Vermicompost...

Organic matter when subjected to decomposition with the help of earthworms, the resultant product is vermicompost and the process is known as vermicasting. The product is the result of organic waste consumed by earthworm, digested and excreted in the form of granules.

Earthworms play a significant role in maintaining the soil productivity. Earthworms enhance the decomposition of organic matter and they also contribute 20-100 kg nitrogen per ha per year, besides other mineralized nutrients and plant growth factors. Earthworms help the growth of beneficial bacteria and actinomycetes by providing optimum conditions of temperature, moisture, aeration and phosphate. Worms also produce several enzymes which split complex polymers in wastes into simple molecules which are further utilized by the soil micro-organisms. They also control parasitic nematodes and enhance the crop yields. Although they are present in the soil, deliberate attempts to enhance their population in the soil through application of vermicompost will be beneficial.

Vermipost is a compost with added benefits. Pathogenic bacteria such as E. coli, salmonella are destroyed due to competition from the active microflora and intestinal secretions. Most of the human pathogens are anaerobic and cannot survive in the highly aerobic micro-environment created by the earthworms. Earthworms produce castings with balanced plant nutrients. Vermicompost also has immobilized micro flora which continue their function in the soil. It is rich in vitamins, enzymes, antibiotics and growth hormones. Although chemical fertilizers have many nutrients listed and higher laboratory analysis percentages, the ability of plants to optimally use these nutrients is limited. Since the nutrients are not broken down in a manner that plants can readily use. Moreover, chemical fertilizers do not have sufficient organic matter that is essential for plant growth. Chemical fertilizers are most often detrimental to soil microbiology, by-passing and often destroying much of the beneficial microbial and bacterial activity. It is also known to be harmful to earthworms. Earthworms don't like to be sprinkled with chemical fertilizers. Vermicompost improves soil aeration because they do not pack together when mixed in soil. This in turn promotes rapid plant growth. Earthworm castings improve the soil’s drainage, reducing waterlogged soil and root rot. The soil’s water retention capacity also improves because vermicompost contains absorbent organic matter that hold only the necessary amounts of water needed by the roots.