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Int.J.Curr.Microbiol.App.Sci (2018) 7(10): 1042-1055

International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 7 Number 10 (2018) Journal homepage: http://www.ijcmas.com

Review Paper https://doi.org/10.20546/ijcmas.2018.710.116

Potential of Vermicompost for Sustainable Production and Soil Health Improvement in Different Cropping Systems

Anil Kumar*, C.H. Bhanu Prakash, Navjot Singh Brar and Balwinder Kumar

Farm Science Centre, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary & Animal Sciences University, Tarn Taran, Punjab, India

*Corresponding author

ABSTRACT

Role of vermicompost in nourishing agricultural has attracted the attention of K e yw or ds researchers throughout the globe in past few decades. Vermicompost is the method of

Earthworms, using to transform organic waste into rich . The earthworms’ growth, Vermicompost, casting is nutritive organic rich in , NPK, micronutrients, beneficial Soil health, Soil structure microbes, antibiotics, enzymes, growth hormones, etc. There are many reports in literature showing beneficial effects of imbedding vermicompost in soil. Application of Article Info vermicompost as organic manure in soil built-up organic carbon, improve nutrient status, Accepted: enhance cation exchange capacity, microbial activities, microbial biomass carbon and 10 September 2018 enzymatic activities. The earthworms’ castings also have pest repellent attributes. Beside Available Online: that vermicompost also improves soil structure, soil aggregation and improve water 10 October 2018 retention capacity. Introduction inducing secondary and micronutrient deficiencies in soil, nutrient imbalance in soil The use of chemical has increased and , environmental hazards and tremendously from green revolution leading to decrease in total factor productivity. Microbial heavy dependence on chemical in population in soil also severely affected due to conventional agricultural system. The imbalanced fertilizer application. Moreover, application of chemical fertilizers, no doubt excessive fertilizer applications are also has increased the crop productivity many contaminating surface and underground water folds, but their continuous and imbalanced bodies especially by nitrate leaching application has also produced detrimental (Pimentel, 1996) and causing detrimental effects on soil health due to which crop yields effects on environment, which in turn is have become stagnated in past few decades. causing serious hazards to human and animal The long term fertilizer experimental studies health. Therefore, in present context, there is indicated that continuous sole application of dire need to follow climate resilient integrated chemical fertilizer in imbalanced manner crop management modules so that soil health produce detrimental effects on soil physical, and crop productivity could be sustained for chemical and biological properties further, longer time. In above scenario, one of the 1042

Int.J.Curr.Microbiol.App.Sci (2018) 7(10): 1042-1055 possible options to reduce the use of chemical As a whole, due to their different production fertilizer could be recycling of organic wastes. processes, vermicompost might exhibit Thus, inclusion of vermicompost organic different physical, chemical and chemical manure in crop production is a better features, which influenced plant growth and alternative for improving soil health, crop overall morphology in diverse ways. Thus, productivity and quality as it exert a application of vermicompost as organic significant positive influence on soil manure in soil built-up organic carbon, properties and microbial population. improve nutrient status, enhance cation exchange capacity, microbial activities, Vermicompost is the method of using microbial biomass carbon and enzymatic earthworms to transform organic waste into activities. nutrient rich compost. Soil earthworms play an important role in , it decomposes Earthworms and raw material for dead organic litter by consuming them and vermicomposting release as castings. The earthworms accelerate decomposition of plant litter and organic There are more than 3000 species of matter and improve soil fertility by releasing earthworms in the soil (Cook and Linden, mineral elements in the forms that are easily 1996), but hardly 8-10 species are found uptake by plants (Curry, 1987). Vermicompost suitable for vermicompost preparation. The contains most in plant available form best types of earthworms for vermiculture and such as nitrates, phosphates, exchangeable vermicomposting are epigaeic species (litter calcium and soluble potassium (Edwards, dwellers, live in organic horizon) such as 1998; Orozco, 1996). The behavioural activity and Eudrilus eugeniae (Bansal of earthworms that is feeding, burrowing and and Kapoor, 2000; Dominguez and Edwards, casting, modify the physical, chemical and 2004). These worm species like to settle on biological properties of organic matter and soil top soil and prefer to eat organic scraps such for plant growth and nutrient acquisition. Due as vegetable waste, compost and organic to large surface area, vermicompost offers bedding and produce richer casting than those several micro sites for nutrient retention and that feed on plain soil. These worms have exchange and microbial activity (Shi-wei and been recognized as the worm species that can Fu-Zhen, 1991). Vermicompost is usually rich eat as much as half of its weight on a daily in microbial populations and diversity basis. They work efficiently in breaking down particularly fungi, bacteria and actinomycetes and decaying natural remains and turning (Edwards, 1998; Tomati et al., 1987). these scraps into high-quality organic compost. Further, above species of The compost prepared by contain earthworms are resistant to temperature and several types of enzymes, hormones, vitamins, moisture fluctuations. Moreover, these species antibiotics and many essential nutrients multiply rapidly and remain active throughout needed for plant growth and also play the year, decompose organic material rapidly important role in improving soil structure and (rapid casting) and help to prepare water holding capacity, thereby improving vermicompost in shorter duration. Other crop productivity and quality. Vermicompost species of red worms or red wigglers such is characterized by high porosity, aeration, as Lumbricus rubellus, Perionyx sansibaricus, drainage, water holding capacity and Perionyx excavatus, Eisenia andreii, etc. microbial activity (Edwards and Burrows, could also be successfully used in 1988; Atiyeh et al., 1999, 2000). vermicompost production (Dominguez and

