Prepare Organic For Mols

Horticultural Crops Production
Level-I
Based on May 2023, Version - I Occupational Standard
Manure
Module Title: - Preparing Organic Fertilizer

LG Code:- AGR HCP1 MO4 LO(1-7) LG (16-22)
TTLM Code: AGR HCP1 TTLM 0224v1
Febrauary, 2024
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Page 2 of 105 Ministry of Labor Horticulture Crops Version -1

and Skills production February, 2024
Author/Copyright Level -1
Table of Contents
Contents Page
Module Description ....................................................................................................... 1
LO #1- Prepare raw materials for compost preparation............................................. 2

IInstruction sheet ............................................................................................................. 2
Information Sheet-1 ......................................................................................................... 3
Self-check 1 ................................................................................................... 18
Operation Sheet -1 ........................................................................................................ 19
LAP Test 1 .................................................................................................. 21
LO #2- Prepare compost ............................................................................................. 22

IInstruction sheet 2 ........................................................................................................ 22
Information Sheet 2 ..................................................................................................... 23
Self-Check – 2 ................................................................................................ 37
Operation Sheet -2 ........................................................................................................ 38
Lap Test-2 ........................................................................................................ 4
LO #3- Monitor Composting Process .......................................................................... 5

IInstruction sheet 3 .......................................................................................................... 5
IInformation sheet 3......................................................................................................... 6
Self-Check – 3 ................................................................................................ 12
LO #4- Prepare raw material for Vermicompost preparation ................................... 13

Instruction sheet 2 ......................................................................................................... 13
Information Sheet-4 ....................................................................................................... 14
Self-Check 4................................................................................................... 21
Operation Sheet -4 ........................................................................................................ 22
LAP Test 4 .................................................................................................. 23
LO #5- Prepare Vermicompost and monitor the process ........................................ 24

IInstruction sheet 5 ........................................................................................................ 24
Self-Check 5................................................................................................... 46
Operation Sheet 5 ......................................................................................................... 47
Lap test-5 ......................................................................................................... 2
LO #6- Harvesting and packing Vermicompost .......................................................... 3

Instruction sheet 6 ........................................................................................................... 3
Information Sheet 6 ....................................................................................................... 4
Operation Sheet -6 ........................................................................................................ 22
LAP TEST-6 ................................................................................................... 46
LO #7- Conduct Quality Control Inspection. ............................................................. 47
i
IInstruction sheet 7 ..................................................................................................... 47
Self-Check – 7 ................................................................................................ 68
Operation Sheet-4 ......................................................................................................... 69
LAP Test 7 ..................................................................................................... 69
References ................................................................................................................... 71
Page ii of 105 Ministry of Labor Horticulture Crops Version -1

Module Description
This unit covers the knowledge, skills and attitude required to prepare raw materials for compost
preparation, monitor composting process, Prepare raw material for Vermicompost preparation,
Prepare Vermicompost and monitor the process, Harvesting and packing Vermicompost, conduct
quality control inspection and clean up area.

LG #16 LO #1- Prepare raw materials for
compost preparation
IInstruction sheet
This learning guide is developed to provide you the necessary information regarding the
following content coverage and topics:
 Identifying raw materials and additives
 Collecting and checking locally available materials
 Assessing physical contamination
 Using composting technology and methods
 Pre-processing raw materials variously into suitable forms
 Mixing pre-processed raw materials into suitable feedstock
 Separating, collecting and storing crop residue/by-product
 Selecting and checking PPE and OHS hazards.
This guide will also assist you to attain the learning outcome stated in the cover page.
Specifically, upon completion of this Learning Guide, you will be able to:
 Identify raw materials and additives
 Collect and check locally available materials
 Assess physical contamination
 Use composting technology and methods
 Pre-process raw materials variously into suitable forms
 Mix pre-processed raw materials into suitable feedstock
 Separate, collect and store crop residue/by-product
 Select and check PPE and OHS hazards.
Learning Instructions:

1.Read the specific objectives of this Learning Guide.
2.Follow the instructions described below.
3.Read the information written in the information Sheets
4.Accomplish the Self-checks
5.Perform Operation Sheets
6.Do the “LAP test”
Information Sheet-1
INTRODUCTION
Compost is an organic fertilizer that can be made on the farm at every low cost. The most
important input is farmer‟s labor. Compost is decomposed organic matter, such as crop residues
and animal manure. Most of these ingredients can be easily found around the farm. Compost is
organic material that can be added to soil to help plants grows. Compost is a soil amendment
produced through the metabolism of an organic substrate by aerobic (oxygen-requiring)
microbes under controlled conditions.
Composting is an ancient agricultural technology going back to biblical times that still has
important applications in modern agriculture. Composting is a very old art, and some of its basic
principles have been appreciated and used in practice for centuries. Composting can be carried
out in two ways i.e. aerobically and anaerobically. During aerobic composting aerobic micro-
organisms oxidase organic compounds to Carbon di oxide, Nitrite and Nitrate. Carbon from
organic compounds is used as a source of energy while nitrogen is recycled. Composting
without oxygen results in fermentation. This causes organic compounds to break down by the
action of living anaerobic organisms. As in the aerobic process, these organisms use nitrogen,
phosphorus, and other nutrients in developing cell protoplasm.
1.1. Types of organic fertilizer and their importance
Organic resources can include any material that is derived from living or recently living sources,
such as;crop residues,

 animal manure,
 green manure,
 compost, and
 other organic wastes.
1.1.1. Plant residue and other plant bodies
a). Crop residues: Residues from most crops are returned directly to the soil during harvesting.
These comprise all items discarded after harvesting and threshing of the produce, like stem,
leaves, husk, peels, sugarcane trash, vegetable waste, orchard leaf litter, processed food waste
and processing wastes.
b). Weeds: Especially seaweed is important manure and is collected after heavy weather and
piled in heaps to dry and rot. Seaweed has been used as a fertilizer since long. For those farmers
who are close to the sea, it can be very useful. Many species are known and it is found in most
seas. Seaweed is a potential fertilizer, which is literally waiting to be picked up. It contains many
trace elements and growth regulating substances, which are highly beneficial to crops. Most
seaweed decays rapidly in the soil to release easily soluble nitrogenous compounds.
c). Forestry Wastes: These also comprise various types of plant products like wood shavings,
peels, saw dust and pulp. All these besides various types of forest leaf litter can be used.
1.1.2. Green manures

Green manures represent fresh green plant matter (usually of legumes and often specifically
grown for this purpose in the main field) that is ploughed in or turned into the soil to serve as
manure. Several legume plants can be used as green manure crops. These are an important
source of organic matter and plant nutrients, especially N where the green manure crop is a
legume.
Green manure can either be grown in situ and incorporated in the field or grown elsewhere and
brought in for incorporation in the field to be manured, in which case it is referred to as green-
leaf manuring. Green manures may be:
 Plants of grain legumes such as pigeon pea, cowpea, etc.;
 Non-grain legumes, such as Crotalaria, Sesbania, Centrosema, Stylosanthes and
Desmodium &
 Perennial woody multipurpose legumes, such as Leucaena leucocephala, Gliricidia
sepium,and Cassia siamea;
Because green manures add whatever they have absorbed from the soil, they in fact recycle soil
nutrients from lower depths to the topsoil besides contributing to soil N through N fixation by the
legume green manure crop.
Green manure crops are often sown and incorporated in the field prior to planting a main crop.
Short-duration legumes can also be used as intercrops along with long-duration crops and used as
green manures before or after picking the pods. After a few months of growth, generally at the
beginning of flowering, the plants are cut and mixed into the soil.
1.1.3. Farmyard manure and animal slurry
A great variety of animal substances are used as manures. Cattle dung, sheep dung, horse dung,
goat dung, and poultry dropping etc. can be used.
Farmyard manure (FYM)
FYM refers to the bulky organic manure resulting from the naturally decomposed mixture of
dung and urine of farm animals along with the litter (bedding material). Average, well-rotted
FYM contains 0.5–1.0 percent N, 0.15–0.20 percent P2O5 and 0.5–0.6 percent K2O. The desired
C: N ratio in FYM is 15–20:1. In addition to NPK, it may contain about 1500 mg/kg Fe, 7 mg/kg
Mn, 5 mg/kg B, and 20 mg/kg Mo, 10 mg/kg Co, 2800 mg/kg Al, 12 mg/kg Cr and up to 120
mg/kg lead (Pb).
Often, fully or partially air-dried dung is used as FYM. FYMs can be used simply after air drying
or after composting. Grazing animals return them directly to the soil as a natural nutrient supply,
or the dry dung may be collected, stored and used as fuel or again as manure in the desired area.
During storage, organic manure is partly decomposed by fermentation, which also produces
valuable humic substances. Some losses of N as ammonia occur, but these can be reduced by the
addition of about 2-percent water-soluble phosphate.

Animal wastes/manure
animal dung: The wastes of larger animals like cattle dung, sheep dung, goat dung, horse dung,
camel dung, donkey dung, etc. are used as sources of organic fertilizers.
Animal slurry
It is a semi-liquid nutrient source that can be mechanically collected (pumped up to 12 percent

dry matter), stored and distributed. The amounts of slurry produced per year are about 15–20
m3/cow (7–10 percent dry matter).
Nutrient concentrations of fermented slurry with 5–10 percent dry matter are of the following
order:
 Cow slurry: 0.25–0.5 percent N, 0.3–0.5 percent K, 0.05–0.1 percent P;

 Pig slurry: 0.4–0.8 percent N, 0.3–0.4 percent K, 0.1–0.2 percent P.
About half of the organic N is slow acting, the K fraction is mineral and the phosphate is mostly
organic, but partly in mineral form (MgNH4PO4). The pH of slurry is about neutral.
Poultry manure (dropping): In some areas of the country there are available appreciable
quantities of poultry manure mixed with variable amounts of litter. The average recoveries in the
excreta from laying birds of the nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus in the food are respectively
about 70, 80, and 75%. The recovery of nitrogen is greater than that from larger animals.
If animal manure is to be applied in crop field, it should be well matured for some time otherwise
it might damage the plants. Composting animal manure makes it a better fertilizer.
1.1.4. Town Refuse/municipal waste

Waste materials of various types have to be collected and disposed of in all towns and the
possibility of their value for manorial purposes has frequently been considered.
Sewage and Sludge: Sewage and sludge are the domestic and industrial wastes which contain
large quantities of plant nutrients and are used for growing of crops near many towns.

1.1.5. Industrial Wastes
Some types of industrial wastes, waste from food processing, oil processing, sugar processing,
distillery, brewing, etc. can also be used as a source of raw materials for preparation of organic
fertilizers.
a). Brewing and distilling products
Like malt culms, which are the root lets of germinated barley and other industrial crops are
useful local sources of organic fertilizers, but cannot be expected to have much direct fertilizing
value.
b). oil cake and other residues
Oilcakes represent a special type of crop residue. These are the residues left behind after oil has
been extracted from an oilseed. Oilcakes have a much higher nutrient content, particularly of N
and P, than do normal crop residues, such as cereal straw or bulky organic manures. Owing to
their low C: N ratio, these decompose at a faster rate in the soil to furnish available nutrients.
During extracting oil, the residues called oil cake is used as manure.
Organic Fertilizers are classified into two based on their nutrient concentration.
a) “bulky organic manure”refers collectively to cattle dung, FYM, composts, etc. because
of their large bulk in relation to the nutrients contained in them.
b) Concentrated organic manures, such as oilcakes, slaughterhouse wastes, fishmeal,
poultry manures are comparatively richer in NPK.
These organic materials can be incorporated directly into the soil as amendments or used as a
source of plant nutrients through the process of mineralization. The incorporation of organic
materials into the soil provides several benefits, including;
 the addition of essential plant nutrients,

 improved water-holding capacity,
 enhanced microbial activity, and
 increased soil organic matter.
Additionally, the use of organic resources promotes sustainable agriculture by reducing the
dependence on synthetic fertilizers and minimizing the environmental impact of agricultural
practices.

