vermis india

PVC: Biogas Holders!

2009-11-19T21:56:00.000-08:00

Sir,

Kindly look at these pictures.

A new and cost effective method of capturing bio gas. Normally we make MS or SS shell to hold bio gas in a holder.

Please give your valuable comments

Thanking you

For ENVO PROJECTS

Saleem Asraf Syed Imdaadullah,
M.E.(Env. Engg.)
Mobile: 9899300371
New Delhi, India

ONE LAC VISITOR CROSSED : TECHNICAL BLOG : LOTS OF INFO ON WATER TREATMENT
www.saleemindia.blogspot.com

www.vermisindia.blogspot.com

BACTERIA USED IN INVESSEL COMPOSTING

2009-04-20T23:15:00.001-07:00

About the product:
It's a non chemical, non toxic, non hazardous, highly environmental
friendly bio product, very safe and economical in relation to
the benefits derived. Leaves no side effects. It's anti Bacterial,
anti Fungal and anti Mould besides it's pronounced 'Odour Removal'
character. It neutralizes alkaline smelling substances such as
Ammonia and Sulphur compounds and masks offensive odours
including Hydorgen Sulphide.
Important:
This concentrate or mixed solution is to be stored only in
Stainless Steel Vessel or PVC Containers and NOT in
containers like Tin, Aluminium, Copper or Brass.
Uses of this product:
(1) Removal of odour:
It's a Natural Deodorizer extracted from plant sources and
it has the ability to prevent/ eliminate/ neutralize the polluting
odours from solid wastes, effluents and vent gases. It's very
effective against obnoxious odours emitted by / from: Paper
Mill Sludge, Pharma Industries, Chemical Industries, Pesticide
Manufacturing, Seafood Processing, Vegetable Oil Industries,
Dairy Industries, Leather Industry Effluents, Poultry Sheds,
Bone Meal/ Mutton Tallow, Slaughter Houses, Municipal Garbage,
Sewage, Dead Animals/ any rotten stuff and many other industries
including food industries. It's also good for Container fumigation.
(2) Speeds up decomposition process of organic wastes if any.
(3) In Seafood / Meat industry Used as preservative to increase
the shelf life of fresh catch.
(4) It converts Municipal Garbage (degradable/ organic) into
Organic Manure.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
How to use this product in Seafood / Meat processing industry
to (1) remove odour and (2) preserve for increasing the shelf life:
Use 1 litre of this solution in 100 litres of fresh water. Dip upto 500 kgs
of fresh catch in this solution for 5 minutes before preserving in Ice. This
process will eliminate odour, act as Anti-Bacterial and Anti-Fungal agent
and controls hazardous micro-Organisms like E Coli, Staphylococci, etc.,
therby increasing the shelf life of the sea catch. Use fresh solution for
every 500 kgs of fresh catch.
For removal of odour from Boat Deck:
Mix 1 litre of this solution in 25 litres of fresh water and spray in places
where odour occurs. Odour will vanish within minutes of application.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
How to use this product in Municipal Garbage (degradable/ organic)
to (1) remove odour (2) speed-up the decomposition process:
Mix 1 part of this solution with 9 parts of fresh water and spray it using
sprayer on Municipal Garbage (degradable/ organic).
How it works:
It starts working in few minutes after spraying.
The smell is removed immediately. And the smell and disease causing
bacteria are destroyed. Hence the smell will not come again.
Flies on the garbage will go away.
The volume of the decomposing garbage comes down.
It speeds-up the decomposing process of the Municipal Garbage
(degradable/ organic).
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Converting Municpal Garbage (degradable/ organic) into
Organic Manure:
To use this product to convert Municipal Garbage (degradable/
organic) into rich organic manure, pits with a size of 10 x 10 x 10
(feet) have to be digged.
Each pit can hold approximately 10 Tons of segregated garbage.
Along with this product Urea, Jaggery and fresh water have to me
used.
Each pit will have four layers of Municipal Garbage (degradable/
organic).
The bottom most layer will be made of mudsand. And the
top most layer will be of sand, which allows air and water
to pass through. And clay should not be used here.
you can use it in in vessel composting pot and the outlet product after 15 minutes opeartion of the will be converted to
organic manure after 2 weeks open air curing.There is no odour problem.
* * * E N D * * *
Saleem Asraf Syed Imdaadullah,
Envo Projects
New Delhi, India
Cell :+919899300371
Tel. : +9101126985165
Fax : +9101126987150
TECHNICAL BLOG : LOTS OF INFO ON WATER TREATMENT
www.saleemindia.blogspot.com

Thermophilic Decomposition:

2009-04-16T00:06:00.001-07:00

Thermophilic Decomposition:

It is a composting method which produces complete aerobic digestion and pasteurization of animal and other solid organic waste materials is effected in an open top, elongate, composting vessel, for producing an odor free, pasteurized, organic fertilizer, mulch or animal feed supplement.

Introduction: rotating-tank" type of in-vessel composter to rapidly decompose and stabilize institutional food service (cafeteria-type) food residuals have experienced delays in attainment of thermophilic temperatures. On occasion, food residuals loaded into the in-vessel composter soon after collection (within 1-2 hours) would reach thermophilic temperatures within 24-36 hours. However, when loading was delayed for 3-6 hours after collection, a fermentation process apparently began which produced fermentation odors (resembling a typical "trash-truck" smell) within 6-12 hours. Simultaneously, compost pH would rapidly decline to near 3.0 and remain at or near that level for several days, during which time temperatures would remain in the mesophilic range.

In order to reduce the retention time inside the in-vessel composter and make most efficient use of the technology, reducing or preventing the lag time in achieving thermophilic decomposition is desirable.

How to make composter:

The composters were constructed of open-ended metal tanks measuring 3 feet in diameter and 6 feet long resting in a horizontal position on a set of 4 casters. The tanks were rotated at the rate of 4 revolutions per hour, 24 hours per day, by a 0.5 hp motor using a rachet-drive mechanism. The ends of the tanks were enclosed by plywood doors with a 0.5 inch perimeter gap for ambient air exchange. Each tank was fitted with a center partition creating two compartments measuring 3 feet in length and 3 feet in diameter. Each chamber would hold 0.5 cubic yards of material when filled to approximately two-thirds capacity, allowing headspace in each chamber for air exchange

Hydrated lime was added at the time of compost loading at the rates of 0, 5, 10 or 15 lbs. per 0.5 cubic yard batch. Treatments were not replicated. Temperature and pH were measured and recorded daily for 14 days.

RESULTS

The pH of compost receiving no lime was approaching 3.0 by 24 hours after loading (day 1). The pH varied between 3.0 and 5.0 for the next 10 days, at which time a consistent increase began, reaching 8.2 on day 14. Compost temperature ranged slightly below 120 degrees F through day 10. Coinciding with the pH increase, compost temperatures rose to 144 degrees F by day 14.

The compost receiving 5 lbs. of lime started at pH 7.5, but gradually declined to a low of 4.3 on day 7. However, by day 10, pH had increased 8.0. As with the no-lime treatment, compost temperatures tended to parallel changes in pH.

The addition of 10 lbs. of lime increased the initial pH to 11.7. However, the pH declined to 7.5 on day 4, which was the same day that temperatures reached the thermophilic range. The pH ranged between 7.3 and 8.9 for the remainder of the project.

Adding 15 lbs. of lime increased the initial pH to 12.3. The pH dropped below 8.0 and compost temperature reached the thermophilic range on day 7.

SUMMARY

The no-lime treatment required 12 days to reach thermophilic temperatures whereas 5 lbs. of lime allowed thermophilic temperatures to be attained by day 2. However, the temperatures cooled into the mesophilic range as the pH dropped to approximately 5.5 and did not re-enter the thermophilic range until the pH increased. The 10 lb. lime treatment required 4 days and the 15 lb. treatment required 7 days to reach thermophilic temperatures.

CONCLUSIONS

During the first few days of composting, a close relationship appears to exist between compost pH and temperature. Addition of lime can reduce the time required to reach thermophilic composting temperatures from 12 days down to as low as 2 days. With food residuals of the type used in this study, the optimum rate of hydrated lime addition appears to be between 5 and 10 lbs. per 0.5 cubic yard quantity. Additional work is needed to study changes occurring between the time of initial food collection and initiation of composting, appropriate rates of lime addition, and the need for lime when using other types of food residuals.

Organic Materials Management

2009-04-15T23:58:00.001-07:00

Covering compost piles with breathable fabrics can help reduce water needs during hot, dry weather, and may help avoid soggy, anaerobic piles during periods of heavy rain. Many, but not all, cover systems include some form of forced aeration, using pumps to push or pull air through the pile core.

Forced aeration helps avoid anaerobic conditions within covered or static piles, since normal convective air flow may be restricted by either the cover itself or the size of the pile.

Covered or aerated compost systems may help composters reduce odors as well as regulated air emissions. However, not all manufacturers have sufficient research data to prove that their systems will meet the emissions reductions mandates of local air quality districts such as the South Coast Air Quality Management District.

Systems may use positive or negative aeration. Positive aeration uses pumps to force air into the pile. Negative aeration uses pumps to suck air through the pile. Positive aeration systems may rely upon beneficial microbes living just under the cover to destroy pollutants, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Negatively aerated systems typically route the pulled air through a device such as a biofilter or a furnace, which will destroy VOCs and other emissions.

The California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB) does not endorse specific technologies. New listings are encouraged and published upon CIWMB approval and permission from manufacturer. The following compost system vendor and designer/builder descriptions are based on information provided by the manufacturer. The CIWMB has not verified any of the claims in these descriptions. Please contact each vendor directly for pricing information.

