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A SUSTAINABLE SYSTEM FOR SOLID WASTE TREATMENT -VERMICULTURE
Janagan
K., Sathish V. and Vijayakumar A. “A Sustainable System
For Solid Waste Treatment – Vermiculture” in Martin
J. Bunch, V. Madha Suresh and T. Vasantha Kumaran, eds., Proceedings
of the Third International Conference on Environment and Health,
Chennai, India, 15-17 December, 2003. Chennai: Department of Geography,
University of Madras and Faculty of Environmental Studies, York
University. Pages 175 – 185.
Abstract:
Vermiculture appears
to be an innovative sustainable technology for waste treatment,
which holds a promising future in the field of solid waste management.
Vermiculture is the process of culturing worms to decompose organic
food waste, turning the waste into a nutrient-rich material capable
of supplying necessary nutrients to help plant growth.
This method is simple,
effective, convenient and noiseless. It saves water, energy, landfills,
and helps to rebuild the soil. The worms have the ability to convert
organic waste into nutrient-rich material which reduces the need
for synthetic fertilizers.
Vermicompost improves
soil structure and aeration as well as increasing its water-holding
capacity. Worms help the environment by decomposing organic material
(food and yard waste) turning it into a natural rich organic soil
amendment. The end result is called vermicompost, wormpoop or
worm castings. Vermicompost provides a tremendous source of nutrients
for plants that dramatically improve the texture and fertility
of soil. This replaces valuable nutrients taken out of the soil
when fruit and vegetables are harvested. Vermicomposting adds
beneficial organisms to the soil. These microorganisms and soil
fauna help to break down organic materials and convert nutrients
into a more available food form for plants.
Vermiculture composting
is nature’s way of completing the recycling loop. Being
born, living, dying, and being reborn again. Adding compost to
soil aids in erosion control, promotes soil fertility, and stimulates
healthy root development in plants.
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