How to produce Vermicompost?
A thatched shed of approximately 7.5 x 6.0 meters on a slightly elevated ground is sufficient for utilizing sericultural waste from one hectare mulberry area. All around the shed stone bund is to be prepared to prevent infestation of predators. In the shed, eight trenches measuring 2.4 x 0.6 x 0.45 meteres in two rows of four trenches each side are to be made. The trenches are to be lined with polythene sheet. For every tone of waste add 5 kg cow dung / biogas slurry and mix in 100 litres of water in an open pit for about 7-10 days for partial decomposition. Later, fill each trench with 200-300 kg semi-decomposed sericultural waste having 30-40% moisture. Introduce a mixed culture of earthworms into the feed @ 1.5 kg/metric tonne of waste and leave for 6-7 weeks. Sprinkle water regularly to maintain moisture around 30-40%. After 6-7 weeks, the casts appear as loose granules. Harvest the vermi-compost and sieve through wire mesh to separate earthworms.
