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5.6.2. Chemical properties

➢ Vermicompost is rich in almost all essential macro and micro plant nutrients. Various

experiments indicate that the average nutrient content of vermicompost is higher than

that of other conventional composts produced by other procedures.
➢ Among all secondary nutrients, the calcium content in vermicompost is higher than in

other composts.

➢ Unlike other conventional compost, vermicompost contains worm mucus, which makes
it easier to prevent the nutrients present there from washing away.

➢ Due to worm transformation, the heavy metal present in the feed material was found to
decrease in worm castings due to its accumulation in the worm tissue. Depending on the

feed used, the rate of heavy metal removal depends on vermicomposting techniques.
This feature makes vermicompost less polluting than other composts. Thus, it becomes

more environmentally sustainable.

➢ There are some differences between simple farm manure and vermicompost in terms of
chemical properties. Vermicompost has a higher range of macro- and micronutrients as

well as soil organic carbon status, as can be observed from Table 3.

5.6.3. Biological properties

➢ The by-product of soil breakdown is an inhabitant of various microorganisms, i.e.
bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes. These microorganisms secrete various enzymes and

phytohormones that help in improving plant growth. Thus vermicompost facilitates both

microbial and enzymatic activity.
➢ The microbial population of nitrogen fixing bacteria and other symbiotic combining

bacteria is expected to be in a good range of numbers in vermicompost.

➢ In addition, vermicompost harbours a large number of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhiza
(VAM) propagules. These propagules survive for up to 11 months after shedding and

help to increase microbial activity to produce nitrogen and phosphorus in a form that
the plant can readily utilise.

When applying vermicompost into the soil; between 120 and 150 grams of solid
vermicompost should be used for each square metre of application area in agricultural areas

or soils to be applied. The application should be repeated twice a year to guarantee
successful results. Vermicompost should be mixed with the soil in the application area.

Laying vermicompost on the application surface may make it difficult for plants to take

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