b.

Clean the surrounding area regularly and check the presence of natural enemies of earthworm like, chicken, birds, lizards, toads, ants, beetles, centipedes, etc. Nets may be used to enclose the area.

SRA-LGAREC Vermicompost Analysis

(Substrate: Sugarcane Trashes + Chicken Manure) Element Moisture Nitrogen (N) Phosphorus (P2o5) Analysis 42.4% 0.930% 1.01% 0.47% 0.12% 0.148% 12.17% 6.2 458 X 104

Vermicomposting Sugarcane Trashes

c. Harvest the castings at 30-40 days after stocking of earthworms. At this time castings have been produced from decomposed substrate and worms have reproduced. Control the moisture content of the compost at about 30% or less. Lay new substrate beside the bed ready for harvest so that worms will just move to the new pile. Gathering of castings would be easier. Worms left on the piled castings may be separated by hand and seeded into the new pile of substrate.

Potassium (K2O) Calcium (CaO) Magnesium (MgO) Organic Matter pH

d. Sieve the harvested vermicompost to have a finer finish product . For commercial production air dry the vermicompost before packing and storing. .

No. of Bacteria per gram of sample

References
For more information contact : Guerrero, Rafael D. III. 2004. Handbook of Vermicompost & Vermimeal Production and Utilization. Aquatic Biosys tems,. Bay, Laguna, Philippines. Henares, P.T., 2005. Personal communication. Lacson, Daniel. 2005. Personal communication Manager I, Agronomy Department, SRA-LGAREC La Granja, La Carlota City Manager II, SRA-LGAREC, La Granja, La Carlota City Tel . # 034-735-0132 Tel efax 034-735-0141 Manager III, SRA Regional Office, Singcang, Bacolod City Tel. # 034 2661-9 Telefax 034-29392 SUGAR REGULATORY ADMINISTRATION
La Granja Agricultural Research & Extension Center La Granja, La Carlota City Telefax(034)7350141 www.e-sra.org/lgarec

Vermicomposting Sugarcane Trashes

INTRODUCTION
Negros is considered the sugar capital of the Philippines, where large hectarage of lands are planted with sugarcane. A hectare of sugarcane field produces about 10-15 tons of trashes depending on the crop stand. Trashes are usually burned and losses nutrients in the process. The Sugar Regulatory Administration has started the vermicomposting project and encourages planters to follow . Vermicomposting is the process of producing organic fertilizer (vermicompost) from biodegradable materials through the action of earthworms. It is an environment - friendly method of recycling organic materials in the farm and household such as plant residues and animal manures. Vermicompost improves soil texture and enhances water-holding capacity of the soil. It may be low in NPK but contains essential nutrients (e.g., calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper, iron and zinc) not found in inorganic fertilizers. Moreover, it has microbial activities that promote plant health and pest/disease resistance. With the abundant source of material in sugarcane farms , vermicomposting can help protect the environment, promote and sustain soil productivity and generate livelihood opportunities for rural families.
b. Chop or shred trashes by the use of mechanical shredder. Chopping or shredding help speed up decomposition by increasing the surface area available for microbial action and providing better aeration.

STEPS IN VERMICOMPOSTING
2. Pre-decomposting procedure. 1.Preparation of substrate . a.Collect sugarcane trashes and animal manures i.e., chicken dung, carabao / cow manure. a.Pile the substrate in a bed measuring 1 x 10 meters or larger with wooden or cemented sidings. Compost pile is about 2 ft. high. Water is added to increase moisture to at least 50-70%. Place the compost bed in a shady area with access to water supply. A canopy is recommended to protect the beds from direct sunlight and heavy rains. The substrate usually heats up in 24-48 hours which marks the working of the composting process. In four weeks time, the temperature drops and it is now ready for the stocking of earthworms. 3. Stocking of earthworm a. Stock about 2-3 kilos of African night crawler earthworm per ton of substrate. The earthworms placed on top of the pile easily go down into the substrate.

c. Mix sugarcane trashes with chicken or carabao / cow manure at a ratio of 7:3 or 70% trashes and 30% animal manure as source of nitrogen.

4. Maintenance of Beds and Harvesting. a. Water the bed regularly to maintain the moisture content of the pile (at least 60%).