Organic Fertilizer -organic materials such as manure, compost, and crop residues can improve
soil health, increase nutrient storage, and enhance the management of water in the soil. In
addition to supplying nutrients, organic inputs also contribute to crop growth in other ways by:
 increasing the crop response to mineral fertilizer;
 improving the soil‟s capacity to store moisture;
 regulating soil chemical and physical properties that affect nutrient storage and
availability as well as root growth;
 adding nutrients not contained in mineral fertilizers;
 creating a better rooting environment;
 improving the availability of phosphorus for plant uptake;
 ameliorating problems such as soil acidity; and
 replenishing soil organic matter
Limitation of organic fertilizer preparation

 Preparing compost, liquid manure is very labor intensive and time consuming.
 Making your own organic fertilizers is not possible everywhere. It depends on space, available
material, local conditions and other factors;
 Applying compost could enhance weeds and diseases in the crop to be grown
 A compost heap attracts vermin, such as insects, rats, mice and also snakes
 The concentration of available nutrients in organic fertilizers is considerably lower than in
chemical fertilizers. This means very large amounts that is 300-800quintals per hectare must be
applied to supply enough nutrients for crop growth and to add enough humus to benefit soil
physical condition.
The exact nutrient content of most organics like compost or manure varies a lot.
1.2. Raw materials and additives

The most common raw materials used to make compost are yard wastes such as grass clippings,
leaves, weeds, and small pruning‟s from shrubs and trees. Most home garden compost piles and
municipal compost facilities use yard wastes exclusively because of the large volume of
materials available. Some carbonaceous organic materials such as rice straw, corn stalk, rice hull,
and sawdust are very useful in improving the physical and biological properties of soil, but they
are very slow in releasing nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Compost pile

should have an equal amount of browns to greens. You should also alternate layers of organic
materials of different-sized particles. The brown materials provide carbon for your compost, the
green materials provide nitrogen, and the water provides moisture to help break down the
organic matter.
1.2.1.Raw materials used to make compost
 Fruits and vegetables

 Crushed eggshells
 Grass clippings
 Coffee grounds and filters
 Houseplants
 Tea bags
 Hay and straw
 Nut shells
 Leaves
 Shredded newspaper
 Sawdust
 Shredded cardboard
 Wood chips
 Shredded paper
 Fireplace ashes
 Yard trimmings
1.2.2. Raw materials not used to make compost
 Black walnut tree leaves or twigs because releases substances that might be harmful to
plants
 Coal or charcoal ash because might contain substances harmful to plants
 Dairy products (e.g., butter, milk, sour cream, yogurt) and eggs because create odor
problems and attract pests such as rodents and flies
 Diseased or insect-ridden plants because diseases or insects might survive and be
transferred back to other plants
 Fats, grease, lard, or oils because create odor problems and attract pests such as rodents
and flies
 Meat or fish bones and scraps because create odor problems and attract pests such as
rodents and fliesPet wastes (e.g., dog or cat feces, soiled cat litter) because might contain
parasites, bacteria, germs, pathogens, and viruses harmful to humans
 Yard trimmings treated with chemical pesticides because might kill beneficial
composting organisms
1.3. Collecting and checking locally available materials
Agricultural compost facilities use materials readily available on nearby farms.

Available materials: - includes materials such as animal manures, used stable straw, spoiled
fruits and vegetables, field refuse vineyard, orchard pruning‟s dead leaves, branches and other
agricultural waste products.
Greens include materials: - such as grass clippings, vegetable waste, fruit crops, and coffee
grounds.
Water having materials: - the right amount of water, greens vegetation‟s.
During composting, microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi break down complex organic
compounds into simpler substances and produce carbon dioxide, water, minerals, and stabilized
organic matter (compost). The process produces heat, which can destroy pathogens (disease-
causing microorganisms) and weed seeds.
Correct equipment storage
To reduce chances of injury, equipment must be stored in the correct manner. For example:
 All sharp objects e.g. should be stored in the appropriate drawers, knife blocks or tool
boxes.
 Large heavy items should not be stored on high shelves.
 Electrical equipment should not be stored or used near wet areas.
 All washed equipment, should be dried after washing.
 Any mobile equipment, crockery, cutlery, etc., also need to be secured against theft.
This is achieved by locking these items in secured rooms or wire cages with padlocks
Identifying and reporting malfunctions, faults, wear or damage to tools and equipment
1.4.Working procedure
During preparation of organic fertilizer, some activities can be potentially toxic to human beings
and pollutant environmental conditions. These activities are may be: - attraction of pests,

emissions from vehicle and machinery operations, erosion, fire, leaks, litter, noise, odours
organic dusts, spills, water pollution from run-off or leaching, air, dust and noise, hazardous
substances, holes and slippery or uneven surfaces, livestock, manual handling, sharp hand tools
and equipment, soil-borne micro-organisms, solar radiation. Therefore, during preparation of
organic fertilizer you should have to follow safety required to avoid hazards. Skin contact with
sewage or sludge or compost or their residues, injection by mouth, smoking while working with
them and other avoidable exposure must be avoided. Persons engaged in the mixing/turning and
application of organic fertilizer (sewage, sludge, compost, farm yard manure, etc.) must wear
rubber gloves, rubber boots, goggles and impervious over-all or coat covering the body.
1.5. Assessing physical contamination
Maintaining and improving compost product quality is vitally important for ensuring continued
confidence in organic waste recycling industries around the world. One quality criterion of
particular interest from the general public‟s perspective is physical contamination (also known as
foreign matter or inserts content) from such materials as plastic, glass and metal. This
contamination makes “poor quality” compost immediately apparent compared to other quality
criteria that require some form of laboratory analysis for their detection.
The quality of compost products is highly dependent on the quality of the feedstock materials.
Therefore, considerable effort has been made in recent years to educate the public and
stakeholder groups on feedstocks destined, either knowingly or unknowingly, for composting.
Although physical contaminants in composts are largely assessed on a weight basis both
commercially and in research publications, an alternative is surface area based quantification.
Types of contaminations:-
a) Biological contaminants such as pathogens
b) Chemical contaminants such as pesticides or heavy metals
c) Physical contaminants such as:
 glass  rubble
 metals  stone and soil
 plastics  sharps
1.6. Composting methods
Composting is nature's process of recycling decomposed organic materials into a rich soil known
as compost. Anything that was once living will decompose. Composting technology (CT) is a
bridge between organic waste and soil carbon pool, which also a critical technology on the
sustainable development of agriculture.
Composting is an aerobic method of decomposing organic solid wastes. It can therefore be used
to recycle organic material. The process involves decomposing organic material into a humus-
like material, known as compost, which is a good fertilizer for plants.The composting process
involves four main components: organic matter, moisture, oxygen, and bacteria. Organic matter
includes plant materials and some animal manures.
Composting is the most recommended method for recycling food wastes. Composting is a
process that involves biological decomposition of organic matter, under controlled conditions,
into soil conditioner. Aerobic fermentation is the decomposition of organic material in presence
of air.
Types of Composting
 Composting Basics
 Onsite Composting
 Vermicomposting
 Aerated (Turned) Windrow Composting
 Aerated Static Pile Composting
 In-Vessel Composting
i. Basic Compost is prepared by managing the aerobic decomposition of organic materials

like yard debris, grass, leaves, kitchen scraps, paper, manures, straw, hay, wood chips and
sawdust.
ii. Onsite Composting can significantly reduce the amount of wasted food that is thrown
away. Yard trimmings and small quantities of food scraps can be composted onsite.

Animal products and large quantities of food scraps are not appropriate for onsite
composting.
iii. Vermicomposting or worm composting is a simple technology for converting
biodegradable waste into organic manure with the help of earthworms. Earthworms are
valued by farmers because, in addition to aerating the soil, they digest organic matter and
produce castings that are a valuable source of humus.
iv. Aerated window composting involves forming organic waste into rows of long piles
called “windrows” and aerating them periodically by either manually or mechanically
turning the piles. The ideal pile height is between four and eight feet with a width of 14 to
16 feet.
v. Static composting, organic matter is piled up and then broken down by bacteria. As the
pile decomposes, nutrients are released back into the compost and heat is released.
vi. In-vessel composting involves the use of naturally occurring aerobic processes which
break down organic matter to produce an organic material suitable for use as a soil
conditioner and a source of nutrients in agriculture and horticulture.
In-vessel method involves feeding organic materials into a drum, silo, concrete-lined trench, or
similar equipment. This allows good control of the environmental conditions such as
temperature, moisture, and airflow. The material is mechanically turned or mixed to make sure
the material is aerated.
Open compost is anything organic, a bit, and not really. Dead leaves, lawn clippings, food scraps
(except meat or fat), newspaper, cardboard, and manure are all organic matter and will break
down in your compost pile. Ideally, you want to add a diversity of ingredients. Bins retain some
warmth and moisture and make better compost more quickly, but even an open heap (not
enclosed in a bin) will compost eventually. Any of the compost bins on the market should
produce compost as long as they exclude rain, retain some warmth, allow drainage and let in air.

1.7. Pre-processing raw materials
The solid waste must first be processed to remove contaminants and prepare the organics for
composting. Pre-treatment of waste streams coming from different sectors and industries to make
it suitable/homogenized for feeding into the kiln system to avoid process fluctuations.
These wastes are treated chemically and physically to bring them to a uniform characteristic and
convert into appropriate form for its optimum utilization in co-processing. Such waste materials
used for co processing are referred to as Alternative Fuel Resources (AFR).Received liquid
solvents are carried to site in Tankers or barrels and are transferred into the properly designed
storage tanks. Nitrogen blanketing is to be present in the tank to avoid any vapors coming out of
the storage tank to atmosphere.
1.8. Mixing pre-processed raw materials into suitable feedstock
Composting is a biological process in which biological wastes are stabilized and converted into a
product to be used as a soil conditioner and organic fertilizer. This process depends upon the
activity of microorganisms. To these activities the microorganisms must be provided with a
suitable environment and a source of nutrients that should be present in proper proportions. The
extent to which we supply those two needs and the way in which we do so, determine to a large
degree our influence on the compost process and its optimization.
The major sources of nutrients for composting are organic waste materials. However, it is rare
that a waste material in the condition in which it is available consistently possesses all of the
characteristics essential for efficient composting. To compensate for this deficiency, it is usually
necessary to blend in suitable proportions of another waste or low cost material. For example, in
the U.S., the excessively high moisture content of sewage sludge usually is lowered by blending
a “bulking” agent such as wood chips or sawdust. In Europe, municipal solid wastes often serve
as the bulking agent. For farms, excessively moist manure can be blended with crop residues, or
perhaps with waste from a nearby lumber operation.

