VERMICOMPOST

AN ECOFRIENDLY
ORGANIC
FERTILIZER

The use of compost can make a crucial contribution

to the maintenance and improvement of soil
fertility. Composting is an ancient method of
organic fertilisation used in agriculture and
gardening.
Worm compost (also known as vermicompost, from
vermis, the Latin for worm) is an especially
high-grade and nutrient-rich fertiliser. This black
substrate is what remains of organic matter after
being broken down by micro-organisms, and
especially by worms.

What exactly is vermicompost?

Worm compost is one of the highest-grade and most
nutrient-rich natural fertilisers in the world. Its soil
conditioning properties and plant-strengthening effect
encourage the growth and yield of the plants.
Characteristics:
similar to the soil found in deciduous woodlands and
mixed forests
black, odourless and crumbly substrate
balanced nutritional composition for plants
it contains an above average number of micro-organisms
which revitalise the soil
loose yet stable soil structure (clay-humus complexes)
absolutely free from all types of synthetic chemical
additives

Conversion processes:
Accelerated conversion of organic waste matter by
micro-organisms (bacteria, fungi) and by
compost worms
The worms coat the organic material with their
mucous excretions which contain micro-organisms
(bacteria, fungi etc.)
microbial pre-decomposition
The worms convert the pre-fermented composting
material into worm humus, along with mineral
substances
Worm humus is high in micro-organisms, enzymes
and nutrients.
Ideal supplier of nutrients bonded in clay-humus
complexes, good plant availability
Cold composting (at temperatures below 50C)

Plant nutritionists encouragement of

soil fertility
Worm humus acts as an appetiser for plants,
increasing their capacity to absorb water and nutrients
Earthworm humus contains the essential nutrients of
nitrogen (N), phosphor (P) and potash (K) in much
larger quantities than are present in the soil or in
comparable compost. This makes it richer than mature
manure or garden compost
During the course of composting, the ratio shifts in
favour of N
The C/N ratio of mature compost should be below 20.
The higher the proportion of nitrogen in
compost (primarily organically bonded nitrate and
ammonium), the better, this complex process is
performed by the worm in its gastrointestinal tract.)

Vermicompost is a nutrient rich compost which:

Helps better plant growth and crop yield
Improves physical structure of soil.
Enriches soil with micro-organisms
Increase water holding capacity of soil.
Enhances germination, plant growth, and crop yield.
Improves root growth of plants.
Enriches soil with plant hormones such as auxins and
gibberellin like substances. (These plant hormones
are essentially secondary metabolites secreted by
good bacteria)

Sr. No

ANALYSIS OF
VERMICOMPOST RESULT
TEST CONDUCTED

pH

7.96

E.C (ms / cm)

2.66

P2O5

1.25%

K2O

0.80%

4.48%

ORANIC CARBON

17.40%

ORGANIC MATTER

30%

ASH

70%

C:N

3.88

10

CHLORIDES

2.80%

11

SODIUM

0.80%

12

CALCIUM

1.52%

13

MAGNESIUM

1.20%

14

BORON

0.01%

15

SULFUR

0.20%

16

IRON

5100 PPM

17

COPPER

36 PPM

18

ZINC

118 PPM

19

MANGANESE

132 PPM

IMPORTANT FEEBACK FROM

FARMS WHERE VERMICOMPOST
BEINGasUSED
Reduced use of water for IS
irrigation
application of vermicompost over
successive years improved the moisture holding capacity of the soil.
Reduced pest attack (by at least 75%) in crops applied with vermicompost.
Cauliflowers grown on vermicompost remains 95% disease free. Late Blight
(fungal disease) in banana was almost reduced by over 95%.
Reduced termite attack in farm soil especially where worms were in good
population.
Reduced weed growth.
Faster rate of seed germination and rapid seedlings growth and development.
Greater numbers of fruits per plant (in vegetable crops) and greater numbers of
seeds per ear (in cereal crops), heavier in weight-better in both, quantity and
quality as compared to those grown on chemicals.
Fruits and vegetables had better taste and texture and could be safely stored
up to 6-7 days, while those grown on chemicals could be kept at the most for 2-3
days.
Wheat production increased from 35 to 40%.
Fodder growth was increased by nearly 50% @ 30 to 40 quintal/hectare.
Flower production (commercial floriculture) was increased by 30-50% @ 15-20
quintal/hectare.
Flower blooms were more colorful and bigger in size.

EFFECT OF VERMICOMPOST ON
SEED GERMINATION

EFFECT OF VERMICOMPOST ON
RESPIRATION INTENSITY OF
SUBSTRATE

PEST RESISTANCE

CONCLUSIONS AND REMARKS

Earthworms vermicompost work as a slow-release fertilizer and also protect plants

against pest &diseases.
With their continued application the organic nitrogen & other nutrients in compost
tends to be released at constant rate from the accumulated humus and the net overall
efficiency of NPK over a period of years is considerably greater than 50% of that of
chemical fertilizers.
Availability of phosphorus is sometimes much greater.
Vermicompost will also be a recipe to restore the degenerated & chemically
contaminated soils of world agricultural ecosystems resulting from the heavy use of
agrochemicals in the wake of green revolution.
Use of vermicompost would significantly reduce or even replace the use of dangerous
agrochemicals.
Reduce the demand of water for irrigation and pest & disease control, thus benefiting
the farmers and the economy and ecology of the nation in every way.