Effectiveness of vermicomposting as an approach to solid wate management.

Abstract

This final report presents the findings of a comprehensive study conducted in Bulera Parish, Mityana District, to assess the effectiveness of vermicomposting as an approach to solid waste management. The main objective of the study was to access the effectiveness of vermicomposting as an approach to solid waste management better than traditional waste disposal methods in Bulera Parish. Specific objectives included determining the methods of waste management used in managing solid waste generated in Bulera Parish, investigating the feasibility of vermicomposting in the area, and determining nutrient composition of the compost obtained from vermicomposting..

To achieve the above objectives, various techniques in the research methodology were used which included; a questionnaire survey involving 60 respondents, interviews with stakeholders, an experimental setup to test for the feasibility of vermicomposting and laboratory analysis of vermicompost composition.

From the conducted survey, it was found out that burning of solid waste is commonly practiced by residents of Bulera parish which poses a threat to the environment for example global warming caused by accumulation of carbon dioxide. Majority of the residents that practiced vermicomposting pointed out its ability to reduce organic solid waste generated hence could be a better solution to problems of waste management.

The experimental setup conducted illustrated the potential of vermicomposting in solid waste reduction where solid organic waste of 10kg was reduced to 4.08kg in a time frame of 28 days as compared to ordinary composting (without red worms) which only reduced the solid waste from 10kg to 7.902kg during the same time frame.

For the laboratory analysis of nutrient composition in harvested vermicompost, it was observed that the vermicompost contains relatively high percentage levels of nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium and contains high water content. These attributes enable the vermicompost to be utilized as an organic fertilizer to improve soil fertility. This can replace hazardous artificial fertilizers that may pose threats such as environmental pollution.

Inconclusion, the outstanding limitations to adoption of vermicomposting as a method for organic solid waste management in Bulera parish is rooted in limited knowledge or awareness of the potential of this technology. Therefore, there is a pressing need for the government and local authorities to participate in creating public awareness about the benefits of vermicomposting.