Compost and Vermicompost: Definitions, Examples, and Advantages
The long-term maintenance of rich soil using solely natural ingredients is one of the primary objectives of organic farming. The addition of compost on a consistent basis is one of the most effective strategies to increase the organic content of the soil in both open fields and greenhouses that are grown. A naturally occurring source of fertility and life is the earthworm. It resides in the subsurface and consumes decomposing organic materials to produce soil-nourishing matter.
Compost and Vermicompost
An everlasting gift, composting is an environmentally friendly way to dispose of waste. The term "manure" refers to either compost or vermicompost, which enriches the soil with vital nutrients. To put it another way, manure contains a significant amount of organic matter and contributes essential nutrients to the soil. Manure adds nutrients and organic elements to the soil, increasing its fertility.
Most of the organic matter in manure helps to strengthen the structure. This involves increasing the water-holding capacity of clay soils. Large levels of organic matter, when present in clay soil, improve drainage and help to minimise waterlogging. Compost or vermicompost are two different terms for manure depending on the sort of biological material employed.
Define Composting
Composting involves gathering a mixture of "Greens" and "Browns" at its most basic level. Greens are substances high in nitrogen, such as leaves, grass, and food scraps. Stalks, paper, and wood chips are examples of browns, which are more carbon-rich woody materials. The decomposition procedure is aided by shredding the plant waste, adding water, and maintaining optimum aeration by routinely stirring the material in a method that employs open piles or "windrows."
The organic matter is further broken down by fungi, earthworms, and other detritivores. Aerobic bacteria and fungi control the chemical reaction by converting the inputs into heat, carbon dioxide, and ammonium. Since composting reduces methane production and offers both economic and environmental advantages, it is a better option for the environment than disposing of organic waste in landfills.
Types of Composting
Onsite composting uses yard clippings, and food leftovers can be composted in a backyard or on-site. Large amounts of food scraps or animal products should not be composted using this approach. The produced organic fertiliser can be used to improve soil quality.
Windrow composting involves making organic waste into long rows termed "windrows" and aerated by manual or mechanical rotating. This method is suitable for enormous volumes, such as those generated by high-volume food-processing companies. Examples: Yard trimmings, grease, liquids, and animal by-products.
Advantages of Composting
Composting is a good method for reusing the organic waste we make at home.
More than 28% of what we throw away is made up of food scraps and yard waste.
Compost is an important tool for making large-scale farming systems better. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are the three main nutrients that garden plants need.
It also has small amounts of calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc, which are also important.
What is the Meaning of Vermicompost?
Vermicomposting is a way to make compost that is better for plants by using earthworms. It is one of the easiest ways to use farm waste to make good compost and recycle the waste. Earthworms eat plant matter and pass it out as worm casts, a digested form. People often call worm casts "black gold."
The casts contain nutrients, substances that help plants grow, and good soil microbes. They also have properties that stop pathogenic microbes from growing. Vermicompost is becoming increasingly popular as a key part of organic farming.
Types of Vermicomposting
The bed method is making a bed of organic material the size of 6x2x2 feet is how composting is done on the pucca or kachcha floor. This strategy requires little effort to keep up and put into effect.
The pit method uses cemented pits of five by five by three feet for the composting process. The exterior of the unit is finished with thatch, grass, or any other material readily accessible in the area. This approach is not recommended since it results in poor aeration, water accumulation at the bottom of the tank, and higher production costs.
Benefits of Vermicomposting
It allows for the effective conversion of organic wastes as well as crop and animal leftovers.
It is a conditioner for the soil that is both stable and enhanced.
It contributes to the reduction of the population of pathogenic bacteria.
It aids in the process of lowering the toxicity of heavy metals.
It is a readily deployable, low-cost technology.
It is an economically efficient and safe nutritional supplement for organic food.
Vermicompost Nutrient Content
Differences Between Composting and Vermicomposting
Interesting Facts
Worms consume double their weight daily. Red worms are superb composters and large eaters.
Composting is an excellent way to reduce trash. As a result, if we all compost, we can save a lot of resources.
A composting toilet works by breaking down human waste and using the least amount of water possible.
