This edited book collates the research done mainly in Africa on vermicomposting and related technologies that can assist African smallholder farmers in making nutrient rich organic fertilizers from their animal and crop residue wastes. Information on the development of organic sources of liquid fertilizer development for hydroponics is also presented. The book presents research findings on vermicomposting in a simplified way that will allow farmers and extension workers to adopt the indicated technologies. The book also covers critical aspects of standardization of vermicompost preparation, earthworm biology, nutrient enrichment of composts and organic liquid fertilizer production.
Vermicomposting is a technology that employs earthworms to enhance the biodegradation and fertilizer value of organic wastes. The earthworms optimize the biodegradation ecosystem during composting, resulting in a final nutrient rich product with more recalcitrant forms of carbon and much lower levels of veterinary antibiotics and their metabolites. Vermicompost as an organic fertilizer is highly preferred over other forms of soil enhancers. A lot of research has been done on vermicompost and related activities in Africa but remain scattered across various publications.The book is an invaluable source of information for farmers especially those practicing organic crop production, vermicomposting researchers, as well as extension workers.
Author(s): Hupenyu Allan Mupambwa, Lydia Ndinelao Horn, Pearson Nyari Stephano Mnkeni
Series: Sustainability Sciences in Asia and Africa
Publisher: Springer
Year: 2023
Language: English
Pages: 363
City: Singapore
Contents
About the Editors
Part I: Science of Vermicomposting
Chapter 1: A Decade of Vermicomposting Research at the University of Fort Hare: Selected Insights
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Optimization of the Vermi-degradation Process
1.2.1 Optimizing the C: N Ratio
1.2.2 Optimizing the Sanitization of Vermicomposts
1.3 Optimizing Earthworm Stocking Density in Vermicomposting
1.3.1 Optimizing Vermicomposting Through Incorporation of Inorganic Amendments
1.3.1.1 Rock Phosphate
1.3.1.2 Fly Ash
1.3.2 Optimizing Vermicomposting Through Incorporation of Microbial Inoculants
1.3.2.1 Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria
1.3.3 Degradation of Antibiotic Residues
1.4 Vermicomposts and Plant Nutrition
1.5 Conclusions
References
Chapter 2: State-of-the-Art and New Perspectives on Vermicomposting Research: 18 Years of Progress
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Vermicomposting Technologies
2.3 Vermicomposting: A Brief Definition
2.4 Vermicomposting Earthworms
2.5 Materials Used in Vermicomposting
2.6 Environmental Conditions of Vermicomposting
2.7 How Vermicomposting Works: Stages of the Process
2.8 Fate of Human Pathogens During Vermicomposting
2.9 Vermicompost Properties
2.10 Vermicomposting and Enzymatic Activity
2.11 Vermicomposting and Bioremediation
2.12 Conservation of Vermicompost and Processing Strategies
2.13 Vermicomposting as an Ecological Engineering Technique for Improving Soil Health and Sustainability in Vineyards: A Case ...
2.14 Conclusion
Chapter 3: Experiences on Methods of Vermicompost Analysis for Plant and Soil Nutrition
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Vermicomposts Compared to Soils
3.3 Parameters Critical in Vermicompost Quality
3.4 Analysis Important in Vermicompost Quality
3.4.1 Total Carbon Analysis
3.4.2 Dissolved Organic Carbon
3.4.2.1 The Method of Anderson and Ingram (1993)
3.4.3 Humification Parameters
3.4.4 Total Elemental Content
3.4.4.1 Compost Wet Ashing Digestion (AgriLASA 2004)
3.4.5 Total Nitrogen
3.4.6 Exchangeable Nitrogen Analysis
