Seminar ppt(vermicomposting)

Effect of vermicomposting on soil quality and soil fertility

1. EFFECT OF VERMICOMPOSTING ON SOIL QUALITY AND SOIL FERTILITY . COURSE SEMINAR ON Department of Soil S cience and Agricultural C hemistry Institute of Agricultural Sciences Banaras Hindu University Varanasi PRESENTED BY Srinidhi P I.D- 18430SAC008 M.Sc.(Ag.)- Soil Science-Soil and Water Conservation SUPERVISOR Dr.Y.V.Singh Assistant Professor Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry

2. CONTENTS Objective Introduction Anatomy of earthworm Kinds and types of earthworms Methodology of vermicomposting Decomposition process Chemical characteristics of vermicompost Effect of vermicompost on soil quality and fertilty Case study Conclusion Bibliography

3. OBJECTIVE OF VERMICOMPOSTING The chief objective of vermicomposting is to compost and recycle the solid wastes by producing value added end product An alternate income to the farmers A source to improve soil quality and fertility

4. Vermicompost Vermicompost (also called worm compost, vermicast, worm castings, worm humus or worm manure) is the end-product of the breakdown of organic matter by some species of earthworm. Vermicompost is a nutrient-rich, natural fertilizer and soil conditioner. The process of producing vermicompost is called vermicomposting . Vermiculture Vermiculture (derived from the Latin word “vermis” meaning worm) involves the scientific mass production of earthworm for waste degradation, the output of Vermiculture is vermicompost. INTRODUCTION

5. ANATOMY OF EARTHWORM Cylindrical in shape having grooves Belongs to phylum Annelida There are total of 2500-3000 species in India and more than 350 species are found in India. Its conducts its respiration through its skin Earthworms are Hermaphrodites Invertebrates An adult earthworm can be from 10mm long and 1mm wide Longest worm Amynthas mekongianus extend upto 3m long Earthworm have “light cells of hiss” The photoreceptors are distributed in most part of epidermis but more Concentrated on back side of worm

6. Kinds of earthworms Epigeic Earthworms L ive on the surface of the soil in leaf litter . And tend to no make burrows Epigeic earthworms are bright red or red-brown. E.g.Eisenia foetida, Eudrilus engenie, Perionyx exacavatus. 2. Endogeic Earthworms : Live in and feed on the soil. And make horizontal burrows They are pale coloured, grey, pale pink, green or blue. E.g. Pentoscolex Spp, Eutopeius Spp, Drawida Spp. 3. Anecic Earthworms : Anecic earthworms make permanent vertical burrows in soil. They feed on leaves on the soil surface.. They are darkly coloured at the head end (red or brown) and have paler tails . E.g. Polypheretima elongate, Lampito marutt

7. Types of earthworm 1 . The Compost Worm They live in the first 12 cm of topsoil . They can be found in manure heaps and leaf piles, but you won't find them in normal garden soil. B urrow randomly through the topsoil and rotting matter. hibernate to conserve energy. There are four main species of compost worms available : Eisenia foetida Common Names - Tiger worm, manure worm, brandling worm Colour - Rust brown with yellow stripes around it's body- just like a Tiger! Length - Up to 130mm Ideal Working Temperature Range - 15-25°C Eisenia foetida

8. Dendrobaena venta Common Names - Dendras, blue noses Colour - Violet, purple or olive brown and sometime striped Length - Up to 155mm Ideal Working Temperature Range - 18-25°C Lumbricus rubellus Common Names - Red worm, bloodworm, red wiggler Colour - Dark red to maroon, no strips and light yellow underneath Length - Up to 105mm Ideal Working Temperature Range - 18-23°C Eisenia a ndrei Common Names - Red tiger worm Colour - Dark red to purple with maybe some stripes Length - Up to 130mm Ideal Working Temperature Range - 18-23°C Dendrobaena venta Lumbricus rubellus Eisenia andrei

