Trust the worm to clean up the house

The astronomical growth in population, coupled with increased industrial and agricultural activities, have made waste disposal a global problem. Garbage burnt without separating non- degradable items like plastic, tin cans and glass bottles, is unhygienic and emits foul smoke. Recycling waste provides a renewable and supplementary source of nutrition and overcomes pollution. Composting garbage is an environment-friendly, cost-effective solution. Earthworms can process house-hold garbage and refuse, naturally converting waste by their peculiar feeding and burrowing habits. There are artificial methods of composting but emphasis is laid on verrni-composting. It can be done in a pot, wash basin, wooden box, cement tank or by digging a pit. Compost can be made by two methods - outdoor and indoor. The former involves making a two inch layer of compostable raw waste? agricultural residue, garden trash, coconut waste, sugarcane rubbish, dry grass, banana leaf ? over the earthy surface or inside the pit. Cover with a two-inch layer of light decomposed cow manure. Moisten the layers and release the selected earthworm species? 1,500 earthworms can be released in one square metre area. Apart from decomposed cow manure, food for the earthworms can include vegetable, agriculture, domestic waste or leaf litter in the ratio of 10:3. Chop and grind raw waste material into small, degradable waste. Lightly decomposed food hastens vermi-composting. Mix tile food thoroughly with auger and moisten daily. Large food particles should be broken into small pieces. After three weeks, it call be used as food for the earthworm. The food is crushed and a two to three inch deep layer is spread over the compost. It is covered with jute cloth and regularly moistened. As direct sun rays are harmful, the earthworms are shaded by a thatched roof. In case of indoor manufacturing, a plastic or earthen pot having holes at the bottom is used. Put a little cloth at its base. Cover with a 3-4 inch layer of degradable matter. Top this with compost. Release earthworms and spread the food layer or cover it again with a jute cloth. Moisten the pot with water. Vermi-compost increases soil productivity. The dose depends upon the age of the plant. Make a six to seven deep ring round the plant. Apply a thin layer of dry cow dung and bone meal, with two to five kg of vermi-compost Cover with a thin layer of soil. Mulch this ring with organic matter and spray water. With limited land available for agricultural more and more fertilisers and pesticides are being used. The effect of prolonged usage has resulted in health hazard and environmental pollution. To resolve tile problem, apply vermi-compost at the rate of two tonnes per acre. Mix vermi-compost with an equal quantity of dried cow dung. Broadcast this when seedlings are 5-6 inch in height. Spray water as usual. Vermi-composting can be developed as a potential industry for the benefit of agriculture and horticulture. It will reduce the cost manure. Earthworms can provide fertilizers from wastes as well as become waste conditioners.