Vermicomposting: A key for Solid Waste Management

Vermicomposting: A key for Solid Waste Management

Author: Samir Kumar Sahu
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR,
MAYURBHANJ BIOLOGICAL RESEARCH (MBR),

mail: mbrindia@gmail.com.

Introduction:
Solid wastes generated from agricultural activities include crop residues, animal excreta etc. which need special attention for disposal. The use of these wastes after bioprocessing can supply nutrients to vegetative plants and also improve soil physical chemical & biological conditions and its fertility (Bansal & Kapoor, 2000). The wastes can be either directly added to the soil (Lerch et al., 1992) or sometimes are to be treated before its addition to soil. This is due to presence of toxic pollutants or pathogenic microorganisms ( Ayuso et al., 1996; Hassen et al., 2001).
Review on solid waste management suggest that the wastes should be biocomposted before its use as nutrient source so as to attain the desired biological transformation of the organic matter and also to avoid risks of the pathogens.Among the various biocomposing measures, the vermicomposting has been considered to be an advantageous treatment system for different wastes (Logsdon, 1994; Ndegwa et al., 2000).
Another aspect of use of earthworms for vermicomposting of solid waste and use of vermincompost as source of rich nutrients is the realization of ill effects of the use of inorganic fertilizers during Green Revolution in early parts of 20th century. It has been established that maintenance of ecological balance for sustainable agriculture an alternative to chemical agriculture is use of vermicompost.
1.Role of earthworms & vermicompost:
Earthworms as a major soil fauna help in modulating the physicochemical properties of the soil.
During the process of vermicomposting earthworms maintain aerobic conditions in the organic wastes by proper mixing and microbial decomposition of the substrate in the intestine of earthworm, converts the organic wastes into worm biomass and excretion of casts which are vermicompost (Benitez et al., 1999). The earthworms also enhance the soil microbial activity by improving the environment for the microbes (Syers et al., 1979).
Earthworm castings are a rich source of nutrients. The total nitrogen, organic matter, phosphorus, potassium, sodium and magnesium are higher in casts as compared to the surrounding soil. Earthworms are the major soil invertebrates which contribute to recycling of organic matter. Organic wastes are broken down rapidly after they are subjected to enzymatic activity in their gut. Primary decomposers (microbes) initiate the decomposition and secondary decomposers like earthworms further catalyze the process. The further fragmentation of organic residues increases the surface area enhancing the decomposition process by micro flora. During the process of respiration CO2 is released and production of mucus and nitrogenous wastes decreases the C/N ratio of organic matter by the earthworms.
Some of the epigeic (surface dwelling) earthworms are maintained as cultures to convert the organic wastes into their casts, the vermicompost. The vermicompost collected are used as source of organic fertilizers to be amended to the soil. In well irrigated fields, the earthworms are released along with organic wastes which help in enhancing earthworm activity in the field.
Now-a-days extensive research is in progress on earthworms and their role in organic nutrient waste conversion to produce nutrient rich vermicompost. By this process organic decomposable material derived from agriculture, animal husbandry and agro-industries can be converted to a rich source of bioresource. The earthworms can be utilized as ‘decomposer industry’ to take care of the organic wastes and make use of it as environmental resource instead of creating pollution (Macfadyen, 1963). Vermicomposting is helping the farming community to improve the status of the soil and also make additional income by selling vermicompost.
2.Vermiculture for vermicompost:
Biomass production of earthworms in semi natural conditions by providing suitable feed and conditions for them so that they remain active throughout their life is known as vermiculture. Vermiculture was associated to disposal of large amount of organic waste by Hertenstein, 1981. In 1981 Prince et al., utilized vermiculture for treating municipal wastes.
Number of earthworms are utilized for vermicomposting- they are mostly epigeic earthworms. Eisenia fetida is the most commonly used earthworm for vermicomposting due to its wide range of temperature tolerance, high reproductive potential and its less sensitivity to density pressure (Wanatabe and Tsukamoto, 1976; Reinecke and Kriel, 1981). Eudrilus eugeniae commonly called ‘African night crawler’ is another efficient earthworm for vermicomposting. It is found to be an efficient species for maintenance in India (Kale, 1994). Perionyx excavatus is also helpful in vermiculture. Kale (1994) has opined that mixed culture of Eudrilus eugeniae, Eisenia fetida, Perionyx excavatus, Perionyx sansibaricus can be successfully used for waste management in India.
In USA and Canada the vermiculture and vermicomposting has already been started as entrepreneurship where as in India it is still at research level. But since last decade, farmers, agro based industries and urban households are opting for culturing earthworms for managing organic waste management in India (Kale, 2002).
3.Process of vermicomposting:
Choice of the right species of earthworm for vermicomposting is foremost step of vermicomposting. And for this a suitable epigeic, widely distributed earthworm has to be chosen. Besides this the treatment of material to be used for vermicompost has to undergo certain procedures. In tropical countries optimal temperature of organic waste must range from 250 to 300 and moisture level from 40 – 60 % (Tripathy and Bhardwaj, 2004; Manivannan et al., 2004). Optimal moisture and temperature condition induces the micro organisms and the earthworms to act symbiotically to accelerate and enhance decomposition.
For vermiculture any type of organic residues like weeds, litter, hey, animal excreta available can be used. The collected residues are maintained at 40 - 60 % moisture for two to three weeks. After this the residues can be used for epigeic earthworm feed.
Vermicomposting should be practiced in shelter to prevent predators of earthworms like rodents. The vermicomposting tanks can be built with cement blocks, granite slabs or bamboo poles. The size of the tank depends on availability of raw materials. The breadth and the height should be preferably 1.2 and 0.9 mts. Temporary thatched roof protects the tanks from heavy sunshine or rainy season.
The feed (organic residue) is taken in the tank and earthworms are released on the surface. When the earthworms start feeding, the castings are released on the surface. These castings can be collected periodically.
Vermicompost i.e., collected castings from vermiculture bed contain small cocoons and earthworms. These can be separated by very simple method. Small balls of cow dung can be buried in collected vermicompost randomly. The earthworms hatched out of cocoons and other earthworms get attached to these cow dung balls and get separated from others.
Thus earthworms can be used as biological tools at industrial level to get vermicompost out of organics solid waste. By proper management of various factors like pH, temperature, moisture, texture of material and the quality of organic waste we can successfully convert the organic waste into very useful vermicompost (Parthasarathi, 2007).
4.Role of vermicompost in sustainable agriculture::
In tropical countries due to high temperature and low moisture, the use of inorganic fertilizers is not economical as there is only two fold increase in yield on application of ten fold increased use of inorganic fertilizers .
The organic carbon content is very low in tropical soil which is very important for soil organisms who contribute towards soil physical properties like aggregate stability, porosity, bulk density and water holding capacity. They also contribute towards immobilization as well as solubilization and mobilization of nutrients as and when required.
Thus vermicompost which can be prepared without large scale investment can be utilized as an organic amendment to enhance biological process in soil. Thus primarily vermicompost can act as medicine for the health of soil and secondarily as a nutrient supplier to the crop.
5.Physico-chemical parameters of vermicompost:
The nutrient content of the vermicompost depends upon the quality of the organic waste which is fed to earthworm. Still the vermicompost produced in proper manner has certain physico-chemical and biological characters as shown in the following table (Kale, 2002).
Physico-chemical parameters of Vermicompost

