Vermicompost, Its Applications and Derivatives

Abstract

Vermicomposts are products derived from the accelerated biological degradation of organic wastes by interactions between earthworms and microorgan- isms as we have discussed in previous chapters. Earthworms consume and fragment the organic wastes into fi ner particles by passing them through a grinding gizzard, and they derive their nourishment from the microorganisms that grow on the organic matter. The process accelerates the rates of microbiological decomposition of the organic matter, increases microbial populations, and alters the physical and chemi- cal properties of the material, leading to accelerated humifi cation, during which the unstable organic matter is fully oxidized and stabilized (Albanell et al. Biol Fertil Soils 6:266–269, 1988). Vermicomposts are fi nely divided peat-like materials with high porosity, aeration, and drainage and good water-holding capacities (Edwards and Burrows. The potential of earthworm composts as plant growth media. In: Edwards CA, Neuhauser E (eds) Earthworms in waste and environmental manage- ment. SPB Academic Press, The Hague, pp 21–32, 1988; Edwards and Arancon. BioCycle 45:51–53, 2004). High-quality vermicompost has a good physical texture and color, no odors, and few contaminants or pollutants (Edwards. Breakdown of animal, vegetable and industrial organic wastes by earthworms. In: Edwards CA, Neuhauser EF (eds) Earthworms in waste and environmental management. SPB,The Hague, pp 21–31, 1988; Edwards and Arancon. BioCycle 45:51–53, 2004). Vermicomposts are suitable both as plant growth media and as soil amendments. Graphical representation of percentage recovery of vermicasts from earthworms is shown in Fig. 9.1 .