Funding Agency: GLA University, Mathura
Title of the project: Improving soil health and agricultural productivity using vermicomposting and organic farming in the adjoining areas of University. (Ongoing)
PI- Mr. Mayank Mrinal and Dr. Alok Bharadwaj
Co-PI- Mr. Raisul Islam and Mr. Anuj Goyal
Project Cost- 3, 00,000/-
Project Duration- 3 Years
Abstract
Organic solid waste management by employing earthworms has a multifarious role to play in a developing country like India. Firstly, it makes way for utilization of available organic waste to produce organic manure of high quality, which is superior to other organic manures in its physicochemical and biological properties. Secondly, the production time for manure is shorter (five to six weeks) and is fully matured. The program aims to provide job opportunities for the unskilled labor force. The project is intended to enlighten the farmers about the harmful effects of chemical fertilizers and motivate them to accept organic farming and vermicomposting as an alternative without compromising with the yield.
Vermicompost (compost produced by the activity of selected species of earthworms) has been adjudged as the best source of organic amendments to the soil. Vermicompost can lay the foundation for organic farming. Vermicompost, apart from supplying nutrients and growth-enhancing hormones to plants, improves the soil structure leading to increasing water and nutrient holding capacities of soil. The major objectives of this project includes- 1) stablishment of Sustainable Environmental and Agriculture Research lab at Civil Engineering Department, Academic Block-VIII, 2) Pilot scale vermicompost production, 3) Analysis of physico-chemical properties of vermicompost, 4) Analysis of physico-chemical properties of soil sample before addition of vermicompost, 5) Analysis of physico-chemical properties of soil samples after vermicompost application.