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5.1. Collection
of agro wastes:
Any organic biomass which is degradable can be used
as raw material for vermicomposting. In tea, coffee
and cardamom plantations, the common biomass that
is ideal for vermicomposting are tea prunings, cardamom
thrashings, shade tree lopping, weeds labour line
refuges, cow dung, animal refuse, tea waste and
coffee husk. These materials should be kept ready
before starting the vermicomposting process.
5.2. Separation:
Non –degradable, materials which resist decomposition
such as plastics, ceramics and glass materials should
be separated manually.
5.3.
Partial digestion:
Hard materials, which resist decomposition like
tea pruning, other hard wood loppings etc, are to
be shredding before use. Once the different materials
reach the site, compost bed may be prepared using
these materials by piling them one above other,
each to a maximum thickness of about 15 cm (six
inches). The compost bed can be size 1.2 m width,
10 m length and height of the bed can be kept to
a maximum of about one meter. Frequent watering
is essential to hasten the decomposition process
and at the time care should be taken to avoid over
watering. A moisture content of about 60 per cent
in the compost bed is found to be ideal for the
acceleration of the process. In this way suitable,
partially digested compost can be obtained in about
25 to 40 days depending on the prevailing temperature.
A turning of the compost bed after about 15 days
from the commencement helps in complete mixing of
various raw materials; as material with high cellulose
content are slow in breaking down. It was also observed
that more often the compost is turned, more rapid
is the composting. Ideal temperature range for composting
is 40 to 60 °C. Higher temperature demands immediate
turning. Addition of lime (Dolomite or Agricultural
lime) or rock phosphate or stone powder as calcium
source was found to stimulate growth of microorganisms
in the compost and also provide suitable soil pH
of about 6.0 to 6.5 which is favorable for earthworm
activity. Materials like tea waste and instant away
without any partial digestion.
5.4.
Methods of vermicomposting:
Different methods can be used for vermicomposting.
The common methods used are (1) Cement tanks, either
single or interconnected (2) Soil pits of various
sizes (3) Stone lined pits (4) Wooden boxes (5)
Outstanding heaps (very large scale). Thatched roof
shed with a flat level ground is ideal for vermicomposting.
5.4.1. Pit Method:
The most convenient dimension of vermicompost pit
for easy handling is 2 m long,1 m wide and 75 cm
deep. It can be made of brick and mortar. Five to
7.5 cm layer of broken bricks or pebbles may be
placed at the base of pit to drain excess water.
Another layer of 15 cm loamy soil should be spread
on the layer of broken bricks. This forms the active
ground for earthworm activities and it called the
vermibed. About 100 earthworms may be inoculated
in to an area of 2 m2 on the vermibed. Above that,
a layer of partially digested agro waste may be
evenly spread to be a thickness of 15 – 22.5
cm. Cow dung slurry may be sprinkled on the surface.
Watering any be repeated on alternate days for two
weeks. Moisture content of the bed has to be maintained
to about 60 per cent for better earthworm activity.
After two weeks, another layer of partially digested
agro waste may be spread to a thickness of 15 to
22.5 cm. Under normal temperature, on 30th
days of second application of predigested composting.
Lampito mauriti ( found in sandy loam soil), Octochaetona
serrate (found in clay soil), Allolophora caliginosa
(shallow boring), Eudrilus eugeniae, Eisenia foetida,
Perionyx excavatus and Pheretima elongate. |
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