Basic Knowledge in Agriculture #55

Vermiculture is the cultivation of earthworms to decompose the waste matter and turn it into organic fertilizer namely vermicompost. It is a process wherein earthworms contribute to degradation of organic waste, specifically species like Eisenia fetida, also recognized as California red worms, have been identified as eaters of organic matter, including vegetable peelings, dry leaves and cooking waste. Through the process of digestion, these substances are transformed into a material that enriches the soil.

Vermiculture contributes to keep the environmental equilibrium and the agricultural sustainability. In waste management, vermiculture has the potential to reduce the amount of organic waste that is sent to landfills. So this method aids in the motion to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions from waste. In farming, vermiculture in the form of vermicompost enhances the soil with structure, increases water retention and adds macro and micro-elements like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium etc, which are essential nutrients for the plant. Also, vermiculture may be considered as additional means of income since it is simple to start, low cost in production and high value in output.

How can it be done? The benefits are that vermiculture production is a fantastic sustainable environmental friendly agricultural system. To begin with, there are no toxic substances in vermicompost which is good for the soil, the plants and the beneficial microbes. Secondly, this system is effective because of the impact fe earthworms in accelerating decomposition of organic wastes. Third, vermiculture can help to bring economic security to villages in rural areas as it can be managed as an easy-to-run side business. In addition, cultivated worms can be also used as feed for livestock and fish, increasing the value of the system.

However, vermiculture has some drawbacks and limitations. One of these is the worms’ vulnerability to environmental change. To reduce yield and activity of worms, the worms may be subjected to heat stress, low humidity, chemical exposure or alcohol vapors. In addition, it involves some maintenance on a regular basis, for example, to add water content, to pas the pH and the media fer ination. The capacity for processing waste is relatively small also in comparison with the industrial approach of mass composting. Hence, while vermiculture is highly advantageous, its practice needs to be directed by environmental factors and extent of requirements.

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