Dr. J. P. SharmaDr. J. P. Sharma

Organic farming &VERMICOMPOST/VERMICULTURE

Microbiology lab. QCQA DivisionMicrobiology lab. QCQA Division

Indian Institute of Integrative MedicineIndian Institute of Integrative MedicineCanal Road, JammuCanal Road, Jammu

CONCEPT OF ORGANIC FARMING: It is a holistic approach where nature is perceived to be more

than just an individual element. In this farming system there is dynamic interaction between soil, humus, plant, animal ecosystem and the environment. Organic farming improves the structure and fertility of the soil through balanced choice of crop and implementation of diversified crop rotation systems. In this system control of pest disease and weeds is primarily done by adopting organic measures which will not affect the environment.

Standards are developed by many companies for the certification of organic farming.

View of a modern organic farm

Organic farming

• Organic farming is the form of agriculture that relies on techniques such as crop rotation,green manure, compost and biological pest control to maintain soil productivity and fertility.

• Organic agricultural methods are internationally regulated and legally enforced by many nations, based on the standards set by the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements(IFO AM) which was established in 1972.

Contd..

• Artificial fertilizers had been created during 18th century and also advances in chemical pesticides occurred which lead to organic movement .

• The organic movement began in the 1930’s and 1940’s as a result of reliance on synthetic fertilizers.

• 1940’s decade was referred as to the ‘pesticide era’.

• Sir Albert Howard is considered as the ‘father of organic farming’ .

Organic farming methods:

• Soil management

• Weed management

• Biological pest control

• Crop rotation

• Composting

Soil management:• Plants need N,P,K and as well as micronutrients and

symbiotic relationship with fungi and other organisms to flourish and for getting N.

• Soil management includes :

- crop rotation (using legumes)

- green manure

- intercropping

- using processed fertilizers (seed meal & various mineral powders)

- mixed farming

These practices maintains the fertility of the soil & also checks soil erosion.

Weed management:• Organic weed management promotes weed

suppression, rather than weed elimination, by enhancing crop competition and phyto toxic effects on weeds.

• Organic crop rotations frequently include weed suppressive crops and crops with dissimilar life cycles to discourage weeds association with a particular crop.

• Cultural practices include selection of competitive crop varieties, high-density planting & tight row spacing.

• Mechanical and physical weed control practices.

Biological pest control: Bio pesticides These are microbial biological pest control agents that are applied in a

similar manner as chemical pesticides.

• Formulation of bacteria like Bacillus thuringiensis control the insect pests of Lepidoptera, Coleoptera and Diptera .

• Bio control agents including Trichoderma spp. and Ampelomyces quisqualis controls diseases caused by plant pathogens

• Biological insecticide include products based on : Entomopathogenic fungi ( eg. Beauveria bassiana, Lecanicillium

lecanii, Metarhizium anisopliae). Entomopathogenic nematodes (eg. Steinernema feltiae, S.carpocapsae)

• The biofertilizers viz. Rhizobium. Azotobacter and Azospirilum used as bio agent in organic farming practices.

Crop rotation:

• Growing the same crops in the same site year after year reduces soil fertility and encourages a build up of pests ,diseases and weeds in the soil. Crops should be moved to a different site of land each year, and not returned to the original for several years.

• A typical 4 year rotation would include a cycle with maize and beans, a root crop and cereals with a legume crop .

Why farm organically?• Organic farming provides long term benefits to people and the

environment.

• Modern, intensive agriculture causes many problems including following:

• Artificial fertilizers and herbicides are easily washed from the soil and pollute rivers , lakes and other water bodies .

• Its prolonged use results in soils with a low organic matter content which is easily eroded by wind and rain.

• Dependency on fertilizers .Greater amounts are needed every year to produce the same yields of crops.

• Artificial pesticides can stay in the soil for longer period and enters the food chain which causes health problems.

• Artificial chemicals destroy soil micro- organisms resulting in poor soil structure and aeration and decreasing nutrient availability.

• Pests and disease become more difficult to control as they become resistance to artificial pesticides.

International standards• International Federation of Organic Agriculture

Movements (IFOAM) has produced a set of international organic standards, laid down by people from many countries.

• The main principles of organic farming were laid down by IFOAM in 1992:

• To produce food of high nutritional quality in sufficient quantity and cycles.

• To encourage and enhance biological cycles within the farming system , involving micro-organisms, soil flora and fauna, plants and animals.

