Vermicompost (Biofertilisers)
The compost
prepared by using earthworms is called Vermicompost.
 Vermi compost is very important aspect of organic
farming package. It is easy to prepare, has
excellent properties and is absolutely harmless to
plants. Vermi compost is a mixture of totally
decomposed fine biomass particles and Vermi compost
(fecal matter released by earthworms after digesting
the food). Pure and good quality Vermi compost is
soft, spongy, sweet smelling and dark brown in
colour.
The passage of material through the earthworm guts
converts the locked up minerals into available
forms, which are readily assimilable by plants. This
is made possible by the presence of a large number
of micro floras in the guts of the earthworms.
Significantly casting produced by earthworms have
nearly hundred times more bacterial population than
the surrounding soils. Aggregate structure of
Vermicomposting is like a porous pyramid. It holds
water but excess of water flows away through it.
Hence Vermicompost helps to improve the soil
structure.
Plants need about 16 elements as nutrients which
 are
known as essential elements. Out of these Nitrogen,
phosphorus and potash are required in more quantity
and hence are termed as major nutrients. Out
atmosphere contains almost 80% of Nitrogen in
gaseous form. Certain soil microorganisms have
ability to convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia
which is readily available to plants. These strains
include Azotobacter, Azospinillu, Rhizobium, Blue,
green algae etc. Besides, there are certain
micro-organisms producing organic acids which solublises Phosphate and makes available to plants.
Vermiwash
Vermiwash, a liquid fertilizer collected after the
passage of water through a column of worm action is
very useful as a foliar spray. Its utility in
aquatic productivity and lawn maintenance is
immense. The Vermiwash complex is efficient in
raising of nurseries, lawns, fields and orchids.
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