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Edwards, 2004). Cattle dung or farm yard Ensure proper drainage across the manure (FYM) is used as raw material for vermicompost bed or unit and source of water vermicomposting, beside that any material that should be closure to the unit. can be decomposed easily such as weeds, wastes (leaves and rind) of vegetables and It should be far away from plant, fruits, crop residue, roughage of the animals as otherwise earthworm utilise the carbon of well as municipal wastes of organic origin biogas as their food and slow down the could also be utilized for vermicompost process of decomposition of material. preparation (Alves and Passom, 1997; Atiyeh et al., 1999; Kamergam et al., 1999; Kiehl, Steps involved in vermicompost production 2001). The organic waste consumed by earthworms undergo physical breakdown in Composting is an excellent option for the gizzard, which is then exposed to various reducing environmental threats and preparing enzymes such as protease, cellulose, lipase, a natural, beneficial soil additive. Actually, chitinase, amylase, etc. secreted into lumen by vermicompost is a great alternative that allows the gut wall and associated microbes. Above composting operation with minimal space enzymes causes breakdown of complex considerations. Ease of vermicompost process biomolecules into simple ones. Mucus and ability of its application in various scales secretions of gut wall provide structural made the vermicomposting an interesting stability of vermicompost. Only 5-10% of the topic almost everywhere. The production of ingested material is absorbed by earthworms quality vermicompost from the raw waste for their growth and remaining is excreted as requires much knowledge of the process. The casting. different steps involved in vermicompost production are elaborated below: Selection of site for vermicomposting After selection of site for vermicompost Generally, earthworms like to live in shady preparation, smoothen the surface. Now, make and moist places and such conditions are a bed of approximately 10 x 3 x 3 feet (L x B conducive for their faster multiplication. High x H) with bricks. However, size of the bed temperature and dry environment are more could be decreased or increased as per the limiting than low temperatures and water quantity of material available and need. saturated environment for the worms (Rostami et al., 2009). Earthworm cannot live in Moisten the surface of the bed by sprinkling standing water hence, ensure proper drainage the water. Now, at the base of the bed, spread across vermicompost unit. A temperature 2-3 inch thick layer of dry leaves or paddy range between 20-30oC is optimum for faster straw, etc. multiplication and growth of the earthworms. Hence, using proper species of earthworms, Again sprinkle some amount of water over excellent quality of compost can be produced layer of dry material. Spread about 1-1.5 feet in ambient temperature conditions in a short thick layer of farm yard manure or cow dung period of time. Following points should be uniformly over leaves or straw layer and kept in mind before making a vermicompost sprinkler water to make it sufficient moist. unit: The cow dung should not too fresh. It should be at least 10-15 days old because fresh cow Select a shady and moist spot preferably under dung produce lot of heat and it can kill the the tree or below the ventilated shed. earthworms. Similarly, cow dung should not

