Page 152 - CatalogNEP-PS

Introduction to vermicomposting and vermiculture, definition, classification, history, economic
importance, its value in maintenance of soil structure. Its role in bio transformation of the residues
generated by human activity and production of organic fertilizers. Choosing the right worm.
Useful species of earthworms. Local species of earthworms. Exotic species of earthworms.
Biology of Pheretima posthuma. a) Taxonomy, Anatomy, physiology and reproduction. b) life
cycle of Pheretima posthuma, its fecundity, annual reproducer potential

UNIT 2: (5 Hours)

Limit factors (gases, diet, humidity, temperature, pH , light, and climatic factors). Physio-
chemical parameters of vermicompost. Different Methods of Vermicomposting: Small- and large-
scale Bed method, Pit method, Small Scale Earthworm farming for home gardens. Conventional
commercial composting. Pest and diseases of earthworms. Nutritional Composition of
Vermicompost for plants, comparison with other fertilizers.

UNIT 3: (5 Hours)

Earthworm Farming (Vermiculture), vermicompost harvest and processing. Packaging, transport
and storage of Vermicompost. Vermicomposting Products and their benefits :Vermiwash,
vermicompost-tea and vermicast

PRACTICAL (30 Hours)

1. Scientific classification of Earthworm
2. Study of external morphology of Earthworm.
3. Study of habit and habitat of Earthworm
4. Study of Digestive system of earthworm
5. Study of Reproduction of earthworm
6. Choosing the right worm
7. Hands on vermicomposting by Pit method and Bed method
8. Hands on Vermicompost harvesting
9. Preparation of vermiwash.
10. Vermicompost production, harvesting and packaging.
11. Frequent problems of vermicomposting and how to prevent and fix them.
12. Study of cocoon and vermicast.
13. Study of Pests and diseases of Earthworms

SUGGESTED READINGS:

1. Bhatt J.V. & S.R. Khambata (1959) ―Role of Earthworms in Agriculture‖ Indian Council
of Agricultural Research, New Delhi
2. Edwards, C.A. and J.R. Lofty (1977) ―Biology of Earthworms‖ Chapman and Hall Ltd.,
London.
3. Lee, K.E. (1985) ―Earthworms: Their ecology and Relationship with Soils and Land Use‖
Academic Press, Sydney.
4. Kevin, A and K.E.Lee (1989) ― Earthworm for Gardeners and Fisherman‖ (CSIRO,
Australia, Division of Soils)
5. Satchel, J.E. (1983) ―Earthworm Ecology‖ Chapman Hall, London. 8. Wallwork, J.A.
(1983) ―Earthworm Biology‖ Edward Arnold (Publishers) Ltd. London.

137