Conceptual Design of Vermicomposting

Vermicomposting agents o According to the journal article written by Khwairakpam Meena and Kalamdhad Ajay S. (2007), the composition of earthworm species cultured can be as monocultures (individual) or polycultures (combinations) . Polyculture which contains Perionyx excavates, Eisenia Foetida and Eisenia euganaie has shown better performance in vermicompost in attaining maturity than monocultures. Although, they acknowledged the higher composting potential epigeic earthworm species ( Eisennia fetida) , they felt it was extremely unnecessary and undesirable to tamper the local biodiversity. Hence, they recommended choosing local or native species was a pre-requisite for launching a vermicomposting programme. o Meanwhile, according to the research made by Ankur Rajpal, Ranu Bhargava, Salin Kumar Sasi and AK Chopra, exotic epigeic earthworm species such as Eisenia feitda into a local bio system may affect the indigenous species population. A study to compare between exotic species and indigenous species was performed in order to know the prospective of both species in a domestic organic waste blended with cattle manure.

Feedstock o According to A Rajpal et al, the domestic organic waste blended with cattle manure can be converted directly into high quality hygienic stable vermicompost which is rich in nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium and free from pathogens. o Meanwhile, according to the article written by Khwairakpam Meena as well but with a different author Kalamdhad Ajay S. (2007), has also

proven that using vegetable waste amended with cattle manure produce a better nitrogen profile and free from pathogens.

Temperature and moisture content o The temperature and moisture content affects the earthworms survival and reproduction. The journal article adapted from the well known journal Waste Management & Research written by Ankur Rajpal, Renu Bhargava, Salin Kumar Sasi and AK Chopra, stated that the optimum temperature range for the three species of earthworm is 25 +/- 3 And the moisture level is maintained at about 60-70% to provide favourable conditions for the earthworms. o Meanwhile according to journal article written by J. Palsania, R. Sharma, J. K. Srivastava and D. Sharma, it was stated that the most optimal moisture content for a fast vermicomposting process is 75 +/- 5 %. Hence, they have proven that optimal moisture content does affect vermicompost process. o Furthermore, according to Khwairakpam Meena and Kalamdhad Ajay S (2011), the vermicompost produced from vegetable waste alone is not ideal for the growth and reproduction of earthworms, which is due to the high moisture content in the vegetable waste. A high moisture waste requires substrate for bulking and constituents unacceptable for worms. .

Constraints o According to A. Rajpal et al, although the exotic species (eg. Eisenia fetida) degraded organic matter faster in comparison with the indigenious species (eg. Perionyx excavates), the quality of compost produced is comparable. The exotic species are more tolerant species. Hence, in polyculture, after continuous application of the vermicompost using Eisenia fetida, the indigenious species will vanish from that area.

Benefits Vermicompost holds a lot of advantages for users and gardeners. o Minimising waste o Less maintenance o Environmental friendly: This fertiliser is free from chemical usage and was set from biodegradable organic waste. o Reducing the damages done in the physical compositions of the soil. o Soil will gain micronutrients helpful soils microbes.

Materials to be Used o Decomposable organic waste such as animal stools, paper waste, food waste and biodegradable plastic waste. (100 kg) o Wood: To build 3 ft x 3 ft x 3 ft vermicompost bin. o Feedstock: Decomposable organic waste mixed with cattle manure. (16 kg) o For this project, we are using Perionyx excavates worms because it is the only worm species that could survive in tropical regions.

Cost This table shows the costs of materials used for vermicomposting. The prices are not exactly as what are stated but approximately are: Items Decomposable organic waste (100 kg) Wood for 3 ft x 3 ft x 3 ft vermicompost bin Feedstock: Cattle manure (16 kg) 4000 amount of worms (Perionyx excavates) Cost (RM) 2 1 1.20 70

Design of Vermicompost Bin

Reference List

Arancon, N.Q., C.A. Edwards, R.M. Atiyeh, J.D. Metzger. 2004. Effects of vermicomposts produced from food waste on greenhouse peppers. Bioresource Technology. 93, 139-144.

Meena, K., K. Ajay S. 2011. Vermicomposting of Vegetable Wastes Amended With Cattle Manure. Research Journal of Chemical Sciences 1(8): 49-56. International Science Congress Association. http://www.isca.in (accessed March 20, 2012).

Meena, K., R. Bhargava. 2007. Feasibility Studies on Consortium of Earthworm for Vermicomposting. Proceedings of the International Conference on Sustainable Solid Waste Management: 282-288. http://www.swlf.ait.ac.th (accessed March 20, 2012).

Ndegwa, P.M., S.A. Thompson. 2000. Integrating composting and vermicomposting in the treatment and bioconversion of biosolids. Biosource Technology 76 (2001): 107-112. Science Direct. http://www.sciencedirect.com (accessed March 20, 2012).

Palsania, J., R. Sharma, J.K. Srivastava, D. Sharma. 2008. Effect of Moisture Content Variation Over Kinetic Reaction Rate During Vermicomposting Process. Applied Ecology and Environment Research 6(2): 49-61. http://www.ecology.uni-corvinus.hu (accessed March 20, 2012).

Rajpal, A., R. Bhargava, S.S Kumar, Chopra AK. 2012. On site domestic organic waste treatment through vermitechnology using indigenous earthworm species. Waste Management & Research 30(3): 266-275. Sage. http://www.sagepub.com (accessed March 20, 2012).

Srivastava, H.C. n.d. Vermicompost: A profitable agro-industry. http://www.technopreneur.net/information-desk/sciencetechmagazine/2006/feb06/vermicompost.pdf (accessed March 31, 2012).