PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF VERMICOMPOST MADE FROM DIFFERENT SOURCES OF MATERIALS
Vol. 2, Issue 1, Jan-Dec 2016 | Page: 156-167
Abstract
Vermicomposting is a simple biological process where certain types of earthworms are used to help turn waste into nutrient-rich compost. This study aimed to create and examine the nutrients in vermicompost made from various types of organic materials. To make vermicompost, you first partially break down the organic materials, such as crop leftovers and animal waste, then place them in tanks with earthworms. You also need to keep the right levels of moisture and temperature. After about one to two months, you collect the compost, sift it to remove the worms, and test its chemical makeup, including pH, organic carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus, to check its quality and how much nutrients it has. Different organic materials result in different nutrient levels. Some studies show that materials like faba bean straw or haricot bean mixed with animal manure can make vermicompost with more nutrients. It was found that even though the source of the vermicompost varied, the nutrient content was always higher in vermicompost than in regular organic waste. Among the different sources, neem leaves and wheat straw produced the most nutritious compost. Plants grew better when they were fertilized with these vermicompost samples compared to those not given any. It was also noted that the C/N ratio of the organic waste dropped during vermicomposting, showing that more nitrogen became available for plants. Not only did we get better plant growth, but we also turned some agricultural waste into useful compost, which would otherwise have been thrown away or burned, both of which are not good for the environment.
References
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Irvinder Kaur
Dept of Botany, S. B. D. Government P.G. College, Sardarshahar, Churu
Received: 10-04-2016, Accepted: 31-05-2016, Published Online: 11-06-2016