The Role of Waste Vermicompost on Soil Organic C Sequestration in Arable Lands: Some Critical Arguments

The utility of waste vermicompost for soil health rejuvenation in arable lands is a topic of increasing importance for sustainable agricultural practices. It presents a critical argument regarding the performance of waste vermicompost as soil organic C (SOC) sequestering agents, highlighting both its potential benefits and associated challenges. Soil incorporation of vermi-converted wastes increase SOC content by balancing the organic matter mineralization-humification dynamics and stimulating microbial activity. This process not only sequesters carbon in the soil but also improves soil health by modifying the soil structure, increasing water retention near the root zone, and promoting nutrient availability. However, challenges such as sourcing high-quality vermicompost, determining optimal application rates, and understanding the long-term stability of sequestered carbon pose potential limitations. This article diagnoses the utility of vermicomposting technology for waste valorization from critical viewpoints (pollutant removal, soil organic C (SOC) dynamics, its storage, and GHG flux). Moreover, various facets of microbial augmentation and earthworm proliferation in response to waste-based vermicomposting feedstocks have been elaborated. By addressing these critical arguments, we assessed how the waste vermicompost enhances SOC sequestration, thereby elevating soil fertility in arable lands, contributing to sustainable agricultural practices and climate change mitigation efforts. In the end, we postulate that more intensive research is necessary to investigate these factors and develop effective strategies for maximizing the benefits of waste vermicompost in promoting SOC sequestration.