Maggic Composter

2009-04-03T22:34:00.001-07:00

About the product:

It's a non chemical, non toxic, non hazardous, highly environmental

friendly bio product, very safe and economical in relation to

the benefits derived. Leaves no side effects. It's anti Bacterial,

anti Fungal and anti Mould besides it's pronounced 'Odour Removal'

character. It neutralizes alkaline smelling substances such as

Ammonia and Sulphur compounds and masks offensive odours

including Hydorgen Sulphide.

Important:

This concentrate or mixed solution is to be stored only in

Stainless Steel Vessel or PVC Containers and NOT in

containers like Tin, Aluminium, Copper or Brass.

Uses of this product:

(1) Removal of odour:

It's a Natural Deodorizer extracted from plant sources and

it has the ability to prevent/ eliminate/ neutralize the polluting

odours from solid wastes, effluents and vent gases. It's very

effective against obnoxious odours emitted by / from: Paper

Mill Sludge, Pharma Industries, Chemical Industries, Pesticide

Manufacturing, Seafood Processing, Vegetable Oil Industries,

Dairy Industries, Leather Industry Effluents, Poultry Sheds,

Bone Meal/ Mutton Tallow, Slaughter Houses, Municipal Garbage,

Sewage, Dead Animals/ any rotten stuff and many other industries

including food industries. It's also good for Container fumigation.

(2) Speeds up decomposition process of organic wastes if any.

(3) In Seafood / Meat industry Used as preservative to increase

the shelf life of fresh catch.

(4) It converts Municipal Garbage (degradable/ organic) into

Organic Manure.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

How to use this product in Seafood / Meat processing industry

to (1) remove odour and (2) preserve for increasing the shelf life:

Use 1 litre of this solution in 100 litres of fresh water. Dip upto 500 kgs

of fresh catch in this solution for 5 minutes before preserving in Ice. This

process will eliminate odour, act as Anti-Bacterial and Anti-Fungal agent

and controls hazardous micro-Organisms like E Coli, Staphylococci, etc.,

therby increasing the shelf life of the sea catch. Use fresh solution for

every 500 kgs of fresh catch.

For removal of odour from Boat Deck:

Mix 1 litre of this solution in 25 litres of fresh water and spray in places

where odour occurs. Odour will vanish within minutes of application.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

How to use this product in Municipal Garbage (degradable/ organic)

to (1) remove odour (2) speed-up the decomposition process:

Mix 1 part of this solution with 9 parts of fresh water and spray it using

sprayer on Municipal Garbage (degradable/ organic).

How it works:

It starts working in few minutes after spraying.

The smell is removed immediately. And the smell and disease causing

bacteria are destroyed. Hence the smell will not come again.

Flies on the garbage will go away.

The volume of the decomposing garbage comes down.

It speeds-up the decomposing process of the Municipal Garbage

(degradable/ organic).

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Converting Municpal Garbage (degradable/ organic) into

Organic Manure:

To use this product to convert Municipal Garbage (degradable/

organic) into rich organic manure, pits with a size of 10 x 10 x 10

(feet) have to be digged.

Each pit can hold approximately 10 Tons of segregated garbage.

Along with this product Urea, Jaggery and fresh water have to me

used.

Each pit will have four layers of Municipal Garbage (degradable/

organic).

The bottom most layer will be made of mudsand. And the

top most layer will be of sand, which allows air and water

to pass through. And clay should not be used here.

The Municipal Garbage (degradable/ organic) gets converted into

organic manure in period of 45 days

* * * E N D * * *

Microbiology of In-vessel Composting

2009-04-01T06:23:00.001-07:00

Microbiology of In-vessel Composting

To maintain maximum microbial activity, particularly when processing organic waste such as ABP (Animal By-Product) Category 3 waste or kitchen and garden waste, process factors need to be optimal, requiring careful management and control. Microbial activity is sensitive to changes in process factors, such as the temperature, pH, nutrient and oxygen availability and moisture content. Physical (oxygen uptake, temperature) and chemical properties (pH, volatile fatty acids and metabolite concentrations) can be used to indicate the state of the composting system.

Most of the micro-organisms present during in-vessel composting are bacteria, actinomycetes and fungi.

Bacteria make up 80 % to 90 % of the myriad of micro-organisms and are responsible for most of the initial decomposition of the readily-degradable organic waste and the heat generation characteristic of in-vessel composting.

Actinomycetes and fungi, however, constitute most of the biomass, particularly in the later stages of composting when they are more prevalent.

Fungi have a competitive advantage over bacteria and actinomycetes because they are able to operate in environments which are too dry, acidic, and low in nitrogen for bacteria and are often found growing extensively on carbonaceous organic material. Their enzymes enable them to decompose complex organics such as cellulose, lignin, chitin, and proteins.

Ultimately, the type of organic material determines microbial population dynamics but, because the biochemical reactions during composting are catalysed by enzymes, temperature is the principal influence on microbial activity.

Under optimal conditions, in-vessel composting typically experiences three distinctive stages: active, cooling and maturation. Microbial populations operate within a specific temperature range. The typical temperature and pH profiles during in-vessel composting are shown in the graph above.

Psychrophiles favour temperatures below 10?C, mesophiles thrive in temperature between about 20?C and 45?C and thermophiles grow well between about 50?C to 70?C. An increase above the maximum temperature in the range leads to the thermal destruction of the cell proteins and the death of the micro-organisms, whilst temperatures below the minimum affect the metabolism of the cell.

source:http://www.theteggroup.plc.uk/technical_library/microbiology_of_invessel_composting

2009-03-31T05:26:00.001-07:00

BIODEGRADABLE SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT

2009-03-31T05:18:00.001-07:00

Theory:

The Vertical Composting Unit (VCU) technology comprises of fully enclosed aerobic composting system that suits the processing of kitchen waste of small quantity. Composting takes place inside the modular chambers .The process is continuous with waste being loaded into the top of the chamber and stabilized material removed from the bottom.. The unique vertical orientation of the VCU processing chamber enhances a natural process, with aeration provided by fan mounted on top of each chamber. Odor control is by way of using a biofilter and leachate is not produced. The VCU offers low operating costs due to low energy, maintenance and labor costs it has a small footprint and offers great flexibility as it's modular design allows it to be easily expanded as collection systems are expanded and the volumes of waste are increased.

STANDARD COST OF ITEMS:

Quantity of waste = 75kg/day

Scope of supply of VERMIS INDIA to Eastern ENVO:

Sr No	Item	Make	Qty	Cost(Rs.)
01	Screen for segregation of waste	Vermis India	01
02	Shredding machine	Vermis India	01
03	Vertical Composting Unit , MS vessel with FRP inside, with motorized augur, Ventilating Fan, Odor control Bio Filter, inlet door, outlet door, leachate collection pipe	Vermis India	01
04	Consultancy cum supervision, includes drawings for excluded items and travel	Vermis India
			Total

Add Taxes

1. SERVICE TAX: EXTRA will be charged as and when required

2. T.D.S may kindly be deducted as source

EXCLUDES:

	Excluded Items
01	Collection platform, B/W
02	Storage Room for prepared compost for 25 days with fresh air ventilation and odor control filters, B/W
03	Packaging Machine, weighing machine
04	Waste Water Treatment plant to Treat Lechate, 1 No
05	Boundary wall
06	Roads
	Total cost of works

b} Variable Cost

C	Variable Cost
01	Carrying/transportation, processing
02	Packing Material
03	Labour charge@20.000/month
04	Advertise/leaflet/stationary
05	Office staff @ 20,000/month Municipal Engineering Specialist Agriculture Specialist
06	Fuel and Miscellaneous operating cost
	Total variable cost

Payment terms:

Material supply:

40% advance alongwith work order

60% against proforma invoice before despatch

Consultancy:

60% as advance

30% after submission of all drawings

10% after erection and commissioning

For VERMIS INDIA

SYED RAKIB HUSSAIN

09899377953

Call me for any more informations required by you.

invessel composting

2009-03-22T01:42:00.001-07:00

In-Vessel composting:

Organic materials are fed into a drum, silo, concrete-lined trench, or similar equipment where the environmental conditions—including temperature, moisture, and aeration—are closely controlled. The apparatus usually has a mechanism to turn or agitate the material for proper aeration. In-vessel composters vary in size and capacity.

Types of waste and waste generators
In-vessel composting can process large amounts of waste without taking up as much space as the windrow method. In addition, it can accommodate virtually any type of organic waste (e.g., meat, animal manure, biosolids, food scraps). Some in-vessel composters can fit into a school or restaurant kitchen while others can be as large as a school bus to accommodate large food processing plants.

Climate or seasonal considerations
In-vessel composting can be used year-round in virtually any climate because the environment is carefully controlled, often by electronic means. This method can even be used in extremely cold weather if the equipment is insulated or the processing takes place indoors.

Environmental concerns
In-vessel composting produces very little odor and minimal leachate.

Requirements
In-vessel composters are expensive and might require technical assistance to operate properly, but this method uses much less land and manual labor than windrow composting.

