Amit Kumar - Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Science and Technology, Shalimar, Srinagar, J&K, India
Mohd. Muzamil - Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Science and Technology, Shalimar, Srinagar, J&K, India
Jagvir Dixit - Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Science and Technology, Shalimar, Srinagar, J&K, India

Purpose The study was conducted to develop and assess the feasibility of the low-cost mechanical interface as an alternative to the conventional land-based bin type vermicomposting process. The idea was to reduce the drudgery, enrich the nutrient status and reduce the cost of preparation of vermicompost.   Method A smart vermicomposting bin comprising of Arduino, feeding hopper, shredding rollers, spiral mixing unit, degradation bin and harvesting gate was fabricated for the preparation of vermicompost from Dal Lake aquatic weed in Kashmir valley. Eisenia fetida earthworm facilitated the degradation process.Results  The Dal lake aquatic weed was degraded in the smart vermicomposting bin. The turning frequency was set as ۱۰ days and ۲۰ days. The performance parameters at ۱۰ days turning interval were pH ۷.۰۵, electrical conductivity ۰.۸۳۷ dSm-۱, available nitrogen ۱.۱۵%, available phosphorus ۰.۰۶%, available potassium ۱.۹۱%, organic carbon ۲۶.۲% and C:N ratio ۱۶.۳:۱ after ۶۰ days degradation period. The comparative evaluation revealed that increase in available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium at ۱۰ days turning interval was higher by ۴.۰۱%, ۶.۰۶%, ۴.۹۴% than ۲۰ days turning interval. The benefit – cost ratio was ۰.۴۵ in first year and ۱.۷۸ in second year with a pay-back period of ۱۹ months. The unit cost of vermicompost production was Rs. ۱۳ per kilogram.  Conclusion The involvement of mechanical intervention in vermicomposting can help in reducing the dependence on scarce land and addressing the issue of peak labour shortage. Moreover, the automation of the system can reduce the human errors.    

Arduino, vermicompost, Eisenia fetida, Dal lake aquatic weed, waste Management