9. 2.The Earth worker Worm This type of earthworm your are most likely see in your garden. They make long vertical burrows of up to a few feet deep, leaving their worm casts at their entrances. They eat some soil and are particularly partial to leaves. eg: Lumbricus terrestris 3.The Root Dwelling Worm These worms are deep burrowers, inhabiting the areas around plant. We won't see these worms, as they never venture above ground. Eg: The squirting worm Didymogaster sylvaticus  and the huge gurgling Australian Megascolides australis Lumbricus terrestris Didymogaster sylvaticus Australian Megascolides australis

10. Methodology of vermicomposting Materials required Any types of biodegradable wastes- 1.Crop residues 2.Weed biomass 3.Vegetable waste 4.Leaf litter 5.Hotel refuse 6.Waste from agro-industries 7.Biodegradable portion of urban and rural wastes Phases of vermicomposting

11. What Worms Need The Five Essentials Compost worms need five basic things: An hospitable living environment, usually called “bedding” A food source Adequate moisture (greater than 50% water content by weight) Adequate aeration Protection from temperature extremes Vermicompost Production Methodology Selection of suitable earthworm Surface dwelling worms are used for production African earthworm, red worms and composting worms are used African worm is preferred that other two due to high production of vermicompost in short time

12. ) ii) Selection of site for Vermicompost production Vermicompost can be produced in any place with shade, high humidity and cool. A thatched roof may be provided to protect the process from direct sunlight and rain. The waste heaped for Vermicompost production should be covered with moist gunny bags.

13. iii ) Methods of Vermicompost production 1.PIT METHOD Pit method is commonly used for small scale production of vermicompost. Size of a pit of 3 x 2 x 1 m size (L x W xD ) Fill the pit with following four layers : Inoculate the earth worm @ 1000 earth worms per square meter area or 10kg earth worm in 100kg organic matter. Water the pit and maintain 50-60% moisture by periodically spraying the water

14. WINDROWS METHOD This method is largely adopted for large scale production of vermicompost Bed size:10ft*3ft*1.5ft Steps to be done: Loading and covering the bed Watering the bed Mixing of the bed Harvesting of the bed

15. iv ) Vermiculture bed Vermiculture bed or worm bed (3 cm) can be prepared by placing saw dust or husk or coir waste or sugarcane trash in the bottom of tub / container. A layer of fine sand (3 cm) should be spread over the culture bed. All layers must be moistened with water . V) Worm Food Food Advantages Disadvantages Cattle manure Good nutrition; natural food, therefore little adaptation required Weed seeds make pre-composting necessary Poultry manure High N content results in good nutrition and a high-value product High protein levels can be dangerous to worms, so must be used in small quantities; major adaptation required for worms not used to this feedstock. May be pre-composted but not necessary if used cautiously Sheep/Goat manure Good nutrition Require pre-composting (weed seeds); small particle size can lead to packing, necessitating extra bulking material Hog manure Good nutrition; produces excellent vermicompost Usually in liquid form, therefore must be dewatered or used with large quantities of highly absorbent bedding Rabbit manure N content second only to poultry manure, there-fore good nutrition; contains very good mix of vitamins & minerals; ideal earth-worm feed Must be leached prior to use because of high urine content; can overheat if quantities too large; availability usually not good Fresh food scraps (e.g., peels, other food prep waste, leftovers, commercial food processing wastes) Excellent nutrition, good moisture content, possibility of revenues from waste tipping fees Extremely variable (depending on source); high N can result in overheating; meat & high-fat wastes can create anaerobic conditions and odours, attract pests, so should NOT be included without pre-composting Pre-composted food wastes Good nutrition; partial decomposition makes digestion by worms easier and faster; can include meat and other greasy wastes; less tendency to overheat. Nutrition less than with fresh food wastes. Biosolids (human waste) Excellent nutrition and excellent product; can be activated or non-activated sludge, septic sludge; possibility of waste management revenues Heavy metal and/or chemical contam-ination (if from municipal sources); odour during application to beds (worms control fairly quickly); possibility of pathogen survival if process not complete Seaweed Good nutrition; results in excellent product, high in micronutrients and beneficial microbes Salt must be rinsed off, as it is detrimental to worms; availability varies by region Legume hays Higher N content makes these good feed as well as reasonable bedding. Moisture levels not as high as other feeds, requires more input and monitoring Legume hays Higher N content makes these good feed as well as reasonable bedding. Moisture levels not as high as other feeds, requires more input and monitoring Corrugated cardboard (including waxed) Excellent nutrition (due to high-protein glue used to hold layers together); worms like this material; possible revenue source from WM fees Must be shredded (waxed variety) and/or soaked (non-waxed) prior to feeding Fish, poultry offal; blood wastes; animal mortalities High N content provides good nutrition; opportunity to turn problematic wastes into high-quality product Must be pre-composted until past thermophillic stage

