Research Journal of Recent Sciences ________________________________________________ ISSN 2277 - 2502
Vol. 1(ISC-2011), 289-296 (2012)
Res.J.Recent.Sci.

Management of Agriculture Waste from Market yard
Through Vermicomposting
Mane T.T.1 and Raskar Smita S.2
1

Department of Botany, Baburaoji Gholap College, Sangvi, Pune, Maharashtra, INDIA
2
Lonkar Madhamik Vidhyalaya Mundhawa,Pune, Maharashtra, INDIA

Available online at: www.isca.in
(Received 8th August 2011, accepted 27th february 2012)

Abstract
Solid waste management has become one of the major problems we are facing today. The rapid increase in the generation of huge
quantity of waste is one aspect of the environmental crisis. This is accompanying with recent global development with respect to
rapid urbanization and population growth which has resulted into generation of large quantity of organic solid waste. The
Agriculture Produce Marketing Committees (APMC’s) are generating large quantity of organic waste from cereals, pulses, fruits,
vegetables and in some markets from cattle. The farmers bring the produce to the market from farms without grading and cleaning
it. Most of the produce is sold on weight basis, in order to make more profit. Hence the organic waste in the market area increases
and puts pressure on the e system of agricultural solid waste collection and management. Due to these increased volume and
weight, most of the waste remain uncollected and starts decaying at the site. As a result the foul odour is spread thought vicinity of
towns and cities. The solid waste collection and disposal system is not efficient. The APMCs are usually located in the centres of
town which creates sanitation, problems and hygiene hazards to the common people. This research paper is concentrated on
handling this problem in simplest, scientific, economical and environmental friendly way to transform waste materials into compost
through vermicomposting by using an exotic species of earthworm - Eisenia Foetida and Eudrilus euginiae.
Keywords: Agriculture produces market committee, vermicomposting, and agro waste.

Introduction
It is estimated that in India nearly 700 million tonnes of
organic waste is generated annually which is either burned or
land filled1. The large amount of the agro waste generated
from the market area has created major environmental
problems. Vermicomposting is the best biotechnology to
reduce the load on the treatment and disposal of
biodegradable agro waste. Earthworms have ability to
convert organic waste into valuable resources containing
plant nutrients and organic matter, which are essential for
maintaining soil productivity. Vermicompost is the microbial
composting of organic wastes through earthworm activity to
form organic fertilizer which contains higher level of organic
matter, organic carbon, total and available N, P, K and
micronutrients. It also promotes microbial and enzyme
activities, in the soil. In the present investigation, the study is
carried out on the proper utilization of agriculture waste from
market yard through vermicomposting and obtaining the
nutrient rich organic manure.

Material and Methods
In the present study, the area chosen was „Agriculture
Produce Marketing Committee (APMC), Baramati, Dist:
Pune, Maharashtra. In market yard, large amount of agro
waste (biodegradable) are available such as- Sorghum and
jowar straw (after feeding cattle), dry leaves of crops and
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trees, pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) stalks, groundnut (Arachis
hypogaea) husk, soybean (Glycine max) residues, vegetable
wastes, weed (Parthenium), fibre from coconut (Cocos
nucifera) and sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) trash and
waste generated from the onion (Allium cepa) market.
Selection of earthworm species for vermicomposting
process: For composting we selected the African species of
earthworms i.e. Eisenia fetida (photo plate1) and Eudrilus
eugenae (photo plate 2) which are efficient to maintain
vermicomposting process in India. Eisenia fetida has a wide
range of temperature tolerance and has very high
reproductive potential. It is less sensitive to density pressure
and Eudrilus eugeniae is found to be a very efficient species
for culture maintenance in India 2.
Methodology used for vermicomposting: The agro waste
was collected from APMC area with the help of labours and
transported at the vermicompost project site by local
vehicles.
Parameters considered for Selection of site: Accessibility
to regular supply of raw materials, less population density,
site is elevated than the surrounding land, free from soil born
diseases and free flies, slightly sloped land (for drainage of
leachate) with a firm soil type, convenient utilities like good
roads for transport, availability of labours, Communication
facilities etc. While designing, all necessary precautions has
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Vol. 1(ISC-2011), 289-296 (2012)
Res.J.Recent.Sci
been taken to minimize nuisance of odour, flies, rodent, bird
and fire hazard. The site selection of the project has been
done with due care on account of the environment care.
Construction of vermicomposting production unit
Erection of Shade house for each bed: Dimensions: 20‟
length X 15‟ width X 10‟ height with sloping roof. Water
proof shade net was used. Roof framework made in steel
angle channel. At the roof, there was provision for the
sprinkler for water supply and aerator for fulfilled the oxygen
demand during the composting.
Erection of Beds or the reactor: The 6 beds have been
constructed for study the composting process, having
dimension of 20‟ x 15‟ x 5‟.The distance between each bed 10‟‟. Each bed has been a slope and drainage at one end to
collect the vermiwash. The bed has capacity to decompose
the 1 ton agro waste by vermicomposting process.