6.Advantage of vermicompost over other organic manures:
The available nutrients are more in vermicompost as compared to regular farmyard manure or compost. Moreover, secretions of earthworms present in vermicompost serve as growth stimulatory factors for plants (Galli et al., 1990) Shi-Wei and Fu Zhen (1991) have reported improvement in uptake of added inorganic nutrients in presence of vermicompost. Micro organisms present in vermicompost inactivate and suppress the growth of pathogens (Kale, 1998; Shobha, 2005). Yield of barley crop in pot cultures has been associated to higher levels of vitamin B12 in medium due to activity of inoculated earthworms (Atlavinyle and Daciulyle, 1969).
Further modification in the organic waste to be converted to vermicompost also influences the microfloral population in the vermicompost. Addition of 2 % neem cake to decomposing organic waste results in higher level of nitrogen-fixer population in vermicompost (Kale et al., 1986). Addition of 10 % rock phosphate to organic waste containing 10 % cow dung results in increase in phosphate solubilizing micro organisms.
7.Conclusion:
Vermicompost is best out of organic waste. On proper handing of the organic waste i.e., proper maintenance of certain physical and chemical properties of the organic waste, it can be converted into vermicompost, which will act as a conditioner for the soil health as well as a rich nutrient source for the crops.
Author contact address : -
SAMIR KUMAR SAHU,

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
MAYURBHANJ BIOLOGICAL RESEARCH (MBR)

BHANJPUR, BARIPADA, MAYURBHANJ, ORISSA, INDIA.PIN:757002
Cell: + 91-94372-399299

E.mail: mbrindia@gmail.com,

SIMILIPAL: A CONCEPT OF FOREST MANAGEMENT

SIMILIPAL: A CONCEPT OF FOREST MANAGEMENT

SAMIR KUMAR SAHU, Executive Director

MAYURBHANJ BIOLOGICAL RESEARCH (MBR), BARIPADA-757002.

