Haya: The Saudi Journal of Life Sciences (SJLS)
Volume-4 | Issue-02 | 93-102
Original Research Article
Vermiculture and Vermicomposting: A Boon for Sustainable Agriculture in Fiji Islands
Sachchida Nand Rai
Published : March 31, 2019
Abstract
Vermiculture employ earthworms for decomposition of organic waste for production of organic manure. The importance
of earthworms is known since time immemorial and it is considered natural plough by the farmers. Earthworms are one
of the most important fauna of agro-ecosystems which dominate the biomass of invertebrates in many soils of temperate
and tropical regions of the world. The benefits are now globally realized that earthworms can contribute much to the
management of different pedo-ecosystems. They are useful in land reclamation, soil improvement and organic waste
management in addition to their use as a protein-rich source of animal feed. Earthworms eat and mix large amount of soil
or in burrows, depending upon the species concerned. Their casts contain high concentration of organic material, silt,
clay and cations such as iron, calcium, magnesium and potassium. Earthworms also release nitrogen in to soil in their
casts and urine. Earthworms change the physical characteristics of soil by aerating during rain or irrigation. Earthworms
thus enhance incorporation and decomposition of organic matter, increase soil aggregate, improve porosity and water
infiltration and increase microbial activity. Vermiculture may be a boon for Fiji which is a small Island nation located in
the South Pacific, 3000 km east of Australia and 1930 km south of the equator. It is endowed with excellent climate
which is very much suitable for vermicomposting. The land and climate of Fiji are very good for growing horticultural
crops such as vegetables and fruits. Fiji farmers use imported chemical fertilizers which is costly resulting farming as an
expensive venture. The export market for organically produced crops is increasing worldwide providing excellent
opportunity to the farmers to use organic manure produced locally. To meet the farmers‟ demands of organic manure
there is a vast scope of vermiculture. The availability of plenty amount of plant biomass, number of suitable earthworm
species and excellent tropical climate are in favour of simple vermiculture technology.