vermicomposting - ra

PowerPoint Presentation: 

Mrs. Rani Ashok Assistant Professor of Zoology Lady Doak College, Madurai - 2 eaarani@rediffmail.com Vermicomposting VERMICOMPOSTING

WHERE DOES OUR GARBAGE GO?: 

WHERE DOES OUR GARBAGE GO?

LANDFILL: 

LANDFILL MOST OF THE GARBAGE GOES TO A LANDFILL. A LANDFILL IS A HUGE HOLE IN THE GROUND.

INCINERATOR: 

INCINERATOR GARBAGE IS BURNED IN AN INCINERATOR. THIS CREATES AIR POLLUTION.

PowerPoint Presentation: 

HOW CAN WE SAVE LAND & REDUCE AIR POLLUTION ? ? ? ? ? ?

ONE ANSWER IS…….. : 

ONE ANSWER IS…….. ONE ANSWER IS……. COMPOSTING!

PowerPoint Presentation: 

VERMICOMPOST! The other method is

COMPOSTING WITH WORMS!: 

COMPOSTING WITH WORMS!

WORMS WILL EAT YOUR GARBAGE AND MAKE IT INTO GREAT SOIL!: 

WORMS WILL EAT YOUR GARBAGE AND MAKE IT INTO GREAT SOIL!

YOU’LL GET MORE AND MORE WORMS IN YOUR BIN. LOOK FOR WORM EGGS! THEY LOOK LIKE THIS:: 

YOU’LL GET MORE AND MORE WORMS IN YOUR BIN. LOOK FOR WORM EGGS! THEY LOOK LIKE THIS:

Principles of Composting: 

Principles of Composting What Is Compost? The product resulting from the controlled biological decomposition of organic materials Sanitized through the generation of heat Stabilized to the point where it is beneficial to plant growth Provides humus, nutrients, and trace elements to soils

Principles of Composting contd…: 

Principles of Composting contd … Organic Materials Landfilled wastes (food, wood, textiles, sludges, etc.) Agricultural wastes (plant or animal) Industrial manufacturing byproducts Yard trimmings Seafood processing wastes In short, anything that can be biodegraded

Why Compost? : 

Why Compost? > 75% of solid waste in NC is organic 12% of landfilled solid waste in NC in 1998 was food wastes/discards Agricultural wastes  potential for nutrient pollution Yard wastes – banned from landfills in 1993 Compost benefits to soil – 25 lbs N, 13 lbs P (as P 2 O 5 ), and 7 lbs K (as K 2 O) per ton of compost Environmental sustainability

The Composting Process: 

The Composting Process Biological decomposition in aerobic environment Decomposition & mineralization by microbes Bacteria, actinomycetes , fungi, protozoans , nematodes Food source – Nitrogen (biodegradable organic matter) Energy source – Carbon (bulking agent) Outputs Heat Water Vapor Carbon Dioxide Nutrients and minerals (compost) Process occurs naturally, but can be accelerated by controlling essential elements

Composting Essential Elements: 

Composting Essential Elements Nutrients Carbon/Nitrogen (C/N) – 20:1 to 35:1 Carbon/Phosphorus (C/P) – 100:1 to 150:1 Moisture Content – 50% to 60% (wet basis) Particle Size – ¼” to ¾” optimum Porosity – 35% to 50% pH – 6.5 to 8.0 Oxygen concentration - >5% Temperature – 130 o F. to 150 o F. Time – one to four months

Nutrient Balance in Composting: 

Nutrient Balance in Composting C/N ratio – target is 30:1 > 30:1 – not enough food for microbial population < 30:1 – nitrogen lost as ammonia (odors) Sources of N & P - Organic wastes, manures, sludges , etc. Sources of C – wood wastes, woodchips, sawdust Example C/N Ratios: Food waste 14 – 16 : 1 Refuse/trash 34 –80 : 1 Sewage sludge 5 –16 : 1 Corrugated cardboard 563 : 1 Telephone books 772 : 1 Mixing components needed to optimize C/N ratio

Moisture Content : 

