The every day waste from our kitchens can now be utilized as manure in our lawns or in our own potted plant helping them to grow faster and healthier! Vermicomposting is one of the most simplified way of converting the bio waste or the daily kitchen waste into high grade manure. Vermicompost is similar to normal composting with the only exception that worms are used in addition to microbes and bacteria to turn organic waste into a nutrient-rich fertilizer. In Vermicomposting a special variety of earthworms are used which are rarely found in soil and are adaptive to the special conditions like rotting vegetation, compost and manure piles Vermicomposting is a scientific process where in a pit is dug in the ground and is filled with the bio degradable waste like garden waste, leaves, straw, vegetable left out etc. in addition to some amount of cow dung or animal manure. The special variety of earth worms are then added to it which feed on this biodegradable waste to convert it into compost or manure which is high in its nutrient content. Water is sprinkled regularly on to these pits which keeps the matter moist for the worms so that they can easily feed on it. Earthworms are natural bio rectors with specific body organs that grind the waste ingested by them into castings, a rich soil fertilizer within 40-45 days under complete aerobic conditions.

Vermicomposting is a very simple and convenient method which can be done at a variety of locations both indoor and outdoor. The popular indoor spots are the kitchen, pantry, bathroom, mud room, laundry room, or even the basement, apart from the out door locations. The out door pits/bind are to be placed under shade like under a shed to protect it from direct sunlight, birds and animals. For indoor vermicomposting specially designed bins are available which facilitates proper air circulation and moisture retention which is very essential for the survival of the worms. There are a variety of species of earthworms that are mainly used for composting which includes Eisenia foetida, Eudrilus eugeniae, Perionyx excavatus, Lumbricus rubellus and Pheretima elongata. Care has to be taken regarding the bio degradable waste that is added to the pits which is either not easily digestible or which increases acidic content hampering the composting process and the health of the worms too. Care should be taken that no such thing like meat scraps or bones, fish, greasy or oily foods, fat, tobacco, or pet/ human manure be added to the pits/bins. The amount of citric food added to the pits/bins should also be limited to keep a check on the acidity levels. The waste should be cut/ shredded into small pieces so that the worms can break it down easily. Thus this is one of the most simplified and environmentally effective ways of converting daily kitchen/garden waste into nutrient which every one of us can take up individually or collectively without even investing much on it. Vermicomposting has many environmental impacts ranging from improving soil quality to enhancement of plant growth to eco friendly waste management. Vermicomposting produces a non chemical based fertilizer which can be used in kitchen gardens as it does not have any adverse effect on the soil, plant or the environment. The compost when added to the soil improves soil aeration, texture and tilth and thus reduces soil compaction. Because of its high organic content vermicompost when added to the soil increases its water retention capacity. The compost also promotes better root growth of the plants and their ability to absorb nutrients. Apart from this it also improves nutrient status of soil, both the macro nutrients and the micro nutrients, thus an over all nutrient enhancement of the soil.

Many nations, organizations and individuals across the world have taken up such steps where in they contribute on their own level to convert the waste into nutrients for the plants and the soil. Many colleges in Chandigarh, the city beautiful have taken up such initiative wherein the bio- kitchen waste from the hostel mess is converted into compost and further used as manure in their lawns. GCG 11 is one such example in the city where such an initiative is successfully running from past few years and this has also changed the face of the college lawns which now bloom with a variety of colourful healthy plants without even spending a penny on purchase of any artificial plant nutrients. The Department of Rural Development & Panchayats, Punjab has also started with a project for implementation of vermiculture biotechnology in villages of various districts of Punjab. The council is implementing this technology in Moga, Jalandhar, Patiala, Ropar, Bathinda, Sangrur, Fathehgarh Sahib districts of Punjab. Thus a new perspective to look at the bio degradable waste has initiated a wave of converting this waste into nutrient for the plants apart from other advantages it has in improving soil quality and structure. This is one small step that each one of us can take as a return gift to the nature for providing us all that we have today!