|
|
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. |
 |
 |
|
|
|
