VERMIWASH

ABOUT

We, the students of II MBF, are excited to start our own vermiponics system by encouragement of faculty from department of biochemistry. We also inspired by our seniors who presented the similar model project in “Balotsav”- the science exhibition conducted in the year 2019. The designing and building of the system provides opportunity for hands on learning for us and gives valuable experience for sustainable agriculture practice.

       Vermiwash is a natural substance created when a large population of earth worms composts organic material. By percolating water through this compost the nutrients existing in the decomposed matter drained off to produce vermiwash. The type of organic material used for composting affects nutrient-compositing and density of the vermiwash. It is rich in hormones, mucus, enzymes, vitamins, proteins, and several macro- and micronutrients. It acts as biofertilizer and as a pesticide.

    Even though vermiwash and vermicompost made from same organic matter and are very similar in nature the bioavailability of vermiwash to the plant roots for absorption due to its liquid form is more than vermicompost.

          To prepare vermiwash, Vermipits were made in the dimension of (2 x 2 x 2m) using plastic containers. The bottom layer of the container is filled with pebbles of coconut shell, which facilitates the absorption of extra water from the composting pit. The next layer was filled with garden soil and old compost inoculum. In the ratio of 1:2. The Cow dung and leaf litter were mixed and added in the pit. Finally, to prevent the evaporation of moisture the top layer of the pit was covered by coconut fronds. Very often the contents of the pit were turned for improved aeration and even decomposition. The vermiwash can be collected in continuous and batch methods

        Vermiwash is an excellent organic fertilizer that can improve soil health, increase plant growth, and boost crop yields. Studies show that vermiwash contains most nutrients in plant available forms such as phosphates, exchangeable calcium, and soluble potassium. Highest content of magnesium was recorded in vermiwash. It also contains beneficial microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and protozoa that help to improve soil structure, promote nutrient cycling, and protect plants from diseases.Vermiwash production is environment friendly as it reduces the amount of organic waste sent to landfills and promotes sustainable agriculture practices.

    The development of sustainable and innovative food production technologies with less water and energy consumption is more and more important in present circumstances. Hydroponics is a method of growing crop plants using nutrient solutions without soil. Vermiponics is a novel technology in a vertical farming system especially for urban agriculture. It is a new way to grow plants that uses the nutrients from worm castings.

       The coelomic fluids of earthworms in vermiwash are known to positively affect the germination and growth of plants due to the presence of plant growth-promoting compounds along with the substances responsible for the defence mechanisms of plants. During vermicomposting of biowastes, the earthworm activity optimizes the pH of the initial substrate in the vermicompost which provides the optimum pH for the normal development of growing plants due to the combined effect of carboxylic and phenolic group in humic acids and ammonium ions in the earthworm.

        The vermibin leachate/ vermiwash loaded with nutrients is filtered into system called vermiponics integrates the simultaneous production of vermiwash from bio-wastes and earthworms (vermiculture) allowing the growth of plants.

         Of course it’s a challenge for us; we thank our principal and faculty for encouraging us to start the project. With the right resources, support and mindset we hope that we can overcome the challenges and create a thriving vermiponics system 

PHOTOS