Results

Conversion of organic material to compost can take as little as a few weeks. Once the compost comes out of the vessel, however, it still requires a few more weeks or months for the microbial activity to stabilize and the pile to cool.

source:http://www.mnn.com/the-home/recycling/stories/composting?page=8

in vessel composting

2009-03-20T06:59:00.001-07:00

in vessel composting

2009-03-18T21:22:00.001-07:00

What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus for in-vessel composting of input materials consisting of food waste and associated organic packaging materials into nutrient-rich composting material comprising,

means for shredding said input materials, said means configured and powered for rendering said input materials into particle sizes of not larger than four cubic inches,

a horizontal drum with an input end having an axial input port and a discharge end having a relatively larger axial discharge port, said drum divided in length by interior partitions into first, second and third chambers, each said partition having an axial port by which adjacent said chambers are connected, said axial ports being of sequentially larger diameter from said input port to said relatively larger discharge port, said second chamber being significantly longer than said first and third chambers, the diameter of said relatively larger discharge port being less than one half of the diameter of said drum,

an insulated enclosure within which said drum is contained,

means for passing said input materials through said means for shredding and into said first chamber,

means for permitting low pressure outgassing from said drum,

means for measuring temperature in said second chamber,

means for rotating said drum in increments of less than one rotation about its axis, said means for rotating being initiated when said temperature in said second chamber is greater than about 150 degrees Fahrenheit,

means for exchanging air in said drum for outside air,

an operator station, and

a controller, said controller communicating with said means for measuring temperature, said means for rotating said drum, said means for exchanging air, and said operator station.

2. An apparatus for in-vessel composting of input materials according to claim 1, said means for shredding comprising a multi-toothed rotary shredding mechanism configured to produce shreds about one inch by one inch by three inches in size.

3. An apparatus for in-vessel composting of input materials according to claim 1, said first and second chambers each further comprising means for tumbling materials in process without contributing to forward advancement of said materials in process towards said discharge end.

4. An apparatus for in-vessel composting of input materials according to claim 3, said means for tumbling comprising a singular elongate blade attached to the drum wall within each said chamber and oriented parallel to said axis of said drum.

5. An apparatus for in-vessel composting of input materials according to claim 1, said means for

passing said input materials through said means for shredding and into said first chamber comprising an input hopper connecting to said means for shredding and an auger and chute assembly connecting said means for shredding to said axial input port of said input end of said drum.

6. An apparatus for in-vessel composting of input materials according to claim 5, said input hopper having a lid and a lid position sensor, said lid position sensor communicating with said controller.

7. An apparatus for in-vessel composting of input materials according to claim 1, further comprising a compost container connecting to said discharge port.

8. An apparatus for in-vessel composting of input materials according to claim 1, said means for permitting low pressure outgassing from said drum comprising a vent located in the vicinity of the discharge end.

9. An apparatus for in-vessel composting of input materials according to claim 1, said means for measuring temperature in said second chamber comprising a temperature sensor assembly external to said drum configured to bear on the outer wall of said drum at a point rotationally forward of bottom dead center when said drum is not rotating and to rise away from said drum when said drum is rotating.

10. An apparatus for in-vessel composting of input materials according to claim 1, said means for measuring temperature in said second chamber comprising a temperature sensor assembly installed within said second chamber and communicating to a pickup device external of said drum.

11. An apparatus for in-vessel composting of input materials according to claim 1, said means for rotating said drum comprising a base frame with drum supports and drum support rollers upon which said drum rests, and a motorized drum drive system comprising a motor and gearbox attached to said base frame and coupled to said drum.

12. An apparatus for in-vessel composting of input materials according to claim 1, said means for exchanging air in said drum for outside air comprising an exhaust fan and duct, said duct connecting to said drum in the vicinity of said input end.

13. An apparatus for in-vessel composting of input materials according to claim 1, further comprising a carbon dioxide sensor located in the proximity of said input end and communicating with said controller.

14. An apparatus for in-vessel composting of input materials according to claim 1, said operator station comprising a temperature indicator, a switch for engaging said means for shredding, and a switch for engaging said means for rotating.

15. An apparatus for in-vessel composting of input materials consisting of food waste and associated organic packaging materials into nutrient-rich composting material comprising,

a multi-toothed rotary shredder configured for rendering said input materials into particle sizes of about one inch by one inch by three inches in size,

a horizontal drum with an input end having an axial input port and a discharge end having a relatively larger axial discharge port, said drum divided in length by interior partitions into first, second and third chambers, each said partition having an axial port by which adjacent said chambers are connected, said axial ports being of sequentially larger diameter from said input port to said relatively larger discharge port, said second chamber being significantly longer than said first and third chambers, the diameter of said relatively larger discharge port being less than one half of the diameter of said discharge end,

an insulated enclosure within which said drum is contained,

an input hopper vertically connecting to said shredder,

an auger and chute assembly interspersed between said shredder and said axial input port of said input end of said drum,

means for permitting low pressure outgassing from said drum,

means for measuring temperature in said second chamber,

means for rotating said drum in increments of less than one rotation about its axis, said means for rotating comprising a base frame with drum supports and drum support rollers upon which said drum rests, and a motorized drum drive system comprising a motor and gearbox attached to said base frame and coupled to said drum, said means for rotating being initiated when said temperature in said second chamber is greater than about 150 degrees Fahrenheit,

an exhaust fan mounted in a duct, said duct connecting to said drum in the vicinity of said input end,

an operator station, and

a controller, said controller communicating with said means for measuring temperature, said means for rotating said drum, said exhaust fan, and said operator station.

16. An apparatus for in-vessel composting of input materials according to claim 15, said first and second chambers each further comprising structure for tumbling materials in process during rotation without contributing to forward advancement of said materials in process towards said discharge end.

17. An apparatus for in-vessel composting of input materials according to claim 15, said input hopper having a lid and a lid position sensor, said lid position sensor communicating with said controller.

18. An apparatus for in-vessel composting of input materials according to claim 15, said means for measuring temperature in said second chamber comprising a temperature sensor assembly external to said drum configured to bear on the outer wall of said drum at a point rotationally forward of bottom dead center when said drum is not rotating and further configured to rise away from said drum when said drum is rotating.

19. An apparatus for in-vessel composting of input materials according to claim 15, said means for measuring temperature in said second chamber comprising a temperature sensor assembly installed within said second chamber and communicating to a pickup device external of said drum.

20. An apparatus for in-vessel composting of input materials according to claim 15, said operator station comprising a temperature indicator, a switch for engaging said means for shredding, and a switch for engaging said means for rotating.

source: http://www.patentstorm.us/patents/6071740/claims.html

VERMI-COMPOSTING UNITS UNDER AGRI-CLINICS

2009-03-17T06:49:00.001-07:00

VERMI-COMPOSTING UNITS UNDER AGRI-CLINICS

1.0 INTRODUCTION

There is a growing realisation that vermi-composting provides the nutrients and growth enhancing hormones necessary for plant growth. The fruits, flowers and vegetables and other plant products grown using vermi-compost are reported to have better keeping quality. A growing number of individuals and institutions are taking interest in the production of compost utilising earthworm activity. Some of them ventured into commercial production as well. As the cost of production of this compost works out to about Rs.1.5 per kg, it is quite profitable to sell the compost even at Rs.2.50 per kg. Other organic manures like neem cake, groundnut cake, etc., are sold around this price.

The process of composting crop residues using earthworms comprise spreading the agricultural wastes and cow dung in layers as 1.5 m wide and 0.9 m high beds of required length. Earthworms are introduced in between the layers @ 350 worms per m³of bed volume. The beds are maintained at about 40 - 50% moisture content and a temperature of 20 - 30^o C by sprinkling water over the beds. The earthworms being voracious eaters consume the biodegradable matter and give out a part of the matter as excreta or vermi-castings. The vermi-casting containing nutrients is rich manure for the plants.

When the commercial scale production is aimed at in addition to the cost of production, considerable amount has to be invested initially on capital items. The capital cost may work out to about Rs.1500 to Rs.2500 for every tonne of compost produced annually. The high variability in the unit capital cost is due to the fact that large units require considerable expenditure on machinery and transport particularly when the source of raw materials is away from the site of production facility and the finished product has to be transported to far off places before being marketed. However, in most of the cases, the activity is viable and bankable. Following are the items required to be considered while setting up a unit for production of vermi-compost.

2.0 ABOUT THE WORMS

Of about 350 species of earth worms in India with various food and burrowing habits, Eisenia fetida, Eudrilus eugeniae, Perionyx excavatius are some of the species for rearing to convert organic wastes into manure. The worms feed on any biodegradable matter ranging from coir waste to kitchen garbage and vermicomposting units are ideally suited to locations / units with generation of considerable quantities of organic wastes. One earthworm reaching reproductive age of about six weeks lays one egg capsule (containing 7 embryoes) every 7 - 10 days. Three to seven worms emerge out of each capsule. Thus, the multiplication of worms under optimum growth conditions is very fast. The worms live for about 2 years. Fully grown worms could be separated and dried in a oven to make 'worm meal' which is a rich source of protein (70%) for use in animal feed.

3.0 LOCATION

Suburbs of cities and villages around urban centres can be ideal locations for practice of vermicomposting on a large scale, from the view point of availability of raw material and marketing of the produce. As use of the compost is said to have ameliorative effect on product from fruit, flower and vegetable crops, vermicomposting units may be located in areas with concentration of fruit and vegetable growers and floriculture units.

4.0 USE

As the wastes are pulverised as they pass through the worm, the surface area of the material increases which in turn helps as base for nutrients. Vermicompost, apart from supplying nutrients and growth enhancing harmones to plants, improves the soil structure leading to increase in water and nutrient holding capacities of soil. Chemical fertilizer in moderate doses can go along with vermicoposting.

5.0 COMPONENTS OF A COMMERCIAL UNIT

5.1 Sheds

For a vermi-composting unit, whether small or big, this is an essential item and is required for having the vermi beds. They could be of thatched roof supported by bamboo rafters and purlins, wooden trusses and stone pillars. If the size is so chosen as to prevent wetting of beds due to rain on a windy day, they could be open sheds. While designing the sheds adequate room has to be left around the beds for easy movement of the labour attending to the filling and harvesting the beds.