Introduction:
Ask people what they consider to be good forest management. In all likehood, one will get almost as many different answers as the number of people asked. This should not be surprising because agreement on what constitutes sustainable forest management is still some distance from being reached. In many ways the question is too simplistic-some would immediately demand details definition for “good”, “forest” and “management”. In practices, meaningful answer usually depends on local condition.Consequentely, the answer of most respondent would start with,” well, that depends on………”
Perhaps even more important then the local condition-the combination of environmental, economic and socio- cultural factor that influence management-is that people have widely differing expectations and perceptions of forest management and, thus ,intuitively use different indicators to measure its quality.Orissa has a geographical area of 1,55,707 sq km, with an actual forest cover of 47,107 sq km (30.3%) including 195 sq km of mangrove forests (Anon. 1996). The forests are unevenly distributed and this is the main reason for the concentration of wild animals in certain areas and their absence in others. The Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 was promulagated in the state in August 1974, and a separate wildlife wing within the state forest department was created in June 1976. There are 18 wildlife sanctuaries and two proposed national parks, covering an area of 6677.50 sq km in the state. The percentage of protected areas to geographical and forest areas of the state equals 4.10 and 10.37 respectively, (Anon., 1997). The Similipal Park was established in 1956 with the object of conserving the natural fauna, prevent wanton destruction of wild animals and to provide recreation to tourists who are interested in the scenic beauties and wild animals in their natural habitat. To prevent tiger shooting, the Similipal Tiger Project was started in 1973 with the World Wild Life Fund.
The Similipal hill covers an area of 2848.89 Sq. Kms. in the south-west region of the Mayurbhanj district. The area is extremely wild with deep growth of forests and several ridges and valleys. This land is situated 3,000 feet above the mean sea-level. Several streams and perennial rivers originate from these hills and many of them have rapids of waterfalls while getting out of the hills into the plains. The average rainfall of this area varies from 40" in the north-eastern part to more than 80" in the central and southern parts annually. In the upper area is quite pleasant. The winter is very cold with regular heavy frost at many places indicating temperature nearing freezing point.
Component of Management:
The component include creating new livelihood opportunity forest-dependent people, empowering local people, ensuring representation and equity, and broad-based participation in decision making and management. Strengthening resource security or providing property rights are viewed as necessary conditions. This includes the recognition of traditional ownership patterns and institutions that common in many parts of Similipal and forest of Asia sub continent.Conversely, where achieving silvicultural or favorable returns on investment are considered most important, the core components of forest management are sigficantely different. Generally forest management thus tends to be consultative rather than participatory; that is, stakeholders-and sometime shareholders-are involved in decision making, but not in the actual operations in Similipal forest. Research into best practices, application of science and highly developed technologies, and formal business management philosophies are commonly stress as important element of forest management.

Property rights and strengthening resources security:
In Similipal; the rehabilitating of degraded forest and rehabilitations of human from the core area with the help of local NGO’s , Forest Department ,Similipal Tiger Reserve(STR) and the number of forest management committee,Sabuja Bahini , the joint forest management committee and local community have playing a important role for somewhat rehabilitating the forests and human was the transfer of well-defined property rights and strengthening of resources security, both are achieving a little in sustainable forest management. This infused not only the necessary confidence in local people to act but, more importantly, the legal authority to protect the forest from encroachment by outsider. To strengthen this rehabilitation moment it required involvement of committed and vibrant NGO’s and give special emphasis to the local NGO’s.
The point can be found or to be focus as fellows:-
· Local people recognized forest degradation as a problem and organized themselves into effective community-base management organizations for the purpose of rehabilitating a resource that was viewed of central importance to their livelihoods.· Formal or informal property rights were recognized and resources security was strengthened, which provided the fundamental foundation for protecting the forests resources of Similipal.· The forests were brought under some form of silvicultural management to produce timber and non-timber forest goods and environmental service.Some part of the Similipal, plantation work continued and number of medicinal garden also newly generated towards conservation, management and livelihood option.A practical example: Sulia Reserve Forest Uncontrolled harvesting of fuel wood and poles over the year had left the forest in a dreadful condition. As one villager recalled:” the degraded Sulia forest barely had any trees left.” Fuelwood shortages were so acute that villagers ware walking ten kilometers to another forest to collect fuelwood, just to enable them to prepare their daily meals. The situations become so desperate that the various villages adjoining Sulia Reserve Forest resolved to form a compressive system of forest protection committees. The committees now operate in well defined structure and collect some membership fees that are partially used to fund an elaborate patrol system to protect the forest from encroachers. Under a system of de facto property rights, the community is applying basic silvicultural practice and regulating harvesting in a forest that once again has tree. Such experience in forming effective community-based management organisation is common among the case studies emphasized “participatory approaches.” The communities have decision making, ensuring minority representation, equtable distribution of forest –derived revenues. This can be defined as the strong and positively to empowerment.
Poorly defined property rights were also the underlying cause of forest degradation surrounding Similipal Tiger Reserve. If the local communities have the authority to make decision, to protect the resources from outsider and to bring culprits to book, can they realistically take responsibility for forest management? There is need for an institutional framework capable of enforcing well-defined rights and providing assurance that the benefits from today hard work will still be there tomorrow. This does not necessarily mean providing communities or individuals with transferable land title, increasing tenure security, which can be achieved in various ways, may be sufficient and is often Judge to be most effective contribution to successful forest management.
Maintaining cultural identities:
For a second group of forest-based communities, forest management has become a vehicle for self-determination for ethnic minorities. Among this group, management is highly participatory but most excellence are reflected in the traditional system have developed over centuries-and embraced.The role of culture for their development and continued maintainers is pervasive. In fact, the revival and preservation of traditional management practices does not only go hand-in-hand with maintaining cultural integrity and identity; but they form a symbiosis, the survival of which is as crucial for the people as it is for the forest they manage. A straggle to preserve traditional property rights is also hallmark in these communities. An important point is think twice before tinkering with something’s that has worked for generation. It is most likely outstanding-otherwise it would have long been extinct.
Creating Livelihood for forest Dependent people:
While crating additional income sources for forest-dependent people the following point to be looks and should be interesting and innovative :-· People participation on NRM-Natural Resources Management.· Empowering local communities· Promoting equity· Fairness in decision making· Distribution of benefits derived from the forests· Appreciation of indigenous knowledge.· Creating new means of livelihood· Establish eco-tourism related enterprisesOrganized training programme for alternative agriculture activities and also forest department also carefully consulting with local people on forest management issues and is gradually shifting more management responsibilities to community-base organisation. If this will be focus properly then it will help to alleviate poverty. Helping people to help themselves.
Multiple-use management:
Almost the forest managed with a variety of uses in mind and however, multiple-use management is the principal objective and defines the future of excellence. The state forest agency-is mandated to manage the forest of Similipal with conservation and research, recreation and tourism, and soil and water protection. Also to promote scientific and technical knowledge related to conservation and ecosystem through comprehensive training and education programme.Besides researchers and scientist, however there are much larger number of people demands access to the Similipal.The Reserve attracts a growing number of ecotourists and recreational visitors.
Research-an important requirement:
Scientific research as the basics for developing prescription for silviculture and it required external funding and this is most readily available to Government agencies, NGO’s and although external donor also lend a hand in Similipal, But rather the people who have put into practice the fundamental concept that sound research is need to advance research for proper conservation and utilization of forest resources.
Silviculture:
To produce commercial timber in the forest land, private land, open land or even community land for a profitable way and get the proper certification from the Forest Department. The forest management also required strong educational, research and demonstration component. Now we found that in Mayurbhanj District most of the farmer have planted commercial tree in their home land with proper investor or even own finance. This is good example for reduce pressure on forest of Similipal and a concept of sustainable forest management.It has been realised that the protection of biodiversity save the future of human long run. It is not only the number and spread the species, but the presence of genes or characters for resistance to diseases and pathogens, and a variety of environmental stress reside in the wild plants.
Towards a model forest management (Conclusion):
The forest management practices will be develop in region of the Similipal with the special emphasis to achieve the forest management. These include:-· Well-defined property right and resources security;· Attention to the livelihoods of forest-dependent people, and· Development of appropriate institutional or management structure and frame works.Underlying –or perhaps overlapping-all of these elements is the development of social and community consciousness on how a forest should be managed. To some degree this involves striking a balance on management objective, or at least ensuring that stakeholders understand and respect each other perspectives. Forest management is not only about tree, animal or forest resources, it is also about managing people and their philosophies.

The model stress the importance’s of inter-relationship between and among a range of component –commitment, resources security, attention to improving livelihoods for local people and / or profitability, sound institutional and management framework, attention to silviculture and eco system management, and application of sensible management philosophyies.The level of importance varies among situation and location. What should be borne in mind is that excellence can only be achieved if all of the core components are addressed and in place. Conversely, remove one of the model’s building blocks and the system easily collapses as societal consensus become unstable.
Auther contact address:SAMIR KUMAR SAHUEXECUTIVE DIRECTORMAYURBHANJ BIOLOGICAL RESEARCH(MBR)BHANJPURE,BARIPADA-2,MAYURBANJ,ORISSA.PIN:757002EMAIL:mbrindia@gmail.commobile:91-94372-39929