GRANULATION OF VERMICOMPOST USING VERMIWASH AS BINDING MEDIA

Abstract

Vermicompost is a bio-fertiliser that is obtained from the bio-conversion of organic waste using earthworms. However, this vermicompost exist in paste form thereby the need for granulation to make it easier to store and transport. Vermicompost was granulated using vermiwash as the binding agent. Vermiwash was chosen as an alternative over water due to the presence of fertiliser macro and micro nutrients in the vermiwash. The vermicompost nutritional composition was tested before and after granulation. The granulated vermicompost indicated a 48.9%, 55.4%, 75% increase in nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P) and potassium (K) content upon granulating using vermiwash. The vermicompost ash content increased by 71.2% upon granulation whilst the moisture content decreased by 84%. Granulation of vermicompost using vermiwash enhances the vermicompost NPK composition at the same time making large scale production easier.