VERMI WASH - Composition, Micro Nutrients, Microbial composition, Preparation methods

I'm Vijithra , Pursuing M.Sc, Microbiology at Sri Paramakalyani College, Alwarkurichi - 627412.

Under the guidance of; Dr. S. Viswanathan, M.Sc, Ph.D., Head and Associate Professor, PG and Research Department of Microbiology, Sri Paramakalyani College, Alwarkurichi - 627412.

Subject Title - VermiTechnology , Sub Code - VMBSE21, Semester -II

Vermi Wash is a type of vermifiltration system that uses worms, typically red wiggler worms, to treat wastewater. The system mimics the natural process of decomposition, where worms break down organic matter into nutrient-rich castings.

1. Submitted By ; T.k . Vijithra , I M.Sc Microbiology, PG and Research Department of Microbiology, Sri Paramakalyani College, Alwarkurichi-627412. Submitted To ; Dr. S. Viswanathan, M.Sc, Ph.D., Head and Associate Professor, PG and Research Department of Microbiology, Sri Paramakalyani College, Alwarkurichi-627412. Sub code : VMBSE21 Sub title : VermiTechnology Title : Vermiwash Unit:V

2. AIM : To educate and raise awareness about the benefits and best practices of using Vermi Wash, a natural and eco-friendly wastewater treatment technology. OBJECTIVES : Understanding Vermi Wash technology : To understand the principles and mechanisms of Vermi Wash in treating wastewater. Environmental benefits : To learn about the environmental benefits of using Vermi Wash, including reduced chemical usage and improved water quality. Promoting sustainable wastewater management : To promote sustainable wastewater management practices and encourage adoption of eco-friendly technologies like Vermi Wash.

3. TABLE OF CONTENT Vermi wash introduction Composition Micro Nutrients Microbial composition Preparation Methods Benefits of vermiwash Uses of vermiwash Precautions

4. VERMI WASH - INTRODUCTION Vermiwash is a liquid fertilizer made from vermicompost, a nutrient-rich manure produced by earthworms interacting with organic waste

5. VERMI WASH – CONTAINS The high amount of enzymes, amino acids, Heterotrophic bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes including nitrogen fixers, phosphate solubilizers It contains plant growth hormones like auxins and cytokinin apart from nitrogen, phosphorus, potash and other micronutrients. Agriculturally Important Microbes in vermi wash Nitrogen fixing bacteria: Azotobacter sp Rhizobium sp Phosphate solublizing bacteria

6. COMPOSITION OF VERMI WASH

7. MICRO-NUTRIENTS IN VERMI WASH

8. MICROBIAL COMPOSITION OF VERMI WASH

9. METHODS OF PREPARATION OF VERMI WASH

10. 1.Container Setup Container :
Use a plastic container or barrel with a tap or hole at the bottom for collecting the liquid Drainage :
Ensure a good drainage system by placing gravel or broken bricks at the bottom, followed by a layer of coarse sand.

11. 2. Layering : Base Layer : Fill the bottom with gravel or broken bricks. Sand Layer : Add a layer of coarse sand on top of the gravel. Soil layer : Place a layer of garden soil or compost. Organic Matter : Introduce a layer of partially decomposed organic waste like cow dung, leaf litter, or straw. Earthworms : Introduce earthworms into the container, ensuring they have access to the organic matter.

12. 3. Watering and Maintenance Moisture : Keep the layers moist by sprinkling water regularly, but avoid overwatering. Water Trickle : Water will trickle through the layers, carrying nutrients and microbes into the collected liquid. Collection : The liquid collected at the bottom is the vermiwash .

13. BENEFITS OF VERMI WASH Vermiwash acts as a plant tonic and helps to reduce many plant diseases.
A mixture of vermiwash (1litre) with cow urine (1litre) in 10 liters of water acts as biopesticide and liquid manure. It Improves water holding capacity of soil and macro and micro-nutrients level It improves the physico-chemical properties of the soil such as soil texture and soil aeration It is also used as an organic pest and insect killer

14. PRECAUTIONS WHILE PREPARING VERMI WASH Never use fresh cow dung for preparing vermiwash , it kills earthworms The vermiwash unit should always be in a shady place, so that the earthworms can avoid the direct rays of the sun Always use clean water Use the appropriate species of earthworm Place the vermiwash unit at the appropriate height or stand to make it easier to collect the vermiwash Protect earthworms from frogs, snakes, birds, ants and lizards

15. USES OF VERMI WASH One liter of vermiwash mixed with 7-10 liters of water should be sprayed on the leaves in the evening Mixing one liter of vermiwash in one liter of cow urine, mix 10 liters of water in it and keeping it for the whole night, spray 50-60 liters of such vermiwash in one hectare area for the prevention of various diseases in crops Foliar spraying is done for early flowering and fruiting in summer vegetables, which increases production

16. PRECAUTIONS WHILE SPRAYING VERMI WASH Spraying of vermiwash should be done in the evening Vermiwash with cow urine should be used as an insecticide/pesticide in proper proportion. Always spray in the direction of the wind.

17. SWOT ANALYSIS Strengths Eco-friendly and natural Low operating costs High efficiency Compact and scalable Opportunities Growing demand for sustainable solutions Government incentives Expanding into new markets Partnerships and collaborations Weaknesses Limited public awareness High initial investment Requires regular maintenance Limited applicability Threats Competition from traditional technologies Regulatory challenges Public perception challenges Economic downturn

18. The Story of the polluted River A small village had a polluted river. A wise old man suggested Vermi Wash. The villagers set it up, and worms cleaned the river. The villagers rejoiced, and the river flourished. Moral :- Small actions can make a big difference in taking care of our environment

19. “The smallest creatures can make the biggest impact. Vermi Wash is proof that even worms can change the world. ” – Greta Thunberg , Environmental Activist