Vermicompost

• Compost that is prepared with the help of earthworms (Pheretima posthuma) is called vermicompost.
• Earthworms consume large quantities of organic matter and excreted soil as casts.
• The weight of the material passing through the body each day is almost equal to the weight of the earthworm.
• The earthworms may be of local species or more vigorous exotic ones.
• The casts of earthworms have several enzymes and are rich in plant nutrients, beneficial bacteria and mycorrhizhae.
• On an average vermicompost contains 3%, 1% and 1.5% N, P2O5 and K2O respectively.