Vermicomposting Process—Optimisation
摘要
In the modern era, solid waste management has become a severe ecological challenge. In order to manage the different types of wastes, there are so many traditional treatment techniques that are used including incineration, landfill, anaerobic digestion and composting. In comparison to these procedures, vermicomposting is an effective waste stabilisation method by the combined activity of earthworms and microbes. It is an innovative ecotechnology that converts waste into organically enriched products known as vermicompost. Vermicompost is a humus-like, finely granulated and stabilised material that can be used as a soil conditioner to reintegrate the organic matter into the agricultural soils. It functions as an organic fertiliser and biological control agent, eradicating many plant ailments caused by soil-borne plant pathogens and pests. Moreover, other soil indicators like nitrogen and C:N ratio can be enhanced by using vermicomposting. The success of vermicomposting process is dependent on numerous parameters such as quality of raw material, pH, temperature, moisture, aeration and so on, as well as the type of earthworm species used. Thus, this chapter focuses mainly on vermicomposting and the role of various factors in the vermicomposting process.