VERMICOMPOSTINGOrganic soil enrichment

Katrakilis Andreas

DIO : Certification and Inspection Organization Of Organic Products

September 18 2010, Budapest, Hungary

Scenario Description

Vermicomposting is the process of using worms (“vermi” is Latin for “worm”) to process organic food waste into nutrient-rich soil.

The mission of this scenario is to reduce the production and improve the management of solid waste in organic agricultural compounds in order to conserve resources, protect public health and safety and the environment as well as enriching the soil.

Curriculum Area

Prerequisite skills/knowledge• Basic agricultural skills• Basic Knowledge of the use of internet• Practical experience in agricultural/gardening tasks

Aims & Objectives• Reduce the production of waste• Enrich the soil with nutrients

Training outcomes and skills• Better understanding of soil fertility• Familiarize with alternative way to manage the waste

Curriculum Area

Methodology:

• Lectures• Group discussion• Hands-on activities

Training activities:

1. Theoretical approach of the procedure using multimedia tools (2 lectures x 2 hours each)

2. Visit to a farm that produces vermicompost (3 hours)3. Create your own vermicompost pit (3 hours)

Curriculum Area

Reference & supporting material:

• Nagavallemma et al. (2004). Vermicomposting: Recycling Wastes into Valuable Organic Fertilizer in Open Access Journal published by ICRISAT. Available online at:http://www.icrisat.org/journal/agroecosystem/v2i1/v2i1vermi.pdf

• Wikipedia article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compost#Vermicompost

• Vermicomposting: Journey to Forever organic gardenhttp://www.journeytoforever.org/compost_worm.html

Curriculum AreaEvaluation of training:

Each participant will be assisted during the various steps. The final product (vermicompost) of each participant will be

evaluated according to specific attributes (e.g. color, texture). The results will be compared and discussed in group.

Activity 1Training Activity:• Theoretical approach of the procedure using multimedia and other

tools.

Training objectives/outcomes:• Obtain theoretical knowledge about the production and use of

vermicompost soil

Tools/resources:• Pen/notepad for taking notes, laptop for the presentation, internet

connection

Activity 1

Assessment strategy:• Assessment will be achieved by providing questionnaires to

students in order assess the students’ understanding.

Time allocated:• Two lectures x 2 hours each = 4 hours

Screenshots

Activity 2

Training Activity:• Visiting a farm that produces Vermicompost. After obtaining the

required theoretical knowledge of vermicompost production, a visit to a farm will provide an additional source of information and a hands-on experience.

Training objectives/outcomes:• To have the students see the process of vermicompost production

Activity 2

Tools/Resources:• Digital camera, pencil/notepad, plastic bags for sampling.

Assessment strategy:• Photos, notes and drawings taken/made by each participant will

be shown to group and discussed after the visit

Time allocated:3 hours

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Activity 3

Training Activity:Create your own vermicompost pit.

Training objectives/outcomes:• Participants will be asked to apply the knowledge they acquired

during the previous activities and create their own vermicompost soil

Tools/resources:• Shovel, bricks, organic waste

Activity 3

Assessment strategy:After the creation of vermicompost soil from every participant, notes

and comments will be discussed in group

Time allocated:• 3 hours for the setup, approx. 30 days for vermicomposting

Screenshots

Preparing The Organic Advisors Of tomorrow

Thank You For Your Attention