INTRODUCTION

Vermicompost is known to be the world best organic fertilizer.

Vermicomposting is a method of preparing enriched compost with the use of
earthworms. It is one of the easiest methods to recycle agricultural waste to
produce quality Compost. Worm cast are popul arly called as Black gold.
The cast are rich in nutrients, growth promoting substances, beneficial soil
micro flora and having properties of inhibiting pathogenic microbes.
Vermicompost is stable, fine granular organic manure, which enriches soil
quality by improving its physicochemical and biological properties. It is
highly useful in raising seedlings and crop production. Vermicompost is
becoming popular as a major component of organic farming system.

Vermicompost (vermi-compost) is the product of the decomposition

process using various species of worms, usually red wigglers, white worms,
and other earthworms, to create a mixture of decomposing vegetable or food
waste, bedding materials, and vermicast. This process is called
vermicomposting, with the rearing of worms for this purpose is called
vermiculture.

Vermicast (also called worm castings, worm humus, worm poop,

worm manure, or worm faeces) is the end-product of the breakdown of
organic matter by earthworms These excreta have been shown to contain
reduced levels of contaminants and a higher saturation of nutrients than the
organic materials before vermicomposting.

1
 Vermicompost contains water-soluble nutrients which may be
extracted as vermiwash and is an excellent, nutrient-rich organic fertilizer
and soil conditioner. It is used in gardening and sustainable, organic
farming.
Vermi composting can also be applied for treatment of sewage. A
variation of the process is vermifiltration (or vermidigestion) which is used
to remove organic matter, pathogens, and oxygen demand from wastewater
or directly from black water of flush toilets

The partly degraded Cow dung, Sheep dung, Elephant dung, Pressmud,
Cane trashes, City solid wastes, Poultry farm wastes and other domestic
wastes are includes in consider as raw material for vermin composting.

The windows are provided with Green house shade in order to prevent from
sunlight. Water is sprayed on the windrows by drip irrigation or manual
system to maintain the optimum moisture of 50-55%. This process takes
place to complete in 60-90 days. The time period depends upon no. of
worms/square meter. After completion of the process, harvesting the earth
vermicastings from the top layer of windows.

In the present study cuttlebone powder is through mix with organic

composed which is collected from municipal backyard at kakakupam
villupuram municipality.

Harvesting
Factors affecting the speed of composting include the climate and the
method of composting. There are signs to look for to determine whether

2
compost is finished. The finished compost would have an ambient
temperature, dark color, and be as moist as a damp sponge. Towards the end
of the process, bacteria slow down the rate of metabolizing food or stop
completely. There is the possibility of some solid organic matter still being
present in the compost at this point, but it could stay in and continue
decomposing for the next couple of years unless removed. The compost
should be allowed to cure after finished to allow acids to be removed over
time so it becomes more neutral, which could take up to three months and
results in the compost being more consistent in size. Elevating the maturing
compost off the ground can prevent unwanted plant growth. It compost
should consistently be slightly damp and should be aerated but does not need
to be turned. The curing process can be done in a storage bin or on a tarp.

3
SCOPE OF THE STUDY :

 To collect organic compost from Kakupam municipality backyard

 To Add Cuttlebone powder to organic compost as supplement.

 Inacovlation or Introducing the earthworm species Lampito mauritii

to above prepared organic.

4
REVIEW OF LITERATURE

S. TITLE AUTHOR Journal Name YEAR

NO NAME
1 Suppression of plant Bell,N.I., New Zealand 2000
parasitic mematodes in Watson, R.N plant
pastoral soils amended etc., protection.
with chitin.
2 A review of chitin and Ravi kumar, Reactive and 2000
chitosan applications, M.N.V. Functional
Reactive and polymers
Functional Polymers.
3 Soil fertility and hunger Sanchez, P.A. Ecology 2002
in Africa.
4 The use of crude Mejia-Saules, Asian Journal 2006
shrimp shell powder for J.M., of
chitinase production by Waliszewski, Microbiology
Serratia marcescens K.N., Biotechnology
WF, Food Technol. and
environmental
science
5 Two newly identified Amar, N., EMBO 2006
sites in the ubiquitin- Lustig, G., Reposits
like protein are Lchimura, Y.,
essential for autophagy. Ohsumi, Y., and
Elazar, Z.
6 Optimization of cultural Faramarzi, Biotechnology 2009
conditions for M.A., Fazeli,
production of chitinase M., etc.
by a soil isolate
Massilia timonae

5
7 Composting calm Hu.Z, Lane,R. Waste 2009
processing wastes in a and Wen Z. Management
laboratory- and pilot-
scale invessel system.
8 Organic amendment Thoden T.C., Nematology 2011
and their influences on Korthals.G.W.,
plant parasitic and free
living nematodes
9 Purification and Anuradha,V. African Jounal 2013
characterization of and Revathi,K. of
Bacterial chitinase Micobiology
isolated from Research
crustacean shells.
10 A Liquid fermented fish Balraj, T.H., Journal of 2014
waste on the growth Palani, S, Chemical and
characteristics of Arumugam,G. Pharmaceutical
solanum melongena. Research

6
MATERIALS AND METHOD

Vermicompost is ready for harvest when it contains few-to-no scraps

of uneaten food or bedding. There are several methods of harvesting from
small-scale systems: "dump and hand sort", "let the worms do the sorting",
"alternate containers" and "divide and dump." These differ on the amount of
time and labor involved and whether the vermicomposter wants to save as
many worms as possible from being trapped in the harvested compost.

The pyramid method of harvesting worm compost is commonly used

in small-scale vermicomposting, and is considered the simplest method for
single layer bins. In this process, compost is separated into large clumps,
which is placed back into composting for further breakdown, and lighter
compost, with which the rest of the process continues. This lighter mix is
placed into small piles on a tarp under the sunlight. The worms instinctively
burrow to the bottom of the pile. After a few minutes, the top of the pyramid
is removed repeatedly, until the worms are again visible. This repeats until
the mound is composed mostly of worms.

When harvesting the compost, it is possible to separate eggs and cocoons

and return them to the bin, thereby ensuring new worms are hatched.
Cocoons are small, lemon-shaped yellowish objects that can usually be seen
with the naked eye. The cocoons can hold up to 20 worms (though 2–3 is
most common). Cocoons can lay dormant for as long as two years if
conditions are not conducive for hatching

 Organics compost
 Cuttlebone powder

7
 Plastic backet (2Nons)
 Earthworm Lampito mauritii
 To prepare compost plastic tub can be used. The size of the tub Depands
upon the availability of the Raw materials.
 That’s the Raw cuttlebone were collected from fish market in
VILLUPURAM
 The wastes was thoroughly washed with Tap water to Remove its
Impurities .
 The whole part of cuttlebone Used in experiment.
 The cuttlebone were dried to remove the water.
 They were then milled using mechanical grinder into powder Form.
 1 kg of powder was used for the compost Preparation.
 To prepare a organic manure.
 The first step is Add a layer of 2-3 inch of organic Manure at the
bottom Of the plastic tub.
 Now the next step is to prepare fine bedding by adding the Partially
decomposed organic manure earthworm and cuttel bone powder
(powder stage).
 Cover the palstic tub with attached Roof to prevent the compost To
the entry of ants, lizards, Mouse, Snakes, etc.
 And protect the compost from Rainwater and direct sun light.
 Have a frequent check to avoid the compost from overheating.
 Maintain proper moisture and Temperature.

8
RESULTS

Vermicasting using Earthworm species, Lampito Mauritii powder days

collect with organic compost in two culture tank

Culture Tank A : Organic compost and Lampito Mauritii.

Culture Tank B : Organic compost, cuttlebone powder and Lampito

Mauritii.

In 7th day the vermicast in Tank ‘A;’ 4gms, and Tank ‘B’ 5gms
similarly the Production of vermicast in green gradually at 14th 21st 28th
33rd days Tank B of vernicast 10gm, 15gm, 20gm, 25gm respectively.
The vermicast production in Tank ‘B’ on 35th day was 20 gm. Where 1 kg of
organic compost with 50gm of cuttlebone powder and 5gm earthworm.

9
Table 1

Days Tank A Tank B

7 4gm 5 gm
14 6gm 7.5gm
21 12 gm 13 gm
28 15gm 17 gm
35 18 gm 20 gm

The above table shows the vermicast production at different class interval.

From the above study, the results shows that vermin cast production in Tank
‘B’ yield more when compare to culture Tank A

10
Table 2: Nutrients Composition of vermicast in different culture tank.

S.No Nutrients Organic Manure Cuttle bone

powder

1 Calcium 340 350

2 Potassium 240 250
3 Sodium 180 200
4 Magnesium 40 50
5 Phosphorous 140 150

11
DISCUSSION

Cuttlefish are abundant in tropical seas and live in groups on the

bottom, in deep water with high salinity. Cuttlefish eat fish, worms and
small animals. The main part used medicinally is the squid shell, known as
O Thief Bone or Sea Adventure. Squid shell contains calcium salts in the
form of carbonates, phosphates, sulfates, organic matter and colloids.From
to present status, we have from he vermi-cast produces more in sample B
with organic compost mixed with cuttlebone powder.

According to the different Stages of decomposition, the soil organic

matter becomes available in distinct Fractions. Farm yard manure made from
cattle dung, excreta of other animals, Animal tissues and excretory products,
and compost from rural and urban wastes, crop residues and green-manure
are collectively designated as bulky organic manures because of their low
contents of major nutrients, while materials Like oil cakes, fish meal, animal
meal, poultry manures, slaughter house wastes containing comparatively
higher contents of plant nutrients are grouped under concentrated organic
manures. In general organic manures containing upto 2% nitrogen are
included in bulky category and those with more than two Percent nitrogen
are treated as concentrated. Irrespective of source and composition, organic
matter when added into the soil undergoes microbial decay and becomes the
food for micro flora and fauna. Even the microbial cells serve as a source of
carbon for succeeding generations of microscopic populations. A great
variety of microorganisms live in soil which include bacteria, actinomycetes,
Fungi, algae and protozoa.