Photoplate-3
Construction of vermicomposting
Production unit at the production site
Initial steps for vermicomposting: Agro waste from APMC
area is transported at the vermicompost project site. The
waste is then segregated as biodegradable and nonbiodegradable. Biodegradable agro waste material is cut into
small pieces by means of cutter machine (photo plate-3).
The biodegradable agro waste is allowed to its partial
decomposition for 10 to15 days for achieving better activity
of earthworm and nutrient enriched vermicompost
production (photo plate-4).
Partially decomposed agro waste material is arranged in
layers at the vermicompost project site (Photo plate-5).

Figure -1
Earthworms (Eisenia Foeitida)
used as culture for decomposition

Figure -2
Earthworms (Eudrtilus eugeniae)
Used as Culture for decomposition

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Figure - 4
Cutter machine used to cu agro waste
Manufacturing process Preparation method of
vermicompost bed: 6” layer of partially biodegradable agro
waste was made which is finely chopped by cutter machine.
1” layer of cow dung slurry is applied on it to further
decomposing of the agro waste for 15 to 20 days.

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Vol. 1(ISC-2011), 289-296 (2012)
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chemical characteristics of matured vermicompost by
standard methods as per the fertiliser (control) order 1985.

Figure -5
Pre-Digestion of the agro waste
With cow dung slurry

Figure - 6
Agro Waste arranged in racks with
Earthworm species for decomposition

After partial decomposition, cow dung slurry is covered by
the 4” layer of Farm Yard Manure which contains leaf litter
and cattle dung. The lignite powder, which is carrier material
for the bacterial culture of PSB bacteria having CFU
minimum 5x107 Cell/g, is sprinkled on it. It helps in
improving nutritional quality of compost. When the heat
evolved during the decomposition of the materials has
subsided (15–20 days after heaping), Selected earthworm
sps. (Photo plate no. 5 and 6) were released through the
cracks developed. Water was sprinkled every three days to
maintain adequate moisture. After every ten days, the
vermicompost excreta were removed manually.
Then this vermicompost was kept in heap to separate the
very minute earthworms. In 24 hours these earthworms
comes to the bottom part of vermicompost, which are then
removed and placed on the partially decomposed organic
matter. The vermicompost is sieved by use of one mm sieve
and spread in thin layer for air drying. Matter which could
not be sieved is placed back on partially decomposed organic
matter for breakdown by earthworms. Within one month all
the partially decomposed organic matter gets converted into
vermicompost. After 10 days of drying, vermicompost is
collected and put in a heap.
Physico- chemical analysis of vermicompost: matured
vermicompost samples were collected from each
vermicompost bed about 500 gm and kept in the polythene
bag which is free from adventitious contaminations. Each
sample bags was labelled and sealed air tightly. The Physicochemical analysis of vermicompost was conducted in
laboratory of 'Krishi Vidynan Kendra, Sharadanagar,
Baramati. The object of study is to analyse the physico-