Moisture Content Source of nutrients for microbial protein synthesis and growth Optimum water content – 50% to 60% (wet weight basis) < 50% - composting slows due to microbial dessication >60% - compaction, development of anaerobic conditions, putrefaction/fermentation (odors) Water may be needed during mixing, composting Yard wastes – 40 to 60 gallons per cubic yard Typical moisture contents Food wastes 70% Manures and sludges 72% - 84% Sawdust 19% - 65% Corrugated cardboard 8% Newsprint 3% - 8%

Particle Size & Distribution: 

Particle Size & Distribution Critical for balancing: Surface area for growth of microbes ( biofilm ) Adequate porosity for aeration (35% - 50%) Larger particles (> 1”) Lower surface area to mass ratio Particle interior doesn’t compost – lack of oxygen Smaller particles (< 1/8”) Tend to pack and compact Inhibit air flow through pile Optimum size very material specific

pH: 

pH Optimum range 6.5 – 8.0 Bacterial activity dominates Below pH = 6.5 Fungi dominate over bacteria Composting can be inhibited Avoid by keeping O 2 > 5% Above pH – 8.0 Ammonia gas can be generated Microbial populations decline

Porosity and Aeration: 

Porosity and Aeration Optimum porosity 35% - 50% > 50% - energy lost is greater than heat produced lower temperatures in compost pile < 35% - anaerobic conditions (odors) Aeration – controls temperatures, removes moisture and CO 2 and provides oxygen Airflow needs directly proportional to biological activity O2 concentration < 5% - anaerobic conditions

Time and Temperature: 

Time and Temperature Temperature is key process control factor – monitor closely Optimum temperatures: 130 o F. – 150 o F. Temperatures above 131 o F. (55 o C.) will kill pathogens, fecal coliform & parasites NC Regulations (BYC, small yard waste and on-farm exempt) Temperatures > 131 o F. for 15 days in windrows Temperatures > 131 o F. for 3 days in ASP or invessel Optimum temps achieved by regulating airflow (turning) and/or pile size

Darwin  Earthworms : 

Darwin  Earthworms “The plow is one of the most ancient and most valuable of Man’s inventions; but long before he existed, the land … was regularly ploughed, and still continues to be ploughed, by earthworms. It may be (doubtful) whether there are many other animals which have played so important a part in the history of the world as these lowly, organized creatures” - Charles Darwin, 1881

Earthworm Taxonomic Details: 

Earthworm Taxonomic Details Phylum Annelida (Latin for “rings”) Class Chaetopoda Order Oligochaeta Five families Most common to N. America = Lumbricidae 3000 species worldwide

Common Species : 

Common Species Lumbricus terrestis – Night crawler Allolobophora caliginosa – Grey worm Allolobophora chlorotica – Green worm Lumbricus rubellus – Red worm Eisenia fetida – Red Wiggler

The Earthworm & History: 

The Earthworm & History Casts found in Nile River basin = FERTILITY No earthworms native to Minnesota Exotics destroying understory vegetation Darwin, Oliver and Barrett Sir Albert Howard The Rodales Doc Hopp

Lifespan of the Earthworm: 

Lifespan of the Earthworm Lifespan Conservative estimate: 4-8 years Barrett estimates 15+ Mortality by accident Primitive physiology is unchanged Body composition: 70-95% water Balance = protein, fat, minerals absorbed from soil

Earthworm Biology: 

Earthworm Biology Mucus is critical: Holds in moisture Aids in respiration Protects body while burrowing Sperm carrier during reproduction

Earthworm Biology: 

Earthworm Biology Segmented body “ somites ” Somites equipped with setae Five “hearts” Cold-blooded Peristonium = mouth Prostonium for prying

Reproductive System: 

Reproductive System Hermaphrodites, but not self-fertilizing Mutual exchange of sperm Ova are fertilized in cocoons Clitellum: light-colored band - produces cocoons Cocoons contain ~ 4 eggs Eggs incubate 3 weeks

PowerPoint Presentation: 

