Editors: Dr. Mani Jayakumar

Dr. Natchimuthu Karmegam (2022)

ISBN: 978-93-94174-05-4

Earthworms and Vermicomposting: Nature’s offering of Organic Waste Valorization

Department of Microbiology, St. Mary’s College (Autonomous), Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, India

The tremendous increase in population, urbanization, industrialization and agricultural production results in accumulation quantities of solid wastes. This has created serious problem in the environment. In order to dispose this waste safely it should be converted effectively. Vermicompost has been emerging as an important source in supplementing and substituting chemical fertilizers in agriculture. Vermicompost, also known as ‘farmers' friend’ is used for general crops and plantation crops. It is a valuable input for sustainable agriculture and wasteland development. Vermicomposting is the process by which earthworms are used to convert organic wastes into a humus-like material known as vermin-compost. The joint action of earthworms and mesophilic micro-organisms leads to vermicomposting by bioxidation and stabilization of organic materials. It is one of the easiest methods to recycle agricultural wastes and to produce quality compost. Earthworms consume biomass and excrete it in digested form called worm casts. Worm casts are popularly called as Black gold. Vermicompost enhances plant growth, suppresses disease in plants, increases porosity and microbial activity in soil, and improves water retention and aeration. Vermicompost also benefits the environment by reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and decreasing the amount of waste going to landfills..

*Corresponding author; e-mail: joice9720@gmail.com

Cite this Chapter: Joys Selva Mary Albert, 2022. Earthworms and Vermicomposting: Nature’s offering of Organic Waste Valorization. In: M. Jayakumar and N. Karmegam (Eds.), Recent Trends in Bioresource Management for Greener Environment. Excellent Publishers, India. pp. 48-63. doi: https://doi.org/10.20546/978-93-94174-05-4_4