Vermitechnology in Organic Waste Recycling: A Step Towards Sustainable Ecosystems in Guyana

In recent years, the disposal of organic wastes from domestic, agricultural and industrial sources has caused increasing environmental concerns. In this regard, the recycling of utilizable waste is feasible. This can be solved by a combination of effective technologies such as Biodung composting and Vermitech (incorporating earthworms for the production of vermicompost). The present work was carried out during the year 2006-2007 at the University of Guyana, Georgetown to recycle grass clippings, water hyacinth and cattle dung by using Eiseniafetida the locally available surface species of earthworm. The results indicated that the organic waste (grass clippings and water hyacinth) were successfully processed through partial biodung composting and vermicomposting during a period of 60 days. The temperature study during biodung composting showed a two peak rise of temperature resulting in destruction of harmful microbes. Subsequent vermicomposting resulted in production of vermicompost confirming to an excellent nutrient status recorded in earlier experiments. The temperature during vermicomposting showed that fluctuation was restricted to 0.83. Organic amendments like vermicompost increase the organic matter content necessary for the maintenance of soil properties, which is beneficial for long-term sustainability and crop productivity. It is therefore proposed that large-scale production of vermicompost through vermitech to recycle organic waste could effectively help in managing solid waste, and farmers could apply vermicompost thus produced for assisted crop production. This could lead to a suitable environment-friendly effort towards a balanced ecosystem.