1.9. Separating, collecting and storing crop residue/by-product
Crop residues collection and storage practices were observed to depend on the mechanism of
harvesting the grain from the crops and the type of crop. Small seeded crops such as: teff, wheat
and barley are transported to a threshing ground located in the homestead area where they are
threshed to separate the grain from the straws. The straw is then stored in the form of a heap
around the homestead. The heap is commonly fenced with locally available materials
especiallyCrop residues collection and storage practices were observed to depend on the
mechanism of harvesting the grain from the crops and the type of crop. Small seeded crops such
as: teff, wheat and barley are transported to a threshing ground located in the homestead area
where they are threshed to separate the grain from the straws. The straw is then stored in the
form of a heap around the homestead. The heap is commonly fenced with locally available
materials especially Practice of conserving crop residues.
Farmyard manure collected and stored
Farmyard manure should ideally be collected and stored for a while so as to obtain a manure of
high quality. The best result is achieved if the farmyard manure is composted. Manure stored
under anaerobic conditions (e.g. in water logged pits) is of inferior quality.
Collection of farmyard manure is easiest if the animals are kept in stables. For storage, the
manure should be mixed with dry plant material (straw, grass, crop residues, leaves etc.) to
absorb the liquid. Straw that has been cut or mashed by spreading it out on a roadside can absorb
more water than long straw.
Usually, the manure is stored next to the stable, either in heaps or in pits. It can also be stored
within the stable as bedding, provided it is covered with fresh bedding material. In any case, the
farmyard manure should be protected from sun, wind and rain. Water logging, as well as drying
out should be avoided, so as to avoid nutrient losses. The storage site should be impermeable and
have a slight slope. Ideally, a trench collects the liquid from the manure heap and the urine from
the stable. A dam around the heap prevents uncontrolled in- and outflow of urine and water.
Storing manure in pits is particularly suitable for dry areas and dry seasons. Storage in pits
reduces the risk of drying out and the need to water the pile. However, there is greater risk of

waterlogging and more effort is required as the pit needs to be dug out. For this method, a 90 cm
deep pit is dug with a slight slope at the bottom.
Humidity in the manure heap must be controlled. To avoid nutrient losses, it should neither be
too wet nor too dry. Some indicators to monitor the humidity of the manure are (Figure 7-11):
If white fungus appears (threads and white spots), the manure is too dry and should be dampened
with water or urine.
A yellow-green colour and/or bad smell are signs that the manure is too wet and not sufficiently
aerated.
If the manure shows a brown to black colour throughout the heap, the conditions are ideal.
Figure 1-1 - Appropriate treatment of farmyard manure
Crop residues are the non-economic plant parts that are left in the field after harvest. The harvest
refuses include straws, stubble, Stover and haulms of different crops. Crop remains are also
from thrashing sheds or that are discarded during crop processing. This includes process wastes
like groundnut shell, oil cakes, rice husks and cobs of maize and sorghum. The greatest potential
as a biomass resource appears to be from the field residues of sorghum, maize, soybean, cotton,
sugarcane etc.

Crop residues accumulated in different locations are to be brought to compost yard. The compost
yard is located in anyone corner of the farm with accessibility via good road. Water resource
should also be available in sufficient quantity. The crop residues that are brought to compost
yard should be heaped in one corner for further processing.
Fig 1.2 Raw materials identification.
1.10. Selecting and checking personal protective equipment’s (PPE)
There are many reasons to stockpile compostable materials to use later. If your bin or compost
system is full or inaccessible for a time, or if a wealth of material becomes available all at once,
proper storage of these materials can set up the next batch for success. Materials should ideally
be stored in a way that does not create odors, attract vermin or even combust.
Dry Materials
Dry materials, such as bags of leaves, cardboard boxes, wood mulch, piles of sawdust, shredded
paper or bales of straw, often become available seasonally or all at once as a windfall. These
carbon-rich dry materials can be stored for use in compost piles as needed. It‟s a great idea to
have extra “browns” on hand to mix with kitchen waste, manure, grass clippings and other
“greens.”
Keep brown materials dry to avoid them breaking down prematurely while being stored. A tarp
or tightly closed plastic landscape bags work well to protect these materials.
Keeping these materials dry also helps to avoid spontaneous combustion. Store materials away
from homes and other structures and be sure to avoid any potential sparks or flames in the area.

Wet Materials
Green” materials, such as food scraps, rotting produce items, grass clippings and manure, can be
stored until adequate “browns” are available. It is also sometimes necessary to save them for
later incorporation into the compost pile due to time constraints or adverse weather.
Kitchen waste and rotting produce, fruit peels, eggshells, coffee grounds and other household
waste can be frozen in plastic bags or plastic containers until ready to incorporate into the pile.
This is also a great way to save these items without attracting fruit flies or developing unpleasant
odors.
Manure can be stacked into a simple pile and covered with a tarp to keep it dry and reduce odors
and the prevalence of flies. Fly larvae develop in wet manure. Store manure away from homes
and structures.
Grass clippings can be bagged with mower attachments or raked and bagged up. These clippings
tend to be very wet and mold quickly. Grass clippings should be incorporated into the pile as
soon as possible.
Storing finished compost can be a good way to make sure that there is a constant supply for your
gardens and plants to utilize. After harvesting and screening the compost, you can plan to store it
for a short time or a longer period. The goal is to protect the finished compost from unwanted
fungal growth, nutrient leaching and excess moisture that can cause anerobic conditions, which
kill off the beneficial organisms within the material.
Short term storage (one to three weeks): For this short of a time, you probably won‟t face much
deterioration if storing outdoors in an uncovered pile. For smaller amounts, you may also keep
compost dry by storing it in open bags in a shed or garage, under an overhang, etc. A plastic tote
bin with a loosely filling lid also works well for storing finished compost short term.
 PPE should include:

 Coveralls.  Eye protection.
 Respirators.  Head protection
 Boots or shoe covers.  Boot and etc.
 Gloves.

1.11.Occupational health safety (OHS) hazards
Occupational health and safety (OHS) is one of the most important aspects of human concern.
It aims an adaptation of working environment to workers for the promotion and maintenance of
the highest degree of physical, mental and social wellbeing of workers in all occupations.
There are many types of hazards:-

i. Biological hazard: - biological substances that pose a threat to the health of living
organisms, primarily that of human.
ii. Chemical hazards: - is any substance, regardless of its form that can potentially cause
physical and health hazards to people, or can result in harm to the environment.
iii. Ergonomic hazards: - is any factor in the workplace that may cause injury or health
issues, such as musculoskeletal injuries. Objects, environments and systems are the three
primary types of ergonomic hazards that can result in poor posture or uncomfortable
working conditions.
iv. Physical hazards: - include exposure to slips, trips, falls, electricity, noise, vibration,
radiation, heat, cold and fire. The following table summarizes the sources of physical
hazard exposure and their health effects.
v. Psychosocial: - is anything that could cause psychological harm (e.g. harm someone's
mental health). Common psychosocial hazards at work include: job demands, low job
control and poor support.

Self-check 1 Written Test
Direction: - Answer all the questions listed below.

Test I: Write all the questions listed below.
1. Write types of contaminations.
2. List physical contaminations in compost preparation.
3. List types of hazard
4. Explain storage of wet composting materials

Operation Sheet -1
1.1 Techniques/Procedures/Methods of cleaning, collecting and storing tools and equipment‟s.
A. Tools: -
 Water  Vacuum cleaner
 Boom  Bleach
 Scrub brush  Ammonia
 Micro fibber cleaner  Oil
B. Procedures
 Prepare PPE and wear
 Collect tools together
 Remove some dirty material properly
 Apply oil to prevent rust
 Remove rust with a wire brush
 Put tools and equipment‟s properly on shelf or store.

LAP Test 1
Name_________________________ sign: ________________

Time started: ________________________ Time finished____________
Instructions: Given necessary materials, tools and equipment‟s you are required to perform the
following tasks within 4: 00 hours.
Task. I. 1. Clean tools and equipment‟s in appropriate

LG #17 LO #2- Prepare compost
IInstruction sheet 2
 Selecting and cleaning site for compost preparation
 Handling feedstock mixtures for composting
 Assigning batch numbers and documentation
 Preparing compost
 Maintaining clean up area
 Cleaning processing equipment to avoid contamination
 Select and clean site for compost preparation
 Handle feedstock mixtures for composting
 Assign batch numbers and documentation
 Prepare compost
 Maintain clean up area
 Clean processing equipment to avoid contamination
1. Read the specific objectives of this Learning Guide.
2. Follow the instructions described below.
3. Read the information written in the information sheets
4. Accomplish the Self-checks
5. Perform Operation Sheets
6. Do the “LAP test”

Information Sheet 2
2.1 Selecting and cleaning site

To make the best possible compost, the micro-organisms must be able to work optimally. This can be
achieved if the following four factors are combined to the best advantage: type of organic material,
air, moisture, and temperature. The acidity (pH) is also considered by some to be an important factor.
Choose an open, level area with good drainage. You do not want your compost to sit in standing
water. An area with partial sun or shade is also ideal. Too much sun can dry the pile out, while too
much shade can keep it overly wet. Organisms need free contact with both soil and atmosphere and
suitable environments of warmth and moisture. The pile should not be directly exposed to sun, wind,
rain, nor sited in a low-lying place subject to unnecessary dampness and standing water. Strong sun
not only dries, but also is hostile to micro-organisms.
Composting site should be:

 Within permitted areas: Check local zoning ordinances for any setback requirements or specific
backyard composting rules, i.e., no food wastes permitted, etc.
 Near water source: A large quantity of water is essential to maintain the compost pile (especially
hot compost). Access to a hose or irrigation system is ideal.
 Good drainage: Keep the pile or bin on well drained, slightly-sloped soil, to avoid excess
moisture.
 Away from wood on buildings: The heat, bacteria and fungi generated in the composting process
may discolor or degrade wood siding if placed in contact with it.
 Near the destination of the compost: If possible, locate the pile or bin close to where you want to
use the compost, to avoid transporting the heavy material long distances.
 Out of wind and hot sun: In the summer, keep the pile or bin shaded to avoid excess heat. In the
fall, spring and winter, the sun‟s warmth will help extend the biological activity. Protect it from the
wind, since it will dehydrate the pile in any season.
 Out of sight: Consider planting shrubs, tall grasses, etc. or installing attractive fencing or arbors