Important Questions
1. List down the nutrient composition of vermicompost.
Ans: The vermicompost consists of following nutrients:
2. What are the types of composting?
Ans: The following are the types of composting:
Onsite composting uses yard clippings, and food leftovers can be composted in a backyard or on-site. Large amounts of food scraps or animal products should not be composted using this approach. The produced organic fertiliser can be used to improve soil quality.
Windrow composting involves making organic waste into long rows termed "windrows" and aerated by manual or mechanical rotating. This method is suitable for enormous volumes, such as those generated by high-volume food-processing companies. Examples- yard trimmings, grease, liquids, and animal by-products.
Key Features
Compost and vermicompost are the final products that result from the biological breakdown of trash.
The production time for compost is significantly longer than that of vermicompost.
Compost does not assist in the growth of plants and requires the employment of more labourers in addition to additional attention and care.
FAQs on Difference Between Compost and Vermicompost
1. What is the fundamental difference between compost and vermicompost?
The fundamental difference lies in the decomposition process. Compost is produced through the natural decomposition of organic matter by a wide range of microorganisms like bacteria and fungi. In contrast, vermicompost is created through the combined action of earthworms and microorganisms. The worms ingest, digest, and excrete the organic waste, resulting in a nutrient-rich end product called worm castings.
2. Which is a better choice for home gardening, compost or vermicompost?
The choice depends on the scale and goal. Vermicompost is often preferred for home gardening because it is more nutrient-dense, can be produced faster in smaller spaces (like bins), and results in a finer, richer soil conditioner. Traditional compost is better suited for managing large volumes of garden and kitchen waste, though it takes longer to mature and is less concentrated in nutrients.
3. What kind of earthworms are best for vermicomposting?
Not all earthworms are suitable for vermicomposting. The most effective species are surface-dwelling worms that thrive on decaying organic matter. The most commonly used types are Red Wigglers (Eisenia fetida) and Redworms (Lumbricus rubellus). These worms are efficient at breaking down waste in the confined environment of a compost bin.
4. How does the decomposition process differ in hot composting versus vermicomposting?
The key difference is the source of decomposition energy. Hot composting is a thermophilic process, meaning it relies on heat (up to 60-70°C) generated by microbial activity to break down waste and kill pathogens. Vermicomposting is a mesophilic process, operating at lower temperatures (15-25°C). It relies on the digestive systems of earthworms, along with microorganisms, to process the waste, which is why it doesn't generate significant heat.
5. How do compost and vermicompost impact soil health and plant growth differently?
Both improve soil health, but in different ways. Vermicompost is generally richer in bioavailable nutrients (like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) and beneficial microbes, leading to quicker plant growth and improved disease resistance. It also contains plant growth hormones. Traditional compost acts more as a soil conditioner, excellent for improving soil structure, water retention, and aeration over a longer period, while releasing nutrients more slowly.
6. What are the main advantages of using vermicompost over traditional compost?
Vermicompost offers several key advantages:
- Higher Nutrient Content: It is significantly richer in essential plant nutrients and beneficial microorganisms.
- Faster Process: It can be produced in a shorter time frame, typically 1-2 months, compared to 3-6 months for traditional compost.
- Better Soil Structure: The worm castings (vermicompost) improve soil aeration, porosity, and water-holding capacity more effectively.
- Odourless: A well-maintained vermicompost system is virtually odourless, making it suitable for indoor or balcony use.
7. How does vermicompost differ from green manure?
These are two distinct methods of soil enrichment. Vermicompost is a decomposed organic fertiliser created from various waste materials using earthworms. It is added to the soil before or during planting. Green manure, on the other hand, refers to specific crops (like legumes) that are grown in a field and then tilled back into the soil while still green. Their primary purpose is to add nitrogen and organic matter directly into the field's soil profile.
8. Can any organic waste be put into a vermicompost bin? What should be avoided?
No, not all organic waste is suitable for vermicomposting, as some items can harm the worms or create an unhealthy environment. While fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, and crushed eggshells are great, you should strictly avoid:
- Meat, fish, and dairy products, as they can attract pests and create foul odours.
- Oily or greasy foods.
- Citrus fruits and onions in large quantities, as their high acidity can be harmful to worms.
- Pet waste, which can contain harmful pathogens.
