The Effect of Different Types of Substrate In Vermi-culture

An Applied Research Investigatory Project Presented to the Faculty of Agricultural Science Curriculum Laboratory High School Department Laguna State Polytechnic University Siniloan Host Campus

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements in Applied Research IV Under the Supervision of Engr. Rommel OctaviusNuestro

Mizpa Faith Oclarino Garcia 2012-2013

Chapter 1 THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND Introduction Vermi-culture is the culture of earthworms. The goal is to continually increase the number of worms in order to obtain a sustainable harvest. The worms are either used to expand a vermicomposting operation or sold to customers who use them for the same or other purposes. Vermicomposting is the practice of using worms to turn organic waste into nutrient-laden fertilizer. It is nutritionally more beneficial then plant compost due to the addition of worm excrement, called worm castings. There are two species of worms that are specially adapted for composting conditions: red earthworms and red wigglers. Vermicomposting is less labor-intensive then traditional plant composting because the worms do almost all of the work. All compost mixes microorganisms, organic matter and nutrients, but adding worms also improves soil structure. Due to the slime produced by worm bodies, nutrients stay in soil even after a good rain. Worm castings hold beneficial microorganisms longer than traditional compost. Worms can eat up to half of their body weight per day and under optimal conditions--reproduce quickly, making vermi-culture a self-sustaining business. Plus, worms are fun to watch for both kids and adults. Vermicomposting has applications that can reduce global warming. Using worms for composting has been shown to reduce the methane and nitrous oxide levels in landfills, which are worse for the environment than carbon dioxide gas.
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Worms are used for verification, or treating sewage. Unlike traditional sewage treatment plants, worms do not produce bio-hazardous waste products and save money. Vermicomposting is best done in a series of bins. The easiest way is to build a multi-tiered structure, at least three bins high, made out of material that is compatible with the environment where the bins will be stored. The bottom bin should be lined with chicken wire, a layer of bedding such as leaves and shredded paper, a layer of worms and a layer of organic waste. When it is full the worms will migrate up to the next tier, which will be filled with organic waste. When the migration occurs, the bottom bin is ready to use, just make sure all the worms are out. Statement of the Problem This study was conducted to determine the effects of different substrate in vermi-culture. Specifically, this study sought to answer the following: a.) Is there significant differences among the treatments in terms of: - Weight of worms after 35 days - Length of worms after 35 days - Weight of vermi-cast after 35 days b.) Which of the different substrate will have significant effect on vermiculture.

c.) To determine the relationship of paper scraps, food scraps, corn cob, banana trunk and grass substrate in vermi-culture.

d.) Which of the treatment will give the best result in terms of vermi-culture.

Hypotheses Null Hypothesis (Ho) It is hypothesized the different substrates do not have the same effect on the Vermi-culture. Alternative Hypothesis The different substrates will have the same effect in vermiculture Literature Review Tacio (2008) said that A farmer needs about 5-7 bags of chemical fertilizers to provide a hectare of land planted to rice with the needed Nitrogen and Potassium. With Vermicomposting, we do not only earn extra income,, we also contribute to the management of solid waste, protection of the environment and promotion of organic agriculture. Vermicompost consists mostly of worm casts (poop) plus some decayed organic matter. In ideal conditions worms can eat least their own weight of organic matter in a day. In fact it seems they dont actually eat it they consume it, sure enough, but what they derive their nourishment from is all microorganisms that are really eating it. Their casts contain eight times as many as micro organisms as their feed! And these are micro-organisms that best favour
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healthy plant growth. And the casts dont contain any disease pathogens pathogenic bacteria are reliably killed in worms gut. This is one of the great benefits of vermicomposting. http://journeytoforever.org/compost_worm.html Mature redworms make two or three capsules a week, each producing two or three hatchlings after about three weeks. The hatchlings are tiny white threads about half an inch long, but they grow fast, reaching sexual maturity in four to six weeks and making own capsules. http://journeytoforever.org/compost_worm.html The art of composting has been part of our global culture since ancient times. The basic principles are quite simple, and adhering to them will result in an efficient and successful outcome. Studies have shown that home composting can divert an average of 700 lbs. of material per year from the waste stream. Municipal composting carries a greater environment cost, but not nearly as high as if leaf and yard waste are disposed of by conventional means. https://www.mixph.com/2006/12vermiculture-the-management-of-worms.html Vermicompost is an organic manure (bio-fertilizer) produced as the vermicast by earth worm feeding on biological waste material; plant residues. This compost is an odorless, clean, organic material containing adequate quantities of N, P, K and several micronutrients essential for plant growth. Vermicompost is a preferred nutrient source for organic farming. It is eco-friendly, non-toxic, consumes low energy input for compost and is a recycled biological product. https://jains.com/Agricultural%20services/vermicompost.htm

Traditional methods of vermicomposting have been based on beds or withdraws on the ground containing waste up to 18 deep, but such methods have numerous drawbacks. They require large areas of land from large-scale production and are relatively labor intensive, even when relatively slowly, taking anywhere from 6 to 18 months processing to be complete. There is good evidence that a large proportion of the essential plant nutrients that are in a relatively soluble form are washed out and also a significant proportion can vitalize during this long processing period. Such nutrient losses are undesirable, particularly in relation to ground water pollution and result in a poor finished product. Our flows through bins require no compost turning and require no separating of worms and partially decomposed waste from the finished compost. http://www.composttea.com/vermicompost.htm Flores (2009) The use of Vermi-compost of crop production can increase crop yield and significantly reduce the application of costly chemical fertilizers and pesticides that are not environment-friendly, according to Filipino scientist. Results of studied conducted by Dr. Rafael Guerrero III of the Philippine Council for Aquatic and Marine Research and Development (PCAMRD) and Luzviminda Guerrero of the Aquatic Bio systems show that the application of vermin-compost at five tons per hectare and 50% of the recommended chemical fertilization for upland rice can result in a significantly higher yield that with chemical fertilizers alone.

