Vermicomposting, or castings, is worm manure. Worm castings are considered by many in horticulture to be one of the best soil amendments available. Simply put, vermicomposting is the practice of using worms to turn waste into compost.

Vermicomposting is almost like worm ranching. You provide the worms, their feed, their bedding, and a place for them to live. In return, you’ll get a nutrient – dense soil amendment in for less time than other kinds of composting takes.

Benefits of Vermicomposting

There are numerous benefits to starting your own worm farm:

• Vermicompost is clean with little or no odor.
• The soil doesn’t require turning as the tunneling wriggles provide aeration.
• Castings are produced within a few weeks without having to maintain internal heat.
• Recycles and repurposes kitchen waste materials.
• Produces nutrient dense, porous compost with good water retention and high microbial activity.
• The castings produced are easy to apply, handle, and store.

Vermicompost plays a role in improving the soil’s ability to hold water. This helps to move nutrients to plants, improves soil structure, and neutralizes soil pH.

Vermicomposting Procedures

• To prepare compost, either a plastic or concrete tank can be used.
• Collect the biomass and place it under the sun for abouit 8 – 12 days. Now chop it to the required size using the cutter.
• Prepare a cow dung slurry and sprinkle it on the heap for quick decomposition.
• Add a layer (2-3 inch) of soil or sand at the bottom of the tank.
• Now prepare fine bedding by adding partially decomposed cow dung, dried leaves and other biodegradable wastes collected from fields / kitchen. Distribute them evenly on the sand layer.
• Continue adding both the chopped bio-waste and partially decomposed cow dung layer – wise into the tank up to a depth of 0,5 – 1.0 ft.
• After adding all the boi-wastes release the earthworm species over the mixture and cover the compost mixture with dry straw or gunny bags.
• Sprinkle water on a regular basis to maintain the moisture content of the compost.
• Cover the tank with a thatch to prevent the entry of insects, mouse, snakes etc.
• Have a frequent check to avoid the compost from overheating. Maintain proper moisture and temperature.

VERMICOMPOSTING BUSINESS PLANS

To start a successful and sustainable vermicomposting farming operation, you need a strong and well – written business plan. Putting together a farming business plan can be daunting – especially if this is the first time.

If you need any help in this area you can make use of our expertise of 15 years in the agriculture field. Contact us now for professional help.