12.5 About Vermicomposts
Vermicompost is a stable fine granular organic matter and when added to clay soil
loosens the soils and provides the passage for the entry of air. The mucus associated
with the cast being hygroscopic absorbs water, prevents water logging and improves
water holding capacity. In the vermicompost, some of the secretions of worms and
the associated microbes act as growth promoters along with other nutrients. It
improves physical, chemical and biological properties of soil in the long run on
repeated application. The organic carbon in vermicompost releases the nutrients
slowly and steadily into the system and enables the plant to absorb these nutrients.
The soil enriched with vermicompost provides additional substances that are not
found in the chemicals. The multifarious effects of vermicompost influence the
growth and yield of crops.
Vermicompost contains the higher level of C, N, P, K, Na, Mg and Ca than that in
the surrounding soil. The production of mucus and nitrogenous excreaments
enhance the level of nitrogen, and this helps in bringing down the ratio of carbon
to nitrogen which is most essential in humification process (Govindan 1998). It also
contains trace elements such as manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), boron (B) and
molybdenum (Mo) which are essential for the growth of crop plants. In addition, if
the garbage contains cattle dung and human excreta, it may contribute to the
presence of soluble sugars, amino acids, nucleic acids and enzymes such as proteinase, urease, phosphatase and invertase which can improve the soil’s nutrient status
and dehydrogenase and ATPase which can improve the aeration in the soil and the
energy status of the soil to which this compost is applied (Sinha and Sinha 2000).
The application of worm casts or vermicompost has shown higher yield of wheat,
paddy and green leaves ranging from 10% to 200% (Govindan 1998). The application of chemical fertilizer along with vermicompost increased the nutrient uptake and
net production of wheat and sugarcane, respectively (Kale et al. 1992).
Vermicompost significantly improves the soil fertility, texture and water retaining
capacity. The addition of compost to soil helps in erosion control. Vermicompost is
rich both in nutrients and in enzymes. Vermicompost having high quality humus can
be used as a soil conditioner.
12.6 Methodology for Vermicomposting
of Parthenium Weed
12.6.1 Collection and Processing of Parthenium Weed
Parthenium plants can be removed from any terrestrial habitat. Thereafter they
should be sundried and chopped into smaller pieces. Chopped Parthenium weed is
then soaked into water for 24 h prior to its transfer into the vermibeds. This
12 Vermicomposting of Parthenium hysterophorus L.: A Solution to Weed. . .
203
Vermicompost is a stable fine granular organic matter and when added to clay soil
loosens the soils and provides the passage for the entry of air. The mucus associated
with the cast being hygroscopic absorbs water, prevents water logging and improves
water holding capacity. In the vermicompost, some of the secretions of worms and
the associated microbes act as growth promoters along with other nutrients. It
improves physical, chemical and biological properties of soil in the long run on
repeated application. The organic carbon in vermicompost releases the nutrients
slowly and steadily into the system and enables the plant to absorb these nutrients.
The soil enriched with vermicompost provides additional substances that are not
found in the chemicals. The multifarious effects of vermicompost influence the
growth and yield of crops.
Vermicompost contains the higher level of C, N, P, K, Na, Mg and Ca than that in
the surrounding soil. The production of mucus and nitrogenous excreaments
enhance the level of nitrogen, and this helps in bringing down the ratio of carbon
to nitrogen which is most essential in humification process (Govindan 1998). It also
contains trace elements such as manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), boron (B) and
molybdenum (Mo) which are essential for the growth of crop plants. In addition, if
the garbage contains cattle dung and human excreta, it may contribute to the
presence of soluble sugars, amino acids, nucleic acids and enzymes such as proteinase, urease, phosphatase and invertase which can improve the soil’s nutrient status
and dehydrogenase and ATPase which can improve the aeration in the soil and the
energy status of the soil to which this compost is applied (Sinha and Sinha 2000).
The application of worm casts or vermicompost has shown higher yield of wheat,
paddy and green leaves ranging from 10% to 200% (Govindan 1998). The application of chemical fertilizer along with vermicompost increased the nutrient uptake and
net production of wheat and sugarcane, respectively (Kale et al. 1992).
Vermicompost significantly improves the soil fertility, texture and water retaining
capacity. The addition of compost to soil helps in erosion control. Vermicompost is
rich both in nutrients and in enzymes. Vermicompost having high quality humus can
be used as a soil conditioner.
12.6 Methodology for Vermicomposting
of Parthenium Weed
12.6.1 Collection and Processing of Parthenium Weed
Parthenium plants can be removed from any terrestrial habitat. Thereafter they
should be sundried and chopped into smaller pieces. Chopped Parthenium weed is
then soaked into water for 24 h prior to its transfer into the vermibeds. This
12 Vermicomposting of Parthenium hysterophorus L.: A Solution to Weed. . .
203