2.2. Handling feedstock mixtures for composting
Feedstocks are the raw ingredients for composting. They are organic materials, usually solid, and
usually in an active state of decomposition. There are four basic ingredients in the compost
pile, nitrogen, carbon, water, and air. Compost Feedstock or “Feedstock” means any decomposable
organic material used in the production of compost or chipped and ground material including, but not
limited to, green wastes, animal material, manure, bio solids and solid waste.For best results, start
building your compost pile by mixing three parts brown materials with one part green material. If
your compost pile looks too wet and smells, add more brown items or aerate more often. If you see it
looks extremely brown and dry, add green items and water to make it slightly moist.
Compost is safe to handle as long as the usual garden hygiene rules are followed:
 Keep cuts covered.
 Wash hands with soap and running water after handling compost (especially before eating)
 Keep anti-tetanus protection up to date.
To make good compost, you need a 50:50 mix of materials that are rich in nitrogen and carbon.
Nitrogen comes from lush, green material such as grass clippings. Carbon comes from brown
material, such as woody stems and cardboard. Since there are many ways of making compost, its
actual composition will vary considerably. While the raw materials going into the compost pile are
important, the value of the final compost depends upon the construction and management of the pile.
There is a vast difference, for instance, between compost from a well-made, well-managed pile and
that from the all-too-common untidy dump or hole in the ground. Also, a well-made pile is agreeable
to work with while a random pile is generally messy and may breed flies and other problems.
Following the general principles below will produce a neat and productive compost pile. Collect
equal amounts of green yard and livestock waste (such as fresh grass clippings and weeds or cow
manure) and brown scraps (such as dead leaves, straw and old hay). Shred large chunks of waste into
smaller sections that are less than about 3 to 4 inches in diameter.
Cold composting is the lazy gardener's method. While a cold compost pile needs both brown and
green materials, you don't have to be as exact with the proportions. Instead of saving the materials up

before creating the pile, add them when you have them. Though an excess of browns is common,
there's a negative result to adding too many greens. Excessive nitrogen can cause your compost to
heat up very quickly and even spontaneously combust, which becomes an obvious fire risk. healthy
compost pile requires a mix of dry, carbon-rich "brown" items (e.g. dry leaves and grasses,
newspaper, dead plant clippings, wood branches, hay, straw, sawdust, and pine needles) and wet,
nitrogen-rich "green" items (e.g. grass clippings, food scraps, coffee grounds, tea bags, and fresh
2.3. Assigning batch numbers and documentation

Batch composting simply involves mixing all your materials together at once then letting everything
sit without adding more materials (aside from water), until it becomes compost. This approach is
most applicable on a larger scale, and almost always will involve some variation of 'hot composting'.
When it's time to cook up a batch of compost, place these materials in alternating layers into a bin of
some kind and water them down. To ensure that mixture has enough nitrogen and microbes, add a
compost starter, such as Super-Hot Compost Starter, as the layering the ingredients.
Depending on the size of compost pile, what put in it, and how tend to it, this process can take three
months to two years. With a Compost Aerator, it's easier to add air to the pile. Aeration gives oxygen-
hungry microbes what they need to break down materials faster. Depending on the size of your
compost pile, what you put in it, and how you tend to it, this process can take three months to two
years. With a Compost Aerator, it's easier to add air to the pile. Aeration gives oxygen-hungry
microbes what they need to break down materials faster. Continuous composting involves one pile
that you can take finished compost from while still adding new waste. Batch composting
involves making a pile all at once and letting it decompose without adding any new waste. "Batch
composting" does exactly that. Rather than adding material continuously to a pile that's already in the
process of decomposing, you save up your raw materials in separate piles until you have enough for
one big batch.
The largest of your piles will ideally be brown materials, such as dry leaves. It can take anything
from three months to a year or two to make compost in a pile. The one- to two-year time frame is for
organic wastes you dump and leave to break down without your help. In general, the more effort you
put in, the quicker you will get compost. When the ingredients you have put in your container have

turned into a dark brown, earthy smelling material, the composting process is complete. It is then best
left for a month or two to 'mature' before it is used.
2.4. Preparing compost

The presence of organic matter in the soil is fundamental in maintaining the soil fertility and
decreasing nutrient losses. Compost is an organic fertilizer; it adds organic matter and nutrients to the
soil. Composting is the natural process of recycling organic matter, such as leaves and food scraps,
into a valuable fertilizer that can enrich soil and plants. Compost is a mixture of ingredients used to
fertilize and improve the soil. It is commonly prepared by decomposing plant and food waste and
recycling organic materials. The resulting mixture is rich in plant nutrients and beneficial organisms,
such as worms and fungal mycelium.
The most common raw materials used to make compost are yard wastes such as grass clippings,
leaves, weeds, and small pruning‟s from shrubs and trees. Most home garden compost piles and
municipal compost facilities use yard wastes exclusively because of the large volume of materials
available. Compost is ready or finished when it looks, feels and smells like rich, dark earth rather than
rotting vegetables. In other words, it should be dark brown, crumbly and smell like earth. The Florida
Online Composting Center is one of the few sites that offer detailed home tests for the maturity of
compost.
Worm Farm Composting for many, is the most common and preferred choice of composting because
of their capabilities to grow worms, produce compost and compost tea and keep rats out of your
compost. The worms produce castings concentrated with nutrients lower in nitrogen compared to
other composting methods. Compost can be used to improve the soil structure and drainage, as a
mulch to cut down on water loss, and as a fertilizer to improve the soil's fertility. Enriches soil,
helping retain moisture and suppress plant diseases and pests.
Different phases of composting have been classified according to their temperature as:
A. Hot Phase (Mesophilic Phase).
B. Curing Phase (Thermophilic and Hygienization Phase).
C. Cooling or Mesophilic Phase II.
D. Maturation Phase.

A. Hot phase: - refers to a method in which microbial activity within the compost pile is optimized,
resulting in finished compost in a much shorter period of time. It requires some special equipment,
as well as time and diligence.
B. Curing phase: - compost usually lasts 3 to 4 weeks. Curing is a very important and often
neglected part of the composting process. Curing occurs at mesophilic temperatures. The
importance of curing increases if the active composting stage is either shortened or poorly
managed.
C. Cooling phase: -when carbon and nitrogen have been consumed, the temperature is lowered down
to 40-45 ºC. The mesophilic appears again and decomposes the remaining material of cellulose and
lignin.
D. Maturation phase: - is usually carried out with less control and monitoring than the bio-oxidative
phase.
2.4.1 Methods of compost preparation.

2.4.1.1 Heap method
Heaping method is a compost making process on the surface. It is an appropriate method for areas
where there is excess moisture through high rain and irrigation. If the compost making is in a pit,
excess moisture may enter into the pit and change the decomposition of the compost from a good
smelling aerated process into a sour or ammonia smelling process. A compost heap is generally a
pile of brown and green matter. It is a great way to reduce food wastage, and it helps in saving the
environment.
The compost heap consists of decomposing organic matter, which decays and leaves behind fertilizer
rich in nutrients, which is perfect for gardens. A compost heap is generally a pile of brown and green
matter. It is a great way to reduce food wastage, and it helps in saving the environment. The compost
heap consists of decomposing organic matter, which decays and leaves behind fertilizer rich in
nutrients, which is perfect for gardens. You can use a compost heap to recycle all your kitchen and
garden waste into rich, organic compost that's great for the soil and plants.

Fig. 2.1 Heap compost

2.4.1.2. Pit compositing method
Pit method is a compost making process in pits, which is much better to be used in moisture stress
and cold areas. This is because in moisture stress areas the pit keeps the available moisture for a
longer time while in the cold, the pit keeps the inside temperature high enough for the decomposition
process to continue
A pit made to generate manures and fertile substances by the process of dumping the decaying
biodegradable substances is known as a compost pit. Peels of vegetables and fruits, kitchen wastes,
and rotten veggies are used to make manure in a compost pit. Enriches soil, helping retain moisture
and suppress plant diseases and pests.
A compost pile that is too dry will fail to decompose. Since there is no bacterial activity, there will
be no heat. Make sure your pile has adequate moisture. The simplest way to check this is to reach
your hand into the pile and squeeze. The pit should be about 1 m deep, 1.5-2 m wide, and of a
suitable length. The material brought from the cattle shed is spread in the pit in even layers of 10-15
cm. Slurry made from 4.5 kg of dung, 3.5 kg of urine-earth and 4.5 kg of inoculum from a 15-day-old
composting pit is spread on each layer.
How to Compost
 Start your compost pile on bare earth.
 Lay twigs or straw first, a few inches deep.
 Add compost materials in layers, alternating moist and dry.
 Add manure, green manure (clover, buckwheat, wheatgrass, grass clippings) or any nitrogen source.
 Keep compost moist.
Labelling or using a label: - is describing someone or something in a word or short phrase. For
example, the label "criminal" may be used to describe someone who has broken a law. Labelling
theory is a theory in sociology which ascribes labelling of people to control and identification of
deviant behavior.
 Date of preparation
 Materials
 Labor require
 Who is prepared?
 Labor cost
 Place of preparation and etc.
Fig.2.2 Pit compost

2.4.1.3 Barrel method
It‟s a barrel that can be rotated or turned. Often made from recycled plastics, the barrel is filled with
organic yard and kitchen wastes. The composting process, contained within the barrel, is activated
with commercial starters, manure, already finished compost, garden soil or nothing at all. When
rotate the drum of a compost tumbler, the waste 'tumbles' around, and introducing air pockets to the
decomposing matter inside. These air pockets provide oxygen for the microorganisms that help break
down food waste and other organics, enabling them to do their job.
Under ideal conditions, convert waste to finished home compost in as little as three weeks in a sealed
compost tumbler. Outdoor temperature, time of year, and the correct balance of carbon and nitrogen
matter are factors that influence the speed of composting. There are various compost tumblers on the
market, so emptying one is directly related to the style of tumbler you have. For most models, the
simplest method for emptying is to tilt the bin so that the opening faces the ground, then, using a
spade or rake, pull the contents out and downwards.
Fig.2.3 Barrel compost

2.4.1.4. Basket method
Where the piece of land to be put under a crop is small, such as a kitchen garden, or where there is not
enough FYM, then the basket method can be used to make compost. Basket composting is the
process by which decomposable home garbage, garden and farm waste and leguminous leaves are
allowed to rot in baskets half-buried in garden plots as a method of producing organic fertilizer.
Place the rotting garbage and manure into the basket first. Fill to the brim with other organic wastes.
Fresh manure can be used. Place the undecomposed mater composed materials like Ipil leaves or any
recommended leguminous leaves, grasses and weeds next cover the organic wastes with a thin layer
of soil.
Fig.2.4 Basket compost

2.4.2. Advantage of compost
 It improves the soil structure.

 It improves the resistance of the soil against the erosive action of rain and wind.
 It retains water and releases it slowly, so that water is available to the plants (water storage
capacity) over a longer period.
 It retains nutrients and releases them to the plants slowly over a longer period.
 It contains the main nutrients: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), which become
available to the plants after decomposition.
 Reduce fertilizer requirements
 Improve water infiltration and drought tolerance
 Reduce soil compaction and crusting
 Improve root growth and yields
 Increase microbial and earthworm populations in soil
 Protect plants from disease
 Slowly release nutrients to plants
 Improve nutrient-holding capacity
 Increase ease of cultivation
2.4.3 Disadvantages of Composting

 Requires initial investment.
 Efficiency depends on your amount of organic waste.
 Unpleasant smell.
 Neighbors may complain.
 May attract rats, snakes and bugs.
 Rather unpleasant physical appearance.
 Involves plenty of work.
 Needs some monitoring

2.4.4. Qualities of good Compost
Compost quality determines a product's ability and capacity to perform its intended function.
Although the composting process is also influential, feedstocks are the primary factor in determining
the qualities of compost. You take a handful of compost, squeeze it firmly and then open the fist. If
the compost is too dry, the compost will then fall apart. If the moisture content is normal, then
compost stays together. Compost is ready or finished when it looks feels and smells like rich, dark
earth rather than rotting vegetables. In other words, it should be dark brown, crumbly and smell like
earth.
2.4.5. Characteristics of Compost quality:-

 Compost should be dark brown in color with profuse fire fangs.
 Compost should have moisture percentage of about 68-70 percent.
 PH of the compost should be in the range of 7.2-7.8.
 There should not be any smell of ammonia.
 It should not be sticky or greasy
2.4.6. Factors affect the composting process
 The concentration of carbon and nitrogen in the organic material.
 The volume of the material being composted.
 Aeration of the pile.
 Moisture content within the pile.
 Surface area of the pile and particle size.
 The temperature of the pile.
2.5. Maintaining clean up area

Effectively cleaning working area does not merely involve wiping a damp cloth over surfaces.
Correct cleaning procedures are required to minimize hygiene problems. This is why cleaning agents,
detergent sand/or chemicals, are used extensively.
Maintaining a compost pile depends largely on what type of system you've set up. No-turn compost
systems require zero maintenance; hot ones require more.

