Role of Earthworms in Vermitechnology

Abstract

Earthworms are essential detritus feeders that play a vital role in the process of decomposition of organic matter and soil metabolism. They are referred to as indicators of soil health. The complex process of partial breakdown of organic matter and mixing with mucous and gut microbial flora in the form of earthworm cast results in the enhancement of soil fertility status. They influence the soil by formation of drilosphere contributing towards soil porosity.The beneficial role of earthworm is very important for plant growth and productivity. The significance of earthworm has resulted in development of vermitechnology that involves the use of surface and subsurface local varieties of earthworms in composting and soil management. Thus the organic waste can be excellently recycled by vermicomposting process thereby resulting in the production of vermicompost and vermiwash that have been proved to be essential component in plant growth and productivity.