Vermiwash: A Vermicompost By-Product for Sustainable Agriculture
摘要
The extensive dependence on agrochemicals in conventional agricultural practices in today’s scenario needs a comprehensive evaluation of organic approaches to reduce the adverse impacts of their application. The implementation of vermiwash is such an organic approach with various potential. The earthworm-rich media used to create vermicompost also yields the brown-colored, odorless liquid extract known as “vermiwash.” It has a high concentration of bacteria, mucus, vitamins, various bioavailable minerals, hormones, enzymes, and antimicrobial peptides. The present chapter elucidates several techniques for manufacturing vermiwash and explores its potential as an organic fertilizer for sustainable agriculture. The impact of vermiwash treatment on agricultural and vegetable crops is also emphasized. The chapter concluded with the potential of vermiwash in enhancing soil fertility.