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Int.J.Curr.Microbiol.App.Sci (2018) 7(10): 1042-1055 be too old as it got decomposed and moving downward and gathered at the bottom earthworms will not get any food from it. of the heap. Remove the upper portion of material from heap and put it in shadow for Now, add the kitchen waste such as leaves of further processing i.e. sieving and packing. It vegetables, fruits rind and or grasses, should have minimum 40% moisture and roughages of animals, etc. by chopping them sunlight should not fall directly on heaped into small pieces. Again, spread about 1-1.5 vermicompost, which may otherwise cause feet layer of cow dung uniformly and sprinkler loss of moisture and nutrients from the sufficient quantity of water. Spread about one vermicompost. Now, sieve the vermicompost kg vermiculture (contain about 800 – 1000 and transfer the earthworms, if any to next earthworms) over the layer of cow dung. new bed. The lower portion of vermicompost heap contain lot of earthworms, it could be Again spread 2-3 inch layer of green leaves, used a vermiculture for preparation of etc. uniformly over the layer of FYM and vermicompost again. Now, the vermicompost sprinkle water. Now, cover the vermicompost is ready for use in flower pots, field, vegetable bed with the help of jute/gunny bags. and fruit crops, etc. Vermicompost can be stored for at least one year without any loss of For maintaining optimum moisture and its quality, if the optimum moisture level temperature conditions in the vermicompost (40%) in the vermicompost is maintained. bed, regularly sprinkler the water over the gunny bags. Nutritional value of vermicompost

There should be about 35-40% moisture and The nutrients content in vermicompost 15-30oC temperature in the bed. Hence, generally depends on the waste material or regularly sprinkle water to maintain optimum base substrate that is being used for conditions for earthworm growth and vermicompost preparation. Similarly, functioning. earthworm species used in vermicomposting may also influence the quality of If, the vermicompost unit is established in the vermicompost (Chowdeppa et al., 1999). open area then provide a shed/roof over the Vermicompost produced from banana wastes unit, so that shady conditions could be (leaves, pseudostem) and cattle manure in the maintained for the unit and earthworms may ratio of 8: 1 on an average contained 1.5, 0.4 be avoided from the direct contact of sun rays and 1.8% N, P2O5 and K2O, respectively and rains. (Ushakumari et al., 1999).

By following above steps, vermicompost is Similarly, vermicompost prepared from ready in about 8–10 weeks’ time. The different organic materials such as sugarcane vermicompost appear dark brown in colour on trash, ipomea, parthenium, neem leaves and maturity and is very porous, granulated and banana peduncle is highly nutritive and free of any foul smell. increased rice productivity and improved soil fertility status (Vasanthi and Kumaraswamy, Harvesting and storage of vermicompost 1999). So, the nutritive value of vermicompost is highly dependent on base substrate used for When vermicompost is ready, then stop its production. However, average nutrient watering about one week ago and make a heap concentration in the vermicompost is given in of the compost. Now, earthworm will start Table 1.

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Comparison between nutritive value of potassium, calcium, and vermicompost and farmyard manure micronutrients viz. iron, , , in sufficient quantity that increase The nutrient profile in vermicompost is the productivity and quality of crops. generally higher than traditional compost (Boral et al., 1997) and it reduced the Application of vermicompost in soil improves application of inorganic fertilizer to a physical, chemical and biological properties of significant extent (Table 2). However, the soil. It improves soil structure due to nutritive value of vermicompost varies which soil become porous and permeable to according to the type of organic waste used. soil and water.

Application of vermicompost in soil Vermicompost contain sufficient amount of vitamins, amino acids, antibiotics, enzymes Vermicompost can be applied to any crop and hormones that are helpful in growth and including field and horticultural crops. There development of plants. are many reports in literature showing beneficial effects on plant and soil following Vermicompost provide complete nutrition to vermicompost application. A simple method plants and create resistance in plants against of applying vermicompost is adding it as a –pest and diseases. thin layer to soil around the plant and mixing with the soil. In general, vermicompost should Vermicompost increase water holding be applied to soil during last ploughing. capacity of the soil and save irrigation. Amount of vermicompost application rates Further, it also reduces the expenditure on depend on its quality, nutritive value and crop costly chemical fertilizer inputs thus, reducing to which it is to be applied. Apply 5–6 t ha-1 overall cost of cultivation. vermicompost in field crops, 10-12 t ha-1 for vegetables and 8-10 kg per fruit tree Weeds like Lantana, Ageratum, Parthenium, depending on age of tree, whereas in flower Eupatorium and many other weeds harmful to pot apply 100-150 g of vermicompost per pot. crops could be utilised in vermicompost However, different researchers have got best production. results at different levels of vermicompost in their respective experimentations. Reddy et Effects of vermicompost on crop growth al., (1998) registered highest tomato yield and productivity with 10 t ha-1 vermicompost application. Similarly, Nagavallemma et al., (2004) Vermicompost is a potential input for documented highest tomato yield following . The beneficial effects vermicompost incorporation @ 5 t ha-1. In of vermicompost application in soil have been another experiment, vermicompost application well documented in several studies. Studies @ 2.5 t ha-1 gave highest rice yield of upland have revealed that plant respond to rice (Angadi and Radder, 1996). vermicompost application like ‘hormonal induced activity’ as it contain high level of Benefits of vermicompost nutrients, humic acids and humates (Atiyeh et al., 2000; Edwards and Burrows, 1988). Some Vermicompost is a good quality manure that researchers have registered enhanced plant contain several essential nutrients needed by growth following vermicompost addition even the crops such as nitrogen, phosphorus, though plants are already receiving optimal

