A STUDY ON VERMICOMPOSTING OF ORGANIC WASTE AT SANSKRITHI SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING PUTTAPARTHI

An Managing of solid waste has become one of the major difficulties that we are facing today. Vermicomposting is the improved selection to tackle with this problem. Vermicomposting is the process of conversion of organic wastes by earthworms to valued humus like material which is used as a natural soil. Vermicomposting is environment friendly and cost-effective method for solid waste management. Vermicompost is much healthier than chemical fertilizer because it is not related with any kind of risk. Earthworms are possibly important creatures that can transform garbage into gold. Eisenia foetida is the maximum frequently used species of earthworms for vermicomposting. Vermicomposting is a mesophilic process and should be preserved up to 32°C with the moisture content of 60-80%. Vegetable wastes from market and homes are basis of environmental pollution, global climatic changes and human health hazards. Disposal methods and management are not suitable. Earlier, the study was taken up. In laboratory scale 6 plastic bin were taken for vermicomposting Vegetable waste was mixed with shredded paper, soil sand mixture and after pre-decomposition for 20 days, 40 earthworms were released. This culture were maintained and preserved for next 70 days and then observations made on, pH and NPK value of the medium were recorded and recorded and tested heavy metals in composted material. Six different ratios were maintained to achieve exact result. Different results were found in different ratios of mixture. Normally cow dung slurry (50%) is sprinkled for balancing proper moisture condition in the vermicomposting mixture medium. The best results were found in 5:1:2 ratio mixture of vegetable waste, shredded paper and soils. Analysis of vermicomposting discovered maximum nitrogen is 1.1% potassium is 0.91 % and phosphorus is about 1.19% content in this composted mixture. Thus, vermicomposting is determined that vegetable waste can be converted into high quality vermicompost in an environment friendly manner.