5.2 Vermi-beds

Normally the beds are 75 cm - 90 cm thick depending on the provision of filter for drainage of excess water. The entire bed area could be above the ground. Care should be taken to make the bed with uniform height over the entire width to the extent possible to avoid low production owing to low bed volumes. The bed width should not be more that 1.5 m to allow easy access to the centre of the bed.

5.3 Land

About 0.5-1 acre of land will be needed to set up a vermiculture production cum extension centre. The centre will have at least 8-10 sheds each of about 180-200 sq.ft. It should also have a bore well, and pump set or watering arrangement and other equipments as described in the scheme economics. The land can be taken on lease of at least 10-15 years. Even sub marginal land also will serve the purpose.

5.4 Buildings

When the activity is taken up on a large scale on commercial lines, considerable amount may have to be spent on buildings to house the office, store the raw material and finished product, provide minimum accommodation to the Manager and workers. The cost of the buildings along with the electrification of these buildings and the vermi-sheds may be included under this item.

5.5 Seed Stock

This is an important item requiring considerable investment. Though the worms multiply fast to give the required numbers over a period of 6 months to a year, it may not be wise to wait till such a time having invested on the infrastructure heavily. Thus, worms @ 350 worms per m³ of bed space should be adequate to start with and to build up the required population in about two cycles or three without unduly affecting the estimated production.

5.6 Fencing and Roads/Paths

The site area needs development for construction of structures and development of roads and pathways for easy movement of hand-drawn trolleys/wheel barrows for conveying the raw material and the finished products to and from the vermi-sheds. The entire area has to be fenced to prevent trespass by animals and other unwanted elements. These could be estimated based on the length of the periphery of the farm and the length and type of roads/paths required. The costs on fencing and formation of roads should be kept low as these investments are essential for a production unit, yet would not lead to increase in production.

5.7 Water Supply System

As the beds have always to be kept moist with about 50% moisture content, there is need to plan for a water source, lifting mechanism and a system of conveying and applying the water to the vermi-beds. Drippers with round the clock flow arrangement would be quite handy for continuous supply and saving on water. Such a water supply/application system requiring considerable initial investment, however, reduces the operational costs on hand watering and prove economical in the long run. The cost of these items depend on the capacity of the unit and the type of water supply chosen.

5.8 Machinery

Farm machinery and implements are required for cutting (shredding) the raw material in small pieces, conveying shredded raw material to the vermi-sheds, loading, unloading, collection of compost, loosening of beds for aeration, shifting of the compost before packing and for air drying of the compost, automatic packing and stitching for efficient running of the unit. Costs of providing necessary implements and the machinery have to be included in the project cost.

5.9 Transport

For any vermi-composting unit transport arrangement is a must. When the source of raw material is away from the production unit, an off-site transport becomes major item of investment. A large sized unit with about 1000 tonnes per annum capacity may require a 3-tonne capacity mini-truck. With small units particularly with the availability of raw material near the site, expending on transport facility may become infructuous. On-site transport facilities like manually drawn trolleys to convey raw material and finished products between the storage point and the vermi-compost sheds could also be included in the project cost.

5.10 Furniture

A reasonable amount could also be considered for furnishing the office-cum-stores including the storage racks and other office equipment. These enhance the efficiency of operations.

5.11 Operational Costs

In order to operate the unit, expenditure on some items have to be incurred on a recurring basis. These items include salaries of the staff, wages to the labourers, cost of raw material, fuel cost on transport of raw materials and finished goods, packing material cost, repairs and maintenance, power, insurance, etc. The number of office personnel and labourers have to be decided breaking each activity into a number of sub-activities and for each sub-activity estimating the work involved and the capacity of the labour to finish the work in a given time. The number of persons should be so chosen to keep them engaged throughout by providing enough persons at various work points like stores, vermi-beds and equipping them with adequate number of implements to avoid undue waiting.

6.0 PROJECT PROFILE

Vermi-composting could be taken up on any scale starting from 10 tonnes per annum (tpa) to 1000 tpa and above. As the production is proportional to the vermi-bed space, it is advantageous to start with less capacities and later expand the unit after gaining production experience and developing assured market for the product.

The Society for Preservation of Environment and Quality of Life (SPEQL) organised a pilot project on vermi-composting in fruit market premises, Kothapet, Hyderabad. The project, being operated currently on commercial lines is serving as a demonstration unit. The estimates of costs and benefits, presented in the profile are based on the experience of that pilot project.

A bed volume of 330 m³ spread over sixteen beds - 15 m long, 1.5 m wide and 0.3 m high is estimated to produce vermi-compost of 200 tpa over 5 cycles/crops of 75 days each annually. These beds are housed in 8 open sheds of 15 m x 5.4 m.

The cost of construction of sheds, cost of machinery and tools, operational cost/production cost of compost are set out in annexures I, II and III respectively. The costs and benefits of the unit are set out in annexure-IV. As can be seen, the investment cost is Rs.2,77,000/-, operational cost Rs.3,68,000. Operational cost of two cycles amounting to Rs.1,47,200 is capitalised. Production of 60% in the first year and 90% in the subsequent years is assumed. Benefits include the income from sale of vermi-compost @ Rs.2500 per tonne and worm @ Rs.50/- per kg. The net income from the 2nd year onwards would be about Rs.1,37,000 annually. The financial analysis of the project suggests that the activity is financially viable with financial rate of return of 36% (Annexure-V). Economics have been worked out with out the subsidy component. With the subsidy its viability will be much better. The loan could be repaid over a period of 8 years with a grace period of 1 year. The repayment schedule is set out in annexure-VI.

7.0 EXTENSION SERVICE

The unit will provide extension services to the near by villages. Under this the unit will provide cultural material of the desired species, and train farmers and entrepreneurs who would like to set up their own small units for use in their farms. Those who want to set up commercial units also can get know-how and culture material at a reasonable cost. The technical graduates who will establish such an unit under the scheme for agri-clinics will train more people, demonstrate practically the production methodology on the unit that will be set up by him and also supply the pure culture with quality worms. He may also try to explore marketing for small units that will be promoted by him at a reasonable cost. The following benefits can be assumed under extension services for the unit:

Sale of culture material @5-10 paise
Consultancy for setting up new units @Rs.1,000/- per unit and say 10 units per year comes to Rs.10,000/-.
It is advised that the same unit will also construct models of simple, alternate methods of compost making to serve as demonstration to the local farmers. One of the simple method is NADEP compost process. Two NADEP tanks of size 10x6x3 feet will be constructed at a suitable location. In addition any other simpler low cost methods also may be installed inconsultation with research institutions/Universities and give wide publicity to popularise the sustainable practices for wider adoption.

Annexure-1

Estimate for construction of temporary shed for setting up 200 TPA vermicompost unit

(Size 8 m x 15m x 5.4 m)

Sl.No.	Particulars	Quantity	Rate (Rs.)	Amount (Rs.)
1	Wooden ballies (3 m long)	472	25	7800
2	Wooden ballies (3.6 m long)	48	30	1440
3	Bamboos (3 m long)	800	15	12000
4	Bamboos (6 m long)	240	20	4800
5	Bamboo mats for covering the roof	720	25	18000
6	Coir rope 6 mm dia	200 kg	15	3000
7	Binding wire for tying bamboos & mats	100 kg	25	2500
8	Labour charges for erection of sheds	LS		20000
9	Miscellaneous			2460
	Total			72000

Annexure-II

200 TPA vermi-compost unit - Implements and machinery

Sl.No.	Particulars of item	Amount (Rs.)
1	Shovels, spades, crowbars, iron baskets,	2800
	dung fork, buckets, bamboo baskets,
	trowel, wire mesh sieves (3 mm and 6 mm)
2	Plumbing and fitting tools	1000
3	Power operated shredder	20000
4	Sieving maching with 3 wire mesh sieves	35000
	0.6 m x 0.9 m size - power operated with out motor
5	Weighing scale (100 kg capacity)	1500
6	Weighing machine (platform type)	5000
7	Bag closer	3000
8	Empty barrels (200 L capacity) 4 Nos.	1600
9	Culture trays (plastic) (35 cmx 45 cm) - 4 Nos	200
10	Wheel barrows - 2 Nos.	10000
	Total	80100
		Say 80000

Annexure-III

Total operational cost for one cycle of 75 days

Bed volume 330 m3 Recovery percent: 30%

Sl.No.	Particulars	Unit	Rate	Amount (Rs.)
1	Agricultural waster @ 320 kg per m3	105.6 ton	100	10560
2	Cow dung @ 80 kg/m3	26.4 ton	150	3960
3	Worms @ 350 per m3 500 worms per kg	231 kg	50	11550
4	Formation of vermibed with agro-waste, cow dung and worms	330 m3	46	15180
5	Harvesting, sieving, packing, etc., including cost of bags	40 ton	0.45	18000
6	Electrical charges for pump, machinery, lighting etc.	-	-	4800
7	Repair and maintenance	-	-	7950
	Total			72000
	Cost for 5 cycles			360000
	Rent on lease @Rs 8000/year			8000
	Total operating cost			368000

Annexure-IV

200 TPA vermi-composting unit - Costs and Benefits

		Years
		I	II onwards
1	Costs
a)	Investment costs
i)	Open sheds with bamboo mat roofing	72000	-
	over bamboo frame work supported
	by wooden ballies
ii)	Machinery and tools	80000	-
iii)	Office-cum-store	60000	-
iv)	Water source	60000
v)	2 NADEP tanks	5000
	*Total*	*277000*
b)	Operational cost	360000	360000
	For 5 cycles in a year @ Rs. 72,000 per cycle of 75 days
	Lease rent	8000	8000
	*Total*	*368000*	*368000*
2	Benefits
a)	Sale of vermicompost of 200 tonnes	300000	450000
	@ Rs.2500/- per ton (60% in first year and 90% from 2nd year onwards)
b)	Sale of worms @ 5 kg per tonne of compost and Rs. 50 per kg	-	45000
c)	Consultancy & ext. services	-	10000
	*Total*	*300000*	505000
	Net Benefit	79200*	137000