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Int.J.Curr.Microbiol.App.Sci (2018) 7(10): 1042-1055 nutrition. Vermicompost also has a positive Nagavallemma (2004) has registered influence on vegetative growth, stimulating significantly higher plemule length of maize shoot growth and root development (Edwards seedlings following vermicompost application, et al., 2004). The other positive influence of indicating the presence of plant growth vermicompost application include alterations promoting hormones in vermicompost. in morphology of crop plants such as Stimulated seed germination in green gram, increased leaf area and root branching tomato and petunia after imbedding (Lazcano et al., 2009) and stimulated vermicompost in soil has also been flowering, increase in the number and biomass documented by Karmegam et al., (1999); of flowers (Arancon et al., 2008; Atiyeh et al., Atiyeh et al., (2000); Zaller (2007), 2002) and overall increase in fruit yield respectively. (Arancon et al., 2004a, 2004b; Atiyeh et al., 2000; Singh et al., 2008). Integration of vermicompost with inorganic fertilizers tended to increase the yield of crops Vermicompost application consistently such as tomato, potato, rapeseed, groundnut, improved seed germination, enhanced blackgram, paddy, mulberry and marigold seedling growth and increased plant (Kale et al., 1992; Tomati and Galli, 1995; productivity significantly. Application of Edwards and Bohlen, 1996; Ghosh et al., vermicompost gave higher germination (93%), 1999; Parthasarathi and Ranganathan, 2002; growth and yield of mungbean (Vigna radiate Ranganathan, 2006; Zaller, 2007; Rajesh Banu L.) in comparison with no addition of et al., 2008). Studies have shown good vermicompost (84%) (Nagavallemma et al., evidence of plant growth promotion following 2004). Similarly, Gutierrez-Miceli et al., vermicompost inclusion in crop production (2007) has registered, earlier and better (Fosgate and Babb, 1972; Reddy, 1988; germination in vermicompost imbedded Rajkhowa et al., 2000; Atiyeh et al., 2000; treatments than treatments not involving Subler et al., 1998). Vermicompost promote vermicompost. Vermicompost application 10 t root initiation, increase root biomass, enhance ha-1 along with recommended N, P and K plant growth and alters overall plant nutrient doses gave maximum pea yield in morphology (Grapelli et al., 1985). Positive comparison with sole application of N, P and results of vermicompost addition to soil in K chemical fertilizers (Reddy et al., 1998). tomato crop have also been registered by Federico et al., (2007). Similar findings have also been registered by Nagavallemma et al., (2004) while working on Vegetative growth of paddy like shoot weight, tomato. They highlighted that vermicompost root weight, root and shoot length influenced incorporation (5 t ha-1) in soil along with significantly by the addition of vermicompost recommended N, P and K fertilizer application in comparison with sole application of resulted in highest tomato yield than NPK sole chemical fertilizers (Kale and Bano, 1986). application. While other workers have Reddy (1988) also registered increased growth reported that vermicompost contain certain after incorporation of vermicompost in paddy growth promoting hormone such as , field, thereby supporting the findings of above cytokinins and gibberellins, which are secreted workers. Similarly, significantly higher yield by earthworms (Suhane, 2007; Tomati et al., of lady finger, chillies, water melon and paddy 1987, 1995). Thus, addition of hormones rich following vermicompost incorporation in soil vermicompost into the soil resulted in better as compared to farmyard manure application growth and overall development of plants. has also been documented by Ismail (1993).

