Vermiculture is the cultureof earthworms. The goal is to continually increase the number of worms in orderto obtain a sustainable harvest. The worms are either used to expand avermicomposting operation or sold to customers who use them for the same or otherpurposes. Vermicomposting is the process by which worms are used to convertorganic materials (usually wastes) into a humus-like material known asvermicompost. The municipal wastes; non-toxic solid and liquid waste of theindustries and household garbage’s can also be converted into vermicompost inthe same manner. Earthworms not only convert garbage into valuable manure butkeep the environment healthy. Conversion of garbage by earthworms into compostand the multiplication of earthworms are simple process and can be easilyhandled by the farmers.
Vermiculture method issimple, effective, convenient, and noiseless. It saves water, energy,landfills, and helps rebuild the soil. The worms ability to convert organicwaste into nutrient-rich material reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers. Theterm vermicomposting means the use of earthworms for composting organicresidues. Earthworms can consume practically all kinds of organic matter andthey can eat their own body weight per day. Vermicompost improves soilstructure, texture, and aeration as well as increasing its water-holdingcapacity.