* Operational cost for two cycles is capitalized in the first year

Annexure-V

200 TPA vermicomposting unit - Financial Analysis

		(Rs. in lakhs)
	Particulars	Years
		I	II to IX
1	COSTS
A	Capital Cost
i)	Buildings	1.32	-
ii)	Machinery / tools	0.8	-
iii)	Water supply system	0.6	-
iv)	NADEP tanks	0.05	-
B	Operational cost	3.68	3.68
	Total Cost	6.45	3.68
2	BENEFITS
i)	Sale of vermicompost	3.00	4.50
ii)	Sale of worms		0.45
iii)	Consultancy and extension services		0.10
	Total benefit	3.000	5.05
3	Net benefit	*0.792	1.37
	Discounting Rate 15%
	NPV	2.35
	IRR	36%
	NPV of benefits	22.31
	NPV of costs	19.97
	BCR	1.12

Annexure-VI

Repayment schedule

Outlay- Rs.4.242 lakh*

Bank loan -Rs. 3.394 lakh

Interest (%)- 15

			Repayment
Year	Loan Outstanding	Net Income	Principal	Interest	Total outgoing	Net Surplus

1	339400	79200

-		50910	50910	28290
2	339400	137000	31000	50910	81910	55090
3	308400	137000	36000	46260	82260	54740
4	272400	137000	41000	40860	81860	55140
5	231400	137000	47000	34710	81710	55290
6	184400	137000	54000	27660	81660	55340
7	130400	137000	62000	19560	81560	55440
8	68400	137000	68400	9510	77910	59090

* including capitalization of operational cost for 2 cycles (Rs.1,47,200/-)

source:http://planning.up.nic.in/innovations/inno3/ld/vermi.htm

Composting

2009-03-17T06:41:00.001-07:00

Composting

Organic matter constitutes 35%–40% of the municipal solid waste generated in India. This waste can be recycled by the method of composting, one of the oldest forms of disposal. It is the natural process of decomposition of organic waste that yields manure or compost, which is very rich in nutrients. Composting is a biological process in which micro-organisms, mainly fungi and bacteria, convert degradable organic waste into humus like substance. This finished product, which looks like soil, is high in carbon and nitrogen and is an excellent medium for growing plants. The process of composting ensures the waste that is produced in the kitchens is not carelessly thrown and left to rot. It recycles the nutrients and returns them to the soil as nutrients. Apart from being clean, cheap, and safe, composting can significantly reduce the amount of disposable garbage. The organic fertilizer can be used instead of chemical fertilizers and is better specially when used for vegetables. It increases the soil's ability to hold water and makes the soil easier to cultivate. It helped the soil retain more of the plant nutrients.

Composting: some benefits

Compost allows the soil to retain more plant nutrients over a longer period.

It supplies part of the 16 essential elements needed by the plants.
It helps reduce the adverse effects of excessive alkalinity, acidity, or the excessive use of chemical fertilizer.
It makes soil easier to cultivate.
It helps keep the soil cool in summer and warm in winter.
It aids in preventing soil erosion by keeping the soil covered.
It helps in controlling the growth of weeds in the garden.

Vermi-composting has become very popular in the last few years. In this method, worms are added to the compost. These help to break the waste and the added excreta of the worms makes the compost very rich in nutrients. In the activity section of this web site you can learn how to make a compost pit or a vermi-compost pit in your school or in the garden at home.

To make a compost pit, you have to select a cool, shaded corner of the garden or the school compound and dig a pit, which ideally should be 3 feet deep. This depth is convenient for aerobic composting as the compost has to be turned at regular intervals in this process. Preferably the pit should be lined with granite or brick to prevent nitrite pollution of the subsoil water, which is known to be highly toxic. Each time organic matter is added to the pit it should be covered with a layer of dried leaves or a thin layer of soil which allows air to enter the pit thereby preventing bad odour. At the end of 45 days, the rich pure organic matter is ready to be used.

In-vessel composting

2009-03-16T07:11:00.001-07:00

In-vessel composting is an industrial form of composting biodegradable waste that occurs in enclosed reactors. These generally consist of metal tanks or concrete bunkers in which air flow and temperature can be controlled, using the principles of a "bioreactor". Generally the air circulation is metered in via buried tubes that allow fresh air to be injected under pressure, with the exhaust being extracted through a biofilter, with temperature and moisture conditions monitered using probes in the mass to allow maintainence of optimum aerobic decomposition conditions.

This technique i

This technique is generally used for municipal scale organic waste processing, including final treatment of sewage biosolids, to a safe stable state for reclamation as a soil amendment. In-vessel composting can also refer to aerated static pile composting with the addition of removable covers that enclose the piles, as with the system in extensive use by farmer groups in Thailand, supported by the National Science and Technology Development Agency there.^[1]

Offensive odors are caused by putrefaction (anaerobic decomposition) of nitrogenous animal and vegetable matter gassing off as ammonia. This is controlled with a higher carbon to nitrogen ratio, or increased aeration by ventilation, and use of a coarser grade of carbon material to allow better air circulation. Prevention and capture of any gases naturally occuring (volatile organic compounds) during the hot aerobic composting involved is the objective of the biofilter, and as the filtering material saturates over time, it can be used in the composting process and replaced with fresh material.

s generally used for municipal scale organic waste processing, including final treatment of sewage biosolids, to a safe stable state for reclamation as a soil amendment. In-vessel composting can also refer to aerated static pile composting with the addition of removable covers that enclose the piles, as with the system in extensive use by farmer groups in Thailand, supported by the National Science and Technology Development Agency there.^[1]

source:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In-vessel_composting

Trash Yields A Super Highway Asphalt

2009-03-14T21:40:00.000-07:00

Discarded electronic hardware, including bits and pieces that built the information superhighway, can be recycled into an additive that makes super-strong asphalt paving material for real highways, researchers in China are reporting in a new study. They describe development of a new recycling process that can convert discarded electronic circuit boards into an asphalt "modifier."

The material makes high-performance paving material asphalt that is cheaper, longer lasting, and more environmentally friendly than conventional asphalt, the scientists report.

In the new study, Zhenming Xu and colleagues note that millions of tons of electronic waste (e-waste) pile up each year. The printed circuit boards used in personal computers, cell phones, and other electronic gear, contain toxic metals such as lead and mercury and pose a difficult disposal problem. The boards also are difficult to recycle. Xu's group, however, realized that the boards, which provide mechanical support and connections for transistors and other electronic components, contain glass fibers and plastic resins that could strengthen asphalt paving.

The scientists describe a new recycling method that quickly separates toxic metals from circuit boards, yielding a fine, metal-free powder. When mixed into asphalt in laboratory tests, the powder produced a stronger paving material less apt to soften at high temperatures, the researchers say.

SOURCE: American Chemical Society

http://www.solidwaste.com/article.mvc/Information-Superhighways-Trash-Yields-0001?VNETCOOKIE=NO

Vermicomposting: Technical Options

2009-03-14T05:55:00.001-07:00

Bed System

The bed system holds the disadvantage that each bed takes up a considerable area of ground in relation to the relatively small amount of waste processed.

In fact, a single layer bed vermicomposting system would take up to six times the land area when compared with windrow composting and, because of this, stacking systems are being used. In stacked systems, containers filled with waste and earthworms are stacked on top of each other to make efficient use of space.

In some stacking system these are optimised to help separate out earthworms according to age by using containers with mesh bases, which are periodically stacked one on top of each other allowing earthworms to migrate upwards into the new containers filled with fresh waste. After several months, mature earthworms are harvested in high densities from the top container while young earthworms and cocoons can be found at lower levels.

'Automated Reactor' Systems

'Automated reactor' systems allow waste to be fed from a gantry above the reactors while finished vermicompost is collected from the base using breaker bars. The idea behind this system is that the earthworms will always move upwards into the thin layers of fresh waste leaving behind vermicompost, which is then automatically removed from the reactor by an agitated scraper bar continuously running along the bottom mesh.

In India, although smaller-scale reactor systems are now being marketed, most vermicomposting systems would appear to be based on either outdoor windrows or shallow covered beds.

Beds are usually made from wood or railway sleepers with a water-permeable liner membrane to contain the earthworms and waste.

The beds are shallow to minimise compaction (usually no more than about half a metre high).

While ensuring aerobic conditions is essential, great care must always be taken to seal the top surface of the beds in order to prevent earthworms from escaping.

Conclusion
Simple outdoor bed systems are relatively cheap to make and can occupy areas of many hundreds of square metres. However, the large outdoor areas required need constant attention and feeding, and also attract pests which can can pose extensive management problems.

Vermicomposting systems can also be used for processing waste types, such as sewage treatment works and food waste sludge cake .

Starter kits are readily available for setting up vermicomposting/vermiculture systems.

Starting new vermicomposting sites will usually involve an initial intensive earthworm breeding phase, carried out initially indoors in boxes or trays, combined with outdoor beds for the larger worms when they get older, where earthworms are grown to maturity producing vermicompost during the process.

source:http://www.compost-india.com/html/vermicomposting__technical_opt.html

80 ways to celebrate world environment day

2009-03-14T05:43:00.001-07:00

NEW DELHI: Let's get together and celebrate this World Environment Day to reduce carbon emissions. Here are 80 ways to celebrate the Day.