3.4.6.1 Colorimetric Determination of Exchangeable Ammonium and Nitrate (Okalebo et al. 2002)
3.4.7 Extractable Phosphorus
3.4.8 Extractable Cations
3.4.9 Extractable Heavy Metals
3.4.10 pH and Electrical Conductivity
3.5 Conclusions
References
Chapter 4: An Outstanding Perspective on Biological Dynamics in Vermicomposting Matrices
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Organisms and the Substrates in Vermicompost
4.3 Procedure for Vermicomposting
4.4 Earthworm Enemies that Can Reduce Population
4.5 Macro- and Microbial Biotransformation Processes in Vermicomposting
4.6 Methods of Identifying Species Diversity during Vermicomposting
4.7 Biological Succession during Vermicomposting
4.8 Impacts of Macro- and Microorganisms in Vermicompost on Plant Health
4.9 Beneficial Effects of Earthworms and Microorganisms in Vermicomposting
4.10 Effect of Vermicompost on Plant Growth and Yield
4.11 Plant Disease Suppressing Potential
4.12 Removal of Pollutants and Antimicrobials or Antibiotic Resistance Genes by Vermicomposting
4.13 Novel Techniques for Improving Quality of Vermicompost
4.13.1 Use of Fungal Strains
4.13.2 Use of Vessels in Cold Climates
4.13.3 Use of Slurry Method Charged with Biofertiliser and Rock Phosphate
4.13.4 Vermicompost of Food Waste Enriched with Biochar, Cow Dung, and Mangrove Fungi
4.14 Conclusions and Way Forward
References
Chapter 5: Insights into Earthworm Biology for Vermicomposting
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Earthworms
5.3 Earthworm Structure and Biology
5.4 Classes and Species of Earthworms
5.4.1 Epigeic Earthworms
5.4.2 Endogeic Worms
5.4.3 Anecic Earthworms
5.5 Classification of Earthworms
5.6 The Opal Classification System
5.7 Earthworm Species Suitable for Vermicomposting
5.8 Earthworm Gut Microbes
5.9 Bacterial Species Associated with Earthworms
5.10 Phosphate-Solubilizing Bacteria in the Earthworm Gut
5.11 Earthworm Culture
5.12 Essentials for Earthworm Culture
5.12.1 Bedding
5.12.2 Feeding
5.12.3 pH
5.12.4 Temperature
5.12.5 Aeration
5.12.6 Moisture
5.12.7 Stocking Density
5.12.8 Carbon: Nitrogen Ratio
5.12.9 Light Sensitivity
5.13 Conclusion
References
Part II: Vermicompost Production
Chapter 6: Vermicomposting as an Eco-Friendly Approach for Recycling and Valorization Grape Waste
6.1 Introduction
6.2 How Vermicomposting Works: The Experimental Set-up
6.3 Physicochemical Characterization and Nutrient Content of Grape Marc Vermicompost
6.4 Biochemical and Microbiological Characterization of Grape Marc Vermicompost
6.4.1 Microbial Biomass and Activity
6.4.2 Enzymatic Activities
6.4.3 Microbial Richness and Diversity
6.5 Conclusions
References
Chapter 7: Vermitechnology: An Underutilised Agro-tool in Africa
7.1 Introduction
7.2 Basics of Vermitechnology
7.3 Branches of Vermitechnology
7.4 Vermiculture
7.5 Vermicomposting
7.6 Vermiremediation
7.7 Vermicasting and Drilodegradation
7.8 Vermimedicine
7.9 Vermirobotics
7.10 Vermiagrotechnology
7.11 Agricultural Challenges in Africa and Opportunities Presented by Vermitechnology
7.12 Earthworms as Animal Feed
7.13 Earthworms as Soil Fertility Improvers
7.14 Use of Vermicompost as Biofertilisers
7.15 Vermifluid and Vermitea as Liquid Biofertilisers
7.16 Vermiagrotechnology in Africa Relative to Other Continents
7.17 Conclusion
References
Chapter 8: Prospects of Vermicompost and Biochar in Climate Smart Agriculture
8.1 Introduction
8.2 Agricultural Production Challenges in Africa
8.3 Biochar
8.4 Potential of Biochar in Improving Productivity
8.5 Vermicomposting
8.6 Opportunities for Mixing Biochar and Vermicompost
8.7 Potential of Biochar-Vermicomposting in Improving Productivity
8.8 Conclusion
References
Chapter 9: Wild Birds Animal Manure Vermicomposting: Experiences from Namibia
9.1 Introduction
