What is vermicomposting? Learn the easy method of making compost at home

Vermicomposting is a fascinating and easy method of recycling and helping the environment while creating nutrient-rich soil. Agriculture production depends on various factors, and proper nutrient management is one of them. Without considering its impact on soil health, there has been a trend of using excessive fertilizers to increase productivity. Vermicomposting is a process that involves the transformation of plant and animal waste (including human waste) into a simplified form through the activity of beneficial organisms and microorganisms. It supports soil fertility by promoting soil moisture retention and providing essential nutrients to plants. Vermicomposting specifically refers to the conversion of waste into compost by using earthworms. The waste consumed by earthworms is excreted in the form of castings, which are collected and referred to as vermicompost. Earthworms are also known as farmers' friends and are found abundantly in moist soil. They play a significant role in soil improvement in agriculture. Their activity remains active in the soil naturally.

What is vermicomposting: 

Vermicomposting is defined as a bio-oxidative process where earthworms and decomposer microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes) actively work together to scientifically manage organic waste. It is an environmentally friendly concept of waste management in which the decomposition process is facilitated by the assistance of microorganisms. Vermicomposting is a process that converts agricultural, municipal, and industrial waste into nutrient-rich compost through the action of earthworms. The escalating population and food demand have compelled the farming community to use excessive chemical fertilizers, leading to a decline in soil health and environmental pollution. Along with the decline in chemical productivity, technological advancements and industrialization have created several challenges in sustainability. Sustainability is the idea of utilizing natural resources without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. The rapid urbanization and industrial development concerning the generation of large amounts of waste have caused social, economic, and environmental concerns due to improper waste management. After consuming such a significant amount of chemicals during the Green Revolution, ultimately, the soil has become unproductive due to the scarcity of adequate organic resources. Vermicomposting is one of the potential perspectives that has gained significant attention over the decades. It is an environmentally friendly concept of waste management, where the decomposition process is facilitated by beneficial organisms. Vermicomposting is a process in which agricultural, municipal, and industrial waste is scientifically transformed into nutrient-rich compost by enriching it with beneficial elements through the activity of earthworms. Vermicomposting is defined as a bio-oxidative process where earthworms and decomposer microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes) work synergistically to manage organic waste in a scientific manner, resulting in improvements in the physical, chemical, and biological properties of the soil.

Vermicompost as Organic Fertilizer:

Vermicompost is a process that involves the decomposition of a wide range of raw materials such as agricultural waste, animal residues, and municipal waste by earthworms and microorganisms to produce high-quality organic fertilizer. This bio-technique enhances the mineralization of organic matter, thereby increasing the availability of nutrients for plants. Vermicompost not only supplies nutrients and growth-promoting hormones to plants but also improves the physical properties of the soil through soil aggregation. Hence, it is widely used as a component in organic farming.
In the current context, vermicompost has been described as an excellent soil amendment and a biocontrol agent, making it the best organic fertilizer and environmentally friendly compared to chemical fertilizers. Vermicompost is an ideal organic fertilizer for better growth and yield of various crops. It can enhance crop production and protect the environment from harmful pests without causing pollution. The use of vermicompost has shown improvement in seed germination, plant height, leaf count, leaf area, dry weight of leaves, root length, root count, total yield, quality attributes such as chlorophyll content, pH of sap, total soluble solids (TSS), micro and macro nutrients, carbohydrate (%), and protein (%) content in fruits and seeds. Studies have suggested that the use of humic acid, bacteria promoting plant growth, and treatment with vermicompost can be utilized for sustainable agriculture, discouraging the use of chemical fertilizers. However, the increased plant growth cannot be solely attributed to the improved nutrient content in the soil through vermicompost, indicating that other factors influencing plant growth are present in vermicompost.

The future of vermicomposting in India is very bright:

Vermicompost, an organic fertilizer, has become a key component of the agriculture-business model across the country with minimal initial investment. It is considered an ideal practice for agriculture in rural areas, urban suburbs, and peri-urban villages, given the availability of raw material (cow dung) and the perspective of marketing the produce. Based on the high-end technology of vermicomposting, it is rapidly gaining popularity among local entrepreneurs because it is considered profitable and maximizes crop production.

Many young farmers who are already engaged in organic farming are transitioning into dynamic entrepreneurship by optimizing land use to generate maximum revenue, and vermicompost production is a revenue-generating commodity. The establishment of vermicomposting units and daily maintenance is not highly intensive, and the demand is increasing day by day. In India, the availability of sufficient bio-degradable waste and the potential for its bioconversion into vermicompost make the future of vermicomposting very promising. Indian farmers are also increasingly embracing organic farming.

