Describe composting and vemicomposting as effective ways of managing biodegradable
Answers
Biodegradable wastes or materials are which decompose naturally in the environment. They are safe for the environment. The wastes are made up of natural ingredients. They can be constantly reused. Biodegradable substances persist for small time interval in the environment. Example – waste papers, wood crumbles. They can be managed by these ways:
Compost is an organic material that is derived from dead organisms (plants and animals) by the action of microorganisms.
It contains carbohydrates, proteins and fats (oils). They are rich in nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, sulphur and carbon. It also contains iron, zinc, copper, boron and manganese in minute quantities.
Vermicompost is a natural fertilizer obtained as end product of vermicomposting and one of the types of composting process.
In this composting process, it involves various species of worms (verms), especially earthworms are used to create a heterogeneous mixture of decomposing vegetable or food waste also sewage wastes.
Vermi-compost, also known as worm castings and contains organic water- soluble nutrients which are essential for the soil to enrich it. Thus, how it helps in decomposing biodegradable wastes.