Khwairakpam and Bhargava (2007) Earthworms offer the potential for alleviation of many of these adverse characteristics. Most of the vermicomposting process of cattle manure is carried out using only single species of earthworm for different cattle wastes. Sparse literature is available on research work carried out on cattle manure using a combination of earthworms. The biochemical changes in fresh cattle manure caused by three earthworms and their combinations were measured over a period of 45 days. No mortality was observed in any of the reactors during the whole experimentation period. The earthworms biomass increased in the range of 20-30% for all the earthworm combinations. Edward and Burrows and their associates launched an extensive research program in England to examine earthworms, their castings, and their effect of plant growth. Because the physical structure of the plant growth media produced from organic wastes depends on the original material. The researchers concluded that vermin-compost mixed with peat or other materials makes super plant growth media; consequently, it has significant commercial potential. Vermicompost needs standardized production to ensure sufficient nutrients status, therefore uniform sources of organic feedstock must be available. Furthermore, vermin-compost needs pH adjustment, and possibly sterilization to reduce pathogen problems and kill insects. If the goal is to reach a large market, mechanization of the production and packaging is in order, and the wholesale cost should be competitive with that of existing products.

Conceptual Framework of the Study

Independent Variables: CONTROL - 40% manure and 60% banana

Dependent Variables: Weight of worms after 45 days Length of worms after 45 days

trunk
Weight of vermi-cast T1 30% banana

trunk, 30% corncob and 40% manure T2 30% food

scraps, 30% banana trunk and 40% manure T3 30% paper scraps, 30% banana trunk and 40% manure

Figure 1. Conceptual Framework of the paradigm of the study

Definition of Terms For the purpose of clarity and understanding, some terms were defined within the context of how these terms are used in study. Earthworms is Length is Vermi-culture enhances the growth of plants and provide food along with producing prosperous and financially regarding fertilizer. Vermi-compost is the product or process of composting utilizing various species of worms. Substrate is refers to feeds of worms used in this study such as Paper scraps, Food scraps, Banana trunk and Corn cob. Paper scraps is refers to Food scraps is not considered edible are not regarded as leftovers, but rather as waste material; any remaining edible portions constitute the leftovers.

Significance of the Study The significance of the study is to help the agricultural and economic status of the Philippines. In such way that it would benefit the consumers more than it would benefit the producers. The author also believes that this study will contribute to the following persons:

Future Researchers. For this study will serve as a base line information for further research studies in the future. The people of the community. For they will acquire knowledge, information, ideas, and skills about a suitable combination of soil media composed by Vermi-compost. The Community. This study might be used as the data on the Pangil since there are no data in the community regarding on the production of vermincompost.

University. The outcome of this study may bring great contribution to its Research and Development Department related on the production of vermincompost.

Author. For this research study will equip her with knowledge and skills while conducting the study. Scope and Limitation of the Study This study was conducted on December 1, 2012- January 18, 2013 at Sitio Piit, Pangil, Laguna. The study was limited only on the Effect of Different Types of Substate in Vermiculture. (what are the problems encounter during the conduct otf this study).

Chapter 2 METHODOLOGY This chapter presents the research design, subject of the study, sampling techniques, materials, tools and equipment, special techniques and procedure, Gantt chart, Budgetary requirements, Data gathering procedure and data processing and statistical analysis.

Research Design

This study aims to determine the effects of different substrates in vermiculture. Completely Randomized Design (CRD) will be used in this study. Four (4) treatments will be used. The treatments used are the following:

CONTROL

60% Banana trunk and 40%manure

T1

30% corncob, 30% banana trunk and 40% manure

T2

30%Foodscraps, 30% banana trunk and 40% manure

T3

30% Paper scraps, 30% banana trunk and 40% manure

Subject of the Study The subject of this study was vermin-culture as applied with different substrates such as paper scraps, food scraps, corn- cob and banana trunk.

Materials The following are the materials used in the study:

Water

Paper scraps

Food scraps

Banana trunk

Carabao/cow dung

Worm bed

Tools and Equipment

The following are the tools and equipment used in this study.

Ruler

Weighing apparatus

Notebook (for data gathering)

Ball pen and pencil (for data gathering)

Scientific Calculator (computing the statistical analysis)

Special Techniques and Procedure

Procedures in making in vermicompost:

Step 1.

Papers, banana trunk, food scraps were be pre- decomposed for 10-14 days.

Step 2.

After pre- decomposing it was recycled fruit evates.

weighed and mixed into respective

Step 3.

The moisture of at least 70% to 90% will be maintained

Step 4.

A week before the schedule of harvest, it was not watered to loosen easy gathering of earthworms.

Step 5.

Harvesting was done manually, after 4 weeks of observation.

Construction of Time Frame

(gantt chart)

The activities conducted for this study are presented in a Gantt chart shown below.

Budgetary Requirements

Data Gathering Procedure

The data to be gathered are the initial and final data only.

Data Processing and Statistical Analysis

The gathered data will be tabulated and analyzed statistically using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) in Completely Randomized Design (CRD).