Compost pile should be moist, but not soggy. Most of your water will come from rain, as well as the
moisture in green materials, but you may need to water the pile yourself on occasion. If the pile gets
too wet, you can turn it more frequently to dry it, or add more brown materials to soak up excess
moisture. Instead of soap, which can damage your local ecosystem, use vinegar, lemon, and baking
soda to sanitize and de-stink the bin. Some preventative measures will help keep your curbside
compost bin cleaner longer. You can line it with newspaper and sprinkle that with baking soda to
absorb moisture and odors.If compostable products are placed in an open landfill or dump where
oxygen is available, they will decompose at a rate similar to other biodegradable materials in the
same setting. So, what happens to compostable items in a landfill? Once again, they will “compost.”
But the costs are high. The organic food waste you're tossing out will end up in an anaerobic
composting pile. A healthy compost pile should have much more carbon than nitrogen. Nitrogen or
protein-rich matter (manures, food scraps, green lawn clippings, kitchen waste, and green leaves)
provides raw materials for making enzymes. A healthy compost pile should have much more carbon
than nitrogen.
If you have a small bin indoors that you use to collect kitchen waste, keep it in the freezer to maintain
sanitary conditions and reduce odors. Even so, you should wash it regularly, just as you would wash
dishes. For washing a compost bin for curbside pickup, you‟ll need to get out the hose and some
natural cleaners. Instead of soap, which can damage your local ecosystem, use vinegar, lemon, and
baking soda to sanitize and de-stink the bin. Some preventative measures will help keep your
curbside compost bin cleaner longer. You can line it with newspaper and sprinkle that with baking
soda to absorb moisture and odors. Also, look for compostable bags to hold scraps. Make sure your
waste pickup service accepts the bags first. If you make your own compost, a full cleaning is not
necessary very often. What you need to focus on instead is cleaning out the finished compost.
2.6. Cleaning processing equipment to avoid contamination

Cleaning is the process of removing unwanted substances, such as dirt, infectious agents, and other
impurities, from an object or environment. Cleaning material means a solvent used to remove
contaminants and other materials such as dirt, grease, oil, and dried. Cleaning occurs in many
different contexts, and uses many different methods

2.6.1. Cleaning processes are:
 Pre-Clean. The first stage of cleaning is to remove loose debris and substances from the
contaminated surface you're cleaning. ...
 Main Cleaning: - This involves using hot water and a detergent.
 Disinfection cleaning :- works by using chemicals to kill germs on equipment‟s
 Final Rinse cleaning: - is a specially formulated mild acid solution with a pH of 2.5 - 3.0 that is
used as the final step in the wet cleaning process.
 Drying cleaning: - very similar to regular home laundering, but a liquid solvent is used to clean
your clothes instead of water and detergent.
2.6.2. Advantages of Cleaning Equipment:-
 Equally effective for general as well as tougher cleaning tasks.

 High cleaning capability.
 Reduce work fatigue and increase productivity.
 Save the time.
 easy to operate

Self-Check – 2 Written Test

Part I: - Choose the correct answer.
1.Which one is not a criteria to select composting site
A. Water source B. Good drainage area C. out of sun light D. out of wind break. E. None
2.Which one is a phase of composting?
A. Hot phase
B. Cooling phase
C. Curing phase
D. Maturation phase
E. All
Part 2:- Answer all the questions listed below
1.List advantage of compost
2.List disadvantage of compost
3.List criteria of good compost
4.Write advantage of cleaning compost materials

Operation Sheet -2
2.1 Techniques/Procedures/Methods of heap compost preparation

A. Tools, raw materials and equipment
 Meter
 Animal dung or slurry
 Timber
 . Spade
 Maize stalk
 .Shovel
 Green vegetation
 .Digging hoes
 Dry vegetation
 .Pegs, plastic sheet,
 Ash
 .Water cane
 Water
 .Appropriate PPE etc.
 Plastic cover

B. Procedures
 Prepare plan: - Consider the maturity time
 Prepare required materials tools and equipment such as;
 Select suitable site;
 Measure a rectangular timber 120-150cm for easy operation or more long. The length depends
on the quantity of composting material. If too broad or too high, aeration is poor.
 Prepare and erect post (1.7m-2.2m long) at the four corners of the site for the pile.
 Chop the rough materials e.g. Maize stalk or hedge cuttings and put the first layer. Pile up to
15-20cm deep and sprinkle water.
 Add second layer of dry vegetation of hedge cuttings to about 15-20cm thick and sprinkle
water.
 Add a layer of 2cm animal manure or slurry - this provides microorganisms that are essential
for decomposition.
 Sprinkle ash as it contains essential minerals including K, P, Ca and Mg. the ashes also
neutralize the acids produced during decomposition, especially by the animal manure.
 Add the fourth layer, consisting of green materials from leguminous trees such. This layer
should be 15-20 cm thick.
 Sprinkle a little topsoil up to 5-10cm thick. The soil contains bacteria, which helps in
decomposition.
 Repeat the placement layers as in steps 6-11 above; starting with dry vegetation, then animal
manure/slurry, ash, green vegetation and topsoil. Remember to sprinkle water on every layer.
The final pile should be 1.5 m high at most with vertical sides and a flat top. Building the
heap should be done quickly, preferably within a week.
 Complete the pile, cover with a layer of 10 cm thick of topsoil. This prevents loss plant
nutrients, temperature and humidity escaping from compost pile.
 Cover the whole compost pile with dry vegetation e.g. banana leaves to reduce moisture loss
through evaporation.

 Use a long pointed stick to check the decomposition. This stick is driven into the pile at an
angle. Note that decomposition starts 3 days after pile formation. The stick should be left in
the pile and only removed once a week.
 When you pull out the stick (“Thermometer”) from the pile, it should be warm and moist but
not wet.
 This confirms that decomposition is in progress, while a cold stick is an indication of no
decomposition. Sprinkle 20 liters of water on the pile every 3 days during dry spells.
 Turn the pile after 2-3 weeks (the first turning over of the heap). Do not add any fresh
material except water. Compost turning ensures layers are mixed and enhances
decomposition.
 Place the drier and outer, less decomposed part of the old heap in the central part of the new
heap. The drier material will have to be watered before the heap can be built up further. This
core is covered with the rest of the material. The original layered structure is lost.
 Ready compost should have a fresh soil smell and should not contain grass leaves or animal
manure. Compost is ready after 3-6 month depending on the type of material used and
temperature.

Lap Test-2 Performance Test
Name………………………………. ID……………………………..
Date…………………………………….
Time started: ________________________ Time finished: ________________
Instructions: Depend on the given materials and tools you are prepare to perform the following
tasks within 3:00 hour. The project is expected from each student to do it.
Task -1, 1. Prepare heap compost.

Task -2, 1. Prepare pit compost.

LG #18 LO #3- Monitor Composting Process
 Monitoring composting batch by observation
 Maintaining processing and operations records
 Observing, reporting and taking remedial action
 Collecting and storing mature compost
 Completing composting operations
 Monitore composting batch by observation
 Maintain processing and operations records
 Observe, reporting and taking remedial action
 Collect and storing mature compost
 Complete composting operations
3. Read the information written in the information Sheets

IInformation sheet 3
3.1. Monitoring composting batch by observation
Monitoring compost piles is done for several reasons. Monitoring provides the composter with
insight into activity in the compost pile, and this information in turn guides management choices
regarding the specific piles you are monitoring, as well as how you make and manage compost on a
going basis. As composting proceeds, a number of changes occur in its physical, chemical, and
biological characteristics. Monitoring some of these variables will help you to assess the status of
your compost and to compare the progress of systems with different initial conditions or ingredients.
The simplest test is to put your compost in a couple of pots and plant some radish seeds in the
compost. If 3/4 or more of the seed sprout and grow into radishes, then your compost is ready to use
in any application. Radishes are used because they germinate (sprout) and mature quickly. A good
way to evaluate the effect of compost on the fertility of a soil is to obtain a soil test after applying
compost. The soil test measures available plant nutrients, soil pH, and heavy metal accumulation in
the soil.
During the composting process, different microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, protozoa) decompose the
organic matter. The microorganisms break down the organic food items to produce a simpler
substance called compost. It is important to note that composting needs oxygen, heat and water to be
successful. Monitoring compost piles is done for several reasons. Monitoring provides the composter
with insight into activity in the compost pile, and this information in turn guides management
choices regarding the specific piles you are monitoring, as well as how you make and manage
compost on an going basis. Organic wastes, such as food waste and yard waste, make up 25 to 50%
of what people throw away. While you may not be able to compost all of the organic waste you
generate, composting can significantly cut down on your overall tras

When monitoring and working on the site:
 Observe the compost pile‟s overall shape. Windrows that are slumping or unable to maintain a
vertical conformation (parabolic or triangular) indicate poor structure.
 While performing the moisture content squeeze test, observe the compost‟s density, diversity of
particle sizes, looking for a range of visible particles from 1” and down within the mix. Woody
particles in particular provide excellent structure.
 Observe crusting on pile surfaces, which will reduce air exchange in the pile.
 More involved field and lab tests are usually not needed unless there is a consistent problem. Field
tests for bulk density and porosity can be found on-line and lab analysis of porosity, particle size
and bulk density are also available.
3.2. Maintaining processing and operations records.
The two activities of “operation” and “maintenance” are very different in nature. Operation refers
to the direct access to the system by the user, to the activities of any operational, and to the rules or
by-laws, which may be devised Maintenance, on the other hand, is to do with the technical
activities, planned or reactive, which are needed to keep the system working. Maintenance requires
skills, tools and spare parts.
The composting process is carried out by a diverse population of predominantly aerobic micro-
organisms that decompose organic material in order to grow and reproduce. Composting is the
natural process of recycling organic matter, such as leaves and food scraps, into a valuable
fertilizer that can enrich soil and plants. Compost pile should be moist, but not soggy. Most of
water will come from rain, as well as the moisture in green materials, but may need to water the
pile on occasion. If the pile gets too wet, turn it more frequently to dry it, or add more brown
materials to soak up excess moisture. Add water to the compost pile as needed to keep the
materials damp but not saturated. Rain adds moisture to the pile, but may need to add water during
dry periods. Turn the pile more frequently or add more dry, brown materials if the pile becomes
too wet.

