Composting & Vermicomposting Martin Wafler, seecon international gmbh

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Contents Composting Vermicomposting Applicability Advantages and disadvantages

Composting

1. Composting Why composting? about 70 % of municipal waste is normally organic organic waste can cause problems of smell, leachate, gas, and stray animals in landfills recycling at source is most economic and environment friendly method of waste management simple methods available compost is valuable resource for farmers composting at source keeps inorganic waste clean and makes it easier for recycling

1. Composting Concept process of decomposition of organic waste by micro-organism natural process (be made faster and more effective by mixing various types of waste and adjusting moisture, temperature and aeration) contains NPK and other plant nutrients including micro-organisms steps of composting: prepaeration (converting waste into raw material) production of compost marketing Source: adapted from ENPHO

1. Composting Preparation waste collection sorting into organic and inorganic reduce size if necessary adjust moisture content starters/additives adjust C:N ratio Source: adapted from ENPHO

C/N-ratio in various substrates 1. Composting C/N-ratio in various substrates Source: adapted from ENPHO

1. Composting Compost preparation place prepared waste in piles, windrows, chamber or bins turn the compost regularly or arrange other ways to aerate the waste regularly monitor temperature & moisture Source: adapted from ENPHO

Temperature during composting process Source: adapted from ENPHO

1. Composting Finishing & Marketing screening & packaging marketing strategy product quality packaging price main distributor Consumer place distribution network promotion mass communication interpersonal communication Source: adapted from ENPHO

Home composting options Source: adapted from ENPHO

Composting at community & municipal level

Important points to remember 1. Composting Important points to remember separate waste at source. Glass in the waste can result in injuries ensure proper C/N-ratio & chop waste in small pieces ensure proper amount of water and air to avoid smell prepare and implement proper marketing strategy (most compost projects fail because of poor marketing) regularly monitor composting process Source: adapted from ENPHO

Vermicomposting

2. Vermicomposting Concept Source: http://www.yelmworms.com/_images/vermicomposting.gif

2. Vermicomposting How to do at home prepare vessel or bin add 2 inches (5 cm) of bedding materials add worms cut waste into small pieces and put in the bin keep bin covered with a moist cloth put bin away from direct sunlight regularly check moisture harvest vermicompost every 3 to 4 months store harvested compost for 2-3 weeks and then remove the young worms Source: adapted from ENPHO

Composting & vermicomposting 3. Applicability Composting & vermicomposting at source management of wet organic waste at household, community, and/or city level

Composting Vermicomposting 4. Advantages and disadvantages Composting Advantages: recycling at source economic and environment friendly waste management simple methods available compost is valuable resource for gardeners/farmers Disadvantages: waste segregation required Vermicomposting Advantages: see above selling of worms Disadvantages: maintain proper environmental conditions for worms

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