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prodcedure for compost and vermicompost

  Vermicompost Preparartion:

Step 1:Cover the bottom of the cement ring with a polythene sheet. (Or use the sheet to cover the ground of the area you’re using).

Step 2:Spread a layer (15-20 cms) of organic waste on top of the sheet.

Step 3:Sprinkle rock phosphate on top of the organic material (2kgs)

Step 4:Prepare cowdung slurry (15kgs) and add the slurry as a layer on top of the mixture.

Step 5:Fill the ring completely and evenly with the layered material.

Step 6:Paste cowdung or soil over the top of the material.

Step 7:Allow the material to decompose for 20 days
* Note: when the compost is ready, it is black, quite lightweight and has a pleasant, earthy smell.

Step 10:After 2 months, (or when the compost is ready), remove the ring and heap the material in a cone shape on the floor.

Leave the heap undisturbed for 2-3 hours, to let the worms move slowly to the bottom.

Step 11:Separate the upper portion of the heap.

Step 12:Sieve the lower portion of the heap to separate the worms. They can be used again for preparation of more vermicompost.

Step 13:Pack the compost in bags and store them in a cool place.


Composting:
Get a refuse container or pail that you keep on the counter or under the sink.
    Post the list of compost matter in plain view.
    Get a compost bin from your municipality or nearby warehouse store, or better yet, make one yourself using wood (cedar), wire-mesh, bricks, etc.
    Using a shovel, turn the soil in the selected area. A sunny, well-drained area is the ideal spot for a compost bin.
    Cover the bottom of the composter with a 5 or 6 cm-layer of small, dry branches.
    On this bed of branches, place a layer of dead leaves or earth. This will allow air circulation and improve drainage.
    Layer 2 parts of carbon-rich matter (brown or dry matter) to 1 part of nitrogen-rich matter (green or wet mater).
    Add finished compost, gardening soil or newspaper to keep flies out of the compost bin.
    Aerate the compost pile using an aerator or a pitch fork once a week.
    Check the degree of humidity. Add water to the compost until the degree of humidity is similar to that of a damp sponge. Remember that it is always easier to add water than to remove it!

The final product will be rich, dark mulch that has a discernable smell of humus. Use it in your vegetable garden, flower beds, hanging baskets, around perennials, and on the grass. And give back to nature what it has given you!