Vermitechnology

Abstract

Vermicomposting has been rising as an innovative ecotechnology for the conversion of various types of wastes into vermicompost. Vermicompost is humus like finely granulated and stabilized material which can be used as a soil conditioner to reintegrate the organic matter to the agricultural soils. Non-toxic and organic industrial wastes could be potential raw material for vermitechnology. The success of the vermitechnology depends upon several process parameters like quality of raw material, pH, temperature, moisture, aeration, type of vermicomposting system, and earthworm species used. Vermicomposting is a suitable means for waste remediation and organic manure production. Physical processes include substrate aeration, mixing, and grinding while biochemical processes involves decomposition of waste by various enzymes present in the gut of earthworms and is influenced by microbes present in their intestine. Earthworms have several medicinal properties and are also known to accumulate toxic residues from soil/substrates. The role of earthworms in sustainable farming is immense.