Vermiwash is the brown liquid that drains from vermicompost and earthworm beds. It is produced when water is added to a system with a high population of earthworms in vermiculture. As the temperature increases in vermiculture beds, moisture content rises, leading to the formation of vermiwash. Maintaining continuous moisture by sprinkling water regularly is necessary to enhance this process.
Vermiwash contains hormones that promote root growth, strengthen plants, and enhance flowering and fruiting. Additionally, it is rich in enzymes, vitamins, micronutrients, and humic acid, making it a complete organic alternative for farming. It also contains nitrogen-fixing and phosphorus-solubilizing bacteria, which help improve soil quality.
Simple Method for Producing Vermiwash
Vermiwash can be easily collected from vermicompost beds by placing a container at the drainage outlet. However, a continuous and cost-effective vermiwash production system can be developed using the following steps:
- Take a 200-liter oil drum and create a drainage hole at the bottom.
- Place the drum on an elevated platform or support it with bricks or a stand.
- Add about 6 inches of broken bricks at the bottom of the drum.
- Place approximately 5 inches of round stones over the brick layers.
- Add another 5-inch layer of fine chips or sand.
- Cover the sand layer with a jute sack or mesh.
- Spread about 12 inches of cow dung (fermented for one day) over the jute sack or mesh.
- Set up a system that allows water to drip continuously into the drum.
In this setup, water should be added continuously. For the first 8 to 10 days, the liquid draining from the drum should be recirculated into the system. After 10 days, the collected liquid can be used as vermiwash.
Application of Vermiwash
For soil improvement: Mix 1 part vermiwash with 5 parts water and apply directly to the soil.
For foliar application: Dilute 1 part vermiwash with 5 parts water and spray it on plants.
Vermiwash is an excellent organic fertilizer that enhances plant growth and improves soil fertility naturally.