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Figure - 7
Vermicompost ready for marketing

Physical Parameters of vermicompost: Particle sizeParticle size of sample was 94.87% which passed through the
4.0 mm IS sieve. Colour- The colour of vermicompost
samples collected from the set (1) and set (2) were dark
black. Odor- The foul odour were absent in vermicompost
samples collected from set (1) and set (2). Bulk density
(g/cm3) – The bulk density ranged from the 0.8 to o.9.
Moisture, percent by weight – 23.0
Chemical Parameters of vermicompost Total Nitrogen
(as-N): The standard method of analysis of total nitrogen
used as per fertilizer control order 1985. We estimated the
amount of nitrogen in sample by using Kjeldahl‟s assembly.
PH: The pH meter was used to determine pH. Moisture: 5
gm sample was taken in a weighed clean, dry Petri dish.
Then allowed to heat in an oven for about 5 hours at 65 0
±10C to constant weight and cool in desiccators and weigh.

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Percentage loss in weigh indicated as moisture content. Bulk
density: To estimate the bulk density, standard method as
per fertilizer (control) order 1985was used. Conductivity:
The conductivity was measured with the help of conductivity
meter which calibrated by using 0.01 M potassium chloride
solution. Organic carbon: Analysis of organic carbon was
done as per fertilizer (control) order 1985. 10gm of sample
was dried at 1050 C for 6 hrs and put in pre weighed crucible
and allowed to ignite the material in a Maffle furnace. C: N
Ratio: C: N ratio was calculated by the dividing the carbon
value with the total nitrogen value. Phosphorus (P2O5) –
The amount of phosphorus was analysed by gravimetric
Quinoline molybdate method as described under ScheduleII, Part B, and 4(ii) of fertilizer (control) order 1985.
Potassium-The potassium was analysed by flame
photometrically to measure the total potassium as described
under Schedule-II, Part B, and 4(ii) of FCO 1985. Calcium
and Magnesium: The Calcium was analysed by EDTA
method and magnesium analysed by method given Indian
Standard Institution (IS: 3025, 1965). Sulphur: The sulphur
was analysed by standard method recommended by the FCO
1985.

Results and Discussion
Physico-chemical characteristics of vermicompost
produced form the agro waste generated at APMC of
Baramati: Bhattacharjee etc. Al (2001) reported that
application of vermicompost reduces the loss of nutrients
through leaching from the soil by changing the soil‟s
physico-chemical properties.
Colour: Dark black colour of vermicompost indicated that
the decomposition of agro waste successfully.
Odour: Absence of foul odour indicated that all parameters
required for composting process were present in optimum
condition.
Bulk density: Vasanthi and Kumaraswamy (1999) reported
that bulk density of the soil increases when the
vermicompost supplemented with NPK. Vermicompost
increased the porosity and bulk density of soil and improve
the avaibility of nutrients to crop growth.
Moisture content: vermicompost addition caused a
significant increase of moisture content due to the more
porosity addition to the soil reported Bazzoffi et. al (1998).
Particle Size/porosity: The total porosity was improved by
the use of vermicompost. Greater porosity in the soil treated
with vermicompost was due to an increase in the amount of
pores reported by Marinari ET. Al (2000).

Table - 1
Physico-chemical Characteristics of vermicompost set No.1. (Bed No.1, 2 and 3 and their average)
Sr.No.

Parameters

Bed no.1

A

Bed no.2

Bed no.3

Average value in %

Physical Characteristics

1

Colour (dark brown to black)

Black

Black

Black

Black

2

Odour

No Odour

No Odour

No Odour

No Odour

3

Particle size (4 mm IS Sieve)

93.70

94.10

94.70

94.16

4

Moisture

20.50

22.80

19.50

20.94

5

Bulk Density(g/cm3)

0.88

0.89

0.90

0.89

B
1

pH

Chemical Characteristics
6.9
7.0
6.9

6.93

-1

2

Conductivity(ms cm )