9.2 Collection and Preliminary Characterization of Wild Animal Manure in Namibia
9.3 Vermicomposting of Wild Animal Manures
9.4 Container Vermicomposting Experience
9.4.1 Vermicomposting of Sole Animal Manures
9.4.2 Preliminary Results
9.4.3 Vermicomposting of Animal Manures Mixed with Other Organic materials
9.5 Windrow Vermicomposting Experience
9.6 Crop Growth Experiments with Wild Animal Manure Vermicomposts
9.6.1 Vegetable Seedlings Germination and Growth
9.7 Conclusions
References
Chapter 10: Rock Phosphate Vermicompost with Microbial Inoculation Potential in Organic Soil Fertility
10.1 Introduction
10.2 The Need for a Sustainable Waste Management Strategy
10.3 Rock Phosphate: An Acceptable Phosphorus Source in Organic Farming
10.4 Factors Affecting the Efficiency of RP Vermicomposting
10.5 Acid and Alkaline Soil Reactivity with RP for Improved P Release
10.6 Impact of Microbial Inoculated RP Vermicompost on Soil Fertility, Health, and Crop Productivity
10.6.1 Role of Phosphorus Solubilizing Microorganisms on P Release
10.6.2 Role of Phosphorus Solubilizing Microorganisms During RP Vermicomposting Process
10.7 Microbe Inoculated RP Vermicompost Applied Under Different Soil Conditions on Plant Growth
10.8 Conclusion
References
Part III: Vermicomposts on Soil Quality and Crop Growth
Chapter 11: A Farmers´ Synthesis on the Effects of Vermicomposts on Soil Properties
11.1 Introduction
11.2 Sub-Saharan Soils
11.3 What Is Vermicompost?
11.4 Degraded Soils Amended with Vermicompost
11.4.1 Chemical Properties
11.4.2 Physical Properties
11.4.3 Biological Properties
11.5 Conclusions
References
Chapter 12: Vermicompost as a Possible Solution to Soil Fertility Problems and Enrichment in the Semiarid Zones of Namibia
12.1 Introduction
12.2 General Description of Namibia: Climatic Condition and Soil Structure
12.2.1 Climatic Conditions
12.3 Soil Structure and Fertility
12.4 Crop Production in Namibia
12.4.1 Vermicomposting
12.5 Use of Vermicomposting in Namibia
12.6 Locally Available Wastes that Can Be Converted into Vermicompost
12.6.1 Municipal Organic Wastes
12.6.2 Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Wastes
12.6.3 Industrial Organic Wastes
12.7 Conclusions
References
Chapter 13: Role of Vermicompost in Organic Vegetable Production Under Resource-Constrained Famers in Zimbabwe
13.1 Introduction
13.2 Production of Vermicompost
13.3 Properties of Vermicompost
13.4 Effects of Vermicompost on Soil Properties and Plant Nutrients
13.5 Effects of Vermicompost on Organic Vegetable Productivity
13.6 Possible Challenges of Vermicompost Use in Organic Vegetable Production
13.7 Conclusion
References
Chapter 14: Co-application of Vermicompost with Other Amendments for the Improvement of Infertile/Degraded Soils
14.1 Introduction
14.1.1 The General Vermicomposting Process and Typical Vermicompost Characteristics
14.1.2 Vermicompost Use by Smallholder Farmers in Africa, General Challenges and Upscaling Opportunities
14.1.3 The Need to Co-apply Vermicompost with Other Amendments
14.2 Co-applying Vermicompost with Microbial Inoculants
14.2.1 Vermicompost and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi
14.2.2 Vermicompost with Phosphate Solubilising and N Fixing Bacteria Inoculants
14.3 Co-applying Vermicompost and Mineral Fertilisers
14.4 Co-applying Vermicompost with Natural Minerals
14.4.1 Vermicompost and Silicates
14.4.2 Vermicompost and Natural Carbonates
14.4.3 Vermicompost and Rock Phosphates
14.5 Co-applying Vermicompost with Biochar
14.5.1 Effect of Biochar and Vermicompost on Soil Microbial Abundance
14.6 Conclusions and Recommendations
References
Chapter 15: Sustainable Enhancement of Soil Fertility Using Bioinoculants
15.1 Introduction
