10.4 Aerobic Composting
Vermicomposting is a type of aerobic composting, that is, composting under aerobic
condition or in presence of oxygen under apppropriate environmental conditions.
The process is divided into three phases: (a) Degradation phase, (b) Transformation
phase, and (c) Maturation phase.
10.4.1 Degradation Phase
Degradation phase starts shortly after the addition of organic amendments to the
compost bed in the presence of microorganism such as bacteria, actinomycetes,
protozoa. This phase is characterized by moderate increase of temperature, or
‘mesophilic phase’, which readily degrades the soluble compounds. Such phase
exist for a couple of days at the beginning of composting. Microorganisms grow
exponentially and generate heat during the oxidative process which increases the
temperature of composting above 40
C also termed as ‘thermophilic phase’. This
phase is characterized by intense biodegradation of carbohydrates, complex lignin,
etc. along with production of simple C, N, CO 2 and so on. During this phase, almost
all the pathogens get destroyed under high temperature and therefore require proper
aeration for correct breakdown of complex organics. After about 3–4 weeks, temperature get lowered which favors the growth of different fungi and acts as a major
contributing factor for biodegradation of complex protein and cellulose.
10.4.2 Transformation Phase
At around the second month, temperature drops and the compost enters the transformation phase which is characterized by different micro arthropods such as mites,
bettles, ear wigs, etc. However, at this time, compost is not totally matured, and
hence it application to flora can have detrimental effects.
10.4.3 Maturation Phase
Maturation phase is characterized by the enrichment of humic acid-like substances
or nutrient-rich humus. It also indicates stability or maturity and is ready for use
within 3–4 month of composting.
164
R. K. Ganguly and S. K. Chakraborty
Vermicomposting is a type of aerobic composting, that is, composting under aerobic
condition or in presence of oxygen under apppropriate environmental conditions.
The process is divided into three phases: (a) Degradation phase, (b) Transformation
phase, and (c) Maturation phase.
10.4.1 Degradation Phase
Degradation phase starts shortly after the addition of organic amendments to the
compost bed in the presence of microorganism such as bacteria, actinomycetes,
protozoa. This phase is characterized by moderate increase of temperature, or
‘mesophilic phase’, which readily degrades the soluble compounds. Such phase
exist for a couple of days at the beginning of composting. Microorganisms grow
exponentially and generate heat during the oxidative process which increases the
temperature of composting above 40
C also termed as ‘thermophilic phase’. This
phase is characterized by intense biodegradation of carbohydrates, complex lignin,
etc. along with production of simple C, N, CO 2 and so on. During this phase, almost
all the pathogens get destroyed under high temperature and therefore require proper
aeration for correct breakdown of complex organics. After about 3–4 weeks, temperature get lowered which favors the growth of different fungi and acts as a major
contributing factor for biodegradation of complex protein and cellulose.
10.4.2 Transformation Phase
At around the second month, temperature drops and the compost enters the transformation phase which is characterized by different micro arthropods such as mites,
bettles, ear wigs, etc. However, at this time, compost is not totally matured, and
hence it application to flora can have detrimental effects.
10.4.3 Maturation Phase
Maturation phase is characterized by the enrichment of humic acid-like substances
or nutrient-rich humus. It also indicates stability or maturity and is ready for use
within 3–4 month of composting.
164
R. K. Ganguly and S. K. Chakraborty