• The organic product are to be certified by an independent body which provide guarantee that the products have been made according to the organic production standards.Many organic inspection and certifying agencies are:

• Ecocert-India,Aurangabad• Skal,Banglore• One Cert- Asia, Jaipur• Crop Improvement Association (CIA)• KRAV• QAI• Oregon • Tilth• IFOAM

BGA as biofertilizer for Rice field• Blue green algae can be grown in open air in shallow

tanks made of bricks• The starter culture used for multiplication is mixture

of Nostoc,Anabaena,Plectonema ,Tylopothrix etc.• Prepare shallow trays (6’X3’X9”) of galvanized iron

sheet or with bricks. The size can be increased as required.

• Spread 8-10kg of loam soil in the tray mix 200g of superphosphate

• Fill 2”-6” with water and spread starter culture 500g per tray

• After 7-8 days harvest the algae and dry.1.5-2kg algae will produce per tray

• In rice field 8Kg/hac of the BGA should be added 7day after planting for consecutive crops

• 14% increase in yield of rice has been recorded• BGA contribute 30-40kg N/Hac in the ecosystem• Addition income from BGA upto Rs.500/Hac.• N-fixing BGA is certainly an efficient way of

providing an alternative source of nitrogen for rice field.

Problems and constrains• The most important constraint felt in the

progress of organic farming is the inability of the government policy making level to take a firm decision to promote organic agriculture in India.

• Lack of awareness • Output marketing problems • Shortage of bio-mass• Inadequate supporting infrastructure • High input costs • Marketing problems of organic inputs • Absence of an appropriate agriculture policy

Contd…

• Lack of financial support

• Low yields

• Inability to meet the export demand

• Vested Interests

• Lack of quality standards for bio manures

• Improper accounting method

• Political and social factors.

VERMICOMPOST/ VERMICULTURE

compositing• Compost is organic matter (plant and animal residues) which has

been rotted down by the action of bacteria and other organisms , over a period of time .

• Compost is cheap to make and is a very effective material that can be added to the soil , to improve soil and crop quality.

• Compost improves soil structure . This allows more air into the soil ,improves drainage and reduces erosion.

• Compost improves soil fertility by adding nutrients and by making it easier for plants to take up the nutrients already in the soil. This produces better yields.

• Compost improves the soil’s ability to hold water. This stops the soil from drying out in times of drought.

Contd..The total solid wastes generated in India in the farm of

agriculture wastes is ~320 million tons, municipal wastes ~25 million tons, cattle manure~210 million tons and poultry manures ~ 3.3 million tons.

Composting is a controlled process of decomposition used to transform organic material into humus (or) compost. In nature, organic wastes are broken down through a combination of biological and chemical processes. Biological agents like worms, insects, fungi, bacteria and other microorganisms "chew up" the materials, which are further transformed by oxidation (exposure to air), reduction and hydrolysis (exposure to water).

VERMICOMPOSTING

• Vermicomposting is composting by earthworm. Vermicompost is the end product of breakdown of organic matter by some species of earthworm.

• Vermicompost is a nutrient rich natural fertilizer and soil conditioner. The process of producing vermicompost is called vermicomposting.

• Vermicompost is nothing but the excreta of earthworms, which is rich in humus and nutrients.

About Earthworm:• Earthworms are hermaphrodite, have both the male and

female organs in one individual, require another earthworm to mate. The wide band clitellum secretes mucus after mating. Sperm from another worm is stored there. The mucus slides and encases the egg and sperm inside. There forms lemon shape cocoon 1/8 inch long. With in 3weeks two or more baby worms will hatch which are whitish ½ to 1inch long. Red worms take about 4-5 weeks to become sexually mature. The earthworm breaths through skin. Food is ingested through mouth passes through gizzard into intestine for digestion and then what left is eliminated as vermicompost.