Due to the increasing use of vermicompost for various purposes such as agriculture, home gardening, landscaping, and horticulture, the global vermicompost market has witnessed significant growth in recent years. The growing demand for vermicompost is driving the market's development, catering to the research and classroom requirements of private laboratories, universities, and higher education institutions. The Global Vermicompost Market Report provides a comprehensive assessment of the market, including major segments, trends, drivers, restraints, competitive landscape, and factors playing a significant role in the market.

Farmers in several states of India have started adopting vermicomposting. West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh are leading in these states with 20.8% and 16.6% respectively. Uttarakhand and Delhi follow, with approximately 12.5% and 8.3% engaged in vermicomposting. The least adoption of vermicomposting is observed in Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Meghalaya.

Benefits of Vermicomposting:

One of the main objectives of every organic farmer is to enhance the long-term fertility and cultivation of the soil by incorporating various types of natural resources. Regular addition of compost is one of the best ways to increase the organic and humic content of the soil, which helps in creating a fertile structure of the soil. This structure of the soil utilizes water and nutrient elements more effectively. It is easy to do and capable of achieving optimal yields based on a sustainable basis.

1. It acts as a biological fertilizer, replenishing the nutrients in the soil, improving soil stability, and enhancing long-term soil fertility.
2. It addresses social issues and contributes to waste recycling.
3. It has been shown to be a profitable venture as part of a circular economy.
4. Vermicompost does not kill soil-borne pathogens but prevents them from proliferating and attacking your plants.
5. Compared to traditional organic fertilizers, vermicompost generally contains higher levels of essential nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus.
6. Adding vermicompost to areas with limited or decreasing water sources and/or soil with a high sand content can help retain water in the soil and conserve this valuable resource.
7. Vermicompost can harbor a rich microbial community, including beneficial fungi and bacteria that support soil health. It is said that healthy soil contains around 5% organic matter, but intensive agriculture has reduced this number to around 1%. Incorporating vermicompost into the soil can help restore that balance.
8. Using vermicompost or vermicastings results in increased yields with a variety of crops, from strawberries to tomatoes and peppers. Some vermicomposts may also contain hormones that regulate and promote plant growth.
9. Earthworms and live vermicompost can treat soil contaminated with hydrocarbons, chemical pollutants, heavy metal-free particles, and more harmful substances.
10. It is ideal for apartment dwellers who desire a sustainable supply of fresh organic material for their balcony gardens or indoor potted plants.

These are some of the benefits of vermicomposting, highlighting its positive impact on soil fertility, waste management, water conservation, plant growth, and environmental sustainability.

Vermicomposting - A Successful Agricultural Venture:

Mrs. Rupali Mali, a progressive female farmer from the village Sangav in Kolhapur district, has taken up vermicomposting, along with agriculture, as well as the business of rearing earthworms and producing neem cake and pongamia (Pongamia pinnata). Over the past twelve years, she has gained stability in giving shape to her business by identifying skills and customer demands. The Mali family owns approximately two and a half acres of land. The young female farmer takes full responsibility for her farm and manages it skillfully.

She started making vermicompost for the supply to her own fields initially. However, she began selling it in excess quantities. Gradually, the number of customers increased, and then Mrs. Rupali started producing on a large scale. Currently, she has established a commercial company called "Samarth Agro Products Private Limited." She produces 35-40 tons of vermicompost per year and sells it at a rate of 12 rupees per kilogram.

The demand for vermicompost made by Rupali is from farmers in Maharashtra, Goa, Pune, and Karnataka. The female farmer currently provides employment to six women. She is actively working towards establishing a farmer producer company and working with rural women and farmers to provide them with higher income and make them self-reliant.

Limitations of Vermicomposting: Vermicomposting is a time-consuming process. It takes approximately 6 months to decompose organic waste and produce vermicompost. Compared to traditional composting methods, vermicomposting requires higher maintenance. Vermicompost can be prone to pests and diseases as the vermicomposting pit needs to maintain sufficient coolness to support the life of earthworms.
There is a lack of extensive data in the vermicomposting process, such as the presence of toxic substrates in vermicompost or the level of greenhouse gas emissions generated by worm activity. Future research is needed to better understand vermiculture and its characteristics. There is also a demand for increased awareness within the farming community about vermicomposting, for example, through mass media and/or extensive agricultural services.
Additionally, engineers need to design and develop the necessary techniques and technologies for vermicompost production. Encouraging research and development programs that promote vermicomposting practices is crucial to its advancement.

Conclusion: Vermicompost is organic in nature, so it is not harmful to the environment. The vermicomposting process is also easy to manage and can be successfully carried out by inexperienced small and limited farmers. Amidst environmental degradation and increasing food demand, vermicompost can be a solution. However, its use alone in agriculture will not be able to meet the food demand, but when used in conjunction with chemical fertilizers, it can bring stability to food production. The adoption rate of vermicompost is low, and it is primarily embraced by female farmers. The full potential of vermicompost has not yet been fully utilized. Therefore, it is necessary to educate farmers about the benefits of vermicomposting and stability it can bring.