Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

VERMICOMPOSTING - A MITIGATIVE PROCESS FOR MANAGEMENT OF AGRICULTURAL SOLID WASTES

S.P. Adhikary

Abstract

Indian dwell in villages for their agricultural activities. Farmers are the economic backbone of our nation. In early days farmers were using locally available natural materials like after harvest trashes, weeds, cow dung, etc. as manure. The art of composting has been part of our global culture since ancient times. The basic principles are quite simple and adhering to them will result in an efficient and successful outcome. Later on they started using chemical fertilizers in view of fast growth and good yield. Though they got good results in early days, after continuous use agricultural land becomes barren, crops becomes less resistant to environmental conditions. To dispose the agriculture waste, they started burning of and digest anaerobically in the land itself, which leads to air pollution, release of obnoxious and greenhouse gases. Use of chemical fertilizer is not only expensive but also they go on accumulating in soil crops, undergoes bio-magnification which leads to health hazards, instead they could use indigenous technology of vermicomposting. This does not call for expensive laboratories or sophisticated industrial instruments. It has multiple benefits and can convert wastes into fertilizers, make soil healthy, can eliminate the dependence on chemicals and can bring waste land under cultivation. In view of this a study was conducted on agriculture waste management through vermicomposting. Representative samples were collected from agricultural farm and allowed to decompose for about 21 days and then transferred to vermipits. Chemical analysis of samples show significant decrease in carbon content and final compost has maximum N.P.K. Present study gives bio-remedial recycling technology for agricultural waste which needs a part of agricultural input. Conservers the environment, create employment to millions of youth, can feed hungry citizens and can make country green and prosperous in a span of just a few years.