Vermitechnology: An Eco-Friendly Approach for Organic Solid Waste Management and Soil Fertility Improvement—A Review

The variation in agricultural patterns and climate change makes the farming community refine the conventional procedures to maintain soil fertility and crop productivity. The sustainable method of farming is a current focus for long-term productivity to supplement nutrition for the growing population. The utilization of traditional agricultural practices helps to maintain soil quality that in turn supports productivity. The organic waste generated from various anthropogenic activities can be utilized to produce manure. The vermicomposting uses the earthworm and converts the voluminous waste into manure. During the process, bioremediation also occurs due to the activity of earthworms that help to reduce any toxicity present in the wastes. During this bioconversion, earthworms, along with microorganisms in different stages of composting, help to convert the wastes. The enzymes secreted by the microbes during the degradation of organic materials help to transform various organic and inorganic components present in them. The agricultural products obtained from organic farming can be more beneficial. This chapter discusses the possibilities of utilizing different organic wastes for manure production using earthworm and their applicability in organic farming and environmental pollution mitigation. The organic manure thus produced using earthworms can be applied for reclamation of salt-affected soil and soil that have reduced organic matter in place of chemical fertilizers.