Earthworms have been known as the ‘farmer’s friend and the ‘gardener’s manure factory’ since long. There is no doubt that earthworms, ‘nature’s unpaid labor force’ have an important place in the world that Charles Darwin claimed for them. Recent studies have revealed that the intelligent use of selected species of earthworms (especially in the ‘decomposer industry’) can produce benefits to mankind in different ways with the help of Vermitechnology.

In recent years, there has been an increased emphasis on organic farming leading to formulation of new methods of composting and production of biopestide foliar sprays like Vermiwash (‘worm-tea’) and Vermiprotein. Earthworms have been aptly named as the ‘Cinderellas’ of organic farming. Vermicomposting is a technique of converting decomposable wastes into valuable plant fertilizers (Vermifertilizers), through the activity of earthworms and micro-organisms; which has now become the backbone of organic farming.

According to Lester R. Brown, “civilization can survive the exhaustion of oil-resources, but not the continuing wholesale loss of the top-soil.” It is noteworthy that earthworms can be used as biological tools for rebuilding of the top-soil, at no cost to the farmers, in easy sustainable soil management. Earthworms are also known as ‘earth-angels’ that can produce ‘heavenly’ humus. 

Vermicomposting helps in ‘Low External Input Sustainable Agriculture’ (LEISA). The ‘Fatigue of the Green Revolution’ due to stagnation in yield levels and to a larger quantity of nutrients required to produce the same yield as in the early periods, can now be changed or rejuvenated by eco-technologies like Vermicomposting.

Now in the scenario of Vermicomposting, waste management and utilization also finds an increased welcome space. The emerging techniques make earthworms as ‘Biomanagers’ in worm-composting. Vermicomposting makes various organic wastes as nothing but only ‘misplaced resources’, which can easily become the food for earthworms in the process of getting nutrient plant growth media (vermifertilizers).

All these aspects need an in-depth knowledge of various aspects of earthworm biology, and its utility in the ingenious management of waste materials. The above cited book gives you a glimpse of earthworms and their importance to mankind. Apart from this, the book also gives you some aspect of the eco-friendly Week Management by earthworms, a new venture of Vermitechnology developed by the author.

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