Organic Farming 1) Soil Health 2) Water Quality 3) Plant Health 5) Animal Health Vermiculture Bio-fertilisers Stem nodulating green manure crops Bioremediation Genetic Resistance Biopesticides Vaccines High quality feeds and fodder 6) Environment Biomonitoring through Bio-indicators Higher Carbon Sequestration 4) Post-harvest Technology New strains with improved keeping, processing and transport qualities IFOAM : Genetic Engineering is excluded in organic agriculture Biotechnology and Organic Agriculture

Vermiculture & Vermicomposting: 

Vermiculture & Vermicomposting Vermiculture is … “ the culture of earthworms ” Vermicomposting is … “ using earthworms and microorganisms to convert organic waste into black, earthy-smelling, nutrient-rich humus .” - Mary Appelhof

Why?: 

Why? Year-round compost & organic plant fertilizer Reduce, reuse, recycle Non-polluting Profitable commercial business Interesting for all ages

Comparison of Composting: 

Comparison of Composting Organic Matter Temperature Compost bin = 130-160° F; 6-8 months Worm bin = 59-70° F; year-round Air circulation Compost bin = vents + turning Worm bin = vents + worm churn

Comparison of Composting: 

Comparison of Composting Moisture Compost bin = rain, hose, organic matter Worm bin = foodstock Microorganisms Compost bin = bacteria + fungi + some worms Worm bin = worm mass + bacteria + fungi, etc.

Comparison of Composting: 

Comparison of Composting Time Compost bin = few months; depends on weather Worm bin = few months

How can I vermicompost?: 

How can I vermicompost ? Three E ’s: E ducation E quipment E nvironment

PowerPoint Presentation: 

Method 1) Bin/ land 2) Bedding 3) Food Stock 5) Harvesting 6) Marketing 4) Other associated organisms Vermicomposting

Bin Construction: 

Bin Construction Wooden Bin Organic Breathes Heavy Deteriorates faster Can be built as furniture No treated lumber or fragrant woods ( ie : cedar) Plastic Bin Lightweight Holds moisture Will not rot Requires more holes for aeration Inexpensive Many bins available

Bedding: 

Bedding Various materials: Shredded newspaper Sphagnum Peat Moss Manure Leaf litter Coir (Coconut fiber) Wood chips Dampen bedding with tap water Mix well

Bedding: 

Bedding Possible additions to bedding Calcium carbonate to control pH Do NOT use slaked or hydrated lime Rock dust for grit Zeolite – for grit; also balances pH, controls odors, absorbs ammonia

Bin Temperature: 

Bin Temperature Recommended: 59-77° F A cooler bin … Stays moist Worms appear more active Bedding is thicker May have more mites Easier to maintain consistent conditions A warmer bin Dries out quickly Worms appear more lethargic Bedding appears to be settled Harder to maintain non-ambient temperature Additional moisture required

Bin Care & Maintenance: 

Bin Care & Maintenance Provide adequate bin and bedding mixture Maintain moisture level Maintain temperature 60-65° F Provide air circulation in bin via adequate holes Provides aeration Controls odors by eliminating anaerobic conditions

Foodstock: 

Foodstock DO’s Fruit & vegetable scraps Banana peels Grains & cereals, pasta Tea bags & leaves Cooked eggs & shells Coffee grounds & filters Onions & potatoes Pancakes Banana bread, cake Leaves Plant cuttings DON’Ts Non-Biodegradables Plastic Glass Rubber Pet feces (cats) Toxic materials Ex: orange peels Plant cuttings treated with herbicides or insecticides

Other Organisms: 

Other Organisms Mites & flies Predatory planarians Centipedes & millipedes Enchytraeids (white worms) Springtails Isopods (ie: sowbugs) Bacteria, mold, fungi, etc.

Harvesting Vermicompost: 

Harvesting Vermicompost Worm castings vs. Vermicompost Worm castings are deposits that have moved through the worm’s digestive system Vermicompost is a combination of : Worm castings OM and bedding at various stages of decomposition Organisms such as worms and cocoons Microorganisms

Harvesting Vermicompost: 

Harvesting Vermicompost Vermicompost supplies: Nutrient-rich organic fertilizer Humus is beneficial to plant growth Humic acid Binding site for plant nutrients Increases soil texture and aggregation Improves permeability