15.2 Effective Bioinoculants and Their Uses in Soil Fertility Management
15.2.1 Nitrogen-Fixing Biofertilizers
15.3 Phosphorus Acting Microbes
15.4 Micronutrients Biofertilizers
15.5 Growth Promoting Rhizobium
15.6 Compost Biofertilizers
15.7 Factors Affecting Compost
15.7.1 Carbon to Nitrogen Ratio
15.7.2 Moisture Content
15.7.3 Oxygen (Aeration)
15.7.4 Temperature
15.8 Nitrogen Fixation in Legumes and Its Benefits
15.9 Benefits of Nitrogen Fixation in Legumes
15.10 Studies Done on the Use of BNF and Its Effects on Crop Yields
15.11 Conclusions
References
Chapter 16: The Potential of Vermicomposts in Sustainable Crop Production Systems
16.1 Introduction
16.2 Vermicomposting Research in Southern Africa Region
16.3 Effect of Vermicompost on Seed Germination, Seedling Growth and Development
16.4 Effect of Vermicompost on Crop Physiological and Phenological Parameters
16.5 Effect of Vermicompost on Sustainable Weed Management
16.6 Effects of Vermicompost on Crop Arthropod Pests and Disease Management
16.7 Chemistry of Vermi-Leachate/Vermicompost and Its Benefits
16.8 Problems Affecting Farmers in Adopting Vermicomposting Technology
16.9 Conclusion
References
Chapter 17: Vermicompost and Vermi-leachate in Pest and Disease Management
17.1 Introduction
17.2 Potential of Vermicompost and Vermi-leachate in Plant and Soil Nutrient Supply
17.3 Mechanism of Vermicompost and Vermi-leachate in Crop Biotic Stress Management
17.3.1 Plant Growth Regulation
17.3.2 Suppression of Pests and Diseases
17.4 General Suppression Mechanism
17.4.1 Competition
17.4.2 Antibiosis
17.4.3 Hyper-parasitism/Predation
17.4.4 Induced Systemic Resistance
17.5 Specific Suppression Mechanism
17.6 Microbial Fauna in Vermicompost and Vermi-leachates
17.7 Vermicompost and Vermi-leachates in Pest Management
17.8 Vermicompost and Vermi-leachate in Disease Management
17.9 Conclusion
References
Part IV: Vermicomposting and Wastes
Chapter 18: Vermicompost: A Potential Reservoir of Antimicrobial Resistant Microbes (ARMs) and Genes (ARGs)
18.1 Introduction
18.2 Nature and Drivers of Antimicrobial Resistance During Vermicomposting
18.2.1 Nature
18.2.2 Drivers of Antimicrobial Resistance During Vermicomposting
18.3 Vermicomposting Processes and Antimicrobial Resistance
18.4 Novel Techniques of Monitoring Antimicrobial Resistance in Vermicompost
18.5 ARGs and ARBs Derived from Vermicompost and Their Effects on Public Health
18.6 Fate of Antimicrobial Resistant Microbes and Genes from Vermicomposting Processes
18.7 Removal of Antimicrobial Resistant Microbes and Genes During Vermicomposting
18.8 Future Research Directions
18.9 Conclusion and Outlook
References
Chapter 19: Potential Transformation of Organic Waste in African Countries by Using Vermicomposting Technology
19.1 Introduction
19.1.1 The Role of Earthworms in Breaking Down Organic Matter
19.1.2 Vermicompost, the ``Black Gold´´ in Agriculture
19.2 Potential of Vermicomposting in Africa
19.2.1 Vermicomposting Practices in African Countries
19.3 Management and Challenges of Vermicomposting in African Countries
19.4 Conclusion
References
Chapter 20: Earthworms in Bioremediation of Soils Contaminated with Petroleum Hydrocarbons
20.1 Introduction
20.2 Petroleum Remediation Techniques
20.2.1 Earthworms
20.2.2 Ecology of Earthworms
20.3 Petroleum Hydrocarbon
20.4 Petroleum Hydrocarbon Pollution in the Environment
20.5 Strategies for the Removal of Petroleum Hydrocarbon from Soil
20.6 Bioremediation
20.7 Earthworms as a Beneficial Organism
20.8 Earthworms in Bioremediation of Petroleum Hydrocarbons
20.8.1 Lumbricus Rubellus
20.8.2 Pheretima Hawayana
20.8.3 Perionyx Excavates
20.8.4 Hyperiodrilus Africanus
20.8.5 Eudrilus Eugeniae
20.8.6 Eisenis Fetida
20.9 Factors Affecting Bioremediation
20.10 Conclusion
References
