Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Vermiwash: An Organic Fertilizer of Great Potential

  • Conference paper
  • First Online:
Advances in Sustainable Development

  • 314 Accesses

Abstract

Earthworms are among the three classes of organisms which contribute more than any other class in tilling and fertilizing soil in nature—ants and termites being the other two. In nature, earthworms feed upon plant debris and animal dropping to produce vermicast which is an excellent organic fertilizer. But during rains and through small streams ‘vermiwash’ (VW) is also generated which is an extract of not only earthworm-worked biomass but also the earthworm body fluids. In recent years, procedures have been developed to generate VW under controlled conditions and its fertilizer value has been assessed. This chapter presents a state-of-the-art assessment of the virtues and the potential of VW.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 149.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 199.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 199.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  1. Abbasi, S. A., Nayeem-Shah, M., & Abbasi, T. (2015). Vermicomposting of phytomass: Limitations of the past approaches and the emerging directions. Journal of Cleaner Production, 93, 103–114.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. Ismail, S. A. (1995). Earthworms in soil fertility management in Organic agriculture, Thampan, P. K., (ed.), pp. 77–100.

    Google Scholar 

  3. Anand, J. A., Wilson, M. D. P., & Kale, R. D. (1995). Effect of vermiwash on seed germination and seedling growth. Journal of Soil Biology and Ecology, 15, 90–95.

    Google Scholar 

  4. Shields, W. M. (1982). Philopatry, inbreeding, and the evolution of sex. State Uni: New York Press, Albany.

    Google Scholar 

  5. Suthar, S., Choyal, R. R., Singh, S., & Sudesh, R. (2005). Stimulatory effect of earthworm body fluid on seed germination and seedlings growth of two legumes. The Journal of Phytological Research, 1(2), 219–222.

    Google Scholar 

  6. Suthar, S. (2010). Evidence of plant hormone like substances in vermiwash: An ecologically safe option of synthetic chemicals for sustainable farming. Ecological Engineering, 36, 1089–1092.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. Yadav, A. K., Kumar, K., Singh, S., & Sharma, M. V. (2005). A liquid biofertilizer. Uttar Pradesh Journal of Zoology, 25(1), 97–99.

    Google Scholar 

  8. Zambare, V. P., Padul, M. V., Yadav, A. A., & Shete, T. B. (2008). Vermiwash: biochemical and microbiological approach asecofriendly soil conditioner. ARPN Journal of Agricultural and Biological Science, 3(4), 1–5.

    Google Scholar 

  9. Ankaram, S. R., Rao, K. R., Mushan, L. C., & Kale, P. V. (2014). Vermicomposting technology: An efficient biological processing of obnoxious weed water hyacinth (Eichhorniacrassipes). International Journal of Environmental Technology and Management, 17, 268–282.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  10. Khan, M. H., Meghvansi, M. K., Gupta, R., Veer, V., Singh, L., & Kalita, M. C. (2014). Foliar spray with vermiwash modifies the arbuscularmycorrhizal dependency and nutrient stoichiometry of bhutjolokia (Capsicum assamicum), PLoS ONE, 9.

    Google Scholar 

  11. Meghvansi, M. K., Khan, M. H., Gupta, R., Gogoi, H. K., & Singh, L. (2012). Vegetative and yield attributes of okra and naga chilli as affected by foliar sprays of Vermiwash on acidic soil. Journal of Crop Improvement, 26, 520–531.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  12. Mishra, K., Singh, K., & Tripathi, C. P. M. (2014). Management of municipal solid wastes and production of liquid biofertilizer through vermic activity of epigeic earthworm Eiseniafetida. International Journal of Recycling of Organic Waste in Agriculture, 3.

    Google Scholar 

  13. Nath, G., Singh, K., & Singh, D. K. (2009). Chemical analysis of vermicomposts/ vermiwash of different combinations of animal, agro and kitchen wastes. Australian Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences, 3, 3672–3677.

    Google Scholar 

  14. Nath, S., & Singh, K. (2016). Analysis of different nutrient status of liquid bio-fertilizer of different combinations of buffalo dung with gram bran and water hyacinth through vermicomposting by Eiseniafetida. Environment, Development and Sustainability, 18, 645–656.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  15. Quaik, S., Singh, R. P., & Ibrahim, M. H. (2014). Growth impact, photosynthetic pigments and heavy metals content of Coleus Aromaticus: A vermiponic approach. Journal of Sustainability Science and Management, 9, 49–55.