12
 Carbon present in soil is in the form of organic matter. The organic
Materials most commonly used to improve soil conditions and fertility
include Farm yard manure (FYM), animal wastes, crop residues, urban
organic wastes (either as such or composted), green manures, wwwbio-gas
spent slurry, microbial Preparations, vermicompost and biodynamic
preparations. Carbon is being contentiously fixed into organic form through
the process of photosynthesis and once bound; the carbon becomes
unavailable for use in the generation of new plant life.

13
14
REFERENCE

1) Amar, N., Lustig, G., Ichimura, Y., Ohsumi, Y., Elazar, Z. (2006). Two
newly identified sites in the ubiquitin-like protein Atg8 are essential for
autophagy. EMBO Rep. 7(6): 635-42.

2) Anuradha, V. and Revathi, K. (2013). Purification and Characterization of

Bacterial Chitinase isolated from Crustacean Shells Int. J. Pure App. Biosci.
1(4): 1-11.

3) Abirami, S., Yogalsakshmi, K., Pushpa, A.S.R. and Kannan, M. (2016).

Screening and identification of chitin degrading bacteria from shrimpshell
waste dumping soil environment and its media optimization for chitinase
enzyme production. World Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical
Sciences. 5(11): 743-757.

4) Bell, N.I., Watson, R.N. and Sarathchandra, S.U. (2000). Suppression of

plant parasitic nematodes in pastoral soils amended with chitin. New
Zealand Plant Protection. 53: 44-47.

5) Balraj, T.H., Palani, S. and Arumugam, G. (2014). Influence of

Gunapaselam, a liquid fermented fish waste on the growth characteristics of
Solanum melongena. Journal of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Research.
6(12): 58-66.

6) Faramarzi, M.A., Fazeli, M., Yazdi, M.T., Adrangi, S., Al-Ahmadi, K.J.,
Tasharrofi, N., Mohseni, F.A. (2009). Optimization of cultural conditions for
15
production of chitinase by a soil isolate Massilia timonae. Biotechnol
Bioseparation. 8(1): 93-99.

7) Hu, Z., Lane, R. and Wen, Z. (2009). Composting clam processing wastes
in a laboratory- and pilot-scale invessel system. Waste Management. 29:
180-185.

8) Krishnaveni, B. and Ragunathan, R. (2014). Chitinase production from

Seafood wastes by Plant pathogen Bionectria CBNR BKRR sps and its
application in Bioremediation studies. International Research Journal of
Medical Sciences. Vol. 2(11): 15-19, November (2014).

9) Mejia-Saules, J.M., Waliszewski, K.N., Garcia, M.A. and Cruz-

Camarillo, R. (2006). The use of crude shrimp shell powder for chitinase
production by Serratia marcescens WF, Food Technol. Biotechnol. 44(7):
646-651.

10) Ravi Kumar, M.N.V. (2000). A review of chitin and chitosan

applications, Reactive and Functional Polymers. 46: 1-27.

11)Sanchez, P.A. (2002). Soil fertility and hunger in Africa. Science 295:
2019-2020.

12) Iwase, K., Umezawa, Y. and Musada, K. (2000). Cultivation of

Pleurotus ostreatus with beerspent grains and utilization. Mushroom Sci.
15(2): 819-826.

16
13) Jonathan, S.G., Oyetunji, O.J., Olawuyi, O.J. and Uwukhor, P.O. (2013).
Application of Pleurotus ostreatus SMC as soil conditioner for the growth of
soybean (Glycine max) Academia Arena. 5(1).

14) Kalpana, K., Kodukkur, V.P. (2011). Antihyperglycemic effect of the

alcoholic seed extract of wietenia macrophylla on streptozotocin-diabetic
rats. Pharmacognosy Res. 3(1): 67-71.

15) Zar, J.H., (1984). In Bio Statistical Analysis, Englewood Cliffes, N.J;
Prentice hall. Inc. 3: 123 – 129.

17
 INTRODUCTION

Vermicompost is known to be the world best organic fertilizer.

Vermicomposting is a method of preparing enriched compost with the use of
earthworms. It is one of the easiest methods to recycle agricultural waste to
produce quality Compost. Worm cast are popul arly called as Black gold.
The cast are rich in nutrients, growth promoting substances, beneficial soil
micro flora and having properties of inhibiting pathogenic microbes.
Vermicompost is stable, fine granular organic manure, which enriches soil
quality by improving its physicochemical and biological properties. It is
highly useful in raising seedlings and crop production. Vermicompost is
becoming popular as a major component of organic farming system.

Vermicompost (vermi-compost) is the product of the decomposition

process using various species of worms, usually red wigglers, white worms,
and other earthworms, to create a mixture of decomposing vegetable or food
waste, bedding materials, and vermicast. This process is called
vermicomposting, with the rearing of worms for this purpose is called
vermiculture.

Vermicast (also called worm castings, worm humus, worm poop,

worm manure, or worm faeces) is the end-product of the breakdown of
organic matter by earthworms These excreta have been shown to contain
reduced levels of contaminants and a higher saturation of nutrients than the
organic materials before vermicomposting.

1
 Vermicompost contains water-soluble nutrients which may be
extracted as vermiwash and is an excellent, nutrient-rich organic fertilizer
and soil conditioner. It is used in gardening and sustainable, organic
farming.
Vermi composting can also be applied for treatment of sewage. A
variation of the process is vermifiltration (or vermidigestion) which is used
to remove organic matter, pathogens, and oxygen demand from wastewater
or directly from black water of flush toilets

The partly degraded Cow dung, Sheep dung, Elephant dung, Pressmud,
Cane trashes, City solid wastes, Poultry farm wastes and other domestic
wastes are includes in consider as raw material for vermin composting.

The windows are provided with Green house shade in order to prevent from
sunlight. Water is sprayed on the windrows by drip irrigation or manual
system to maintain the optimum moisture of 50-55%. This process takes
place to complete in 60-90 days. The time period depends upon no. of
worms/square meter. After completion of the process, harvesting the earth
vermicastings from the top layer of windows.

In the present study cuttlebone powder is through mix with organic

composed which is collected from municipal backyard at kakakupam
villupuram municipality.

Harvesting
Factors affecting the speed of composting include the climate and the
method of composting. There are signs to look for to determine whether

2
compost is finished. The finished compost would have an ambient
temperature, dark color, and be as moist as a damp sponge. Towards the end
of the process, bacteria slow down the rate of metabolizing food or stop
completely. There is the possibility of some solid organic matter still being
present in the compost at this point, but it could stay in and continue
decomposing for the next couple of years unless removed. The compost
should be allowed to cure after finished to allow acids to be removed over
time so it becomes more neutral, which could take up to three months and
results in the compost being more consistent in size. Elevating the maturing
compost off the ground can prevent unwanted plant growth. It compost
should consistently be slightly damp and should be aerated but does not need
to be turned. The curing process can be done in a storage bin or on a tarp.

3
SCOPE OF THE STUDY :

 To collect organic compost from Kakupam municipality backyard

 To Add Cuttlebone powder to organic compost as supplement.

 Inacovlation or Introducing the earthworm species Lampito mauritii

to above prepared organic.

4
REVIEW OF LITERATURE

S. TITLE AUTHOR Journal Name YEAR

NO NAME
1 Suppression of plant Bell,N.I., New Zealand 2000
parasitic mematodes in Watson, R.N plant
pastoral soils amended etc., protection.
with chitin.
2 A review of chitin and Ravi kumar, Reactive and 2000
chitosan applications, M.N.V. Functional
Reactive and polymers
Functional Polymers.
3 Soil fertility and hunger Sanchez, P.A. Ecology 2002
in Africa.
4 The use of crude Mejia-Saules, Asian Journal 2006
shrimp shell powder for J.M., of
chitinase production by Waliszewski, Microbiology
Serratia marcescens K.N., Biotechnology
WF, Food Technol. and
environmental
science
5 Two newly identified Amar, N., EMBO 2006
sites in the ubiquitin- Lustig, G., Reposits
like protein are Lchimura, Y.,
essential for autophagy. Ohsumi, Y., and
Elazar, Z.
6 Optimization of cultural Faramarzi, Biotechnology 2009
conditions for M.A., Fazeli,
production of chitinase M., etc.
by a soil isolate
Massilia timonae

5
7 Composting calm Hu.Z, Lane,R. Waste 2009
processing wastes in a and Wen Z. Management
laboratory- and pilot-
scale invessel system.
8 Organic amendment Thoden T.C., Nematology 2011
and their influences on Korthals.G.W.,
plant parasitic and free
living nematodes
9 Purification and Anuradha,V. African Jounal 2013
characterization of and Revathi,K. of
Bacterial chitinase Micobiology
isolated from Research
crustacean shells.
10 A Liquid fermented fish Balraj, T.H., Journal of 2014
waste on the growth Palani, S, Chemical and
characteristics of Arumugam,G. Pharmaceutical
solanum melongena. Research

6
MATERIALS AND METHOD

Vermicompost is ready for harvest when it contains few-to-no scraps

of uneaten food or bedding. There are several methods of harvesting from
small-scale systems: "dump and hand sort", "let the worms do the sorting",
"alternate containers" and "divide and dump." These differ on the amount of
time and labor involved and whether the vermicomposter wants to save as
many worms as possible from being trapped in the harvested compost.

The pyramid method of harvesting worm compost is commonly used

in small-scale vermicomposting, and is considered the simplest method for
single layer bins. In this process, compost is separated into large clumps,
which is placed back into composting for further breakdown, and lighter
compost, with which the rest of the process continues. This lighter mix is
placed into small piles on a tarp under the sunlight. The worms instinctively
burrow to the bottom of the pile. After a few minutes, the top of the pyramid
is removed repeatedly, until the worms are again visible. This repeats until
the mound is composed mostly of worms.

When harvesting the compost, it is possible to separate eggs and cocoons

and return them to the bin, thereby ensuring new worms are hatched.
Cocoons are small, lemon-shaped yellowish objects that can usually be seen
with the naked eye. The cocoons can hold up to 20 worms (though 2–3 is
most common). Cocoons can lay dormant for as long as two years if
conditions are not conducive for hatching

 Organics compost
 Cuttlebone powder

7
 Plastic backet (2Nons)
 Earthworm Lampito mauritii
 To prepare compost plastic tub can be used. The size of the tub Depands
upon the availability of the Raw materials.
 That’s the Raw cuttlebone were collected from fish market in
VILLUPURAM
 The wastes was thoroughly washed with Tap water to Remove its
Impurities .
 The whole part of cuttlebone Used in experiment.
 The cuttlebone were dried to remove the water.
 They were then milled using mechanical grinder into powder Form.
 1 kg of powder was used for the compost Preparation.
 To prepare a organic manure.
 The first step is Add a layer of 2-3 inch of organic Manure at the
bottom Of the plastic tub.
 Now the next step is to prepare fine bedding by adding the Partially
decomposed organic manure earthworm and cuttel bone powder
(powder stage).
 Cover the palstic tub with attached Roof to prevent the compost To
the entry of ants, lizards, Mouse, Snakes, etc.
 And protect the compost from Rainwater and direct sun light.
 Have a frequent check to avoid the compost from overheating.
 Maintain proper moisture and Temperature.

8
RESULTS

Vermicasting using Earthworm species, Lampito Mauritii powder days

collect with organic compost in two culture tank

Culture Tank A : Organic compost and Lampito Mauritii.

Culture Tank B : Organic compost, cuttlebone powder and Lampito

Mauritii.

In 7th day the vermicast in Tank ‘A;’ 4gms, and Tank ‘B’ 5gms
similarly the Production of vermicast in green gradually at 14th 21st 28th
33rd days Tank B of vernicast 10gm, 15gm, 20gm, 25gm respectively.
The vermicast production in Tank ‘B’ on 35th day was 20 gm. Where 1 kg of
organic compost with 50gm of cuttlebone powder and 5gm earthworm.

9
Table 1

Days Tank A Tank B

7 4gm 5 gm
14 6gm 7.5gm
21 12 gm 13 gm
28 15gm 17 gm
35 18 gm 20 gm

The above table shows the vermicast production at different class interval.

From the above study, the results shows that vermin cast production in Tank
‘B’ yield more when compare to culture Tank A

10
Table 2: Nutrients Composition of vermicast in different culture tank.

S.No Nutrients Organic Manure Cuttle bone

powder

1 Calcium 340 350

2 Potassium 240 250
3 Sodium 180 200
4 Magnesium 40 50
5 Phosphorous 140 150

11
DISCUSSION

Cuttlefish are abundant in tropical seas and live in groups on the

bottom, in deep water with high salinity. Cuttlefish eat fish, worms and
small animals. The main part used medicinally is the squid shell, known as
O Thief Bone or Sea Adventure. Squid shell contains calcium salts in the
form of carbonates, phosphates, sulfates, organic matter and colloids.From
to present status, we have from he vermi-cast produces more in sample B
with organic compost mixed with cuttlebone powder.

According to the different Stages of decomposition, the soil organic

matter becomes available in distinct Fractions. Farm yard manure made from
cattle dung, excreta of other animals, Animal tissues and excretory products,
and compost from rural and urban wastes, crop residues and green-manure
are collectively designated as bulky organic manures because of their low
contents of major nutrients, while materials Like oil cakes, fish meal, animal
meal, poultry manures, slaughter house wastes containing comparatively
higher contents of plant nutrients are grouped under concentrated organic
manures. In general organic manures containing upto 2% nitrogen are
included in bulky category and those with more than two Percent nitrogen
are treated as concentrated. Irrespective of source and composition, organic
matter when added into the soil undergoes microbial decay and becomes the
food for micro flora and fauna. Even the microbial cells serve as a source of
carbon for succeeding generations of microscopic populations. A great
variety of microorganisms live in soil which include bacteria, actinomycetes,
Fungi, algae and protozoa.

12
 Carbon present in soil is in the form of organic matter. The organic
Materials most commonly used to improve soil conditions and fertility
include Farm yard manure (FYM), animal wastes, crop residues, urban
organic wastes (either as such or composted), green manures, wwwbio-gas
spent slurry, microbial Preparations, vermicompost and biodynamic
preparations. Carbon is being contentiously fixed into organic form through
the process of photosynthesis and once bound; the carbon becomes
unavailable for use in the generation of new plant life.

13
14
REFERENCE

1) Amar, N., Lustig, G., Ichimura, Y., Ohsumi, Y., Elazar, Z. (2006). Two
newly identified sites in the ubiquitin-like protein Atg8 are essential for
autophagy. EMBO Rep. 7(6): 635-42.

2) Anuradha, V. and Revathi, K. (2013). Purification and Characterization of

Bacterial Chitinase isolated from Crustacean Shells Int. J. Pure App. Biosci.
1(4): 1-11.

3) Abirami, S., Yogalsakshmi, K., Pushpa, A.S.R. and Kannan, M. (2016).

Screening and identification of chitin degrading bacteria from shrimpshell
waste dumping soil environment and its media optimization for chitinase
enzyme production. World Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical
Sciences. 5(11): 743-757.

4) Bell, N.I., Watson, R.N. and Sarathchandra, S.U. (2000). Suppression of

plant parasitic nematodes in pastoral soils amended with chitin. New
Zealand Plant Protection. 53: 44-47.

5) Balraj, T.H., Palani, S. and Arumugam, G. (2014). Influence of

Gunapaselam, a liquid fermented fish waste on the growth characteristics of
Solanum melongena. Journal of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Research.
6(12): 58-66.

6) Faramarzi, M.A., Fazeli, M., Yazdi, M.T., Adrangi, S., Al-Ahmadi, K.J.,
Tasharrofi, N., Mohseni, F.A. (2009). Optimization of cultural conditions for
15
production of chitinase by a soil isolate Massilia timonae. Biotechnol
Bioseparation. 8(1): 93-99.

7) Hu, Z., Lane, R. and Wen, Z. (2009). Composting clam processing wastes
in a laboratory- and pilot-scale invessel system. Waste Management. 29:
180-185.

8) Krishnaveni, B. and Ragunathan, R. (2014). Chitinase production from

Seafood wastes by Plant pathogen Bionectria CBNR BKRR sps and its
application in Bioremediation studies. International Research Journal of
Medical Sciences. Vol. 2(11): 15-19, November (2014).

9) Mejia-Saules, J.M., Waliszewski, K.N., Garcia, M.A. and Cruz-

Camarillo, R. (2006). The use of crude shrimp shell powder for chitinase
production by Serratia marcescens WF, Food Technol. Biotechnol. 44(7):
646-651.

10) Ravi Kumar, M.N.V. (2000). A review of chitin and chitosan

applications, Reactive and Functional Polymers. 46: 1-27.

11)Sanchez, P.A. (2002). Soil fertility and hunger in Africa. Science 295:
2019-2020.

12) Iwase, K., Umezawa, Y. and Musada, K. (2000). Cultivation of

Pleurotus ostreatus with beerspent grains and utilization. Mushroom Sci.
15(2): 819-826.

16
13) Jonathan, S.G., Oyetunji, O.J., Olawuyi, O.J. and Uwukhor, P.O. (2013).
Application of Pleurotus ostreatus SMC as soil conditioner for the growth of
soybean (Glycine max) Academia Arena. 5(1).

14) Kalpana, K., Kodukkur, V.P. (2011). Antihyperglycemic effect of the

alcoholic seed extract of wietenia macrophylla on streptozotocin-diabetic
rats. Pharmacognosy Res. 3(1): 67-71.

15) Zar, J.H., (1984). In Bio Statistical Analysis, Englewood Cliffes, N.J;
Prentice hall. Inc. 3: 123 – 129.

17
 INTRODUCTION

Vermicompost is known to be the world best organic fertilizer.

Vermicomposting is a method of preparing enriched compost with the use of
earthworms. It is one of the easiest methods to recycle agricultural waste to
produce quality Compost. Worm cast are popul arly called as Black gold.
The cast are rich in nutrients, growth promoting substances, beneficial soil
micro flora and having properties of inhibiting pathogenic microbes.
Vermicompost is stable, fine granular organic manure, which enriches soil
quality by improving its physicochemical and biological properties. It is
highly useful in raising seedlings and crop production. Vermicompost is
becoming popular as a major component of organic farming system.

Vermicompost (vermi-compost) is the product of the decomposition

process using various species of worms, usually red wigglers, white worms,
and other earthworms, to create a mixture of decomposing vegetable or food
waste, bedding materials, and vermicast. This process is called
vermicomposting, with the rearing of worms for this purpose is called
vermiculture.

Vermicast (also called worm castings, worm humus, worm poop,

worm manure, or worm faeces) is the end-product of the breakdown of
organic matter by earthworms These excreta have been shown to contain
reduced levels of contaminants and a higher saturation of nutrients than the
organic materials before vermicomposting.

1
 Vermicompost contains water-soluble nutrients which may be
extracted as vermiwash and is an excellent, nutrient-rich organic fertilizer
and soil conditioner. It is used in gardening and sustainable, organic
farming.
Vermi composting can also be applied for treatment of sewage. A
variation of the process is vermifiltration (or vermidigestion) which is used
to remove organic matter, pathogens, and oxygen demand from wastewater
or directly from black water of flush toilets

The partly degraded Cow dung, Sheep dung, Elephant dung, Pressmud,
Cane trashes, City solid wastes, Poultry farm wastes and other domestic
wastes are includes in consider as raw material for vermin composting.

The windows are provided with Green house shade in order to prevent from
sunlight. Water is sprayed on the windrows by drip irrigation or manual
system to maintain the optimum moisture of 50-55%. This process takes
place to complete in 60-90 days. The time period depends upon no. of
worms/square meter. After completion of the process, harvesting the earth
vermicastings from the top layer of windows.

In the present study cuttlebone powder is through mix with organic

composed which is collected from municipal backyard at kakakupam
villupuram municipality.

Harvesting
Factors affecting the speed of composting include the climate and the
method of composting. There are signs to look for to determine whether

2
compost is finished. The finished compost would have an ambient
temperature, dark color, and be as moist as a damp sponge. Towards the end
of the process, bacteria slow down the rate of metabolizing food or stop
completely. There is the possibility of some solid organic matter still being
present in the compost at this point, but it could stay in and continue
decomposing for the next couple of years unless removed. The compost
should be allowed to cure after finished to allow acids to be removed over
time so it becomes more neutral, which could take up to three months and
results in the compost being more consistent in size. Elevating the maturing
compost off the ground can prevent unwanted plant growth. It compost
should consistently be slightly damp and should be aerated but does not need
to be turned. The curing process can be done in a storage bin or on a tarp.

3
SCOPE OF THE STUDY :

 To collect organic compost from Kakupam municipality backyard

 To Add Cuttlebone powder to organic compost as supplement.

 Inacovlation or Introducing the earthworm species Lampito mauritii

to above prepared organic.

4
REVIEW OF LITERATURE

S. TITLE AUTHOR Journal Name YEAR

NO NAME
1 Suppression of plant Bell,N.I., New Zealand 2000
parasitic mematodes in Watson, R.N plant
pastoral soils amended etc., protection.
with chitin.
2 A review of chitin and Ravi kumar, Reactive and 2000
chitosan applications, M.N.V. Functional
Reactive and polymers
Functional Polymers.
3 Soil fertility and hunger Sanchez, P.A. Ecology 2002
in Africa.
4 The use of crude Mejia-Saules, Asian Journal 2006
shrimp shell powder for J.M., of
chitinase production by Waliszewski, Microbiology
Serratia marcescens K.N., Biotechnology
WF, Food Technol. and
environmental
science
5 Two newly identified Amar, N., EMBO 2006
sites in the ubiquitin- Lustig, G., Reposits
like protein are Lchimura, Y.,
essential for autophagy. Ohsumi, Y., and
Elazar, Z.
6 Optimization of cultural Faramarzi, Biotechnology 2009
conditions for M.A., Fazeli,
production of chitinase M., etc.
by a soil isolate
Massilia timonae

5
7 Composting calm Hu.Z, Lane,R. Waste 2009
processing wastes in a and Wen Z. Management
laboratory- and pilot-
scale invessel system.
8 Organic amendment Thoden T.C., Nematology 2011
and their influences on Korthals.G.W.,
plant parasitic and free
living nematodes
9 Purification and Anuradha,V. African Jounal 2013
characterization of and Revathi,K. of
Bacterial chitinase Micobiology
isolated from Research
crustacean shells.
10 A Liquid fermented fish Balraj, T.H., Journal of 2014
waste on the growth Palani, S, Chemical and
characteristics of Arumugam,G. Pharmaceutical
solanum melongena. Research

6
MATERIALS AND METHOD

Vermicompost is ready for harvest when it contains few-to-no scraps

of uneaten food or bedding. There are several methods of harvesting from
small-scale systems: "dump and hand sort", "let the worms do the sorting",
"alternate containers" and "divide and dump." These differ on the amount of
time and labor involved and whether the vermicomposter wants to save as
many worms as possible from being trapped in the harvested compost.

The pyramid method of harvesting worm compost is commonly used

in small-scale vermicomposting, and is considered the simplest method for
single layer bins. In this process, compost is separated into large clumps,
which is placed back into composting for further breakdown, and lighter
compost, with which the rest of the process continues. This lighter mix is
placed into small piles on a tarp under the sunlight. The worms instinctively
burrow to the bottom of the pile. After a few minutes, the top of the pyramid
is removed repeatedly, until the worms are again visible. This repeats until
the mound is composed mostly of worms.

When harvesting the compost, it is possible to separate eggs and cocoons

and return them to the bin, thereby ensuring new worms are hatched.
Cocoons are small, lemon-shaped yellowish objects that can usually be seen
with the naked eye. The cocoons can hold up to 20 worms (though 2–3 is
most common). Cocoons can lay dormant for as long as two years if
conditions are not conducive for hatching

 Organics compost
 Cuttlebone powder

7
 Plastic backet (2Nons)
 Earthworm Lampito mauritii
 To prepare compost plastic tub can be used. The size of the tub Depands
upon the availability of the Raw materials.
 That’s the Raw cuttlebone were collected from fish market in
VILLUPURAM
 The wastes was thoroughly washed with Tap water to Remove its
Impurities .
 The whole part of cuttlebone Used in experiment.
 The cuttlebone were dried to remove the water.
 They were then milled using mechanical grinder into powder Form.
 1 kg of powder was used for the compost Preparation.
 To prepare a organic manure.
 The first step is Add a layer of 2-3 inch of organic Manure at the
bottom Of the plastic tub.
 Now the next step is to prepare fine bedding by adding the Partially
decomposed organic manure earthworm and cuttel bone powder
(powder stage).
 Cover the palstic tub with attached Roof to prevent the compost To
the entry of ants, lizards, Mouse, Snakes, etc.
 And protect the compost from Rainwater and direct sun light.
 Have a frequent check to avoid the compost from overheating.
 Maintain proper moisture and Temperature.

8
RESULTS

Vermicasting using Earthworm species, Lampito Mauritii powder days

collect with organic compost in two culture tank

Culture Tank A : Organic compost and Lampito Mauritii.

Culture Tank B : Organic compost, cuttlebone powder and Lampito

Mauritii.

In 7th day the vermicast in Tank ‘A;’ 4gms, and Tank ‘B’ 5gms
similarly the Production of vermicast in green gradually at 14th 21st 28th
33rd days Tank B of vernicast 10gm, 15gm, 20gm, 25gm respectively.
The vermicast production in Tank ‘B’ on 35th day was 20 gm. Where 1 kg of
organic compost with 50gm of cuttlebone powder and 5gm earthworm.

9
Table 1

Days Tank A Tank B

7 4gm 5 gm
14 6gm 7.5gm
21 12 gm 13 gm
28 15gm 17 gm
35 18 gm 20 gm

The above table shows the vermicast production at different class interval.

From the above study, the results shows that vermin cast production in Tank
‘B’ yield more when compare to culture Tank A

10
Table 2: Nutrients Composition of vermicast in different culture tank.

S.No Nutrients Organic Manure Cuttle bone

powder

1 Calcium 340 350

2 Potassium 240 250
3 Sodium 180 200
4 Magnesium 40 50
5 Phosphorous 140 150

11
DISCUSSION

Cuttlefish are abundant in tropical seas and live in groups on the

bottom, in deep water with high salinity. Cuttlefish eat fish, worms and
small animals. The main part used medicinally is the squid shell, known as
O Thief Bone or Sea Adventure. Squid shell contains calcium salts in the
form of carbonates, phosphates, sulfates, organic matter and colloids.From
to present status, we have from he vermi-cast produces more in sample B
with organic compost mixed with cuttlebone powder.

According to the different Stages of decomposition, the soil organic

matter becomes available in distinct Fractions. Farm yard manure made from
cattle dung, excreta of other animals, Animal tissues and excretory products,
and compost from rural and urban wastes, crop residues and green-manure
are collectively designated as bulky organic manures because of their low
contents of major nutrients, while materials Like oil cakes, fish meal, animal
meal, poultry manures, slaughter house wastes containing comparatively
higher contents of plant nutrients are grouped under concentrated organic
manures. In general organic manures containing upto 2% nitrogen are
included in bulky category and those with more than two Percent nitrogen
are treated as concentrated. Irrespective of source and composition, organic
matter when added into the soil undergoes microbial decay and becomes the
food for micro flora and fauna. Even the microbial cells serve as a source of
carbon for succeeding generations of microscopic populations. A great
variety of microorganisms live in soil which include bacteria, actinomycetes,
Fungi, algae and protozoa.

12
 Carbon present in soil is in the form of organic matter. The organic
Materials most commonly used to improve soil conditions and fertility
include Farm yard manure (FYM), animal wastes, crop residues, urban
organic wastes (either as such or composted), green manures, wwwbio-gas
spent slurry, microbial Preparations, vermicompost and biodynamic
preparations. Carbon is being contentiously fixed into organic form through
the process of photosynthesis and once bound; the carbon becomes
unavailable for use in the generation of new plant life.

13
14
REFERENCE

1) Amar, N., Lustig, G., Ichimura, Y., Ohsumi, Y., Elazar, Z. (2006). Two
newly identified sites in the ubiquitin-like protein Atg8 are essential for
autophagy. EMBO Rep. 7(6): 635-42.

2) Anuradha, V. and Revathi, K. (2013). Purification and Characterization of

Bacterial Chitinase isolated from Crustacean Shells Int. J. Pure App. Biosci.
1(4): 1-11.

3) Abirami, S., Yogalsakshmi, K., Pushpa, A.S.R. and Kannan, M. (2016).

Screening and identification of chitin degrading bacteria from shrimpshell
waste dumping soil environment and its media optimization for chitinase
enzyme production. World Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical
Sciences. 5(11): 743-757.

4) Bell, N.I., Watson, R.N. and Sarathchandra, S.U. (2000). Suppression of

plant parasitic nematodes in pastoral soils amended with chitin. New
Zealand Plant Protection. 53: 44-47.

5) Balraj, T.H., Palani, S. and Arumugam, G. (2014). Influence of

Gunapaselam, a liquid fermented fish waste on the growth characteristics of
Solanum melongena. Journal of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Research.
6(12): 58-66.

6) Faramarzi, M.A., Fazeli, M., Yazdi, M.T., Adrangi, S., Al-Ahmadi, K.J.,
Tasharrofi, N., Mohseni, F.A. (2009). Optimization of cultural conditions for
15
production of chitinase by a soil isolate Massilia timonae. Biotechnol
Bioseparation. 8(1): 93-99.

7) Hu, Z., Lane, R. and Wen, Z. (2009). Composting clam processing wastes
in a laboratory- and pilot-scale invessel system. Waste Management. 29:
180-185.

8) Krishnaveni, B. and Ragunathan, R. (2014). Chitinase production from

Seafood wastes by Plant pathogen Bionectria CBNR BKRR sps and its
application in Bioremediation studies. International Research Journal of
Medical Sciences. Vol. 2(11): 15-19, November (2014).

9) Mejia-Saules, J.M., Waliszewski, K.N., Garcia, M.A. and Cruz-

Camarillo, R. (2006). The use of crude shrimp shell powder for chitinase
production by Serratia marcescens WF, Food Technol. Biotechnol. 44(7):
646-651.

10) Ravi Kumar, M.N.V. (2000). A review of chitin and chitosan

applications, Reactive and Functional Polymers. 46: 1-27.

11)Sanchez, P.A. (2002). Soil fertility and hunger in Africa. Science 295:
2019-2020.

12) Iwase, K., Umezawa, Y. and Musada, K. (2000). Cultivation of

Pleurotus ostreatus with beerspent grains and utilization. Mushroom Sci.
15(2): 819-826.

16
13) Jonathan, S.G., Oyetunji, O.J., Olawuyi, O.J. and Uwukhor, P.O. (2013).
Application of Pleurotus ostreatus SMC as soil conditioner for the growth of
soybean (Glycine max) Academia Arena. 5(1).

14) Kalpana, K., Kodukkur, V.P. (2011). Antihyperglycemic effect of the

alcoholic seed extract of wietenia macrophylla on streptozotocin-diabetic
rats. Pharmacognosy Res. 3(1): 67-71.

15) Zar, J.H., (1984). In Bio Statistical Analysis, Englewood Cliffes, N.J;
Prentice hall. Inc. 3: 123 – 129.

17
 INTRODUCTION

Vermicompost is known to be the world best organic fertilizer.

Vermicomposting is a method of preparing enriched compost with the use of
earthworms. It is one of the easiest methods to recycle agricultural waste to
produce quality Compost. Worm cast are popul arly called as Black gold.
The cast are rich in nutrients, growth promoting substances, beneficial soil
micro flora and having properties of inhibiting pathogenic microbes.
Vermicompost is stable, fine granular organic manure, which enriches soil
quality by improving its physicochemical and biological properties. It is
highly useful in raising seedlings and crop production. Vermicompost is
becoming popular as a major component of organic farming system.

Vermicompost (vermi-compost) is the product of the decomposition

process using various species of worms, usually red wigglers, white worms,
and other earthworms, to create a mixture of decomposing vegetable or food
waste, bedding materials, and vermicast. This process is called
vermicomposting, with the rearing of worms for this purpose is called
vermiculture.

Vermicast (also called worm castings, worm humus, worm poop,

worm manure, or worm faeces) is the end-product of the breakdown of
organic matter by earthworms These excreta have been shown to contain
reduced levels of contaminants and a higher saturation of nutrients than the
organic materials before vermicomposting.

1
 Vermicompost contains water-soluble nutrients which may be
extracted as vermiwash and is an excellent, nutrient-rich organic fertilizer
and soil conditioner. It is used in gardening and sustainable, organic
farming.
Vermi composting can also be applied for treatment of sewage. A
variation of the process is vermifiltration (or vermidigestion) which is used
to remove organic matter, pathogens, and oxygen demand from wastewater
or directly from black water of flush toilets

The partly degraded Cow dung, Sheep dung, Elephant dung, Pressmud,
Cane trashes, City solid wastes, Poultry farm wastes and other domestic
wastes are includes in consider as raw material for vermin composting.

The windows are provided with Green house shade in order to prevent from
sunlight. Water is sprayed on the windrows by drip irrigation or manual
system to maintain the optimum moisture of 50-55%. This process takes
place to complete in 60-90 days. The time period depends upon no. of
worms/square meter. After completion of the process, harvesting the earth
vermicastings from the top layer of windows.

In the present study cuttlebone powder is through mix with organic

composed which is collected from municipal backyard at kakakupam
villupuram municipality.

Harvesting
Factors affecting the speed of composting include the climate and the
method of composting. There are signs to look for to determine whether

2
compost is finished. The finished compost would have an ambient
temperature, dark color, and be as moist as a damp sponge. Towards the end
of the process, bacteria slow down the rate of metabolizing food or stop
completely. There is the possibility of some solid organic matter still being
present in the compost at this point, but it could stay in and continue
decomposing for the next couple of years unless removed. The compost
should be allowed to cure after finished to allow acids to be removed over
time so it becomes more neutral, which could take up to three months and
results in the compost being more consistent in size. Elevating the maturing
compost off the ground can prevent unwanted plant growth. It compost
should consistently be slightly damp and should be aerated but does not need
to be turned. The curing process can be done in a storage bin or on a tarp.

3
SCOPE OF THE STUDY :

 To collect organic compost from Kakupam municipality backyard

 To Add Cuttlebone powder to organic compost as supplement.

 Inacovlation or Introducing the earthworm species Lampito mauritii

to above prepared organic.

4
REVIEW OF LITERATURE

S. TITLE AUTHOR Journal Name YEAR

NO NAME
1 Suppression of plant Bell,N.I., New Zealand 2000
parasitic mematodes in Watson, R.N plant
pastoral soils amended etc., protection.
with chitin.
2 A review of chitin and Ravi kumar, Reactive and 2000
chitosan applications, M.N.V. Functional
Reactive and polymers
Functional Polymers.
3 Soil fertility and hunger Sanchez, P.A. Ecology 2002
in Africa.
4 The use of crude Mejia-Saules, Asian Journal 2006
shrimp shell powder for J.M., of
chitinase production by Waliszewski, Microbiology
Serratia marcescens K.N., Biotechnology
WF, Food Technol. and
environmental
science
5 Two newly identified Amar, N., EMBO 2006
sites in the ubiquitin- Lustig, G., Reposits
like protein are Lchimura, Y.,
essential for autophagy. Ohsumi, Y., and
Elazar, Z.
6 Optimization of cultural Faramarzi, Biotechnology 2009
conditions for M.A., Fazeli,
production of chitinase M., etc.
by a soil isolate
Massilia timonae

5
7 Composting calm Hu.Z, Lane,R. Waste 2009
processing wastes in a and Wen Z. Management
laboratory- and pilot-
scale invessel system.
8 Organic amendment Thoden T.C., Nematology 2011
and their influences on Korthals.G.W.,
plant parasitic and free
living nematodes
9 Purification and Anuradha,V. African Jounal 2013
characterization of and Revathi,K. of
Bacterial chitinase Micobiology
isolated from Research
crustacean shells.
10 A Liquid fermented fish Balraj, T.H., Journal of 2014
waste on the growth Palani, S, Chemical and
characteristics of Arumugam,G. Pharmaceutical
solanum melongena. Research

6
MATERIALS AND METHOD

Vermicompost is ready for harvest when it contains few-to-no scraps

of uneaten food or bedding. There are several methods of harvesting from
small-scale systems: "dump and hand sort", "let the worms do the sorting",
"alternate containers" and "divide and dump." These differ on the amount of
time and labor involved and whether the vermicomposter wants to save as
many worms as possible from being trapped in the harvested compost.

The pyramid method of harvesting worm compost is commonly used

in small-scale vermicomposting, and is considered the simplest method for
single layer bins. In this process, compost is separated into large clumps,
which is placed back into composting for further breakdown, and lighter
compost, with which the rest of the process continues. This lighter mix is
placed into small piles on a tarp under the sunlight. The worms instinctively
burrow to the bottom of the pile. After a few minutes, the top of the pyramid
is removed repeatedly, until the worms are again visible. This repeats until
the mound is composed mostly of worms.

When harvesting the compost, it is possible to separate eggs and cocoons

and return them to the bin, thereby ensuring new worms are hatched.
Cocoons are small, lemon-shaped yellowish objects that can usually be seen
with the naked eye. The cocoons can hold up to 20 worms (though 2–3 is
most common). Cocoons can lay dormant for as long as two years if
conditions are not conducive for hatching

 Organics compost
 Cuttlebone powder

7
 Plastic backet (2Nons)
 Earthworm Lampito mauritii
 To prepare compost plastic tub can be used. The size of the tub Depands
upon the availability of the Raw materials.
 That’s the Raw cuttlebone were collected from fish market in
VILLUPURAM
 The wastes was thoroughly washed with Tap water to Remove its
Impurities .
 The whole part of cuttlebone Used in experiment.
 The cuttlebone were dried to remove the water.
 They were then milled using mechanical grinder into powder Form.
 1 kg of powder was used for the compost Preparation.
 To prepare a organic manure.
 The first step is Add a layer of 2-3 inch of organic Manure at the
bottom Of the plastic tub.
 Now the next step is to prepare fine bedding by adding the Partially
decomposed organic manure earthworm and cuttel bone powder
(powder stage).
 Cover the palstic tub with attached Roof to prevent the compost To
the entry of ants, lizards, Mouse, Snakes, etc.
 And protect the compost from Rainwater and direct sun light.
 Have a frequent check to avoid the compost from overheating.
 Maintain proper moisture and Temperature.

8
RESULTS

Vermicasting using Earthworm species, Lampito Mauritii powder days

collect with organic compost in two culture tank

Culture Tank A : Organic compost and Lampito Mauritii.

Culture Tank B : Organic compost, cuttlebone powder and Lampito

Mauritii.

In 7th day the vermicast in Tank ‘A;’ 4gms, and Tank ‘B’ 5gms
similarly the Production of vermicast in green gradually at 14th 21st 28th
33rd days Tank B of vernicast 10gm, 15gm, 20gm, 25gm respectively.
The vermicast production in Tank ‘B’ on 35th day was 20 gm. Where 1 kg of
organic compost with 50gm of cuttlebone powder and 5gm earthworm.

9
Table 1

Days Tank A Tank B

7 4gm 5 gm
14 6gm 7.5gm
21 12 gm 13 gm
28 15gm 17 gm
35 18 gm 20 gm

The above table shows the vermicast production at different class interval.

From the above study, the results shows that vermin cast production in Tank
‘B’ yield more when compare to culture Tank A

10
Table 2: Nutrients Composition of vermicast in different culture tank.

S.No Nutrients Organic Manure Cuttle bone

powder

1 Calcium 340 350

2 Potassium 240 250
3 Sodium 180 200
4 Magnesium 40 50
5 Phosphorous 140 150

11
DISCUSSION

Cuttlefish are abundant in tropical seas and live in groups on the

bottom, in deep water with high salinity. Cuttlefish eat fish, worms and
small animals. The main part used medicinally is the squid shell, known as
O Thief Bone or Sea Adventure. Squid shell contains calcium salts in the
form of carbonates, phosphates, sulfates, organic matter and colloids.From
to present status, we have from he vermi-cast produces more in sample B
with organic compost mixed with cuttlebone powder.

According to the different Stages of decomposition, the soil organic

matter becomes available in distinct Fractions. Farm yard manure made from
cattle dung, excreta of other animals, Animal tissues and excretory products,
and compost from rural and urban wastes, crop residues and green-manure
are collectively designated as bulky organic manures because of their low
contents of major nutrients, while materials Like oil cakes, fish meal, animal
meal, poultry manures, slaughter house wastes containing comparatively
higher contents of plant nutrients are grouped under concentrated organic
manures. In general organic manures containing upto 2% nitrogen are
included in bulky category and those with more than two Percent nitrogen
are treated as concentrated. Irrespective of source and composition, organic
matter when added into the soil undergoes microbial decay and becomes the
food for micro flora and fauna. Even the microbial cells serve as a source of
carbon for succeeding generations of microscopic populations. A great
variety of microorganisms live in soil which include bacteria, actinomycetes,
Fungi, algae and protozoa.

12
 Carbon present in soil is in the form of organic matter. The organic
Materials most commonly used to improve soil conditions and fertility
include Farm yard manure (FYM), animal wastes, crop residues, urban
organic wastes (either as such or composted), green manures, wwwbio-gas
spent slurry, microbial Preparations, vermicompost and biodynamic
preparations. Carbon is being contentiously fixed into organic form through
the process of photosynthesis and once bound; the carbon becomes
unavailable for use in the generation of new plant life.

13
14
REFERENCE

1) Amar, N., Lustig, G., Ichimura, Y., Ohsumi, Y., Elazar, Z. (2006). Two
newly identified sites in the ubiquitin-like protein Atg8 are essential for
autophagy. EMBO Rep. 7(6): 635-42.

2) Anuradha, V. and Revathi, K. (2013). Purification and Characterization of

Bacterial Chitinase isolated from Crustacean Shells Int. J. Pure App. Biosci.
1(4): 1-11.

3) Abirami, S., Yogalsakshmi, K., Pushpa, A.S.R. and Kannan, M. (2016).

Screening and identification of chitin degrading bacteria from shrimpshell
waste dumping soil environment and its media optimization for chitinase
enzyme production. World Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical
Sciences. 5(11): 743-757.

4) Bell, N.I., Watson, R.N. and Sarathchandra, S.U. (2000). Suppression of

plant parasitic nematodes in pastoral soils amended with chitin. New
Zealand Plant Protection. 53: 44-47.

5) Balraj, T.H., Palani, S. and Arumugam, G. (2014). Influence of

Gunapaselam, a liquid fermented fish waste on the growth characteristics of
Solanum melongena. Journal of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Research.
6(12): 58-66.

6) Faramarzi, M.A., Fazeli, M., Yazdi, M.T., Adrangi, S., Al-Ahmadi, K.J.,
Tasharrofi, N., Mohseni, F.A. (2009). Optimization of cultural conditions for
15
production of chitinase by a soil isolate Massilia timonae. Biotechnol
Bioseparation. 8(1): 93-99.

7) Hu, Z., Lane, R. and Wen, Z. (2009). Composting clam processing wastes
in a laboratory- and pilot-scale invessel system. Waste Management. 29:
180-185.

8) Krishnaveni, B. and Ragunathan, R. (2014). Chitinase production from

Seafood wastes by Plant pathogen Bionectria CBNR BKRR sps and its
application in Bioremediation studies. International Research Journal of
Medical Sciences. Vol. 2(11): 15-19, November (2014).

9) Mejia-Saules, J.M., Waliszewski, K.N., Garcia, M.A. and Cruz-

Camarillo, R. (2006). The use of crude shrimp shell powder for chitinase
production by Serratia marcescens WF, Food Technol. Biotechnol. 44(7):
646-651.

10) Ravi Kumar, M.N.V. (2000). A review of chitin and chitosan

applications, Reactive and Functional Polymers. 46: 1-27.

11)Sanchez, P.A. (2002). Soil fertility and hunger in Africa. Science 295:
2019-2020.

12) Iwase, K., Umezawa, Y. and Musada, K. (2000). Cultivation of

Pleurotus ostreatus with beerspent grains and utilization. Mushroom Sci.
15(2): 819-826.

16
13) Jonathan, S.G., Oyetunji, O.J., Olawuyi, O.J. and Uwukhor, P.O. (2013).
Application of Pleurotus ostreatus SMC as soil conditioner for the growth of
soybean (Glycine max) Academia Arena. 5(1).

14) Kalpana, K., Kodukkur, V.P. (2011). Antihyperglycemic effect of the

alcoholic seed extract of wietenia macrophylla on streptozotocin-diabetic
rats. Pharmacognosy Res. 3(1): 67-71.

15) Zar, J.H., (1984). In Bio Statistical Analysis, Englewood Cliffes, N.J;
Prentice hall. Inc. 3: 123 – 129.

17
 INTRODUCTION

Vermicompost is known to be the world best organic fertilizer.

Vermicomposting is a method of preparing enriched compost with the use of
earthworms. It is one of the easiest methods to recycle agricultural waste to
produce quality Compost. Worm cast are popul arly called as Black gold.
The cast are rich in nutrients, growth promoting substances, beneficial soil
micro flora and having properties of inhibiting pathogenic microbes.
Vermicompost is stable, fine granular organic manure, which enriches soil
quality by improving its physicochemical and biological properties. It is
highly useful in raising seedlings and crop production. Vermicompost is
becoming popular as a major component of organic farming system.

Vermicompost (vermi-compost) is the product of the decomposition

process using various species of worms, usually red wigglers, white worms,
and other earthworms, to create a mixture of decomposing vegetable or food
waste, bedding materials, and vermicast. This process is called
vermicomposting, with the rearing of worms for this purpose is called
vermiculture.

Vermicast (also called worm castings, worm humus, worm poop,

worm manure, or worm faeces) is the end-product of the breakdown of
organic matter by earthworms These excreta have been shown to contain
reduced levels of contaminants and a higher saturation of nutrients than the
organic materials before vermicomposting.

1
 Vermicompost contains water-soluble nutrients which may be
extracted as vermiwash and is an excellent, nutrient-rich organic fertilizer
and soil conditioner. It is used in gardening and sustainable, organic
farming.
Vermi composting can also be applied for treatment of sewage. A
variation of the process is vermifiltration (or vermidigestion) which is used
to remove organic matter, pathogens, and oxygen demand from wastewater
or directly from black water of flush toilets

The partly degraded Cow dung, Sheep dung, Elephant dung, Pressmud,
Cane trashes, City solid wastes, Poultry farm wastes and other domestic
wastes are includes in consider as raw material for vermin composting.

The windows are provided with Green house shade in order to prevent from
sunlight. Water is sprayed on the windrows by drip irrigation or manual
system to maintain the optimum moisture of 50-55%. This process takes
place to complete in 60-90 days. The time period depends upon no. of
worms/square meter. After completion of the process, harvesting the earth
vermicastings from the top layer of windows.

In the present study cuttlebone powder is through mix with organic

composed which is collected from municipal backyard at kakakupam
villupuram municipality.

Harvesting
Factors affecting the speed of composting include the climate and the
method of composting. There are signs to look for to determine whether

2
compost is finished. The finished compost would have an ambient
temperature, dark color, and be as moist as a damp sponge. Towards the end
of the process, bacteria slow down the rate of metabolizing food or stop
completely. There is the possibility of some solid organic matter still being
present in the compost at this point, but it could stay in and continue
decomposing for the next couple of years unless removed. The compost
should be allowed to cure after finished to allow acids to be removed over
time so it becomes more neutral, which could take up to three months and
results in the compost being more consistent in size. Elevating the maturing
compost off the ground can prevent unwanted plant growth. It compost
should consistently be slightly damp and should be aerated but does not need
to be turned. The curing process can be done in a storage bin or on a tarp.

3
SCOPE OF THE STUDY :

 To collect organic compost from Kakupam municipality backyard

 To Add Cuttlebone powder to organic compost as supplement.

 Inacovlation or Introducing the earthworm species Lampito mauritii

to above prepared organic.

4
REVIEW OF LITERATURE

S. TITLE AUTHOR Journal Name YEAR

NO NAME
1 Suppression of plant Bell,N.I., New Zealand 2000
parasitic mematodes in Watson, R.N plant
pastoral soils amended etc., protection.
with chitin.
2 A review of chitin and Ravi kumar, Reactive and 2000
chitosan applications, M.N.V. Functional
Reactive and polymers
Functional Polymers.
3 Soil fertility and hunger Sanchez, P.A. Ecology 2002
in Africa.
4 The use of crude Mejia-Saules, Asian Journal 2006
shrimp shell powder for J.M., of
chitinase production by Waliszewski, Microbiology
Serratia marcescens K.N., Biotechnology
WF, Food Technol. and
environmental
science
5 Two newly identified Amar, N., EMBO 2006
sites in the ubiquitin- Lustig, G., Reposits
like protein are Lchimura, Y.,
essential for autophagy. Ohsumi, Y., and
Elazar, Z.
6 Optimization of cultural Faramarzi, Biotechnology 2009
conditions for M.A., Fazeli,
production of chitinase M., etc.
by a soil isolate
Massilia timonae

5
7 Composting calm Hu.Z, Lane,R. Waste 2009
processing wastes in a and Wen Z. Management
laboratory- and pilot-
scale invessel system.
8 Organic amendment Thoden T.C., Nematology 2011
and their influences on Korthals.G.W.,
plant parasitic and free
living nematodes
9 Purification and Anuradha,V. African Jounal 2013
characterization of and Revathi,K. of
Bacterial chitinase Micobiology
isolated from Research
crustacean shells.
10 A Liquid fermented fish Balraj, T.H., Journal of 2014
waste on the growth Palani, S, Chemical and
characteristics of Arumugam,G. Pharmaceutical
solanum melongena. Research

6
MATERIALS AND METHOD

Vermicompost is ready for harvest when it contains few-to-no scraps

of uneaten food or bedding. There are several methods of harvesting from
small-scale systems: "dump and hand sort", "let the worms do the sorting",
"alternate containers" and "divide and dump." These differ on the amount of
time and labor involved and whether the vermicomposter wants to save as
many worms as possible from being trapped in the harvested compost.

The pyramid method of harvesting worm compost is commonly used

in small-scale vermicomposting, and is considered the simplest method for
single layer bins. In this process, compost is separated into large clumps,
which is placed back into composting for further breakdown, and lighter
compost, with which the rest of the process continues. This lighter mix is
placed into small piles on a tarp under the sunlight. The worms instinctively
burrow to the bottom of the pile. After a few minutes, the top of the pyramid
is removed repeatedly, until the worms are again visible. This repeats until
the mound is composed mostly of worms.

When harvesting the compost, it is possible to separate eggs and cocoons

and return them to the bin, thereby ensuring new worms are hatched.
Cocoons are small, lemon-shaped yellowish objects that can usually be seen
with the naked eye. The cocoons can hold up to 20 worms (though 2–3 is
most common). Cocoons can lay dormant for as long as two years if
conditions are not conducive for hatching

 Organics compost
 Cuttlebone powder

7
 Plastic backet (2Nons)
 Earthworm Lampito mauritii
 To prepare compost plastic tub can be used. The size of the tub Depands
upon the availability of the Raw materials.
 That’s the Raw cuttlebone were collected from fish market in
VILLUPURAM
 The wastes was thoroughly washed with Tap water to Remove its
Impurities .
 The whole part of cuttlebone Used in experiment.
 The cuttlebone were dried to remove the water.
 They were then milled using mechanical grinder into powder Form.
 1 kg of powder was used for the compost Preparation.
 To prepare a organic manure.
 The first step is Add a layer of 2-3 inch of organic Manure at the
bottom Of the plastic tub.
 Now the next step is to prepare fine bedding by adding the Partially
decomposed organic manure earthworm and cuttel bone powder
(powder stage).
 Cover the palstic tub with attached Roof to prevent the compost To
the entry of ants, lizards, Mouse, Snakes, etc.
 And protect the compost from Rainwater and direct sun light.
 Have a frequent check to avoid the compost from overheating.
 Maintain proper moisture and Temperature.

8
RESULTS

Vermicasting using Earthworm species, Lampito Mauritii powder days

collect with organic compost in two culture tank

Culture Tank A : Organic compost and Lampito Mauritii.

Culture Tank B : Organic compost, cuttlebone powder and Lampito

Mauritii.

In 7th day the vermicast in Tank ‘A;’ 4gms, and Tank ‘B’ 5gms
similarly the Production of vermicast in green gradually at 14th 21st 28th
33rd days Tank B of vernicast 10gm, 15gm, 20gm, 25gm respectively.
The vermicast production in Tank ‘B’ on 35th day was 20 gm. Where 1 kg of
organic compost with 50gm of cuttlebone powder and 5gm earthworm.

9
Table 1

Days Tank A Tank B

7 4gm 5 gm
14 6gm 7.5gm
21 12 gm 13 gm
28 15gm 17 gm
35 18 gm 20 gm

The above table shows the vermicast production at different class interval.

From the above study, the results shows that vermin cast production in Tank
‘B’ yield more when compare to culture Tank A

10
Table 2: Nutrients Composition of vermicast in different culture tank.

S.No Nutrients Organic Manure Cuttle bone

powder

1 Calcium 340 350

2 Potassium 240 250
3 Sodium 180 200
4 Magnesium 40 50
5 Phosphorous 140 150

11
DISCUSSION

Cuttlefish are abundant in tropical seas and live in groups on the

bottom, in deep water with high salinity. Cuttlefish eat fish, worms and
small animals. The main part used medicinally is the squid shell, known as
O Thief Bone or Sea Adventure. Squid shell contains calcium salts in the
form of carbonates, phosphates, sulfates, organic matter and colloids.From
to present status, we have from he vermi-cast produces more in sample B
with organic compost mixed with cuttlebone powder.

According to the different Stages of decomposition, the soil organic

matter becomes available in distinct Fractions. Farm yard manure made from
cattle dung, excreta of other animals, Animal tissues and excretory products,
and compost from rural and urban wastes, crop residues and green-manure
are collectively designated as bulky organic manures because of their low
contents of major nutrients, while materials Like oil cakes, fish meal, animal
meal, poultry manures, slaughter house wastes containing comparatively
higher contents of plant nutrients are grouped under concentrated organic
manures. In general organic manures containing upto 2% nitrogen are
included in bulky category and those with more than two Percent nitrogen
are treated as concentrated. Irrespective of source and composition, organic
matter when added into the soil undergoes microbial decay and becomes the
food for micro flora and fauna. Even the microbial cells serve as a source of
carbon for succeeding generations of microscopic populations. A great
variety of microorganisms live in soil which include bacteria, actinomycetes,
Fungi, algae and protozoa.

12
 Carbon present in soil is in the form of organic matter. The organic
Materials most commonly used to improve soil conditions and fertility
include Farm yard manure (FYM), animal wastes, crop residues, urban
organic wastes (either as such or composted), green manures, wwwbio-gas
spent slurry, microbial Preparations, vermicompost and biodynamic
preparations. Carbon is being contentiously fixed into organic form through
the process of photosynthesis and once bound; the carbon becomes
unavailable for use in the generation of new plant life.

13
14
REFERENCE

1) Amar, N., Lustig, G., Ichimura, Y., Ohsumi, Y., Elazar, Z. (2006). Two
newly identified sites in the ubiquitin-like protein Atg8 are essential for
autophagy. EMBO Rep. 7(6): 635-42.

2) Anuradha, V. and Revathi, K. (2013). Purification and Characterization of

Bacterial Chitinase isolated from Crustacean Shells Int. J. Pure App. Biosci.
1(4): 1-11.

3) Abirami, S., Yogalsakshmi, K., Pushpa, A.S.R. and Kannan, M. (2016).

Screening and identification of chitin degrading bacteria from shrimpshell
waste dumping soil environment and its media optimization for chitinase
enzyme production. World Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical
Sciences. 5(11): 743-757.

4) Bell, N.I., Watson, R.N. and Sarathchandra, S.U. (2000). Suppression of

plant parasitic nematodes in pastoral soils amended with chitin. New
Zealand Plant Protection. 53: 44-47.

5) Balraj, T.H., Palani, S. and Arumugam, G. (2014). Influence of

Gunapaselam, a liquid fermented fish waste on the growth characteristics of
Solanum melongena. Journal of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Research.
6(12): 58-66.

6) Faramarzi, M.A., Fazeli, M., Yazdi, M.T., Adrangi, S., Al-Ahmadi, K.J.,
Tasharrofi, N., Mohseni, F.A. (2009). Optimization of cultural conditions for
15
production of chitinase by a soil isolate Massilia timonae. Biotechnol
Bioseparation. 8(1): 93-99.

7) Hu, Z., Lane, R. and Wen, Z. (2009). Composting clam processing wastes
in a laboratory- and pilot-scale invessel system. Waste Management. 29:
180-185.

8) Krishnaveni, B. and Ragunathan, R. (2014). Chitinase production from

Seafood wastes by Plant pathogen Bionectria CBNR BKRR sps and its
application in Bioremediation studies. International Research Journal of
Medical Sciences. Vol. 2(11): 15-19, November (2014).

9) Mejia-Saules, J.M., Waliszewski, K.N., Garcia, M.A. and Cruz-

Camarillo, R. (2006). The use of crude shrimp shell powder for chitinase
production by Serratia marcescens WF, Food Technol. Biotechnol. 44(7):
646-651.

10) Ravi Kumar, M.N.V. (2000). A review of chitin and chitosan

applications, Reactive and Functional Polymers. 46: 1-27.

11)Sanchez, P.A. (2002). Soil fertility and hunger in Africa. Science 295:
2019-2020.

12) Iwase, K., Umezawa, Y. and Musada, K. (2000). Cultivation of

Pleurotus ostreatus with beerspent grains and utilization. Mushroom Sci.
15(2): 819-826.

16
13) Jonathan, S.G., Oyetunji, O.J., Olawuyi, O.J. and Uwukhor, P.O. (2013).
Application of Pleurotus ostreatus SMC as soil conditioner for the growth of
soybean (Glycine max) Academia Arena. 5(1).

14) Kalpana, K., Kodukkur, V.P. (2011). Antihyperglycemic effect of the

alcoholic seed extract of wietenia macrophylla on streptozotocin-diabetic
rats. Pharmacognosy Res. 3(1): 67-71.

15) Zar, J.H., (1984). In Bio Statistical Analysis, Englewood Cliffes, N.J;
Prentice hall. Inc. 3: 123 – 129.

17
 INTRODUCTION

Vermicompost is known to be the world best organic fertilizer.

Vermicomposting is a method of preparing enriched compost with the use of
earthworms. It is one of the easiest methods to recycle agricultural waste to
produce quality Compost. Worm cast are popul arly called as Black gold.
The cast are rich in nutrients, growth promoting substances, beneficial soil
micro flora and having properties of inhibiting pathogenic microbes.
Vermicompost is stable, fine granular organic manure, which enriches soil
quality by improving its physicochemical and biological properties. It is
highly useful in raising seedlings and crop production. Vermicompost is
becoming popular as a major component of organic farming system.

Vermicompost (vermi-compost) is the product of the decomposition

process using various species of worms, usually red wigglers, white worms,
and other earthworms, to create a mixture of decomposing vegetable or food
waste, bedding materials, and vermicast. This process is called
vermicomposting, with the rearing of worms for this purpose is called
vermiculture.

Vermicast (also called worm castings, worm humus, worm poop,

worm manure, or worm faeces) is the end-product of the breakdown of
organic matter by earthworms These excreta have been shown to contain
reduced levels of contaminants and a higher saturation of nutrients than the
organic materials before vermicomposting.

1
 Vermicompost contains water-soluble nutrients which may be
extracted as vermiwash and is an excellent, nutrient-rich organic fertilizer
and soil conditioner. It is used in gardening and sustainable, organic
farming.
Vermi composting can also be applied for treatment of sewage. A
variation of the process is vermifiltration (or vermidigestion) which is used
to remove organic matter, pathogens, and oxygen demand from wastewater
or directly from black water of flush toilets

The partly degraded Cow dung, Sheep dung, Elephant dung, Pressmud,
Cane trashes, City solid wastes, Poultry farm wastes and other domestic
wastes are includes in consider as raw material for vermin composting.

The windows are provided with Green house shade in order to prevent from
sunlight. Water is sprayed on the windrows by drip irrigation or manual
system to maintain the optimum moisture of 50-55%. This process takes
place to complete in 60-90 days. The time period depends upon no. of
worms/square meter. After completion of the process, harvesting the earth
vermicastings from the top layer of windows.

In the present study cuttlebone powder is through mix with organic

composed which is collected from municipal backyard at kakakupam
villupuram municipality.

Harvesting
Factors affecting the speed of composting include the climate and the
method of composting. There are signs to look for to determine whether

2
compost is finished. The finished compost would have an ambient
temperature, dark color, and be as moist as a damp sponge. Towards the end
of the process, bacteria slow down the rate of metabolizing food or stop
completely. There is the possibility of some solid organic matter still being
present in the compost at this point, but it could stay in and continue
decomposing for the next couple of years unless removed. The compost
should be allowed to cure after finished to allow acids to be removed over
time so it becomes more neutral, which could take up to three months and
results in the compost being more consistent in size. Elevating the maturing
compost off the ground can prevent unwanted plant growth. It compost
should consistently be slightly damp and should be aerated but does not need
to be turned. The curing process can be done in a storage bin or on a tarp.

3
SCOPE OF THE STUDY :

 To collect organic compost from Kakupam municipality backyard

 To Add Cuttlebone powder to organic compost as supplement.

 Inacovlation or Introducing the earthworm species Lampito mauritii

to above prepared organic.

4
REVIEW OF LITERATURE

S. TITLE AUTHOR Journal Name YEAR

NO NAME
1 Suppression of plant Bell,N.I., New Zealand 2000
parasitic mematodes in Watson, R.N plant
pastoral soils amended etc., protection.
with chitin.
2 A review of chitin and Ravi kumar, Reactive and 2000
chitosan applications, M.N.V. Functional
Reactive and polymers
Functional Polymers.
3 Soil fertility and hunger Sanchez, P.A. Ecology 2002
in Africa.
4 The use of crude Mejia-Saules, Asian Journal 2006
shrimp shell powder for J.M., of
chitinase production by Waliszewski, Microbiology
Serratia marcescens K.N., Biotechnology
WF, Food Technol. and
environmental
science
5 Two newly identified Amar, N., EMBO 2006
sites in the ubiquitin- Lustig, G., Reposits
like protein are Lchimura, Y.,
essential for autophagy. Ohsumi, Y., and
Elazar, Z.
6 Optimization of cultural Faramarzi, Biotechnology 2009
conditions for M.A., Fazeli,
production of chitinase M., etc.
by a soil isolate
Massilia timonae

5
7 Composting calm Hu.Z, Lane,R. Waste 2009
processing wastes in a and Wen Z. Management
laboratory- and pilot-
scale invessel system.
8 Organic amendment Thoden T.C., Nematology 2011
and their influences on Korthals.G.W.,
plant parasitic and free
living nematodes
9 Purification and Anuradha,V. African Jounal 2013
characterization of and Revathi,K. of
Bacterial chitinase Micobiology
isolated from Research
crustacean shells.
10 A Liquid fermented fish Balraj, T.H., Journal of 2014
waste on the growth Palani, S, Chemical and
characteristics of Arumugam,G. Pharmaceutical
solanum melongena. Research

6
MATERIALS AND METHOD

Vermicompost is ready for harvest when it contains few-to-no scraps

of uneaten food or bedding. There are several methods of harvesting from
small-scale systems: "dump and hand sort", "let the worms do the sorting",
"alternate containers" and "divide and dump." These differ on the amount of
time and labor involved and whether the vermicomposter wants to save as
many worms as possible from being trapped in the harvested compost.

The pyramid method of harvesting worm compost is commonly used

in small-scale vermicomposting, and is considered the simplest method for
single layer bins. In this process, compost is separated into large clumps,
which is placed back into composting for further breakdown, and lighter
compost, with which the rest of the process continues. This lighter mix is
placed into small piles on a tarp under the sunlight. The worms instinctively
burrow to the bottom of the pile. After a few minutes, the top of the pyramid
is removed repeatedly, until the worms are again visible. This repeats until
the mound is composed mostly of worms.

When harvesting the compost, it is possible to separate eggs and cocoons

and return them to the bin, thereby ensuring new worms are hatched.
Cocoons are small, lemon-shaped yellowish objects that can usually be seen
with the naked eye. The cocoons can hold up to 20 worms (though 2–3 is
most common). Cocoons can lay dormant for as long as two years if
conditions are not conducive for hatching

 Organics compost
 Cuttlebone powder

7
 Plastic backet (2Nons)
 Earthworm Lampito mauritii
 To prepare compost plastic tub can be used. The size of the tub Depands
upon the availability of the Raw materials.
 That’s the Raw cuttlebone were collected from fish market in
VILLUPURAM
 The wastes was thoroughly washed with Tap water to Remove its
Impurities .
 The whole part of cuttlebone Used in experiment.
 The cuttlebone were dried to remove the water.
 They were then milled using mechanical grinder into powder Form.
 1 kg of powder was used for the compost Preparation.
 To prepare a organic manure.
 The first step is Add a layer of 2-3 inch of organic Manure at the
bottom Of the plastic tub.
 Now the next step is to prepare fine bedding by adding the Partially
decomposed organic manure earthworm and cuttel bone powder
(powder stage).
 Cover the palstic tub with attached Roof to prevent the compost To
the entry of ants, lizards, Mouse, Snakes, etc.
 And protect the compost from Rainwater and direct sun light.
 Have a frequent check to avoid the compost from overheating.
 Maintain proper moisture and Temperature.

8
RESULTS

Vermicasting using Earthworm species, Lampito Mauritii powder days

collect with organic compost in two culture tank

Culture Tank A : Organic compost and Lampito Mauritii.

Culture Tank B : Organic compost, cuttlebone powder and Lampito

Mauritii.

In 7th day the vermicast in Tank ‘A;’ 4gms, and Tank ‘B’ 5gms
similarly the Production of vermicast in green gradually at 14th 21st 28th
33rd days Tank B of vernicast 10gm, 15gm, 20gm, 25gm respectively.
The vermicast production in Tank ‘B’ on 35th day was 20 gm. Where 1 kg of
organic compost with 50gm of cuttlebone powder and 5gm earthworm.

9
Table 1

Days Tank A Tank B

7 4gm 5 gm
14 6gm 7.5gm
21 12 gm 13 gm
28 15gm 17 gm
35 18 gm 20 gm

The above table shows the vermicast production at different class interval.

From the above study, the results shows that vermin cast production in Tank
‘B’ yield more when compare to culture Tank A

10
Table 2: Nutrients Composition of vermicast in different culture tank.

S.No Nutrients Organic Manure Cuttle bone

powder

1 Calcium 340 350

2 Potassium 240 250
3 Sodium 180 200
4 Magnesium 40 50
5 Phosphorous 140 150

11
DISCUSSION

Cuttlefish are abundant in tropical seas and live in groups on the

bottom, in deep water with high salinity. Cuttlefish eat fish, worms and
small animals. The main part used medicinally is the squid shell, known as
O Thief Bone or Sea Adventure. Squid shell contains calcium salts in the
form of carbonates, phosphates, sulfates, organic matter and colloids.From
to present status, we have from he vermi-cast produces more in sample B
with organic compost mixed with cuttlebone powder.

According to the different Stages of decomposition, the soil organic

matter becomes available in distinct Fractions. Farm yard manure made from
cattle dung, excreta of other animals, Animal tissues and excretory products,
and compost from rural and urban wastes, crop residues and green-manure
are collectively designated as bulky organic manures because of their low
contents of major nutrients, while materials Like oil cakes, fish meal, animal
meal, poultry manures, slaughter house wastes containing comparatively
higher contents of plant nutrients are grouped under concentrated organic
manures. In general organic manures containing upto 2% nitrogen are
included in bulky category and those with more than two Percent nitrogen
are treated as concentrated. Irrespective of source and composition, organic
matter when added into the soil undergoes microbial decay and becomes the
food for micro flora and fauna. Even the microbial cells serve as a source of
carbon for succeeding generations of microscopic populations. A great
variety of microorganisms live in soil which include bacteria, actinomycetes,
Fungi, algae and protozoa.

12
 Carbon present in soil is in the form of organic matter. The organic
Materials most commonly used to improve soil conditions and fertility
include Farm yard manure (FYM), animal wastes, crop residues, urban
organic wastes (either as such or composted), green manures, wwwbio-gas
spent slurry, microbial Preparations, vermicompost and biodynamic
preparations. Carbon is being contentiously fixed into organic form through
the process of photosynthesis and once bound; the carbon becomes
unavailable for use in the generation of new plant life.

13
14
REFERENCE

1) Amar, N., Lustig, G., Ichimura, Y., Ohsumi, Y., Elazar, Z. (2006). Two
newly identified sites in the ubiquitin-like protein Atg8 are essential for
autophagy. EMBO Rep. 7(6): 635-42.

2) Anuradha, V. and Revathi, K. (2013). Purification and Characterization of

Bacterial Chitinase isolated from Crustacean Shells Int. J. Pure App. Biosci.
1(4): 1-11.

3) Abirami, S., Yogalsakshmi, K., Pushpa, A.S.R. and Kannan, M. (2016).

Screening and identification of chitin degrading bacteria from shrimpshell
waste dumping soil environment and its media optimization for chitinase
enzyme production. World Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical
Sciences. 5(11): 743-757.

4) Bell, N.I., Watson, R.N. and Sarathchandra, S.U. (2000). Suppression of

plant parasitic nematodes in pastoral soils amended with chitin. New
Zealand Plant Protection. 53: 44-47.

5) Balraj, T.H., Palani, S. and Arumugam, G. (2014). Influence of

Gunapaselam, a liquid fermented fish waste on the growth characteristics of
Solanum melongena. Journal of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Research.
6(12): 58-66.

6) Faramarzi, M.A., Fazeli, M., Yazdi, M.T., Adrangi, S., Al-Ahmadi, K.J.,
Tasharrofi, N., Mohseni, F.A. (2009). Optimization of cultural conditions for
15
production of chitinase by a soil isolate Massilia timonae. Biotechnol
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