Vermicompost as Potential Biofertilizers in Smallholder Farming Systems
摘要
The current vulnerability of agriculture to climate change emphasizes the urgent need for farmers, agricultural experts, and stakeholders to adopt sustainable solutions to prevent future food scarcities. It is imperative to promptly enhance the application of organic fertilizers to guarantee the sustained production of crops. Vermicomposting is a method of amending soil with nutrient-enriched compost by using earthworms. This approach has the potential to mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change on agricultural productivity. Vermicompost is abundant in vital macronutrients like nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), together with micronutrients such as zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and iron (Fe), rendering it a financially viable and ecologically sustainable substitute for artificial fertilizers. By improving the soil structure, water retention, and microbial activity, vermicompost stimulates plant growth, resilience, bioavailable nutrient composition, crop production, and reduces soil-borne diseases, hence producing better crops without the need for chemical pesticides. Thus, the advancement of vermicomposting technology has the potential to enhance agricultural and land productivity in a sustainable manner. Moreover, the implementation of vermicomposting can also offer opportunities for small-scale farmers in the organic product industry, thereupon enhancing the economic worth of their means of subsistence. This chapter delves into the manifold advantages of vermicompost as a biofertilizer, encompassing its capacity to enhance soil health, augment crop productivity, and mitigate input expenses for local farmers.