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Review Papers | Biological Sciences | India | Volume 12 Issue 2, February 2023

The Role of Microflora (Bacteria) and their Relationship with Macrofauna (Earthworms) in Vermicompost: A Review

Ameetha Prabhu | Shubha Prakash

Abstract: Vermicomposting is a non-thermophilic method of preparing enriched compost. According to some studies, vermicomposting is also a bio-oxidative process of biodegradable waste decomposition. Vermicompost is a natural biofertilizer, which is a finely divided, stable, organic manure with excellent water retention ability, air circulation, high permeability, drainage, activity of microbes and acid neutralizing or alkalinity capacity. It also contains a rich source of nutrients, thereby, increasing soil fertility and growth of plants. Vermicomposting increases the population of beneficial microbes, thereby, improving growth of plants by enhancing the concentration of plant growth regulating hormones and enzymes. They also control the attack of pathogens on plants, attack of pest and nematodes which help in increasing crop yield. Vermicompost has physical, chemical, biological and biochemical properties, which help in the promotion of sustainable agriculture. They also help in domestic, agricultural, industrial, and biomedical waste management, which have hazardous effects on life and environment.

Keywords: Beneficial microorganisms, Earthworms, Plant-growth promotion, Vermicomposting, Waste management

Edition: Volume 12 Issue 2, February 2023,

Pages: 1309 - 1320