Vermicomposting is a type of fertilizer. In which the decomposition of organic matter is enhanced by using specific types of earthworms. Earthworms eat organic matter and pass it through their digestive system and convert it into a granular form (cocoon) called vermicompost. Organic residues, such as straw, leaves, branches, herbs, etc., can be converted into vermicompost. Earthworms feed on organic matter and reduce its content by 40-60%. Each earthworm weighs about 0.5 to 0.6 grams, eats matter equal to its body weight, and produces about 50% of the amount of matter it eats in a day. The moisture content of compost is between 32 to 66% and the pH is about 7.
The level of nutrients in the fertilizer depends on the source of the raw material and the type of ground worms. There are about 3600 species of land insects which are divided into two species. A type that can convert organic matter into compost. They consume 10% soil and 90% organic matter and rapidly convert this substance into vermicompost. And the second type is ground insects that eat only 10% organic matter and 90% soil and do not make large amounts of compost. Types of vermicompost-producing terrestrial insects include the Red wigglers (Eisenia Fetida or Eisenia Andrei) and the Red Earthworm (Lumbricus rubellus). This compost contains more nutrients for plant growth than normal fertilizer. NPKs are present in vermicompost in readily available conditions and are harvested within one month of transplanting. Its use also reduces the use of chemical fertilizers.
Today vermicompost is being made on a small and large scale. Farmers make five to ten tons of vermicompost on a small scale to meet their personal needs. On the other hand, hundreds of tons of vermicompost are produced annually by recycling large quantities of organic matter for large-scale vermicomposting. Ground insects are reared to make vermicompost. Plastic and wooden cans are used for raising them but cedar wooden cans are not used as they have antiseptic properties. Many holes are drilled in the bottom of the boxes and the boxes are placed above the ground so that air can pass through the bottom of the boxes. About half of the box is filled with damp newspaper and then dusted. Worms are then put in the boxes. And the boxes are kept in places where the temperature is not low or high. Extremely cold and hot temperatures are not suitable for them.