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Imbedding vermicompost in soil along with recommended dose of N (Jadhav et al., recommended NPK nutrients doses enhanced 1997)). Thus, vermicompost usage reduced paddy yield to the tune of 30% than sole dependence on costly fertilizer input and application of chemical fertilizers enhanced net returns from rice produce (Venkataratnam, 1994). Actually, addition of (Nagaranjan, 1997). Several studies have vermicompost in soil before sowing has witnessed increased biomass and grain yield in immediate benefits as it contain nutrients in different crops following judicious application plant available form and these nutrients can be of vermicompost and chemical fertilizers directly absorbed by the crop plants. (Sarwar, 2007; Sarwar, 2008). Positive changes in the quality of wheat flour because Vermicompost application 2.5 t ha-1 increased of increased gluten content were reported by gram and straw yield of rice significantly and Gopinath et al., (2008) in vermicompost saved up to 50% of recommended NPK imbedded treatments. Beside above presented fertilizer rates in upland rice (Angadi and results, there are several examples in the Radder, 1996). Earthworms’ cast literature that documented enhanced growth of (vermicompost) found to be a better source for a wide range of plant species following enhanced plant growth, dry matter production, vermicompost incorporation as it is an instant productivity and also indicated the possibility source of nutrients supply (Edwards, 2004; of substituting 50 kg N ha-1 from the Grigatti et al., 2007).

Eisenia fetida Eudrilus eugeniae

Vermicompost unit

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Adding litter/weeds/leaves to Sprinkling water over the Covering of bed with vermicompost bed bed Gunny bags

Table.1 Nutrient concentration in the vermicompost

Nutrient Content Organic carbon 9.15 - 17.98 % Total nitrogen 1.5 - 2.10 % Total phosphorus 1.0 - 1.50 % Total potassium 0.60 % Ca and Mg 22.67 - 47.60 meq/100g Available S 128 - 548 ppm Copper 2 - 9.5 ppm Iron 2 – 9.30 ppm Zinc 5.70 – 11.5 ppm Source: Online: http://agritech.tnau.ac.in/org_farm/orgfarm_vermicompost.html; http://www.hillagric.ac.in/edu/ coa/agronomy/lect/agron-3610/Lecture-10-BINM-Vermicompost.pdf

Table.2 Comparison between nutritive value of vermicompost and farmyard manure

Element Vermicompost Farmyard manure C:N Ratio 15.5 31.3 N (%) 1.6 0.5 P (%) 0.7 0.2 K (%) 0.8 0.5 Ca (%) 0.5 0.9 Mg (%) 0.2 0.2 Fe (mg kg-1) 175 146.5 Cu (mg kg-1) 5.0 2.8 Zn (mg kg-1) 24.5 14.5 Mn (mg kg-1) 96.5 69.0 Source: Punjab State Council for Science and Technology (2010). Online: http://agri.and.nic.in/vermi_culture.htm

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Effects of vermicompost on soil properties Jeyabal and Kuppuswamy (2001) have reported increased growth of rice stalks and The presence of earthworms in soil regenerate improvement in soil fertility status following compacted soils and improves water vermicompost application. Earthworm casts penetration in such soils. The behavioural are usually considered to be responsible for activity of earthworms that is feeding, good soil structure and improve soil physical burrowing and casting, modify the physical, properties i.e. infiltration, water retention and chemical and biological properties of organic resistance to erosion (Rose and Wood, 1980). matter and soil. As discussed earlier, nutrient Thus, soils amended with vermicompost have profile in vermicompost is generally higher ability to improve soil structure and retain than traditional compost. In fact, higher moisture content. As discussed earlier, vermicompost can enhance soil fertility earthworm casts are chemically and physically, chemically and biologically (Lim biologically rich, hence, soils imbedded with et al., 2015). Physically, vermicompost vermicompost show higher cation exchange supplemented soils have better aeration, capacity and have a higher rate of plant porosity, lower bulk density and higher water growth hormones and humic acids, higher retention capacity. microbial population and activity, and less root pathogens or soil borne diseases (Atiyeh Soil chemical properties such as pH, electrical et al., 2002; Arancon et al., 2003a; Postma et conductivity, organic matter and nutrient al., 2003; Perner et al., 2006) and overall status improved significantly and led to better improvement in plant growth and yield plant growth and yield owing to (Arancon et al., 2003b, 2004a). Lee (1992) vermicompost application (Lim et al., 2015). reported that in the worm Moreover, earthworms secrete several casts might fix atmospheric N in such hormones, enzymes and vitamins during quantities that are significant for the casting that promote the activity of other earthworm metabolism and as a source of beneficial microbes in the soil, thereby nitrogen for plant growth. improving soil health. Uee (1985) registered 80% increase in Earthworms’ casting contains a high hydraulic conductivity and six fold increase in percentage of humus. Humus helps in water infiltration following vermicompost aggregation of soil particles resulting into addition in soil. The findings of Casenave and better porosity, which in turn improve Valentin (1988) supported above results as aeration and water holding capacity of the they have also been reported five folds higher soils. Moreover, humic acid present in humus infiltration rate in soil following provides binding sites for the several plant vermicompost application. Martin (1991) nutrients viz. calcium, iron, potassium, reported that earthworm casts had increased sulphur and phosphorus. These nutrients are the proportion of macro-aggregates stored in the humic acid in the form readily significantly from 25.4 to 31.2%. available nutrients and are released when the plants require them (Adhikary 2012). Effects of vermicompost on soil organic Earthworm casts ingested soil might create matter even more favourable environment to plant growth because of higher moisture content Earthworm casts ingested soils often have and nutrient availability in fresh casts much higher content of soil organic carbon (Hendriksen, 1997). and nutrients availability as compared to

