Role of Vermicomposting in Sustainable Waste Management and Soil Fertility Enhancement through Organic Waste Recycling
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.69996/fmep.2026038Keywords:
Vermicomposting, Nutrient Composition, Organic Carbon, Micronutrient, Biomass AccumalationAbstract
The increasing demand for sustainable agricultural practices has highlighted the importance of vermicompost as a natural soil amendment and biofertilizer. This study investigates the effects of vermicompost prepared from different organic waste materials on soil fertility and plant growth performance. Various substrates, including kitchen waste, animal dung, agricultural residues, and garden waste, were processed through vermicomposting using selected earthworm species under controlled conditions. The resulting vermicompost samples were evaluated for nutrient composition, organic carbon, pH, and micronutrient content before application to soil. Pot experiments were conducted to assess seed germination, plant height, biomass production, leaf development, and chlorophyll content. The results demonstrated that vermicompost produced from animal manure significantly improved soil nitrogen and phosphorus levels, leading to enhanced vegetative growth. Kitchen waste vermicompost promoted potassium availability and improved plant vigor, while compost derived from agricultural and garden waste contributed to better soil structure and micronutrient enrichment. Plants treated with mixed-source vermicompost exhibited the highest growth performance and biomass accumulation. The study emphasizes that the source of organic waste directly affects vermicompost quality and its agricultural benefits. The findings support the use of tailored vermicompost formulations for improving soil health, enhancing crop productivity, and promoting sustainable waste recycling practices.
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