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Earthworm bed preparation and composting: The earthworm bed prepared for vermicomposting
must ensure the five basic things to obtain quality vermicompost from a short span of time.

Vermicompost production can be done in any place which is having shades, high humidity and cool.
Abandoned cattle shed, or poultry shed or unused buildings can also be used. If it is to be produced in
the open area, artificial shading should be provided. The waste heaped for vermicompost production

should be covered with moist gunny bags.

The five basic necessities are listed below:

➢ Hospitable living environment, called as bedding
➢ A food source
➢ Adequate moisture

➢ Adequate aeration
➢ Protection from extreme temperatures

Harvesting of vermicompost and earthworms: The vermicompost is ready within 75-90 days and

ultimately the material becomes black, granular, lightweight, moderately loose, crumbly and humus-
rich. Watering must be avoided two to three days before emptying the beds to facilitate the separation

of worms from the compost. There are several different methods for harvesting vermicompost. These
are inducing the migration of earthworms, screening or sieving, pyramidal heap, and manual harvesting.

Packing and storing of vermicompost: The harvested vermicompost should be stored in dark and cool

place as sunlight will lead to loss of moisture and nutrient content. Moreover, harvested vermicompost
material should be stored in open rather than packed in sacs. Packing should be done at the time of
selling and laminated sac is always advisable. During compost storage in open place, periodical

sprinkling of water should be done to maintain moisture level and beneficial microbial population.
Vermicompost can be stored for longer periods of one year without loss of its quality, if its moisture is

maintained at 40% level [20].

It can be follow up for step by step vermicomposting production process;

➢ Selection of suitable earthworm species.

➢ Choosing the site of vermicomposting unit in a cool and shady site.
➢ Organic waste with cowdung and chopped dried leafy materials are mixed in the proportion of
3: 1 ratio.

➢ A compost heap is structured and allowed to decompose for 15 to 20 days.
➢ Vermiculture bed of 3 cm is to be prepared by placing after saw dust or leaves or husk or coir
waste or sugarcane trash in the bottom of application site.

➢ A layer of fine sand (3 cm) should be spread over the culture bed followed by a layer of garden
soil (3 cm).

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