3.50

3.45

3.37

3.44

3

Organic Carbon

18.5

19.4

20.2

19.37

4

Total Nitrogen

0.95

0.9

1.0

0.95

5

C/N ratio

19.47

21.55

20.2

20.40

6

Total Phosphorus ( as P2O5)

0.7

0.8

0.9

0.8

7

Potassium (K2O)

0.7

0.9

0.8

0.8

8

Calcium

5.4

5.9

5.7

5.67

9

Magnesium

0.2

0.3

0.25

0.25

10
Sulphur
0.4
0.5
0.45
0.45
All parameter values are presented in percentage (%); except the electrical conductivity, pH and bulk density

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pH and Conductivity: Edwards and Bohlen (1996) reported
that the pH range between 6-7 promotes the availability of
plant nutrients like NPK, so vermicompost should be applied
in soil. Chemical parameters like pH and electrical
conductivity (EC) were determined by ISI Bulletin (1982) by
using digital pH and conductivity meters. Vermicompost
improves the pH of soil and make available the nutrient for
the crop yield reported by Srikanth et. al (2000).

Using vermiwash and vermicompost may attribute the
significant increase in nitrogen of the soil by using
vermiwash and vermicompost due to the presence of nitrogen
fixing bacteria, which increase the nitrogen content of the
soil reported by Lalitha et al (2000) and Ansari (2008 a; b).
Total Phosphorus (as P2O5): Kale and Bano (2001)
reported that the vermicompost shows the high values of
NPK as high as 7.37% nitrogen (N) and 19.58% phosphorus
as P2O5 in worm‟s vermicast. Lee (2002) suggested that the
passage of organic matter through the gut of worm results in
phosphorus (P) converted to forms which are more bioavailable to plants.

Organic Carbon: The deficiency in organic carbon reduces
the storage capacity of soil nutrients and reduction in soil
fertility reported by Kale et al. (1992). Vasanthi and
Kumaraswamy (1999) and Srikanth et al. (2000) reported
that the incorporation of vermicompost with farm yard
manure have been shown to increase organic carbon content
in the soil.
Nitrogen: Atiyeh (1998) reported that the conventional
compost was higher „ammonium‟, while the vermicompost
tended to be higher in „nitrates‟, which is the more available
form of nitrogen.

Total Potassium: Suhane (1998) showed that exchangeable
potassium (K) was over 95% higher in vermicompost. The
nutrients N and P and the intestinal mucus excreted by
worms are further used by the microbes for multiplication
and vigorous soil remediation and fertility improvement
action reported by Teotia (2002).

Table- 2
Physico-chemical Characteristics of vermicompost set No.2. (Bed No.1, 2 and 3 and their average).
Average
Sr.No.
Parameters
Bed no.1
Bed no.2
Bed no.3
value in %
A

Physical Characteristics

1

Colour (dark brown to black)

Black

Black

Black

Black

2

Odour

No Odour

No Odour

No Odour

No Odour

3

Particle size (4 mm IS Seive)

94.87

94.10

93.97

94.31

4

Moisture

24.30

22.80

23.50

23.53

5

Bulk Density(g/cm3)

0.88

0.87

0.90

0.88

B
1

Chemical Characteristics
pH

6.8

7.1

6.9

6.94

2

Conductivity(ms cm-1)

3.27

3.57

3.45

3.43

3

Organic Carbon

23.0

21.2

20.50

21.56

4

Total Nitrogen

0.95

0.9

0.98

0.94

5

C/N ratio

24.21

23.55

20.91

22.89

6

Total Phosphorus ( as P2O5)

0.72

0.9

0.8

0.80

7

Potassium (K2O)

0.75

0.82

0.89

0.82

8

Calcium

5.7

5.8

5.4

5.64

9

Magnesium

0.3

0.28

0.25

0.27

10

Sulphur

0.4

0.45

0.5

0.45

All parameter values are presented in percentage (%); except the electrical conductivity, pH and bulk density

