Vermicompost Production as a Means of Inclusive Green Economy Development in Rural Settlements

Abstract

The article deals with the theoretical aspects of inclusive green economy and practical prospects for its elements' introduction in rural areas of Russia. Discursive variety of interpretations of the green economy allowed identifying the green economy of rural areas with decoupling effect as elimination of direct correlation between the growth of agricultural production and anthropogenic load on agrobiocenoses. Practical implementation of the green economy's inclusive component consists in creation of new production chains in rural settlements and small towns with similar socioeconomic conditions. These chains should be affordable for small enterprises and profitable enough for the formation of financial flows that would ensure socioeconomic development of rural areas of Russia and prevent their decay and depopulation. Scientific and industrial cooperation in the field of biotechnology can solve this problem in combination with ensuring environmentally sustainable development. The production of vermicompost as an effective organic fertilizer that provides enhanced reproduction of soil fertility is the most affordable and cost-effective means of rural areas' development. The article analyzes the influence of vermicompost on agrobiocenoses, the prospects of its sale, the raw materials used for its production, as well as replicability and scalability of these technologies. This provides for a socioeconomic basis of expanded reproduction of soil fertility and improving living standards of the rural population.

Effects of Earthworms on Microbial Communities and Their Castings as Soil Amendments: A Review

“…Epigeic earthworms are surface feeder detritivorous worms that feed on surface debris; decay organic wastes such as crop residues; decay organic wastes; leaf litter; plant roots; and animal dung and convert them into vermicast. Due to their short lifespan, the fecundity rate of these plants is high, and epigeic earthworms reproduce in diverse habitats and harsh environments (Kozenko et al 2020). E. fetida is the most suitable species for vermiculture worldwide.…”

Role of earthworm biodiversity in soil fertility and crop productivity improvement

“…): Epigeic earthworms are surface feeder detritivorous worms that feed on surface debris, decaying organic wastes like crop residues, decaying organic wastes, leaf litters, plant roots, and animal dung and convert them into vermicast. Due to the short lifespan fecundity rate is high and epigeic earthworms are reproduced in diverse habitat and harsh environments (Kozenko et al, 2020). E. fetida is the most suitable species for vermiculture over the globe.…”