A
Adopt 'green' way of life
Art made of recycled materials
Auctions to benefit an environmental project
Award presentations for environmental competitions
Awareness campaigns

B
Bicycle parades/races
Broadcast of public service announcements (TV and Radio)
Buy a fuel-efficient car

C
Calculate your carbon footprint
Carpools
Celebrity support
Clean-up campaigns
Competitions (banner, drawing, essay, painting, poster, poetry)
Conferences on the environment

D
Debates on environment issues
Dedicate your blog to World Environment Day on 5 June
Distribute leaflets, brochures and posters
Donate to an environmental cause

E
Environmental education programmes in schools
Excursions to nature sites
Exhibitions (drawings, posters, photos, paintings)

F
Fairs
Festivals
Film festivals on the environment

G
Give a gift membership of an environmental organisation
Guidelines to community-based environmental activities

H
Hoist banners at major road intersections
Help local environmental groups organise WED events

I
Inform all your friends about WED
Involve various partners (NGOs, ministries, youth groups, celebrities, private sector)
Issue First Day Covers (stamps)

J
Join an environmental group
Join UNEP's carbon neutral network
Join the Billion Tree Campaign

K
Keep your neighbourhood clean
Kick-start an environmental campaign
Kick the CO2 habit!
Know your rights

L
Launch of government environment policies, books, reports
Lobby local authorities to adopt sound environmental policies

M
March for the environment
Media coverage and activities

N
Never litter

O
Offset your emissions
Organic farming/cooking
Organize a WED themed event in your neighbourhood

P
Parades
Performances (plays, songs, poetry)
Plant a tree
Plastic bags: avoid them!
Promotional material (t-shirts, stickers, bookmarks)
Puppet shows for children with an environmental message

Q
Quizzes related to the theme for schools, youth groups, company staff, etc...

R
Rainwater harvesting
Rallies
Ratify international environmental conventions
Reduce, re-use, recycle
Rehabilitate natural habitats
Replace your light-bulbs with energy saving ones

S
Save paper
Seminars
Sort rubbish
Speeches
Sponsorship from private sector
Sports activities
Switch off stand-by TV and computer

T
Take action
T-shirts for WED

U
Use sustainable modes of transportation (walking, jogging, cycling, skating, carpool)

V
Vehicle emission monitoring
Vermicomposting
Visits to botanical gardens and national parks
Volunteer for organizations such as Clean Up the World

W
Waste less!
Workshops
Write plays, poems, songs
Write to civic leaders, members of parliament, government and newspapers

X
Xchange ideas
Xpect environmental responsibility

Y
Youth-led activities

Z
Zero emissions

Source: United Nations Environment Programme

about trommel

2009-03-14T05:37:00.001-07:00

trommel (from the Dutch word for drum, "trommel") is a screened cylinder used to separate materials by size - for example, separating the biodegradable fraction of mixed municipal waste or separating different sizes of crushed stone.

Portable trommels (also called portable trommel screens) are often used in the production of organic products from various types of waste.

For example, excavation contractors may screen their site debris into two fractions; a saleable topsoil for farms, nurseries and site-work, as well as cleaned rock for aggregates or landscaping work. This allows the contractor to resell their waste, instead of incurring the cost of sending it for disposal.

The same principal applies to the production of compost, sand/gravel, lumber mill by-products and municipal waste.

source:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trommel

Some Don’ts…in vermicomposting

2009-03-12T23:16:00.001-07:00

Don't put plastic bags, bottle caps, rubber bands, sponges, aluminum foil and glass in the bin. These materials will be there for ever and make your worm box/bin look like trash.

Don't let your cat use your worm box/bin as a litter box. First, cat urine will soon make the odor intolerable. Secondly, the ammonia in the urine could kill your worms. There is also a concern with toxoplasmosis, a disease that is of particular concern to a pregnant woman who may pass on the disease to her unborn child. If you have cats, provide a screen or other device to keep them from using the worm box/bin as a litter box.

Don't use insecticides around your worm box/bin. You will not only take care of a few pests but also your worms.

Don't use garden soil as bedding for the worms.

Don't mix fresh cow, horse and especially chicken manure into your bedding. These manures will heat up the bedding and literally cook your worms.

source:http://agriculture.gov.bb/default.asp?V_DOC_ID=1331

vermi bin

2009-03-12T23:12:00.001-07:00

Municipal solid waste (MSW),

2009-03-12T22:37:00.001-07:00

Municipal solid waste (MSW), also called urban solid waste, is a waste type that includes predominantly household waste (domestic waste) with sometimes the addition of commercial wastes collected by a municipality within a given area. They are in either solid or semisolid form and generally exclude industrial hazardous wastes. The term residual waste relates to waste left from household sources containing materials that have not been separated out or sent for reprocessing ^[1].

There are five broad categories of MSW:

Biodegradable waste: food and kitchen waste, green waste, paper (can also be recycled).
Recyclable material: paper, glass, bottles, cans, metals, certain plastics, etc.
Inert waste: construction and demolition waste, dirt, rocks, debris.
Composite wastes: waste clothing, Tetra Paks, waste plastics such as toys.
Domestic hazardous waste (also called "household hazardous waste") & toxic waste: medication, e-waste, paints, chemicals, light bulbs, fluorescent tubes, spray cans, fertilizer and pesticide containers, batteries, shoe polish.

The functional elements of Municipal Solid waste are as follows:
1) Waste generation:
Waste generation encompasses activities in which materials are identified as no longer being of value and are either thrown away or gathered together for disposal.

2) Waste handling and separation, storage and processing at the source:
Waste handling and separation involves the activities associated with management of waste until they are placed in storage container for collection. Handling also encompasses the movement of loaded containers to the point of collection. Separation of waste components is an important step in the handling and storage of solid waste at the source.

3) Collection:
The functional element of collection includes not only the gathering of solid waste and recyclable materials, but also the transport of these materials, after collection, to the location where the collection vehicle is emptied. This location may be a materials processing facility, a transfer station or a landfill disposal site.

4) Separation and processing and transformation of solid wastes:
The types of means and facilities that are now used for the recovery of waste materials that have been separated at the source include curbside collection, drop off and buy back centers. The separation and processing of wastes that have been separated at the source and the separation of commingled wastes usually occur at a materials recovery facility, transfer stations, combustion facilities and disposal sites.

5) Transfer and transport:
This element involves two steps:
i)the transfer of wastes from the smaller collection vehicle to the larger transport equipment
ii)the subsequent transport of the wastes, usually over long distances, to a processing or disposal site.

6) Disposal:
Today the disposal of wastes by landfilling or landspreading is the ultimate fate of all solid wastes, whether they are residential wastes collected and transported directly to a landfill site, residual materials from materials recovery facilities (MRFs), residue from the combustion of solid waste, compost or other substances from various solid waste processing facilities. A modern sanitary land is not a dump; it is an engineered facility used for disposing of solid wastes on land without creating nuisances or hazards to public health or safety, such as the breeding of rats and insects and the contamination of ground water.

Municipal solid waste management through vermicomposting employing exotic and local species of earthworms.

2009-03-12T08:59:00.001-07:00

A comparative study was conducted between exotic and local (epigeic--Eisenia fetida and anaecic--Lempito mauritii, respectively) species of earthworms for the evaluation of their efficacy in vermicomposting of municipal solid waste (MSW). Vermicomposting of MSW for 42 days resulted in significant difference between the two species in their performance measured as loss in total organic carbon, carbon-nitrogen ratio (C:N) and increase in total Kjeldahl nitrogen, electrical conductivity and total potassium and weight loss of MSW. The change in pH and increase in number of earthworms and cocoons and weight of earthworms were non-significant.

Mass reduction and recovery of nutrients through vermicomposting of fly ash

2009-03-12T08:39:00.001-07:00

In view of the environmental problems generated by large-scale production of fly ash, increasing attention is now being paid to the recycling of fly ash as a good source of nutrients. Because
availability of many nutrients is very low in fly ash, available ranges of such nutrients must be improved to increase the effectiveness of fly ash as a soil amendment. In our experiment, we assessed the possibility of increasing total nitrogen, total phosphorus, total potassium and micronutrients in fly ash through
vermicomposting. Fly ash was mixed with cow dung at 1:3, 1:1, and 3:1 ratios and incubated with Eudrilus eugeniae for 60 days. The concentration of above said macro and micronutrient was found to increase in the earthworm-treated series of fly ash and cow dung combinations compared with the fly ash alone. This helped to transform considerable amounts of total nitrogen, total phosphorus, total potassium and micronutrients from fly ash into more soluble forms and thus resulted in increased bioavailability of the nutrients in the vermicomposted series.

source:http://www.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/content/mass-reduction-and-recovery-nutrients-through-vermicomposting-fly-ash

home composting bin

2009-03-11T11:20:00.000-07:00

home composting bin

THRUST AREAS OF VERMI CULTURE

2009-03-11T10:36:00.000-07:00

Biotechnology is a process in which we produce some things with the help of biological process and specially work with living organisms or in other words we can say that it involves large scale application of bio-systems for economic and efficient bio-processing of material to produce value added bio-products.

Cultivation of a biological material or its propagation in a substrate under semi natural condition is known as culture. Verms, a Greek word stands for any cylindrical elongated limbless animal, which has the general tendency to crawl or burrow. In this context verms/vermi refer to earthworms and vermiculture is propagation of earthworms producing a byproduct called vermicompost and this process of producing vermicompost is called vermicomposting.