How to start maintain compost?
A. Select food scraps. Start with fruits and veggies, the skin of a sweet potato, the top of strawberry.
Also tea bags, coffee grounds, eggshells, old flowers, even human hair
B. Store those food scraps.
C. Choose a place to make your compost.
D. Make the compost mix.
E. Wait and Aerate.
Recording is process of writing down something that it can be used or seen in each activity.
Records of workplace information may include:
1.Environmental parameters (light, temperature humidity and wind)
2.Date of treatments and
3.Type of treatment and
4.Rate of treatment
3.3. Observing, reporting and taking remedial action

Rework and repair are generally the remedial actions taken on products, while services usually
require additional services to be performed to ensure satisfaction. Organic wastes, such as food
waste and yard waste, make up 25 to 50% of what people throw away. While you may not be able to
compost all of the organic waste you generate, composting can significantly cut down on your
overall trash.
During the composting process, different microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, protozoa) decompose the
organic matter. The microorganisms break down the organic food items to produce a simpler
substance called compost. It is important to note that composting needs oxygen, heat and water to be
successful. Remediation via composting can be accomplished by mixing contaminated soils with
fresh, high-energy feedstocks or by simply adding mature, finished compost to contaminated soils. A
mix ratio of 30 percent soil and 70 percent feedstocks has been observed to reach thermophilic
temperatures
Furthermore, the addition of mature compost to contaminated soil accelerates plant and microbial
degradation of organic contaminants and improves plant growth and establishment in toxic soils.
Compost bioremediation refers to the use of a biological system of micro-organisms in a mature,
cured compost to sequester or break down contaminants in water or soil. Micro-organisms
consume contaminants in soils, ground and surface waters, and air. According to the EPA,
“Treatment approaches can include: flushing contaminants out of the soil using water, chemical
solvents, or air; destroying the contaminants by incineration; encouraging natural organisms in the
soil to break them down; or adding material to the soil to encapsulate the contaminants and
prevent Biodegradation is the process of decomposing organic materials in the environment by
microorganisms. Bioremediation is a waste management technique that uses biological agents to
clean the contaminants in the environment.
The main four types of environmental remediation and reclamation

 Soil remediation. There are many factors that affect the soil condition.
 Groundwater and Surface water remediation.
 Sediment remediation.
 Sources.
A solution to the problem of soil contamination is soil remediation. Soil remediation is a way of
purifying and revitalizing the soil. It is the process of removing contaminants in order to protect
both the health of the population and the environment. Furthermore, the addition of mature
compost to contaminated soil accelerates plant and microbial degradation of organic contaminants
and improves plant growth and establishment in toxic soils. Take a handful of compost, squeeze it
firmly and then open the fist. If the compost is too dry, the compost will then fall apart. If the
moisture content is normal, then compost stays together. Organic matter in compost improves soil
structure and water holding capacity. C: N ratio is used as a measure of stability. A ratio of less
than 25 likely indicates s compost (the composting process is finished) from which nitrogen will be
more available as mineral nitrogen (nitrate and ammonium).

3.4. Collect and storing mature compost
Compost should never be left uncovered in the rain or in the sun. The rain washes out the nutrients
and the sun can cause burning. The compost then loses its fertility. To reduce this loss the compost
should be covered with banana leaves, or a sheet of plastic. If the ompost is left too long, it may
also become a breeding place for unwanted insects, such as termites beetle .
When the compost is ready, it cannot always be used straight away and it has to be kept for a while
until it can be put to use. Care has to be taken that the compost does not lose its fertility during
storage.
Characteristics of Good Compost Manure
Good compost manure should be;
 fully decomposed,
 darkish brown in color,
 without too much heat,
 of pleasant odor,
 smooth to touch,
 of good structure,
 of average moisture content,
 one that does not have weeds, disease causing organisms
 or live seeds of any kind,
 one that consists of all plant nutrients which it slowly
3.5. Compete composting operations
3.5.1. Maintaining of tools, materials and equipment
M maintenance and storage of materials, tools and equipment is very important for their reuse,
minimizing cost to buy other new materials, tools and equipment.
As we have seen in the above proper storing based on their category is very important.
3.5.2. Cleaning materials, tools and equipment after work
-Cleaning materials, tools and equipments after work has so many advantages, such as:
 To prevent from rust
 To be durable and long life span to use

 To prevent our health and the environmental pollution etc.
3.5.3. Reporting working out comes
-Re porting means informing related information to a person who concerns.
-Reporting outcomes means announcing whether its goodness or badness about the work result.
-For example if we want to report the problems we can use the following table format.
Table. Example of problems reporting format
No Activities Type of problem Possible solution

1
2
3

Part I: - Write all the questions listed below

1. List what you consider when monitoring and working on the field
2. How to start maintain compost
3. What is the good way to evaluate the effect of compost on the fertility of a soil
4. List what the records of work place includes
5. What is monitoring and recording? List the differences

LG #20 LO #4- Prepare raw material for
Vermicompost preparation
Instruction sheet 2
This learning guide is developed to provide you the necessary information regarding the following
content coverage and topics:
 Collecting and separating earthworms
 Selecting vermicompost method
 Preparing worm feed stock
 Cleaning processing equipment
This guide will also assist you to attain the learning outcome stated in the cover page. Specifically,
upon completion of this Learning Guide, you will be able to:
 Collect and separate earthworms
 Selecte vermicompost method
 Prepare worm feed stock
 Clean processing equipment

Information Sheet-4
INTRODUCTION
Vermicomposting is a composting technique, which turns the organic debris into a humus-
like product by employing earthworms. “Vermicompost” is the compost produced by the
vermicomposting unit. The vermicompost merely refers to the earthworm‟s excrement, which
provides essential nutrients, aeration, porosity, structure, fertility and water-holding capacity to the
soil and plant body. a process of scientifically decomposing agricultural, municipality, and
industrial wastes into nutrient enriched compost by earthworms.. Therefore, vermicompost use is
more economical than synthetic organic fertilizer.

Fig. 4.1 Inputs of vermicompost
Among the soil biota, earth worm is one of the major kinds and a key component of tropical and
subtropical ecosystems It helps is soil aggregation, nutrient recycling, litter decomposition, etc.
4.1. Collect and separate earthworms

The earthworm casts on top of the pile are simply gathered by hand or with a trowel and transferred
directly into a container. Otherwise, vermicasts are first moved to the center of the pile to form a
single heap and then scooped into a container. Earthworms, if any, are picked individually and
returned to the compost pile.
It includes the following steps:
Firstly, observe the earthworm castings over the soil surface. Then, make a solution containing 500 g
of jaggery, 500 g of cow dung and 2 l of water. After that, sprinkle the above solution over the soil
surface about an area of 1m X 1m. Cover with straw lumps, then with the old jute bag, and keep
sprinkling the solution for about 20-30 days. Finally, we can collect the earthworms after their
aggregation towards the spot. Locally available earthworms are also used for vermicomposting but
their mode of feeding is very slow and the earthworm which lives below the soil is also not suitable
for vermicompost production. The Red worms (Eisenia foetida) and African earthworm (Eudrillus
engenae) are promising worms used for vermicompost production. All the two worms can be mixed
together for vermicompost production.
4.1.1. Selection of suitable earthworm

Of about 350 species of earth worms food and burrowing habits Eisenia fetida, Eudrilus eugeniae
and Perionyx excavatus are some of the species that are reared to convert organic wastes into
manure. A combination of epigeic species that form no permanent burrows and live on the surface,
anecic that form semi-permanent and vertical burrows extending from the surface and endogeic that
typically live throughout the deeper layers may be considered.

Earthworm improves the soil environment by producing cast, pellets, and galleries. Mucus secretion
from the gut of earth worm enhances microbial activity. Around 3000 species of earthworms
documented so far
Important characteristics of red earthworm (Eisenia foetida)

For vermicompost production, the surface dwelling earthworm alone should be used. The
earthworm, which lives below the soil, is not suitable for vermicompost production. The African
earthworm (Eudrillus engenial), Red worms (Eisenia foetida) and composting worm (Peronyx
excavatus) are promising worms used for vermicompost production. All the three worms can be
mixed together for vermicompost production. The African worm (Eudrillus eugenial) is preferred
over other two types, because it produces higher production of vermicompost in short period of time
and more young ones in the composting period.
The earthworms are of three types that have been described in Figure The most common earthworms
have successfully used for vermicompost preparation are
 Perionyx excavates (a native species)
 Eisenia fetida (exotic species that have colonized many ecosystems
 Eudrilus eugeniae (exotic species largely confines to experimental setup)
Figure 4.3. Tiger worm (Eisenia

Figure 4.1. Tiger worm (Eisenia Fgure 4.2. African earthworm fetida).
fetida). (Eudrilus eugeniae).

4.2. Selecte vermicompost method
Vermicomposting is done on small and large scales. Then there are just people who own farms or
even small gardens, and they may put earthworms into their compost heap, and then use that for
fertilizer.Methods of vermicomposting Vermicromposting is done by various methods among them
bedand pit methods are more common.
Bed method : Composting is done on the pucca / kachcha floor by making be (6x2x2 feet size) of
organic mixture. This method is easy to maintain and to practice (Fig.1).
Pit method: Composting is done in the cemented pits of size 5x5x3 feet. The unit is covered with
thatch grass or any other locally available materials. This method is not preferred due to poor
aeration, water logging at bottom, and more cost of production (fig.2)
Earthworms are often termed as “Bio-engineers” because of their unique ability to convert organic
wastes into dark brown nutrient rich compost materials. We use these worms along with some easy-
available inputs to produce the vermicompost. This vermicompost can be prepared in various
techniques, among all those two most common methods are: bed and pit methods.
Bed method is easy to prepare and maintain throughout the process as here composting is done on
Figure 4 . 5 . . Pit method. Figure 4.6. .Spraying of water in bed

4.3. Prepare worm feed stock
Cattle dung (except pig, poultry and goat), farm wastes, crop residues, vegetable waste, agro
industrial waste, fruit market waste and all other bio degradable waste are suitable for vermicompost
production. The cattle dung should be decomposed before used for vermicompost production. All
other waste should be pre-digested with cow dung for twenty days before put into vermibed for
composting. Heavy spices and metallic products are not used in this process.Compost worms are big
eaters. Under ideal conditions, they are able to consume in excess of their body weight each day,
although the general rule-of-thumb is ½ of their body weight per day. They will eat almost anything
organic (that is, of plant or animal origin), but they definitely prefer some foods to others. Manures
are the most commonly used worm feedstock, with dairy and beef manures generally considered the
best natural food for Eisenia, with the possible exception of rabbit manure. The former, being more
often available in large quantities, is the feed most often used
Fig 4.7. Raw materials for vermin composting

Table 4.1 Common Worm Feed Stocks
Food Advantages Disadvantages
Good nutrition; natural food,

Cattle manure therefore little adaptation Weed seeds make pre-composting necessary
required
High protein levels can be dangerous to
worms, so must be used in small quantities;
High N content results in good
major adaptation required for worms not
Poultry manure nutrition and a high-value
used to this feedstock. May be pre-
product
composted but not necessary if used
cautiously
Require pre-composting (weed seeds); small
Sheep/Goat manure Good nutrition particle size can lead to packing,
necessitating extra bulking material
Fresh food scraps Extremely variable (depending on source);
(e.g., peels, other Excellent nutrition, good high N can result in overheating; meat &
food prep waste, moisture content, possibility of high-fat wastes can create anaerobic
leftovers, revenues from waste tipping conditions and odours, attract pests, so
commercial food fees should NOT be included without pre-
processing wastes) composting
Good nutrition; partial
decomposition makes
Pre-composted food digestion by worms easier
Nutrition less than with fresh food wastes.
wastes and faster; can include meat
and other greasy wastes; less
tendency to overheat.
Higher N content makes these
Moisture levels not as high as other feeds,
Legume hays good feed as well as reasonable
requires more input and monitoring
bedding.

