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4.1.3. Aeration: Earthworms are oxygen breathers and cannot survive in anaerobic conditions.

They operate best when compost material is porous and well aerated. Earthworms also help
themselves by aerating their bedding by their movement through it. E. fetida have been reported

to migrate in high numbers from oxygen depleted water saturated substrate, or in which carbon
dioxide or hydrogen sulfide has accumulated.

4.1.4. pH value: The pH value is also one of the important factors affecting the

vermicomposting process. Epigenic worms can survive in a pH range of 5–9. The pH of worm
beds tends to drop over time. If the food source/bedding is alkaline, than pH of bed drop to

neutral or slightly alkaline and if the food source is acidic than the pH of the beds can drop well
below 7. The pH can be adjusted upwards by adding calcium carbonate or peat moss for

adjusting pH downward can be introduced into the mix. Although microorganisms which are
active in vermicomposting which can maintain their activity even in lower pH of around 4 but

recommended pH range for compost is around 6.5–7.5.

The pH of vermicompost plays a very important role in plant growth. When the pH of
vermicompost is in the optimal range (usually around neutral), it provides an ideal environment

for nutrient availability and microbial activity in the soil. This increases the plant's nutrient
uptake and supports healthy root development. By maintaining the proper pH we can unlock

the full potential of plant growth. The pH of vermicompost significantly affects nutrient

availability in the soil. Different nutrients have varying solubilities at different pH levels. When
the pH of vermicompost is balanced, it ensures that essential nutrients such as nitrogen,

phosphorus and potassium are easily available to plants. However, if the pH is too acidic or too
alkaline, some nutrients may become less accessible or even locked in the soil, leading to

nutrient deficiencies in plants. Therefore, maintaining optimum pH through the use of
vermicompost is vital to maximize nutrient availability and support plant health.

4.1.5. Ammonia and salt content: Earthworms cannot survive in organic wastes containing

high levels of ammonia. Worms are also very sensitive to salts and they prefer salt contents less
than 0.5%. However, many types of manures have high salt contents and if they are to be used

as bedding, they should be leached first to reduce the salt content, it is done by simply running
water through the material for a period of time.

4.1.6. Carbon:Nitrogen (C:N) Ratio: The major effect of C:N ratio in vermicompost is on
bacterial activity, high C:N ratio decrease bacterial activity because of nitrogen shortage that is

essential for bacteria and takes part in proteins, amino acids and other structural substances of

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