    Google Scholar 

  16. Ansari, A. A., & Sukhraj, K. (2010). Effect of vermiwash and vermicompost on soil parameters and productivity of okra (Abelmoschusesculentus) in Guyana. African Journal of Agricultural Research, 5, 1794–1798.

    Google Scholar 

  17. Jaikishun, S., Hunte, N., Ansari, A. A., & Gomathinayagam, S. (2014). Effect of vermiwash from different sources (bagasse, neem, paddy straw, in different combinations) in controlling fungal diseases and growth of tomato (lycopersiconesculentum) fruits in Guyana. Journal of Biological Sciences, 14, 501–507.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  18. Suganya, P., Rajamohan, C., & Mahalingam, P. U. (2019). Synthesis and surface modification of Zinc Nano rods using vermiwash of Eudriluseugeniae and Functionalization to seed germination of green gram Vignaradiata. Materials Research Express, 6.

    Google Scholar 

  19. Kibatu, T., & Mamo, M. (2014). Vermicompost and vermiwash on growth, yield and yield components of beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.). World Applied Sciences Journal, 32, 177–182.

    Google Scholar 

  20. Chattopadhyay, A. (2015). Effect of vermiwash of Eiseniafoetida produced by different methods on seed germination of green mung. Vigna radiate, International Journal of Recycling of Organic Waste in Agriculture, 4, 233–237.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  21. Gopal, M., Gupta, A., Palaniswami, C., & Dhanapal Thomas, R. (2010). Coconut leaf vermiwash: A bio-liquid from coconut leaf vermicompost for improving the crop production capacities of soil. Current Science, 98, 1202–1210.

    Google Scholar 

  22. Quaik, S., Hossain, K., & Ibrahim, M. H. (2016). Vermicomposting derived liquids: Fertigation potential in urban farming. International Journal of Agricultural Research, 11, 135–142.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  23. Pattnaik, S., Parida, S., Mishra, S. P., Dash, J., & Samantray, S. M. (2015). Control of phytopathogens with application of vermiwash. Journal of Pure and Applied Microbiology, 9, 1697–1701.

    Google Scholar 

  24. Rostami, M., Olia, M., & Arabi, M. (2014). Evaluation of the effects of earthworm Eiseniafetida-based products on the pathogenicity of root-knot nematode (Meloidogynejavanica) infecting cucumber. International Journal of Recycling of Organic Waste in Agriculture, 3.

    Google Scholar 

  25. Gopakkali, P., & Sharanappa. (2014). Effect of organic farming practices on growth, yield, quality and economics of onion (Allium cepa) in dry zone of karnataka. Indian Journal of Agronomy, 59, 336–340.

    Google Scholar 

  26. Gopakkali, P., & Sharanappa. (2014). Effect of organic production techniques on the growth, yield, quality and economics of chilli (Capsicum annuum) and soil quality in dry zone of Karnataka. Indian Journal of Agronomy, 59, 151–156.

    Google Scholar 

  27. Pramanik, P. (2010). Quantification of hydrolytic and proteolytic enzymes in the excreta of three epigeic earthworms and detection of thiocarbamic acid by GC-MS-MS. Environmentalist, 30, 212–215.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  28. Tadayyon, A., Naeimi, M. M., & Pessarakli, M. (2018). Effects of vermicompost and vermiwashbiofertilizers on fenugreek (Trigonellafoenum) plant. Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis, 49, 2396–2405.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  29. Chithra, K., Stanley Abraham, L., Thirugnanasambandham, R., & Prakash, P. (2016). A comparative analysis of the effect of seaweed fertilizers (liquid & paste) and vermiwash on seed germination of cyamopsistetragonoloba. Biosciences, Biotechnology Research Asia, 13, 1089–1093.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  30. Alaghemand, S., Ayyubi, H., Hasanpour, E., Olfati, J. A., Saadatian, M., Hamidoghli, Y., et al. (2017). Effects of organic fertilizers on growth and biochemical characteristics of Fenugreek. Acta AgriculturaeSlovenica, 109, 165–173.

    Google Scholar 

  31. Prakash, P., Prasad, U., Sunkar, S., Sai Krishna, N. M. D., Gala, A. A., & Kumar, A. (2016). Formulation of vermiwash and humic acid and its application on Allium cepa. Biosciences, Biotechnology Research Asia, 13, 523–529.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  32. Zarei, M., Jahandideh Mahjen Abadi, V. A., & Moridi, A. (2018). Comparison of vermiwash and vermicompost tea properties produced from different organic beds under greenhouse conditions. International Journal of Recycling of Organic Waste in Agriculture, 7, 25–32.

