Abstract

Author:
Kabi Subedi

Doi: 10.26480/jwbm.01.2026.20.24

This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License CC BY 4.0, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited

Vermicompost is a nutrient-rich, peat-like biofertilizer characterized by its low carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, high porosity, excellent aeration, drainage, and water retention properties, promoting microbial activity. It contains 0.4–0.66% nitrogen, 1.16–1.93% phosphorus, 0.26–0.42% potassium, essential trace elements, and beneficial soil microorganisms. In contrast to agrochemicals, which degrade soil fertility and harm ecosystems, vermicompost is a sustainable alternative that enhances plant growth by 4–5 times and improves productivity by 30–40%. Produced by epigeic earthworms like Eisenia fetida and Eisenia andrei, vermicompost benefits from their efficient waste processing, rapid organic matter decomposition (45–50 days) and adaptability to diverse environments. Production systems include batch and continuous flow methods. Vermiwash or vermicompost tea, is an added byproduct offering liquid nutrients for plants. This review discusses the production methods of vermicompost and vermiwash or vermicompost tea and their importance as well as the significance of vermicompost for sustainable production.