Thus vermiculture biotechnology helps in bioconversion of substance from one form to another through a biological process

THRUST AREAS

-Soild Waste Management using vermiculture
-Community based environmental moniotoring programmes
-Mass awareness and information dissemination
-Devloping and promoting conceptual products
-Encourage farmers for organic farming practice and supply vermicompost as rich manure.

SETTING UP OF A VERMIWASH UNIT

2009-03-11T07:08:00.000-07:00

SETTING UP OF A VERMIWASH UNIT
Vermiwash units can be set up either in barrels or in buckets or even in small earthen pots. It is the principle that is important. The procedure explained here is for setting up of a 250 litre barrel.

An empty barrel with one side open is taken. On the other side, a hole is made to accommodate the vertical limb of a 'T' jointed tube in a way that about half to one inch of the tube projects into the barrel. To one end of the horizontal limb is attached a tap. The other end is kept closed. This serves as an emergency opening to clean the 'T' jointed tube if it gets clogged. The entire unit is set up on a short pedestal made of few bricks to facilitate easy collection of vermiwash.

Keeping the tap open, a 25 cm layer of broken bricks or pebbles is placed. A 25 cm layer of coarse sand then follows the layer of bricks. Water is then made to flow through these layers to enable the setting up of the basic filter unit. On top of this layer is placed a 30 to 45 cm layer of loamy soil. It is moistened and into this are introduced about 50 numbers each of the surface (epigeic) and sub-surface (anecic) earthworms. Cattle dung pats and hay is placed on top of the soil layer and gently moistened. The tap is kept open for the next 15 days. Water is added every day to keep the unit moist.

On the 16th day, the tap is closed and on top of the unit a metal container or mud pot perforated at the base as a sprinkler is suspended. 5 litres of water (the volume of water taken in this container is one fiftieth of the size of the main container) is poured into this container and allowed to gradually sprinkle on the barrel overnight. This water percolates through the compost, the burrows of the earthworms and gets collected at the base. The tap of the unit is opened the next day morning and the vermiwash is collected. The tap is then closed and the suspended pot is refilled with 5 litres of water that evening to be collected again the following morning. Dung pats and hay may be replaced periodically based on need. The entire set up may be emptied and reset between 10 and 12 months of use.

Vermiwash is diluted with water (10%) before spraying. This has been found to be very effective on several plants. If need be vermiwash may be mixed with cow's urine and diluted (1 litre of vermiwash, 1 litre of cow's urine and 8 litres of water) and sprayed on plants to function as an effecting foliar spray and pesticide.

VERMIWASH ANALYSIS REPORT

pH 7.48 ± 0.03
Electro conductivity dS/m 0.25 ± 0.03
Organic Carbon % 0.008 ± 0.001
Total Kjeldhal Nitrogen % 0.01±0.005
Available Phosphate % 1.69 ± 0.05
Potassium (ppm) 25 ± 2
Sodium (ppm) 8 ± 1
Calcium (ppm) 3 ± 1
Copper (ppm) 0.01 ± 0.001
Ferrous (ppm) 0.06 ± 0.001
Magnesium (ppm) 158.44 ± 23.42
Manganese (ppm) 0.58 ± 0.040
Zinc (ppm) 0.02 ± 0.001
Total Heterotrophs (CFU/ml) 1.79 x 103
Nitrosomonas (CFU/ml) 1.01 x 103
Nitrobacter (CFU/ml) 1.12 x 103
Total Fungi (CFU/ml) 1.46 x 103

life cycle

2009-03-09T22:02:00.000-07:00

Earthworms
Earthworms live everywhere in the world where there is soil.
Earthworms eat as they burrow through the soil
Earthworms do not have teeth
Earthworms help make the soil healthy
Earthworms lay eggs

Species
There are about 2 700 species (different kinds) of earthworms around the world.

Earthworm bodies
Earthworms are invertebrates, which means they don't have backbones.
Their soft bodies can be brown, pink or even red.

Did you know? In the Philippines there are blue earthworms and one kind in the United Kingdom is green!

Earthworms have a brain, 5 hearts and parts inside their bodies which help them to breathe. The earthworm's body is covered with chemoreceptors (say kee-mow-ree-sep-tuz) which is how the worm tastes things. Chemoreceptors are tiny sense organs which detect chemicals in the soil.

Earthworm sizes
The smallest earthworms are about 1 centimetre long and the largest can be 4 metres long. One of the largest earthworms is the Giant Gippsland Earthworm, found in one part of Australia. There are large earthworms in South Africa too.

Earthworm Life Cycle
Earthworms are hermaphrodites (say her-maff-row-die-ts). This means that each earthworm has male parts that produce sperm and female parts that produce eggs. All earthworms lay eggs.

When two earthworms mate, they lie together, and cover themselves in sticky mucus, and pass sperm into each other's body. The sperm makes the eggs inside each earthworm's body grow.

A thick ring of slime forms around each worm's body and as the earthworm wriggles forward, the ring with eggs inside it slips off and is left on the ground. The ring closes at both ends and becomes a hard cocoon that protects the eggs.

The eggs hatch after two weeks if the weather is warm, but they can take up to three months to hatch when it is cold. Usually one or two earthworms hatch out of each egg. The young worms are about 12 millimetres long and light pink in colour. Earthworms are able to mate when they are twelve months old.

How earthworms help soil and plants
Earthworms dig large burrows which let water and air into the soil. This helps stop erosion and lets the water and air get down to the roots of plants. The burrows also helps plant roots to move more easily through the soil and into new spaces. Worms drag leaves and plant bits down into the earth. As they burrow, the worms swallow soil and eat the plant matter that is in it. The soil they swallow passes though the worm's body and is left in little piles on top of the ground. This is called castings and is excellent fertiliser (food for plants). People who farm worms do it to collect the castings to sell to gardeners.

export of joharice

2009-03-09T21:54:00.000-07:00

Joha rice heads for European markets
By A Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, May 4 – In what is expected to be a big boost for the State’s farming sector, the first consignment of organic joha rice, meant for export to Germany, Switzerland and the UK, left for Delhi today. The paddy, known for its aroma, was processed at the state-of-the art unit at Amingaon, North Guwahati.

“For marketing of this organic paddy, Agriculture Products Exports Development Agency (APEDA) had invited organic exporters, and Sunstar Overseas Limited of Haryana showed interest to by the produce. The joha will be exported to Germany, Switzerland and the UK,” sources in the Agriculture Department told The Assam Tribune.

The pilot project of organic paddy cultivation was initiated by the Agriculture Department in Darrang (Udalguri), Sonitpur and North Lakhimpur districts over 91 hectares of land with the involvement of 154 farmers. “The farmers and departmental officials were given exposure to organic farming practices in Uttaranchal with support of the APEDA,” the sources said.

Formally flagging off the 17.5-MT consignment at Amingaon today, State Agriculture Minister Pramila Rani Brahma said that organic cultivation of potato and onion would be started soon in Bongaigaon district. “We want to give a boost opt the organic farming sector,” she said.

Brahma said that a terminal market would also be set up in Guwahati soon. “We have got the green signal from the Centre for the venture, and are looking for a suitable plot of minimum 150 bighas,” Brahma said.

The State produced 60 MT of organic produce this year (2006), as against 133 MT of last year. The decrease is due to the drought in 2006.

Organic farming, of late, has been boosted by the growing health consciousness and a concern for protecting the environment. Organic farming is a self-sustaining agricultural practice that does not involve chemical fertilizers and pesticides. The Government of India had launched the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) in 2000, which is being implemented by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry for export under the FTDR Act.

The total area under organic management worldwide is 26 million hectares and there has been a ten per cent increase to it every year. In India, the area under certified organic farming is 2.5 million hectares, which produces over 3,77,859 MT certified products. The major products are tea, honey, rice, spices, walnut, sesame seeds and pineapple.

suggested food for worms

2009-03-09T08:54:00.000-07:00

THE FOOD
Worms like a vegetarian diet. They will eat any vegetable or fruit waste. Do not include any meat, egg or dairy products (slow decomposition, odor problems) or foods high in oils, fats, salts, or vinegar. Citrus rinds can be added but with equal portions of green leafy scraps in order to keep the pH level balanced in the bin.
Suggested diet:
fruit & vegetable scraps & peels
coffee grounds (filter paper included)
tea bags
crushed egg shells
pasta & rice
bread & cereal
house plant clippings & dead flowers
shredded paper - paper towels, napkins

INDOOR COMPOSTING

2009-03-09T08:51:00.000-07:00

Step 1
Obtain bin and order worms.

step 2
Fill the bin with bedding. The worms need a home that contains about 75% moisture: add 3 pints of water to every 1 pound of bedding. Continue to add bedding and water until you have about 5 to 7 inches of wet, but fluffed up, bedding. The bedding should be as damp as a moist sponge that if squeezed very hard would give a drop or two of water. Let the prepared bedding sit for 1 to 2 hours before adding the worms so that the water will reach room temperature.

step 3
Spread the worms over the top of the bedding. The worms don't like light, so they will move down into the bedding. Leave the lid off and a light on overnight so the worms can become accustomed to their new home.

step 4
Place your worm bin in a convenient, but somewhat out of the way spot, such as a basement, a mudroom, or under the kitchen sink. Redworms do well in temperatures between 50 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit Garages, unheated out-buildings, and the outdoors can be used seasonally in New England locations.

step 5
A day or two after the worms have been in their bedding, begin feeding them by burying food waste that decays relatively quickly, e.g. banana peels spaghetti noodles. Bury the food in the bedding every few days but at least once a week. Dig a hole in the bedding, place the food, and cover it with bedding. Pick a new spot each time you feed them. If the bedding dries out, mist it with water from a spray bottle.

step 6
Within four to six months, most of the bedding and the food wastes will have been converted into a finished compost product (vermicompost), which is uniformly dark and soil like. At this point, harvest the vermicompost and provide the worms with fresh bedding. To separate the worms from the compost you can Move all of the finished compost to one side of the bin, and then add fresh bedding to the empty side. Begin feeding the worms in the fresh bedding, and within a month most of them will have moved over to the clean side. Now you can remove the finished compost and replace it with fresh bedding. or Dump your finished compost into a pile, shaped like a pyramid, and place a bright light over it. The worms, repelled by light, will move down into the compost leaving the top layer worm-free. You can remove the compost from the top of the pile and repeat the process until you have nothing but worms and a little compost left in your original pile. Place the worms in fresh bedding.