    Google Scholar 

  33. Ayyobi, H., Hassanpour, E., Alaqemand, S., Fathi, S., Olfati, J. A., & Peyvast, G. (2014). Vermicompost leachate and Vermiwash enhance French dwarf bean yield. International Journal of Vegetable Science, 20, 21–27.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  34. Belwal, T., Bisht, A., Bhatt, I. D., & Rawal, R. S. (2015). Influence of seed priming and storage time on germination and enzymatic activity of selected Berberis species. Plant Growth Regulation, 77, 189–199.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  35. Verma, A. K., Sindhu, S. S., Singh, A., Kumar, A., Singh, A., & Chauhan, V. B. S. (2019). Conditioning effects of biodegradable superabsorbent polymer and vermi-products on media properties and growth of gerbera. Ecological Engineering, 132, 23–30.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  36. Kamal, D., Verma, Y., & Tiwari, T. N. (2017). Potential of vermiwash over phytohormones and bio-controlling agents on antioxidants and germination enzymes in open pollinated and hybrid variety of okra (Abelmoschusesculentus L.). Vegetos, 30, 42–47.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  37. Hullur, S., Kumar, Y., Ganapathi, M. H. S., Kamble, V., & Tuppad, S. (2016). Effect of osmoprimings and bio-formulations on germination and growth of Rangpur lime rootstocks. Ecology, Environment and Conservation, 22, S155–S159.

    Google Scholar 

  38. Shakila, A., & Rajeswari, R. (2008). Effect of various botanicals and organic soaks on the germination and seedling vigour of ambrette. Acta Horticulturae, 782, 235–239.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  39. Sunkar, S., Nandita, P., Carlin Geor Malar, G., Sai Krishna, N. M. D., & Prakash, P. (2015). Effect of vermiwash and humic acid on the germination and growth of Capsicum annum L and Abelmoschusesculentus. Research Journal of Pharmaceutical, Biological and Chemical Sciences, 6, 418–422.

    Google Scholar 

  40. Das, S., Rama Bhat, P., & Jayadev, K. (2015). Studies on the effect of vermiwash on the growth of Pisumsativum L. and Cicerarietinum L. Journal of Interdisciplinary and Multidisciplinary Research, 2, 31–38.

    Google Scholar 

  41. Nath, G., & Singh, K. (2012). Effect of vermiwash of different vermicomposts on the kharif crops. Journal of Central European Agriculture, 13, 397–402.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  42. Anuja, S., & Jayalakshmi, L. (2011). Effect of foliar application of organic nutrients and inorganic fertilizers on growth and yield of palak [Beta vulgaris (L.) var. Bengalensis]. Research on Crops, 12, 574–577.

    Google Scholar 

  43. Anuja, S., & Jayalakshmi, L. (2012). Effect of foliar spray of organic nutrients and inorganic fertilizers on yield and quality of palak [Beta vulgaris (L.) var. bengalensis]. Research on Crops, 13, 275–277.

    Google Scholar 

  44. Murmu, K., Swain, D. K., & Ghosh, B. C. (2013). Comparative assessment of conventional and organic nutrient management on crop growth and yield and soil fertility in tomato-sweet corn production system. Australian Journal of Crop Science, 7, 1617–1626.

    Google Scholar 

  45. Patil, S. V., Halikatti, S. I., Gurumurthy, S. B., & Lokesh, M. S. (2013). Impact of weather on performance of chickpea (Cicerarietinum L.) with integrated organic nutrient management practices grown in vertisol of northern dry zone of Karnataka. Research on Crops, 14, 777–785.

    Google Scholar 

  46. Kumar, K. A., Swain, D. K., Pallavi, & Ghosh, B.C. (2018). Effect of organic and inorganic nutrient management on soil nutrient dynamics and productivity of rice-chickpea system in lateritic soil. Organic Agriculture, 8, 15–28.

    Google Scholar 

  47. Rajkumar, M., Iswarya, K. P., Suresh Kumar, R., & Senthilnathan, R. (2019). Effect of organic inputs on yield and quality of grapes cv. Muscat, Plant Archives, 19, 802–804.

    Google Scholar 

  48. Khairnar, A. V., Patil, H. M., Ugale, N. S., & Dhonde, D. D. (2008). Response of potash and foliar spray of vermiwash on growth and yield of summer mungbean (Vignaradiata L.). Ecology, Environment and Conservation, 14, 61–63.

    Google Scholar 

  49. Nathan, S. R., Bharani Vijay, R., Sureshkumar, R., & Rajkumar, M. (2019). Effect of pinching and foliar application of bio regulators on growth and flower yield of gomphrena (gomphrenaglobosa l.). Plant Archives, 19, 1002–1005.