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Conclusion
Vermicomposting appears to be the most promising as high
value bio-fertilizer which not only increases the plant growth
and productivity by nutrient supply but is also cost effective
and pollution free. Use of vermicompost promotes soil
aggregation and stabilizes soil structure. This improves the
air- water relationship of soil, thus increasing the water
retention capacity and encourages extensive development of
root system of plants.
The mineralization of nutrients is observed to be enhanced,
therefore results into boosting up of crop productivity.
Vermicompost produced from the farm wastes is not only
having beneficial effects on soil health and growth, quality
and yield of crop but also playing vital role in eradication of
pollution hazards. It helped to reduce volume of agro waste

and to generate additional revenue for the Baramati APMC.
The Problem of disposing the agro waste may be solved by
constructing such the vermicomposting production unit.
The agro waste converted in vermicompost which will earn
economic benefits.No hazardous effluents are generated from
a compost production unit using agro wastes.
There are no pesticide residues, weed seeds, heavy metals,
sand, termite or wax, plant root diseases, etc. Vermicompost
can be used for all crops agricultural, horticultural, and
ornamental and vegetables at any stage of the crop.
It will reduce the requirement of more land for disposal of
fruits and vegetable wastes in near future. It helps to create
better environments, thus reduce ecological risk.

Table - 3
Table showing average value of set 1 and 2 (i.e. average value of six beds)
Sr.No

A
1

Average value of set 1in
percentage.

Parameters
Physical Characteristics

Average value of
set 1 percentage.

Total
Average
value. (%)

Composition as per Analysis (in %)

Colour (dark brown to black)

Black

Black

Black

2

Odour

No Odour

No Odour

No Odour

3

Particle size (4 mm IS Seive)

94.16

94.31

94.23

20.94

23.53

22.23

0.89

0.88

0.88

6.93

6.94

6.93

4

Moisture
3

5

Bulk Density(g/cm )

B

Chemical Characteristics

1

pH
-1

2

Conductivity (ms cm )

3.44

3.43

3.43

3

Organic Carbon

19.37

21.56

20.46

4

Total Nitrogen

0.95

0.94

0.94

5

C/N ratio

20.40

22.89

21.64

6

Total Phosphorus ( as P2O5)

0.80

0.80

0.80

7

Potassium (K2O)

0.80

0.82

0.81

8

Calcium

5.67

5.64

5.65

9

Magnesium

0.25

0.27

0.26

10

Sulphur

0.45

0.45

0.45

All parameter values are presented in percentage (%); except the electrical conductivity, pH and bulk density

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Vol. 1(ISC-2011), 289-296 (2012)
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Figure- 1
Shows the average values of parameters from set1
and set2 and Mean average of both sets
material should be good. The above improvements are
Scope for Improvement: The production of agro waste in
essential for vermicomposting that will help to farmers and
market area from various sectors such as vegetables market,
society.
fruit market and onion market is about 1.5 mt per day. The
Acknowledgment
agro waste contained about 95 to 96 % of biodegradable
Firstly, I would like to thank Mr. Bhoite V.M. who inspired
waste only 5 to 6 % is non biodegradable wastes. To reduce
me for constant encouragement and efforts throughout the
the load on treatment and existing system of disposal of such
project. It was really a pleasure and privilege to work under
biodegradable waste, we have undertaken the project study
him. I feel deeply obliged to Mr. D.S Vadak (Chairman entitled “The study of compost production unit based on the
Agriculture Produce Market Committee, Baramati) for
agro waste produced from APMC, Baramati”, Dist- Pune
giving me the privilege to be associated with such an
(Maharashtra). During the project, we faced some problems
esteemed organization. I offer my whole thanks and regards
and recognized that the various factors affecting on the
to the entire members of Agriculture Produce Market
manufacturing process of vermicompost. There will be some
Committee, Baramati, and Dist. Pune. For their cochanges for improvement in production of vermicomposting
operation and assistance during the course of my project.
process run at Agriculture Produce Marketing Committee,
Baramati as follows, Collection of agro waste: - Before the
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