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Int.J.Curr.Microbiol.App.Sci (2018) 7(10): 1042-1055 surrounding soils (Lee, 1985). The studies Epilogue undertaken by Maheswarappa, (1999) revealed that vermicompost addition in soil Overall, nutrient profile in vermicompost is enhanced organic carbon status, decreased generally higher than traditional compost. bulk density, improved soil porosities and Vermicompost application in soil not only water holding capacities, increased microbial improves structure and aggregation but, also populations and dehydrogenase activity in the enhance organic matter level, nutrient status, soils. cation exchange capacity, microbial activities, microbial biomass carbon and enzymetic It has been documented that organic matter activities. Thereby, help in promoting plant content in worm casts was about four times growth and sustain soil health. Hence, this more than in surface soil with average values input is proven as boon to the farmers. To of 48.2 and 11.9 g kg-1 soil, respectively take full advantage of vermicompost, plough (Khang, 1994). it well in the soil at the time of sowing. The expenditure on costly chemical fertilizer input Moreover, earthworms contribution to N may be reduced to some extent by applying turnover in cultivated soils ranged from 3 to vermicompost in crops. 60 kg ha-1 year-1 (Crossley, 1988; Bostom, 1988), thereby enhancing N availability to Acknowledgement plants (Tiwari et al., 1989; Hullugalle and Ezumah, 1991). The authors are highly thankful to researchers whose findings are included directly or Precautions during vermicompost indirectly in preparing this manuscript. production References Select a shady spot for vermicompost making or provide a shed/roof over the unit so that Adhikary, S. 2012. Vermicompost, the story of earthworm may be avoided from the direct organic gold: A review. Agricultural contact of sun rays and rains. Sciences, 3(7): 905-917. Alves, W.L., and Passoni, A.A. 1997. Compost Maintain optimum moisture and temperature and vermicompost of urban solid waste in conditions in the vermicompost bed/unit by Licania tomentosa (Benth) seedlings sprinkling water regularly over the gunny production to arborization. Pesqui. bags. Agropecu Bras, 32 (10): 1053-1058. Angadi, V.V., and Radder, G.D. 1996. In: Avoid spraying of any kind of insecticides Organic Farming and Sustainable and over the vermicompost bed. Agriculture. National Seminar, G.B.P.U.A.T, Pantnagar. pp. 34.

Arancon, N., S. Lee, C. Edwards, and Atiyeh, The height of vermicompost bedding material R. 2003a. Effects of humic acids derived should not exceed 3 – 3.5 feet as it may from cattle, food and paper-waste increase the temperature inside the bed and vermicomposts on the growth of also create aeration problem inside and led to plants. Pedobiologia, 47 (5): death of earthworm. 741-744. Arancon, N.Q., C.A. Edwards, A. Babenko, J. To escape the earthworm from hen, birds, etc. Cannon, P. Galvis, and Metzger, J.D. cover the vermicompost bed with sieve. 2008. Influences of vermicomposts,

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How to cite this article:

Anil Kumar, C.H. Bhanu Prakash, Navjot Singh Brar and Balwinder Kumar. 2018. Potential of Vermicompost for Sustainable Crop Production and Soil Health Improvement in Different Cropping Systems. Int.J.Curr.Microbiol.App.Sci. 7(10): 1042-1055. doi: https://doi.org/10.20546/ijcmas.2018.710.116

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