    Google Scholar 

  50. Uppar, V., & Rayar, S. G. (2014). Bio-efficacy of organic foliar sprays on mulberry and cocoon production, 2014. Journal of Entomological Research, 38, 35–39.

    Google Scholar 

  51. Purusothaman, S., Muthuvelu, S., Balasubramanian, U., & Murugesan, P. (2012). Biochemical analysis of mulberry leaves (Morusalba L.) and silkworm Bombyxmori enriched with vermiwash. Journal of Entomology, 9, 289–295.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  52. Sugapriya, R., & Mahalingam, P. U. (2010). Microbiological and physico-chemical analysis of vermiwash of Eudriluseugineae and Eiseniafoetida, 2010. Biosciences, Biotechnology Research Asia, 7, 485–488.

    Google Scholar 

  53. Luján-Hidalgo, M. C., Gómez-Hernández, D. E., Villalobos-Maldonado, J. J., Abud-Archila, M., Montes-Molina, J. A., Enciso-Saenz, S., et al. (2017). Effects of Vermicompost and Vermiwash on Plant, Phenolic Content, and Anti-oxidant Activity of Mexican Pepperleaf (Piper auritumKunth) Cultivated in Phosphate Rock Potting Media. Compost Science and Utilization, 25, 95–101.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  54. Sharif, F., Danish, M. U., Ali, A. S., Khan, A. U., Shahzad, L., Ali, H., et al. (2016). Salinity tolerance of earthworms and effects of salinity and vermi amendments on growth of Sorghum bicolor. Archives of Agronomy and Soil Science, 62, 1169–1181.

    Google Scholar 

  55. Verma, S., Singh, A., Pradhan, S. S., Singh, J. P., & Verma, S. K. (2018). Effects of organic formulations and synthetic fertilizer on the performance of Pigeonpea in Eastern Region of Uttar Pradesh. Bangladesh Journal of Botany, 47, 467–471.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  56. Katti, P., Naganagouda, A., Patil, B. V., & Chandranath, H. T. (2011). Evaluation of organic soil amendments for the management of sucking pests and necrosis disease in sunflower. Plant Archives, 11, 403–408.

    Google Scholar 

  57. Aghamohammadi, Z., Etesami, H., & Alikhani, H. A. (2016). Vermiwash allows reduced application rates of acaricideazocyclotin for the control of two spotted spider mite, Tetranychusurticae Koch, on bean plant (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Ecological Engineering, 93, 234–241.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  58. Samuthiravelu, P., Sangeetha, B., Sakthivel, N., Ravikumar, J., Isaiarasu, L., Balakrishna, R., et al. (2012). Impact of organic nutrients on the incidence of major pests, leaf productivity in mulberry and food consumption and utilization of Bombyxmori L. Journal of Biopesticides, 5, 228–232.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

SAA thanks INSA, New Delhi and T-A thanks the authorities of UPES, Dehradun, for support.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centre for Pollution Control and Environmental Engineering, Pondicherry University, Puducherry, 605014, India

    Pratiksha Patnaik, Enboklang Chyne, Tasneem Abbasi & S. A. Abbasi

  2. Department of Health, Safety, Environment and Civil Engineering, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Bidholi, Dehradun, 248007, India

    Tabassum-Abbasi

Authors
  1. Pratiksha Patnaik
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Enboklang Chyne
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Tabassum-Abbasi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Tasneem Abbasi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. S. A. Abbasi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. HSE and Civil Engineering Department, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India

    N. A. Siddiqui

  2. HSE and Civil Engineering Department, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India

    S. M. Tauseef

  3. Centre of Pollution Control and Environmental Engineering, Pondicherry University, Pondicherry, India

    S. A. Abbasi

  4. Uttarakhand State Council for Science and Technology, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India

    Rajendra Dobhal

  5. Environment Engineer, Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board, Dehradun, India

    Ankur Kansal

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2022 The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.

About this paper

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this paper

Patnaik, P., Chyne, E., Tabassum-Abbasi, Abbasi, T., Abbasi, S.A. (2022). Vermiwash: An Organic Fertilizer of Great Potential. In: Siddiqui, N.A., Tauseef, S.M., Abbasi, S.A., Dobhal, R., Kansal, A. (eds) Advances in Sustainable Development. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-4400-9_2

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-4400-9_2

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Singapore

  • Print ISBN: 978-981-16-4399-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-981-16-4400-9

  • eBook Packages: EngineeringEngineering (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation