This handbook explains a technology which is an alternative option to solid waste management systems, based on the application of earthworms and generally termed as vermicomposting. It also describes the various treatments with earthworms from agro-industrial wastes to domestic wastes. It also highlights the biology of these worms and how to maintain and prepare suitable bedding for this biological treatment of solid waste.
This book also provides basic information and vermicomposting experiences, should one be involved in vermicomposting or breeding of the worms. It is believed that this book would be useful to any person and government agencies involved in vermicomposting; industrial organizations, researchers, teachers as well as to students and other scholars.
I take this opportunity to thank Mr.P.K.Mayan Mohamed, The Managing Director, The Western India Plywoods Ltd (WIP), Kannur, Kerala for sponsoring this timely and interesting project. I also would like to extend my thanks to Mr.C.A.Gafoor, Mr.T.M.Bava, Mr.R.Balakrishnan, Mr.Jose Antony, General Managers of WIP and Mr.P.K.Mehaboob, Head, Marketing,WIP for their encouragement and support for this work.
I wish to thank Dr.R.N.Kumar, Dr.K.Raghunathan and Mr.M.Anilkumar, former Technical Managers of WIP, for encouraging me to work on this project. I also express my sincere gratitude to my friend Dr.P.Balakrishnan, former Microbiologist of WIP for initiating the work on vermicomposting of wood wastes in WIP and for introducing me to this fascinating area of research.
I am thankful to my colleagues in R&D Division of WIP, Mr.M.A.Gaffoor, Mr.K.Vijayaraghavan and Ms.K.B.Fouziya for their support and critical evaluation of this manuscript. Thanks are also due to Mr.P.Anilkumar, Mr.Mukesh ,Mr.K.V.Bharathan,Mr.Uthaman and Mr.P.K.Balakrishnan for their help during the course of writing this book.
Dr.E.Sreenivasan
Technical Manager, R&D
The Western India Plywoods Ltd,
Kannur, Kerala