Organic Pest Control and Pesticide

2009-03-09T07:50:00.000-07:00

Are you interested in "Do it yourself" pest control? Here are some homemade natural pesticide, insecticide, insect repellant, organic pesticide, biocide and fungicide recipes. Organic pest control and pest management techniques are covered, along with several ways to kill powdery mildew on plants.

Repel everything from insects to rabbits, kill mold, fungus or mildew, and exterminate pests... all with natural or organic pesticide alternatives to chemical pesticides.

Garlic for organic gardening pest control, natural pesticide and insect repellant
Garlic pesticide spray

Soak 3 to 4 ounces of chopped garlic bulbs in 2 tablespoons of mineral oil for one day. Dissolve 1 tsp of fish emulsion in a pint of water and add it to your solution. Stir. Strain liquid and store in a glass container - not metal! Dilute 1 part solution to every 20 parts of water. Kills aphids, mosquitoes, and onion flies.

Garlic pest control and insect repellant

1. If you plant garlic with tomatoes, it will keep away red spider mites.

2. If you plant garlic around fruit trees, it will repel borers.

3. Spray garlic pesticide on sweet potatoes to repel rabbits.

4. Spray ponds with garlic-based oil to kill mosquitoes.

An insect repellent spray made of tomato leaves
Add four or five pints of water and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to tomato leaves crushed in your vegetable juicer. Strain it. Keep the unused spray refrigerated. Works good on roses too.

Popular Botanical Pesticides
Neem
Rotenone
Pyrethrin
Sabadilla
Control Gardening Pest With Insecticidal Soap
Has value against flea beetles, aphids, mealybugs, spider mites, thrips, and whiteflies, sometimes caterpillars and leafhoppers. Combined with Rotenone, it is more effective. Insecticidal soap works only on direct contact; spray it right on the target. Combined with horticultural or botanical oils, insecticidal soap manages powdery mildew.

Onion and Mint as bug repellant
Onion and mint are natural flea-beetle repellants.

Pyola™ most likely contains GMO canola oil
A natural insecticide product, Pyola™ combines canola oil with pyrethrins. It's effective on beetles, squash bugs, and aphids. Most USA canola oil comes from genetically engineered canola, so organic vegetable growers should check before using.

Use caution with broad sprectrum pesticides
As much as possible, target pests directly to avoid killing beneficial insects.

Milk as a fungicide?
An article in New Scientist (10/16/99) related that spraying diluted milk on cucumbers and zucchini killed powdery mildew.

Boric Acid: Natural Insecticide, Biocide, Fungicide to Control Gardening Pest

Kills ants, roaches, fleas, ticks, grasshoppers, termites and more! A biocide/fungicide, it kills mold and fungus (also stops body fungus diseases.) Read about its many uses

Read more: "Organic Pest Control and Pesticide: Do it yourself pest control and homemade organic pesticide, natural" - http://vegetablegardens.suite101.com/article.cfm/organic_pest_control_and_pesticide#ixzz09GhDwvRr

Vermicomposting methods

2009-03-09T07:40:00.000-07:00

The most widely used vermicomposting system, worldwide, is the 'bed' method, which involves applying thin layers of sanitised and partially matured compost, to the surface of beds containing high densities of earthworms.

New layers of waste are applied to beds on a regular basis and the earthworms move upwards into the fresh waste to feed and to process the material.

Earthworm numbers increase as more waste is applied until a limiting density is reached. The earthworms are then harvested or the beds are divided. Harvesting earthworms by hand can be a very time consuming business and although in principle trommel screens would be suitable, these are seldom used.

The top 100 mm to 150 mm of the compost bed soil is removed regularly and is the worm compost sold.

How long does it take to make mature vermicompost?
It is difficult to compare directly composting with vermicomposting in terms of the time taken to produce stable and mature composted products.

With vermicomposting, particles of waste spend only a few hours inside the earthworm's gut and most of the decomposition is actually carried out by micro-organisms, either before or after passing through the earthworm. Hence, earthworms accelerate waste decomposition rather than being the direct agent.

With windrow composting, it usually takes at least six to twelve weeks to produce a stable compost, and research suggests that vermicomposting takes about the same length of time.

However, processing rates will depend on many factors such as the system being used, the nature of the wastes and the ratio of earthworms to waste.

TECHNIQUES

2009-03-05T12:36:00.001-08:00

VERMI-COMPOST

There is a growing realisation that vermi-composting provides the nutrients and growth enhancing hormones
necessary for plant growth. The fruits, flowers and vegetables and other plant products grown using vermi-
compost are reported to have better keeping quality. A growing number of individuals and institutions are
taking interest in the production of compost utilising earthworm activity. As the cost of production of this
compost works out to about Rs.1.5 per kg, it is quite profitable to sell the compost even at Rs.2.50 per kg.
Other organic manures like neem cake, groundnut cake, etc., are sold around this price.
The process of composting MSW using earthworms comprise spreading the wastes and cow dung in layers
as 1.5 m wide and 0.9 m high beds of required length. Earthworms are introduced in between the layers @ 1
Kg worms per m3 of bed volume. The beds are maintained at about 40 - 50% moisture content and a
temperature of 20 - 30 deg C by sprinkling water over the beds. The earthworms being voracious eaters
consume the biodegradable matter and give out a part of the matter as excreta or vermi-castings. The vermi-
casting containing nutrients is rich manure for the plants.
When the commercial scale production is aimed at in addition to the cost of production, considerable
amount has to be invested initially on capital items. The capital cost may work out to about Rs. 10 Lakh for a
1.5 tonne per day facility. The high capital cost is due to the fact that large units require considerable
expenditure on infrastructure, equipment and transport. However, the activity produces a valuable product
which will enhance the productivity of the soil. Following are the items required to be considered while
setting up a unit for production of vermi-compost.

TECHNIQUES

2009-03-05T12:36:00.000-08:00

SOLD वास्त MANAGEMENT

2009-03-05T12:23:00.001-08:00

VERMI-COMPOSTING

The best method for processing of municipal solid waste (MSW) in small towns and villages is vermi-
composting. It is also recommended by the ministry of urban development, government of India as a mode
of processing MSW.

Vermi-composting is easy to practise, is ecologically safe and economically sound.

Vermi-compost is the degraded organic matter (cast or excreta) by worm activity, and the process of
converting organic fraction of the MSW into vermi-compost through the action of epigeic earthworms’
species is called vermi-composting.

To address this problem of waste management and disposal in small towns E-TECH has introduced a low
cost solution for converting the MSW into Vermi-Compost. The conversion of solid waste into vermi-compost
provides several advantages to the environment, local community and the municipal authority. These
advantages are:

1. Low cost solution for processing & disposal of MSW in accordance with the MSW Rules 2000.

2. Production of vermi-compost. Vermi-Compost improves the soil fertility, resulting in better agricultural
yield in the region.

3. Saves the land which would otherwise be wasted in dumping the MSW and improves the local
environment.

4. Helps the local body meet its obligation under the Municipal Solid Waste (Management & Handling)
Rules 2000.

SOLD WAST MANAGEMENT

2009-03-05T12:23:00.000-08:00

Harmful Effects of Pesticides

2009-02-06T10:17:00.000-08:00

Because of the growing population, farmers are forced to produce more food in order to support the growing needs of the people. As a result farmers use pesticides, to control pest populations. Instead of discontinuing their uses when the pesticides prove ineffective, they increase the applications or rely upon new and stronger chemicals. Many of these chemicals that are registered lack any testing, which leads to their deadly effects on living organisms. Pesticides, however, could easily be replaced by alternative methods. Although pesticides were thought of as a victory over pest control, research has shown that these chemicals endanger lives, have harmful side effects, and, therefore, need to be banned.

THAT IS WHT WE NEED TO USE VERMICOMPOST.

2009-02-04T08:15:00.000-08:00

what is vermicompost?

2009-02-04T08:02:00.000-08:00

Vermicompost (also called Vcompost, compost, vermicast, worm castings, worm humus or worm manure) is the end-product of the breakdown of organic matter by some species of earthworm. Vermicompost is the best nutrient-rich, organic fertilizer and soil conditioner.[citation needed] The process of producing vermicompost is called vermicomposting.

The earthworm species (or composting worms) most often used are Red Wigglers (Eisenia foetida). These species are commonly found in organic rich soils throughout Europe and North America and especially prefer the special conditions in rotting vegetation, compost and manure piles. Composting worms are available from nursery mail-order suppliers or angling (fishing) shops where they are sold as bait, they can also be collected from compost and manure piles. They are not the same worms that are found in the ground or on your driveway on a rainy day. Small-scale vermicomposting is well-suited to turn kitchen waste into high-quality soil, where space is limited.

Together with bacteria, earthworms are the major catalyst for decomposition in a healthy vermicomposting system, although other soil species also play a contributing role: these include insects, other worms and molds.