VERMICOMPOSTING Organic soil enrichment Katrakilis Andreas DIO : Certification and Inspection Organization Of Organic Products September , Budapest, Hungary

Scenario Description Vermicomposting is the process of using worms (“vermi” is Latin for “worm”) to process organic food waste into nutrient- rich soil. The mission of this scenario is to reduce the production and improve the management of solid waste in organic agricultural compounds in order to conserve resources, protect public health and safety and the environment as well as enriching the soil.

Curriculum Area Prerequisite skills/knowledge Basic agricultural skills Basic Knowledge of the use of internet Practical experience in agricultural/gardening tasks Aims & Objectives Reduce the production of waste Enrich the soil with nutrients Training outcomes and skills Better understanding of soil fertility Familiarize with alternative way to manage the waste

Curriculum Area Methodology: Lectures Group discussion Hands-on activities Training activities: 1.Theoretical approach of the procedure using multimedia tools (2 lectures x 2 hours each) 2.Visit to a farm that produces vermicompost (3 hours) 3.Create your own vermicompost pit (3 hours)

Curriculum Area Reference & supporting material: Nagavallemma et al. (2004). Vermicomposting: Recycling Wastes into Valuable Organic Fertilizer in Open Access Journal published by ICRISAT. Available online at: Wikipedia article: Vermicomposting: Journey to Forever organic garden

Curriculum Area Evaluation of training: Each participant will be assisted during the various steps. The final product (vermicompost) of each participant will be evaluated according to specific attributes (e.g. color, texture). The results will be compared and discussed in group.

Activity 1 Training Activity: Theoretical approach of the procedure using multimedia and other tools. Training objectives/outcomes: Obtain theoretical knowledge about the production and use of vermicompost soil Tools/resources: Pen/notepad for taking notes, laptop for the presentation, internet connection

Activity 1 Assessment strategy: Assessment will be achieved by providing questionnaires to students in order assess the students’ understanding. Time allocated: Two lectures x 2 hours each = 4 hours

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Activity 2 Training Activity: Visiting a farm that produces Vermicompost. After obtaining the required theoretical knowledge of vermicompost production, a visit to a farm will provide an additional source of information and a hands-on experience. Training objectives/outcomes: To have the students see the process of vermicompost production

Activity 2 Tools/Resources: Digital camera, pencil/notepad, plastic bags for sampling. Assessment strategy: Photos, notes and drawings taken/made by each participant will be shown to group and discussed after the visit Time allocated: 3 hours

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Activity 3 Training Activity: Create your own vermicompost pit. Training objectives/outcomes: Participants will be asked to apply the knowledge they acquired during the previous activities and create their own vermicompost soil Tools/resources: Shovel, bricks, organic waste

Activity 3 Assessment strategy: After the creation of vermicompost soil from every participant, notes and comments will be discussed in group Time allocated: 3 hours for the setup, approx. 30 days for vermicomposting

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Preparing The Organic Advisors Of tomorrow Thank You For Your Attention