4.4. Cleaning processing equipment
Cleaning, maintaining and storage of tools and equipment
Basically, after completion of work, vermin compost processing tools and equipment‟s should
be cleaned or washed with detergents and if possible disinfect with chemicals dry under shade to
be ready for store. In addition to this the operator or workers have to wash themselves with soap
immediately after work to keep safe and healthiness.
Waste disposal and materials return to the store

After completion of work, all wastes and materials from the field, laboratory or any other working
place should be collected and separated carefully and transported to the storage. This is because
that wastes should be segregated into as:
i. Useful e.g. recycled and reuse resources
ii. Disposal e.g. this should be legally burned and buried in a safe places

Self-Check 4 Written Test
Directions: Answer all the following questions listed below.

1. Define the following terms(5pts)
a. Organic Fertilizer
B, vermin composting
C, vermin cast
2. List some tools which are used during preparation of organic fertilizer and describe about
their functions.
3. List two OHS risks associated with the preparation and use of Human Urine and composted
feces as organic fertilizer and explain how these risks can be minimized(5pts)
4. List the items of PPE needed to protect workers involved in compost preparation and state why
each item should be provided and worn(5pts)
5. If you want to prepare organic fertilizer in a pit or heap or trench which has 2.5m length, 0.8m
depth and 1.5m height/depth, calculate amounts of raw materials required to fill the pit or
heap.
6. List some factors which should be considered during prioritizing required raw materials (3
points)

Operation Sheet -4
4.1.Materials for preparation of Vermicompost

Any types of biodegradable wastes-
 Crop residues
 Weed biomass
 Vegetable waste
 Leaf litter
 Hotel/House refuse
 Waste from agro-industries
 Biodegradable portion of urban and rural wastes
4.2.Techniques/Procedures/Methods of vermi composting or Compost Bed
It is recommended over the method of vermiculturing through compost pit. To construct vermibed,
we need to follow the given steps:
 Prepare the first layer by adding loamy soil at the bottom of thickness about 15-20 cm.
 Prepare a second layer by adding broken sticks, pebbles, coarse sand of thickness about 5
cm.
 It is the most crucial step that involves the addition of earthworms. Around 150 worms are
added to the 2m X 1M X 0.75M compost bed with a thickness of 15-20 cm.
 Prepare the fourth layer by addressing some animal wastes like cow dung, goat dung etc.
Over this, add a layer of agro-wastes like dry leaves, wheat straws etc., up to a thickness of
5 cm.
 Continuous watering is needed for the next 30 days after the construction of vermibed. We
need to keep in mind that the feed must not be dry or soggy during this step.
 Afterwards, cover the vermibed with either coconut leaves or old gunny bags instead of
plastic to avoid the heat trapment. This step prevents birds attack.
 Finally, spread the pre-digested organic debris up to the thickness of 5 cm, and repeat this
step twice a week.
LAP Test 4 Performance Test
Name_____________________sign: ________________
Time started: _______________Time finished____________
Instructions: Given necessary materials, tools and equipment‟s you are required to perform the
within 3: 00 hours.
Task. I. 1. construct vermibed using appropriate tools and equipment‟s in

LG #21 LO #5- Prepare Vermicompost and
monitor the process
 Selecting and cleaning site for Vermicompost preparation
 Releasing Earth worms over the mixture and cover the compost mixture
 Feeding and watering Worm
 Covering the tank with a thatch roof
 Maintaining Proper moisture and temperature
 Cleaning equipment‟s as required
 Select and clean site for Vermicompost preparation
 Release Earth worms over the mixture and cover the compost mixture
 Feed and water Worm is performed according to the standard
 Cover the tank with a thatch roof
 Maintain Proper moisture and temperature
 Clean Equipment‟s as required

Information Sheet 5
5.1. Selecting and cleaning bedding materials for vermin compost preparation
Bedding: Bedding is any material that provides the worms with a relatively stable habitat. This
habitat must have the following characteristics: High absorbency- Worms breathe through their skins
and therefore must have a moist environment in which to live. If a worm‟s skin dries out, it dies. The
bedding must be able to absorb and retain water fairly well if the worms are to thrive. Good bulking
potential- If the material is too dense to begin with, or packs too tightly, then the flow of air is
reduced or eliminated. Worms require oxygen to live, just as we do. The vermibed should be 75cm-
90cm in thickness with adequate drainage facilities to drain out excess water. The entire bed should
be in uniform height to ensure equal production. The width of the bed should not be more than 1.5m
so that the centre of the bed can be easily reached. Different materials affect the overall porosity of
the bedding through a variety of factors, including the range of particle size and shape, the texture,
and the strength and rigidity of its structure. Low protein and/or nitrogen content (high C:N ratio)-
Although the worms do consume their bedding as it breaks down, it is very important that this be a
slow process. High protein/nitrogen levels can result in rapid degradation and its associated heating,
creating inhospitable, often fatal, conditions. Heating can occur safely in the food layers of the
vermiculture or vermicomposting system, but not in the bedding.
Rural areas with predominance of agriculture, suburbs of cities and peri urban villages are
considered ideal locations for setting up of vermicomposting units on a larger scale from the view
point of availability of raw material and marketing of the produce. As use of the compost is said to
have ameliorative effect more particularly on fruit, vegetable, plantation and ornamental crops,
vermicomposting units may be located in areas with concentration of fruit and vegetable growers
and floriculture units. Further, the nearness to a commercial dairy unit or large concentration of
cattle population will have an added advantage of cheap raw material i.e. cow dung

Vermicompost can be produced in any place with shade, high humidity and cool. Abandoned cattle
shed or poultry shed or unused buildings can be used. If it is to be produced in open area, shady
place is selected. A thatched roof may be provided to protect the process from direct sunlight and
rain. The waste heaped for vermicompost production should be covered with moist gunny bags.
Cattle dung (except pig, poultry and goat), farm wastes, crop residues, vegetable market waste,
flower market waste, agro industrial waste, fruit market waste and all other bio degradable waste are
suitable for vermicompost production. The cattle dung should be dried in open sunlight before used
for vermicompost production. All other waste should be predigested with cow dung for twenty days
before put into vermibed for composting.

5.2. Releasing earth worms over the mixture and cover the compost mixture
The preparation of vermicompost involves five stages as shown inTable.5.The process takes place
in the mesophilic temperature range (35–40◦C). The different phases during the process are as
follows:
Initial pre-composting phase: The organic waste is pre-composted for about 15days before
being fed to earthworms. During this phase, readily decomposable compounds are degraded and
the potential volatile substances are eliminated which may be toxic to earthworms. Pre-
composting the feedstock decreases the amount of energy contained within the material, so that
heating doesn't take occur within the worm system. Feedstock which are pre-composted for 10-14
days retain sufficient nutrition for the worms, but not so much energy that they are able to
generate heat (Nair, et al, 2006)
Mesophilic phase: The predigested waste material should be mixed with 30% cattle dung either
by weight or volume. The mixed waste is placed into the tub / container up to brim. The moisture
level should be maintained at 60%. If necessity arises, water should be sprinkled over the bed
rather than pouring the water. Over this material, the selected earthworm is placed uniformly. For
one-meter length, one-meter breadth and 0.5-meter height, 1 kg of worm (1000 Nos.) is required.
During this phase, earthworms, through their characteristic functions of breaking up organic
matter, combine it with the soil particles and enhance microbial activities and condition organic
waste materials for the formation of organic manures.
Maturing and stabilization phase: In the vermicomposting process, the action of the
earthworms is both physical/mechanical and biochemical. Physical participation in degrading the
organic substances results in fragmentation, thereby increasing the surface area for further
microbial colonization. Biochemical changes in organic matter decomposition are carried out
through enzymatic digestion, enrichment by nitrogen excrement and transport of organic and

inorganic material. The passage of material through the earthworm intestine rapidly converts the
locked up minerals of nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, calcium etc. into the forms that are much
more soluble and available to plants than the parent material. This is made possible by various
enzymes present in their gut as well as enzymes of certain type of ingested microorganisms, viz.,
proteases, lipases, amylases, cellulases, chitinases, etc which degrade the cellulosic and
proteinaceous materials in organic waste. The earthworms seem to have developed mutualistic
relationship with microorganisms ingested for decomposition of organic matter present in their
food. Thus, the final quality of the vermicompost is the result of combined efforts taken by
earthworms and the microorganisms.
Stocking density refers to the initial weight of worm biomass per unit area of bedding. For
instance, if you started with 5 kg of worms and put them in a bin with a surface area of 2 m2, then
your initial stocking density would be 2.5 kg/m2. Starting with a population density less than this
will delay the onset of rapid reproduction and, at very low densities, may even stop it completely.
It seems that worms need a certain density in order to have a reasonable chance of running into
each other and reproducing frequently. At lower densities, they just don‟t find each other as often
as the typical worm grower would like.

5..3.Worm feeding and watering
Feedstocks are the raw ingredients for composting. They are organic materials, usually solid, and
usually in an active state of decomposition. There are four basic ingredients in the compost
pile, nitrogen, carbon, water, and air. Compost Feedstock or “Feedstock” means any
decomposable organic material used in the production of compost or chipped and ground material
including, but not limited to, green wastes, animal material, manure, bio solids and solid waste.
Compost is safe to handle as long as the usual garden hygiene rules are followed:
Keep cuts covered.Wash hands with soap and running water after handling compost (especially
before eating)Keep anti-tetanus protection up to date.

Worm Food.Compost worms are big eaters. Under ideal conditions, they are able to consume in
excess of their body weight each day, although the general rule-of-thumb is ½ of their body
weight per day5. They will eat almost anything organic (that is, of plant or animal origin), but
they definitely prefer some foods to others. Manures are the most commonly used worm
feedstock, with dairy and beef manures generally considered the best natural food for Eisenia,
with the possible exception of rabbit manure (Gaddie & Douglas, 1975)
Food Advantages Disadvantages Notes

Cattle manure Good nutrition; Weed seeds make All manures are partially
natural food, pre-composting decomposed and thus ready
therefore little necessary for consumption by worms
adaptation req‟d
Poultry manure High N content High protein levels Some books (e.g., Gaddie
results in good can be dangerous to & Douglas, 1975) suggest
nutrition and worms, so must be that poultry manure is not
a high-value product used in small suitable for worms because it
quantities; is so “hot”; however,
major adaptation research in Nova Scotia
required for worms (GEORG, 2004) has shown
not used to this that worms can adapt if
feedstock. initial proportion of PM to
May be pre- bedding is 10% by volume or
composted but not less.
necessary if used
cautiously (see
Notes)

Sheep/Goat manure Good nutrition Require pre- With right additives to
composting (weed increase C:N ratio, these
seeds); small particle manures are also good
size can lead to beddings
packing,
necessitating
extra bulking
material
Food Advantages Disadvantages Notes
Pre-composted food Good nutrition; partial Nutrition less Vermicomposting can speed
wastes decomposition makes than with fresh food the curing process for
digestion by worms wastes conventional composting
easier and faster; can (Frederickson et al, operations while increasing
include meat and other 1997). value of end product
greasy wastes; less (GEORG, 2004;
tendency to overheat. Frederickson, op. cit.)
Biosolids (human Excellent nutrition and
Heavy metal and/or Vermitech Pty Ltd. in
waste) excellent product; can chemical contam- Australia has been very
be activated or non- ination (if from successful with this process,
activated sludge, municipal sources); but they use automated
septic sludge; odour during systems; EPA- funded tests
possibility of waste application to beds in Florida demonstrated that
management revenues (worms control fairly worms destroy human
quickly); possibility pathogens as well as does
of pathogen survival thermophillic composting
if process not (Eastman et al.,
complete 2000).

