VERMICOMPOSTING OF WOOD WASTES

Dr.E.SREENIVASANTechnical Manager, R&D

THE WESTERN INDIA PLYWOODS LTDBALIAPATAM

KANNUR-670010Ph:8289865990

E-Mail: dr.sreeniettammal@gmail.com

WHAT ARE WOODWASTES? Lignocellulosic

wastes refer to plant biomass wastes that are composed of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin

WOOD WASTESExamples

BarkSawdustPeeler wasteChipper bottom wasteChip residuesPulp sludgeCutting waste

WHAT IS VERMICOMPOSTING? Vermicomposting is essentially the

consumption of organic material by earthworms. This speeds up the process of decomposition and provides a nutrient-rich end product, called vermicompost, in the form of ‘worm castings’.

The technique yields organic fertilizers, permits safe disposal of certain organic wastes and reduces the requirement for landfill.

EARTHWORMSEarthworm gut is a bioreactor which

increases the beneficial microbial density facilitating rapid decomposition of wastes

About 3600 species of earthworms recorded in the world

Three types: a)Endogeic b)Anecic and c)Epigeic

EARTHWORMS

EARTHWORMS FOR VERMICOMPOSTING Common species

Eudrilus eugeniaeEisenia foetidaPerionyx excavatusLampito mauritii

EARTHWORMS FOR VERMICOMPOSTING DESIRABLE ATTRIBUTES

 Excellent conversion efficiency: Worm should exhibit high

biomass consumption and high rate of conversion of ingested biomass to body proteins, a physiological trait required for achieving high growth rate.

Tolerance to environmental changes: Worm should have wider range of tolerance to environmental factors including adaptation to feed on a variety of organic residues

High multiplication rate: Worm should produce large numbers of cocoons with short hatching time enabling rapid population growth and, linked to this rapid growth, faster composting of organic residues.

Early maturity: Life cycle of the worm should be such that mature/adult phase is quickly reached.

Disease resistance: Worm should be disease resistant.

VERMICOMPOSTINGMethods

Pit below the groundHeap above the groundTank above the groundCement ringCommercial model

VERMICOMPOSTING

VERMICOMPOSTINGPrecautions

1.Maintain the moisture at 50-60 % level in the pit.

2.Temperature between 25-28 ºC. 3.Base material (FYM) should be partially decomposed. 4.Proper aeration should be provided

without disturbing the worms.

VERMICOMPOSTINGTanks above ground

VERMICOMPOSTINGSemi-commercial

VERMICOMPOSTSieving

VERMICOMPOSTPacking

VERMICOMPOSTSample

VERMICOMPOST Benefits

Because of the chemical nature of the vermicompost which is essentially a lignin complex with ion exchange and adsorption properties, nutrients are tenaciously held and made available slowly throughout the life of the plant.

Retain enormous quantity of waterFixation of organic carbon in soil thereby

reduce atmospheric carbon responsible for global warming

VERMICOMPOST Benefits

Productive utilization of organic waste materials It is a store-house of plant nutrients.It improves the physical, chemical and biological

properties of the soil and better crop productivity.Earthworms effectively harness the beneficial soil

microflora, destroy soil pathogen and convert organic wastes in to vitamins, enzymes and others organic compounds.

Vermicompost is becoming an alternative to conventional compost and FYM sources for organic farming.

It also controls soil as well as environmental pollution.

It maintains the soil health

VEGETABLE CULTIVATION USING VERMICOMPOST

THANK YOU