Ask a Teacher

Search



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!


comments powered by Disqus