Authors : Archana Dupare; Hemlata Kolhe
Page Nos : 259-268
Description :
Due to industrialization and urbanization resulted in huge amount of solid waste generation; its management has become one of the biggest problems in the present scenario. Solid wastes can be disposed off by methods like incineration, land fills, waste compaction, biogas generation, recycling, and composting, but its overproduction has led to inappropriate disposal practices. In many cities, the urban waste is managed by the city corporation, it is still ineffective unless each small family takes the responsibility and care for their own waste produced. This organic wastes can be used for vermicomposting; it is an effective recycling technique that improves the quality of the products which is disinfected, detoxified, and highly nutritive. It is a low cost, eco-friendly process of waste management in which earthworms are used with microorganisms in order to convert biodegradable wastes into organic rich manure. Vermicompost is a nutrient rich, natural fertilizer and rich in humus, soil conditioner which can be used as the top soil or the organic manure in the fields to prevent organic carbon deficiency and soil erosion. Vermicompost is a suitable alternative to chemical fertilizers, being an excellent growth promoter and protector for crop plants. Thus, vermicompost is beneficial for sustainable organic agriculture and for maintaining ecosystem.
