Efficacy of the Vermicomposts of Different Organic Wastes as “Clean” Fertilizers: State-of-the-Art

Abstract

Vermicomposting is a process in which earthworms are utilized to convert biodegradable organic waste into humus-like vermicast. Past work, mainly on vermicomposting of animal droppings, has shown that vermicompost is an excellent organic fertilizer and is also imbibed with pest-repellent properties. However, there is no clarity whether vermicomposts of organic wastes other than animal droppings are as plant-friendly as the manure-based vermicomposts are believed to be. It is also not clear as to whether the action of a vermicompost as a fertilizer depends on the species of plants being fertilized by it. This raises questions whether vermicomposts are beneficial (or harmful) at all levels of application or if there is a duality in their action which is a function of their rate of application. The present work is an attempt to seek answers to these questions. To that end, all hitherto published reports on the action of vermicomposts of different substrates on different species of plants have been assessed. The study reveals that, in general, vermicomposts of all animal/plant based organic wastes are highly potent fertilizers. They also possess some ability to repel plant pests. The factors that shape these properties have been assessed and the knowledge gaps that need to be bridged have been identified.

Quality of Vermicompost and Microbial Community Diversity Affected by the Contrasting Temperature during Vermicomposting of Dewatered Sludge

“…Consequently, it can be inferred that higher temperature could have positive effects on stabilization of vermicomposting. Further, it does mean that the sludge vermicompost obtained at 25 °C is better as a soil fertilizer, as suggested by [15].…”

“…During the entire process, the 25 • C treatment significantly differed with the other two treatments implying that the sludge could be rapidly stabilized at 25 • C. Consequently, it can be inferred that higher temperature could have positive effects on stabilization of vermicomposting. Further, it does mean that the sludge vermicompost obtained at 25 • C is better as a soil fertilizer, as suggested by [15].…”

“…Given that the growth of earthworms is strongly associated with temperature, different regimes may also affect the quality of the vermicomposting product and its agricultural value. Hence, understanding the optimal temperature condition to operate vermicomposting of sludge is vital to drive the development of the vermicomposting industry.Although the use of earthworms is popular in vermicomposting systems, microorganisms also play important roles in decomposing and converting the organic matter present in sludge [8,15]. In addition, the dewatered sludge is mainly characterized by active microbes and debris from dead cells and particulate matter [1].…”

“…Although the use of earthworms is popular in vermicomposting systems, microorganisms also play important roles in decomposing and converting the organic matter present in sludge [8,15]. In addition, the dewatered sludge is mainly characterized by active microbes and debris from dead cells and particulate matter [1].…”

Vermicomposting of Banana Pseudostem and Maize Fodder (Waste) Using Eudrilus eugeniae

“…Traditionally vermicompost has been generated with animal manure as the substrate and has been recognized as a good soil conditioner and fertilizer [8]. Vermicomposting is believed to offer a route by which organic waste can be stabilized to a significant extent, converting it into a finished fertilizer [9]. In recent years, other organic substrates like, pulses straw, tree leaves have also been vermicomposted and the products have been found to be as good as the manure based vermicompost [10].…”