WHAT WE NEED FOR VERMICOMPOSTING

-Compost pit of any convenient dimension can be dug in the backyard or garden.

The most convenient pit of easily manageable size is 2m x 1m x 0.75m. or -
A tank may be constructed with brick and mortar with proper water outlets, or
- A plastic crate (600 mm x 300 mm x 300 mm) with holes drilled at the bottom or
- Empty wooden crates (deal wood boxes/apple cases) or
-Well rings made of cement or clay of 750 mm diameter and 300 to 450 mm height.
- A 25-litre bucket with holes at the bottom may also be used
- The composting unit must be in an area which has shade.


PROCEDURE


Vermitech is carried out by placing

• a basal layer of broken bricks or pebbles mixed with sand to a thickness of at least 6 to 7.5 cms to ensure proper drainage.

• This forms the vermibed

• This is followed by a layer of soil to a height of not less than 15 cms after being moistened.

• About 100 earthworms may be introduced into a compost pit of about 2m x 1m x 0.75m, with a vermibed of about 15 to 20 cm thick.

• The vermibed should always be kept moist, but should never be flooded.

• Small lumps of fresh cattle dung are then placed at random over the vermibed.

• The compost pit is then layered to about 50 mm with dry leaves or preferably chopped hay/straw.

• The next 30 days the pit is kept moist by watering it whenever necessary.

• The bed should neither be dry nor soggy.

• The pit may then be covered with coconut or Palmyra leaves or an old jute (gunny) bag to discourage birds.

• Plastic sheets on the bed are to be avoided as they trap heat.