic waste and while utilizing only a small portion for their body synthesis, they excrete a large part of these consumed waste materials in a half digested form. Since the intestine of earthworms harbour wide range of microorganisms, enzymes, hormones, etc., these half digested substrate decomposes rapidly and is transformed into a form of vermicompost with in a short time. Earthworms eject humus-rich castings forms water stable aggregates, which improve soil physical and chemical properties. Castings also contains enzymes like protease, amylase, lipase, catalase and chitinase to decompose organic matter.Vermiculture is feasible in suitable containers and can be done indoors or outdoors depending on local climatic conditions. The role of earthworms in sustainable farming is immense. This reviews the information on various aspects of earthworms and vermitechnology.

Keywords: Vermicompost, vermiremediation, vermiculturing, vermibed, vermiwash.