Question

Differentiate between compost and vermicompost?

Answer 1

Hint: The final product of both compost and vermicompost leads to decomposition of the organic waste which helps to fertilize the soil. The difference between compost and vermicompost is just the process in which both these processes transfer the organic waste into a fertilizer for soil.

Complete answer:
> Compost and vermicompost are the fertilizers that are obtained from decomposition of organic materials like kitchen waste, farm waste, etc. The process involved in converting the organic waste into fertilizer is different in both compost and vermicompost. In compost, decomposition of organic waste is done with the process called composting and compost is prepared which is added into the soil and helps to regain lost minerals and nutrients into soil as it is rich in nutrients and also provides humus in soil. Compost also helps in landfill cover, soil erosion control and land and stream reclamation.

> In vermicompost, decomposition of organic waste is carried out with help of earthworms, white worms and red wigglers. The end product after decomposition of organic waste is called vermicast which contains worm humus, worm manure and worm casting. Vermicomposting is a fast process compared to composting and is comparatively richer in nutrients than compost. This fertilizer helps the soil to regain lost minerals and nutrients which are lost due to continuous cropping in the soil. This organic fertilizer is good for our environment as it does not harm the environment and does not have any hazardous effect on the body of humans.

Note: Vermicomposting can also be used for treatment of sewage which helps in removal of organic waste and pathogens from sewage or wastewater. Vermicompost is also used in farming and earthworms are reared in a farm which is called vermiculture.