16. vii ) Putting the waste in the container The pre-digested waste material should be mud with 30% cattle dung either by weight or volume. The mixed waste is placed into the tub / container upto brim. The moisture level should be maintained at 60%. Over this material, the selected earthworm is placed uniformly . For one-meter length, one-meter breadth and 0.5-meter height, 1 kg of worm (1000 Nos.) is required. There is no necessity that earthworm should be put inside the waste. Earthworm will move inside on its own . viii ) Watering the vermibed Daily watering is not required for vermibed. But 60% moisture should be maintained throughout the period.  ix) Harvesting Vermicompost Harvesting of Vermicompost should be done when raw materials are fully decomposed and height of the pile is dropped down to one-third to one-half of the original pile Harvesting of Vermicompost can be done in following ways:

17. Bulk Harvesting by Pyramidal Heap 2. Screening or Sieving

18. x ) Harvesting earthworms T he earthworm present in the tub / small bed may be harvested by trapping method. Worm harvesting is usually carried out in order to sell the worms, rather than to start new worm beds. xi ) Storing and packing of Vermicompost The harvested Vermicompost should be stored in dark, cool place . It should have minimum 40% moisture. Sunlight should not fall over the composted material.  Packing can be done at the time of selling. If it is stored in open place, periodical sprinkling of water may be done to maintain moisture level Vermicompost can be stored for one year without loss of its quality, if the moisture is maintained at 40% level.

19. Decomposition process

20. PARAMETER VERMICOMPOST pH 6.80 EC( mmhos /cm) 11.70 Nitrogen(%) 1.94 Nitrate nitrogen(ppm) 902.20 Phosphorus(%) 0.47 Potassium(%) 0.70 Calcium(%) 4.40 Sodium(%) 0.02 Magnesium(%) 0.46 Iron(ppm) 7536.00 Zinc(ppm) 278.00 Manganese(ppm) 475.00 Copper(ppm) 27.00 Boron(ppm) 34.00 Aluminium(ppm) 7012.00 Chemical characteristics of vermicompost

21. VERMICOMPOST EFFECT ON SOIL FERTILITY AND SOIL QUALITY The role of earthworms in break down of organic debris on the soil surface and in soil turnover process was first highlighted by Darwin. Soil additives N ature's ploughman Improve soil physical properties I ncreases the proportion of macro-aggregates I ncreases the infiltration capacity upto 130 mm hr -' against 10 mm hr -I of a conventional farm. Bio-pump increase preferential flow pathways. H ormonal increased activity

22. Produce biogenic structures Enhance mineralization E nhance the activity of microorganisms C ontribute to the stabilization of chemical mechanisms physical breakdown of organic waste Increase microbial interactions Convert insoluble P into soluble forms.  Enrichment of vermicompost with phosphate solubilizing bacteria like Pseudomonas striata aids in conversion of phosphorus in plant available form when phosphorus containing substances are added in the organic feed Suppressive effect on some root infecting pathogens i.e., Phytophthora sp, Fusarium sp, Lycopersici sp

