Track: Waste Management

Abstract

The vermicomposting technology is increasingly becoming popular as a bio fertilizer production through the aerobic decomposition of waste by earthworms as a bio waste management initiative. When vermiremediation occurs, the earthworms consume the bio waste which is then converted to vermicompost (solid bio fertilizer) and vermiwash (liquid fertilizer). Several studies have been conducted for various bio wastes worldwide using various earthworms over vermicomposting periods of 30-120 days in vermi reactors. Vermicompost with nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium (NPK) compositions with ranges 0.3-4.2%, 0.2-1.6% and 0.2-6.2% respectively were produced. In addition vermiwash with NPK composition of 0.1-1.6%, 0.1-7.5% and 0.5-1.3% respectively were produced. These bio fertilizers had rich macro nutrients composition that are required by plants and can be used as an alternative to chemical fertilisers promoting sustainable agriculture through vermi remediation.