Vermiwash is an organic fertilizer that can make soil fertile again. It‘s a liquid that is collected after water passes through compost made by earthworms.
It is rich in plant growth hormones, micronutrients and major nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium. It is applied directly to plant leaves for faster growth and it is cheaper than compost. It increases the number of beneficial micro organism in the soil helping the plant grow healthy. It also improves the nutrients in crops and soil without adverse effect on the environment as compared to chemical fertilizers. Helps the plants and soil become more resistant to diseases and pest attacks. It also gives better yields and reduces cost.
Preparation of liquid
Vermiwash is made with a 100l plastic barrel with a tap, using a small cutting from a mosquito net or cotton cloth as a filter. The barrel is placed in a shaded area because the good microbes in the vermiwash will die in high temperatures. The barrel is filled with 10 to 15cm of dried leaves, paddy straws, 5 to 10 kg of decomposed cow dung. 2kg or 2000 earthworms are introduced into the barrel and 2 to 4 litres of water is poured gently to avoid hurting the worms. The barrel is then covered with a cloth to avoid attack by ants .
Mixtures and administration
After 10 days the vermiwash starts forming. 1 to 3 litres can be harvested per day using the tap. A good vermiwash is brown in colour and can be kept up to 6 months. 1 litre of vermiwash is diluted with 10 litres of water. Urine can also be added to vermiwash as it act as a fungicide. Vermiwash is sprayed to the flowering crops early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid it from being evaporated.
Vermiwash can also be used in drip irrigation. Roots of seedlings can be soaked in vermiwash before transplanting for strong and healthy roots. Vermiwash can be sprayed on the soil before transplanting to control pests.
