Allied Agriculture

Vermicomposting

  • A process for efficient recycling of any agricultural waste, crop residues, animal waste such as dung and wine into useful manure with the help of earthworms is called vermcomposting. The end product of vermicomposting is called vermicompost. Unlike farmyard manure, vermicompost is a better source of macronutrients, micronutrients and homones, which help in promoting better plant growth.
  • Different species of earthworms utilised for compost making are of 4 types.

They are:

1) Eadrilus euginiae       -   Non burrowing type
2) Eisenia foetida            -   Non burrowing type
3) Pheritima elongata     -   Burrowing type
4) Peronex excavatus      -   Burrowing type

  • Non burrowing species are mostly used for compost making.

Preparation of vermicompost

  • Vermicomposting is to be taken up in shady and elevated places. Pits measuring 4x1x0.75m (Length, width and depth) are to be dug. The walls of the pits are to be strengthened by stone slabs (1.2x0.6m) all round by burying their base along the sides of the pits to a depth of 0.3m. Base of the pits are to be filled with sand to a thickness of 0.05m (5cm). Over sand three layers of FYM, FY + agricultural waste and FYM are to be spread in the pits in such a way that the proportion of FYM and agricultural waste are in the ratio of 25:75 percent by weight. The earthworms are to be spread uniformly in between the layers of during and agriculture waste.
  • Maintain about 40-50% moisture on the beds. On alternate days, sprinkle water and dung slurry for two month for the maintenance of moisture and food for the young worms.
  • The vermicompost will be ready by two months (60 days) depending upon the proper maintenance of the beds. The worms are to be protected from rats, ants, birds & lizards.

Recommendation

Crop Quantity/acre
Time of application
Paddy
1.0t
After transplanting
Cotton
1.0t
Just before sowing
Chillies
1.0t
Just before sowing
Groundnut
0.5t
Just before sowing
Sunflower
1.5t
Just before sowing
Onion, Tomoto, Bhendi, Brinjal, Cabbage, Cauliflower
1.0 – 1.5t
Just before sowing
Grapes, Coconut, Mango
1.0t

June-July

2kg/plant at the time of planting

5kg/plant (1-5 year old plants)

10kg / Tree (6-9 year old trees)

20kg/Tree (>10 years old trees)


Source of getting worms

  • Officer in-charge, Military dairy Farm, Alwal, Secunderabad.
  • Society for protection of environment and quality of life, 3-6-369/A/20, First Floor, Street No.1, Himayat Nagar, Hyderabad – Ph: 2763438.

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Allied Agriculture