EFFICIENT SPECIES:

• Eisenia foetida

• Amyanthas diffringens

• Eudrilus enginae

• Perionyx excavatus

• Lumbricus rubellus

Materials for preparation of Vermicompost:

Biodegradable wastes:

• Crop residues

• Weed biomass

• Vegetable waste

• Leaf litter

• Hotel refuse

• Waste from agro-industries

• Biodegradable portion of urban and rural wastes.• F Y M

LARGE SCALE PRODUCTION OF VERMICOMPOST:

A thatched roof shed preferably open from all side with unpaved (kacha) floor is erected in east west direction length wise to protect the site from direct sunlight. A shed area of 12´x12´is sufficient to accommodate three vermibeds of 10´x 3´each having 1´space in between for the treatment of 9-12 quintals of waste in a cycle of 40-45days. The length of the shed can be increased or decreased depending upon the quantity of waste to be converted and availability of space. The height of thatched roof is kept at 8 feet from the centre and 6 feet from the sides. The base of site is raised at least 6 to 9 inches above the ground to protect it from flooding during the rains.

The vermibeds are laid over the raised ground by putting a layer of 4″to 6″ of any slowly biodegradable agricultural residue i.e. dried leaves/straw/sugarcane trash etc. after soaking with water. This is followed by 1″ layer of farmyard manure. The earth worms are released on each vermibed @ 1-1.5kg per bed (10′ x 3′). The frequency and limits of loading the waste can vary, depending upon the convenience of the user i.e. Daily-2″/ bed/ day. In bulk 12″ to15″ (3 to 4q/ bed/ cycle of 45days).

CONTD….

Vermicompost can also be prepared in concrete tanks with size of 10′ x 3′ x 3′. The available bio-wastes are collected and are heaped under sun for 7-10 days. A layer of chopped weed biomass and partially decomposed cow dung (1-2″) is to be placed at the bottom. Place the chopped weed biomass and partially decomposed cow dung (50:50) layer wise (10-20 cm) in the tank up to 2.5ft. Release 2-3kg earthworm per ton of biomass (or) 100 worms per sq. feet area. Place wire net, bamboo net, banana leaves over the tank to protect it from birds etc.

CONTD….

Vermicomposting in small scale can also be done under the shady trees by making vermibeds in high embankments and releasing the worms. It can also be done in small plastic tubs for the conversion of kitchen and other bio-degradable waste of household into vermicompost for your kitchen garden in the backyard.

CONTD….

Vermicomposting in process

Cocoon of the worms

Vermicomposting in cemented tanks

Vermicomposting in cemented tanks

A commercial Vermicompost production unit

ADVANTAGES: Vermicompost is an eco-friendly bio fertilizer. It is also rich in beneficial microflora such as N-fixer,

P-solubilizers and cellulose decomposer. Vermicompost is richer in micro-nutrients than other

composts. It enhances the decomposition of organic matter in

soil and also minimize the incidence of pests and diseases in crop.

It improves soil structure, aeration, texture, water holding capacity and prevents soil erosion.

It promotes better root growth and nutrient absorption.

It contains valuable vitamins, enzymes and hormones like auxins and gibberllins.

It improve the nutrient status of soil-both macronutrient and micronutrient.

PRECAUTIONS: Vermibed / vermicompost should be protected from

direct sunlight.

The worms should be protected from ants, rats and birds.

The vermibeds are covered with jute mat or banana leaves to protect from birds and earthworms. Water is sprinkled on the vermibeds to keep them moist.

The waste is turned upside down fortnightly without disturbing the basal layer

Sprinkling of the water should be done regularly to maintain 70-80% moisture contents.

The black granular crumbly powder on the top of vermibed indicate harvest stage of the compost.

The watering is stopped 5 days before the harvesting and the compost is collected from the top without disturbing the lower layers.

Shed should be provided over the compost to prevent entry of rain water and direct sunlight

Heaping can be done under shade and sieving may also be done to separate the earthworm and cocoon.

The first harvesting is ready after 2 months and the subsequent lot can be harvested after 6 weeks of loading.

Granular compost formation after 40-45days at the surface of tank indicate that the compost is ready for harvesting which can be done by scrapping layer wise from the top of the tank.

DOSING:

Recommended doses of vermicompost are as follows: For cereals/ pulses/vegetables: @ 2 tons per acre For fruit crops: @ 2-3 kg per

plant

NUTRIENT PROFILE OF VERMICOMPOST& FARM YARD

MANURE:NUTRIENT VERMICOMPOST FARM

YARDMANURE

N (%) 1.6 0.5

P O (%) 0.7 0.2

K O (%) 0.8 0.5

Ca (%) 0.5 0.9

Mg (%) 0.2 0.2

Fe (ppm) 175.0 146.5

Mn (ppm) 96.5 69.0

Zn (ppm) 24.5 14.5

Cu(ppm) 5.0 2.8 C:N ratio 15.5 31.3 __________________________________________________________________________ These values are subject to variation depending upon the type of organic waste. Source: Punjab State council for Science and Technology,Chandigarh.

COMPARATIVE NUTRIENT CONTENTS OF DIFFERENT ORGANIC MANURE

Manure Nutrient (%) N P K

• Vermicompost 1.5-2.5 1.2-1.8 1.5-2.4 • FYM 0.45-0.84 0.20-0.40 0.50-0.70 • Compost 0.50 0.15 0.50

• Pig dung 0.60 0.50 0.40 • Biogas slurry 1.5-2.25 0.90-1.20 0.80-1.20 • Cow dung 0.40 0.20 0.10 • Mustard cake 5.2 1.8 1.20 • Neem cake 5.2 1.0 1.40

 

ECONOMICS: Funds: In this project there is no constraint of funds as it can be

started by investment of Rs 10,000 /-only or can range upto Rs 10 Lakh

No Chance of failure: There is no chance of death of the earthworms even the project is not running for sometime. Secondly the product is easily sold locally hence there is no chance of any loss.

No Tax: Tax is also exempted for 10 Years for industry which is producing organic manure from wastes.

Subsidies : From DRDA, SSI, DIC and other Depts.

 

No electricity : This is an project which can be started without electricity, so it can be started without electricity hence it can be started in remote areas. Hence 50 % of chemical fertilizer can be replaced by this organic manure, so saving of power used for production of that quantity of chemical fertilizers.

Income: From cow dung of one cow or cattle, 2 tons of organic manure can be produced, so additional income of Rs.8000 to Rs 10,000 can be made. This can be increased by 50% next year.The profit can be increased by increasing the investment and inputs.

By using vermicompost regularly major diseases can be eradicated at the grass root level by reducing non protein nitrates and effects of pesticides on soil plants and human beings

By complete replacement of chemical fertilizers (max. 1 ton of vermicompost for 1Bigah of land in their farm the farmers can produce more tasty, healthy and more yield of grains.

All biodegradables are converted into organic manure, so all villages and towns can be kept clean. The chemical fertilizers, pesticides and weedicides can be reduced to 50% so pollution of water and air can be reduced.

Cost benefit ratio:

Waste treatment capacity: 9- 12q / cycle• Cost of shed (thatched roof): Rs. 30000 / -

• Cost of worm culture(3kg): Rs. 6000 / -

• Cost of FYM and other waste: Rs. 6000 / -

Total cost: Rs . 42000/ -

Total number of cycles / year: 8 Nos.

Average vermicompost yield / year: 40 – 50 q

@ 5q to 6q /cycle

Average yield of worm increase: 5Kg

Contd.

• Expected income from sale of

vermicompost @ R s. 4000/ ton: 16000 - 20000/-

Sale of earth worm culture

@ Rs. 1600-2000/Kg: 8000 - 10000/-

Total profit: 24000 -30000/- Net profit Ist. Year : 24000 -

30000 /-

(-) 12000 = 12000 – 18000/-

2nd year: 50% increase in the Net profit

VERMIWASH- a plant growth regulator :

It is a liquid plant growth regulator which contain high amount of enzymes, vitamins and hormones like auxins and gibberllins along with micronutrients used as foliar spray.

METHOD: Take one mug and a bucket. Set up one stop cork

on the lower part of the bucket.Put a layer of broken bricks/pieces of stone 10-

15cm in the bucket.Put a layer of 10-15cm sand over it and then put a

layer of partially decomposed cow dung 30-45cm and put another layer of soil on it and open the stop cork of the bucket.

Put 100-200Nos of earthworm in the bucket and then a layer of paddy straw 6 cm is given.

Contd…

Spray the water regularly for 7-10 days. After 10 days vermin wash will be produced in the bucket.

Hang one pot with a bottom hole over the bucket in a way so that the water fall drop by drop.

Every day 4-5lit. of water is poured in the hanging pot.

Keep another pot under the stop cork and collect 3-4lit. of Vermiwash everyday.

 

APPLICATIONS: Mix 1lit. of vermin wash with 7-10 lit. of water

and spray on the growing crops in the evening.

Mix 1lit. of vermin wash with 1lit. of cow urine and then add 10lit. of water. Mix and keep it over night before spraying.

50-60lit. of this solution is enough to be sprayed in one bigah of land for controlling various diseases.

T h a n k s