23. C ontain high amounts of macro and micronutrients The chemical properties of vermicompost often vary by the waste material used for production. Vermi - compost that are produced from vegetative and paper wastes are significantly different in nutrient content compared to those produced from manures and municipal solid wastes, primarily in N, P, K concentrations Increases rates of conversion of NH4+ into NO3 R egenerate compacted soils S ecretion of several hormones, enzymes and vitamins Aggregation of soil particles Immediate release of plant available nutrients Create more favourable environment to plant growth Distribution of K between non exchangeable to exchangeable forms

24. Neutrality in pH. S ource of readily available nutrient for plant growth . Aerates the soil Improve soil environment Reduce residual effect Soil conditioner Reduce the runoff thereby reducing erosion Mechanical blending Reduce the incidence of plant parasitic nematodes

25. Application of vermicompost Vermicompost being a rich manure is applied @ 400 – 500g in small fruits plants 2-3kg/plant in large fruit trees 3kg/10sqm are in vegetable crops In pots 100gms/plot are used In cereal crop (e.g. wheat, jowar, maize, bajra etc.) 2 to 3 t/ha

26. A case study was carried out on vermicompost and plant growth enhancers on the exomorphological features of Capsicum annum was conducted by Govindapillai and his co workers in Vellore. This was a pot study carried out with 10 replicates and 4 soil amendment treatments. First treatment was control, second treatment was 50% vermicompost +soil, third treatment was gibberelic acid@10ml+90ml distilled water, fourth treatment was indole acetic acid@10ml+90ml distilled water. Capsicum annum seedlings were raised in board pots of width 60cm and pots are filled with red soil and sand. The experiment was started after 10days and spraying was at end of each week. CASE STUDY

27. Treatment Internode length (cm) Shoot length (cm) Number of leaves Numbe r of branches Control 1.66 10.67 13 Very less Vermicompost 50% 2.97 22.14 25 29 Gibberelic acid 2.17 20.14 15 18 Indole acetic acid 1.77 18.14 14 19

28. CONCLUSION Vermicompost has been shown to have several positive impacts on soil, plant growth and health. In addition, it is considered as a promising alternative to harmful chemical fertilizers and pesticides in crop production. It is becoming popular as a major component of organic agriculture to produce healthier foods and better option for management of organic solid wastes. Exploration of potential species of earthworms in Vermiculture technology along with soil friendly microbes, use of different high nutrient organic substances, efficient Vermiculture system, dose specific use of vermicompost, integrated use of vermicompost with other inorganic fertilizers and research on earthworm-microbe interactions provide bright future of vermicompost use in organic farming systems .

29. Gupta, R., Mutiyar, P.K, Rawat, N.K., Saini, M.S., and Garg, V.K. 2007.  Development of a water hyacinth based vermireactor using an epigeic earthworm  Eisenia foetida .  Bio resource Technology  98(13) :2605-10. Parthasarathi, K., Ranganathan, L.S., Anandi, V., and Zeyer, J. 2007.  Diversity of microflora in the gut and casts of tropical composting earthworms reared on different substrates.   Journal of Environmental Biology   28(1): 87-97. Pramanik, P., Ghosh, G.K., Ghosal, P.K., and Banik, P. 2007.  Changes in organic – C, N, P and K and enzyme activities in vermicompost of biodegradable organic wastes under liming and microbial inoculants .  Bio resource technology  98(13): 2485-94. Roberts, P., Edwards-Jones, G., and Jones, D.L. 2007.  Yield responses of wheat ( Triticum aestivum ) to vermicompost applications .  Compost Science & Utilization  15(1): 6-15. Nair, J., Sekiozoic, V., and Anda, M. 2006.  Effect of pre-composting on vermicomposting of kitchen waste .  Bio resource Technology   97(16): 2091-2095 . Fuente, M., Gordillo, R.M., Young, M., Smith, S., and Neff, M. 2005.  Vermicomposting in urban settings .  Bio cycle   46(12): 44 . Taylor, M., Clarke, W.P., Greenfield, P.F., and Swain, G.J. 2004.  Characterizing the physical and chemical properties of a vermicompost filter bed .  Compost Science & Utilization  12(4): 383-391. REFERENCES