Grains (e.g., feed Excellent, balanced
Higher value than Danger: Worms consume
mixtures for nutrition, easy to most feeds, therefore grains but cannot digest
animals, such as handle, no odour, can expensive to use; larger, tougher kernels; these
chicken mash) use organic grains for low moisture are passed in castings and
certified organic content; some larger build up in bedding, resulting
product seeds in sudden overheating
hard to digest and slow (Gaddie, op cit)
to break down
5.4. covering the tank with a thatch roof

To prevent the entry of pests and protect the compost from rainwater and direct sunshine
Protection – having some sort of “wall” around the habitat/food zone obviously helps to provide
the worms with an extra level of protection from the elements and predators/pests. Excessive
drying – hot/dry conditions and lack of moisture in a well ventilated system can create problems,
but worms are surprisingly well adapted to cope with this (producing cocoons, shrinking in size
etc) so this will likely only kill off your worms if you are completely neglectful.
Overheating – particularly in outdoor summer systems with poor ventilation (dark plastic bins in
direct sunlight are a definite NO NO!!). You can also overheat by adding too much material at
once (especially when using larger systems).
Cold Temps – some tropical species (such as Blue Worms and African Nightcrawlers) will start
to die off as temps drop below ~10 C (50 F) or so. Red Worms and European Nightcrawlers are
quite cold-hardy but should not be allowed to reach the freezing mark. Even if your worms are
able to survive the cold, you should realize that the process itself can slow down a LOT once
temps start to dip.

Ammonia gas production – low C:N ratio of waste materials (~ 20:1 and below) can lead to off-
gassing of ammonia, which can kill worms in a hurry. Careful with fresh grass clippings, manure,
and protein-rich wastes. Air flow is very important.
Anaerobic fermentation – various anaerobic processes can potentially create harmful

compounds, but fermentation seems to be fairly common with large concentrations of
sugary/starchy wastes and poor air flow (overfeeders beware). Maybe the worms will die happy
(hic!), but our aim of course is to keep them sober and processing our wastes in an effective
manner!
Inorganic salts and harsh chemicals – a worm‟s skin is a highly sensitive (and vitally
important) organ. Avoid use of bagged “potting soils” (since often come with starter fertilizer),
urine soaked manure/bedding (leave it exposed to elements for awhile), and any materials
containing pesticide residues or other harsh chemicals in general. Even wood ash from your
fireplace can potentially cause trouble since it forms potassium hydroxide (“lye”) when mixed
with water.
Sunlight – careful with excessive handling of worms (outdoors) on hot, sunny, summer day
Predators – typically only a potential issue with outdoor systems – primarily those with direct
contact with the soil, or at least those offering “easy access” options. Some examples include:
moles, shrews, robins, and predatory flatworms (not all of these will be present in all locations). I
myself have had to deal with Robins and shrews – while they can both be a bit frustrating, they
certainly haven‟t really had a significant impact on my outdoor worm population. protect the
compost from rainwater and direct sunshine covering the tank with a thatch roof to prevent the
entry of pests and

5.5. Maintaining Proper moisture and temperature
5.5.1. Moisture
The need for adequate moisture was discussed in relation to bedding in Section 2.1.2 above. The
bedding used must be able to hold sufficient moisture if the worms are to have a livable
environment. They breathe through their skins and moisture content in the bedding of less than
50% is dangerous. With the exception of extreme heat or cold, nothing will kill worms faster than
a lack of adequate moisture.
The ideal moisture-content range for materials in conventional composting systems is 45-60%
(Rink et al, 1992). In contrast, the ideal moisture-content range for vermicomposting or
vermiculture processes is 70-90%. Within this broad range, researchers have found slightly
different optimums: Dominguez and Edwards (1997) found the 80-90% range to be best, with 85%
optimum, while Nova Scotia researchers found that 75-80% moisture contents produced the best
growth and reproductive response (GEORG, 2004). Both of these studies found that average worm
weight increased with moisture content (among other variables), which suggests that vermiculture
operations designed to produce live poultry feed or bait worms (where individual worm size
matters) might want to keep moisture contents above 80%, while vermicomposting operations
could operate in the less mucky 70-80% range.
5.5.2. Temperature Control

Controlling temperature to within the worms‟ tolerance is vital to both vermicomposting and
vermiculture processes. This does not mean, however, that heated buildings or cooling systems are
required. Worms can be grown and materials vermicomposted using low-tech systems, outdoors
and year-round, in the more temperate regions of Canada7. Section 3 discusses the different
vermicomposting and vermiculture systems in use world-wide and provides some basic
information on how these systems address the problem of temperature control.
Low temperatures. Eisenia can survive in temperatures as low as 0oC, but they don‟t reproduce at
single-digit temperatures and they don‟t consume as much food. It is generally considered
necessary to keep the temperatures above 10oC (minimum) and preferably 15 oC for

vermicomposting efficiency and above 15 oC (minimum) and preferably 20 oC for productive
vermiculture operations.
Effects of freezing. Eisenia can survive having their bodies partially encased in frozen bedding and
will only die when they are no longer able to consume food8. Moreover, tests at the Nova Scotia
Agricultural College (NSAC) have confirmed that their cocoons survive extended periods of deep
freezing and remain viable (GEORG, 2004). High temperatures. Compost worms can survive
temperatures in the mid-30s but prefer a range in the 20s (oC). Above 35oC will cause the worms
to leave the area. If they cannot leave, they will quickly die. In general, warmer temperatures
(above 20oC) stimulate reproduction.
Worms‟s response to temperature differentials. Compost worms will redistribute themselves within
piles, beds or windrows according to temperature gradients. In outdoor composting windrows in
wintertime, where internal heat from decomposition is in contrast to frigid external temperatures,
the worms will be found in a relatively narrow band at a depth where the temperature is close to
optimum. They will also be found in much greater numbers on the south- facing side of windrows
in the winter and on the opposite side in the summer.
5.6.. Cleaning Equipment’s as required to avoid contamination

Cleaning is the process of removing unwanted substances, such as dirt, infectious agents, and other
impurities, from an object or environment. Cleaning material means a solvent used to remove
contaminants and other materials such as dirt, grease, oil, and dried. Cleaning occurs in many
different contexts, and uses many different methods
Cleaning processes are:

 Pre-Clean. The first stage of cleaning is to remove loose debris and substances from the
contaminated surface you're cleaning. ...
 Main Cleaning: - This involves using hot water and a detergent.
 Disinfection cleaning :- works by using chemicals to kill germs on equipment‟s
 Final Rinse cleaning: - is a specially formulated mild acid solution with a pH of 2.5 - 3.0 that is
used as the final step in the wet cleaning process.

 Drying cleaning: - very similar to regular home laundering, but a liquid solvent is used to clean
your clothes instead of water and detergent.
Advantages of Cleaning Equipment:-

 Equally effective for general as well as tougher cleaning tasks.
 High cleaning capability.
 Reduce work fatigue and increase productivity.
 Save the time.
 easy to operate
Effectively cleaning working area does not merely involve wiping a damp cloth over surfaces.
Correct cleaning procedures are required to minimize hygiene problems. This is why cleaning
agents, detergent sand/or chemicals, are used extensively.

Self-Check 5 Written Test
1. State four reasons why compost is turned?

2. What is the recommended method for introducing earthworms to a vermicomposting bin?
a) Sprinkling them on top of the bedding material
b) Mixing them into the bedding material
c) Placing them in a separate container until they acclimate to the bin
d) All of the above
3. Which of the following is a benefit of vermicomposting?
a) Decreased soil fertility
b) Increased soil erosion
c) Reduced waste disposal costs
d) Increased greenhouse gas emissions
4. What is the ideal temperature range for vermicomposting?
a) 0-10°C
b) 10-20°C
c) 20-30°C
d) 30-40°C

Operation Sheet 5
Techniques/Procedures/process of Vermi compost preparation

A. Tools raw materials and equipment
 Meter  Dry vegetation
 Animal dung or slurry  .Pegs, plastic sheet,
 . Spade  Ash
 Maize stalk  .Water cane
 .Shovel  Water
 Green vegetation  .Appropriate PPE etc. .
 .Digging hoes  Plastic cover
The steps involved in the process of vermicomposting

 Collection of wastes, shredding, mechanical separation of the metal, glass and ceramics
and storage of organic wastes.
 Pre-digestion of organic wastes by heaping the material Step along with cattle dung slurry.
This process partially digests
 the material and fit for earthworm consumption. Cattle dung and biogas slurry may be
used after drying. Wet dung should not be used for vermicompost production.
 Preparation of vermibed. A concrete base is required to put Step the waste for
vermicompost preparation. Loose soil will allow
 the earthworms to go into soil and also while watering; all the dissolvable nutrients go into
the soil along with water.
 Collection of earthworm after vermicompost collection. Step Sieving the composted
material to separate fully composted
 material. The partially composted material will be again put into vermicompost bed.
 Step Storing the vermicompost in proper place or room to maintain
 moisture and allow the beneficial microorganisms to grow

Lap test-5 Performance Test
Name………………………………. ID……………………………..
Date…………………………………….
Instructions: Depend on the given materials and tools you are prepare to perform the following tasks
within 3:00 hour. The project is expected from each student to do it.
Task -1, 1. Vermi compost compost.

LG #22 LO #6- Harvesting and packing
Vermicompost
Instruction sheet 6
 Separating Earthworm and solid waste
 Checking Quality of Vermicompost
 Sieving Vermicompost to ensure the elimination of any plant and animal remnants.
 Transferring Vermicompost into the laminated over sacs to avoid moisture loss
 labeling and packing Vermicompost
 separate Earthworm and solid waste
 check Quality of Vermicompost
 Sieve The Vermicompost to ensure the elimination of any plant and animal remnants.
 transferee Vermicompost into the laminated over sacs to avoid moisture loss
 label and pack The Vermicompost
1) Read the specific objectives of this Learning Guide.
2) Follow the instructions described below.
3) Read the information written in the information Sheets
4) Accomplish the Self-checks
5) Perform Operation Sheets
6) Do the “LAP test”

Information Sheet 6
6.1.Separatting Earthworm and solid waste
Once vermicomposted, the volume of material will be much reduced, possibly down to 10% of its
original volume. The finished material will brown and earthy-like and the original bedding will no
longer recognizable. The vermicompost might require post-screening, especially if coarse green waste
was incorporated into the bedding, as this takes longer to break down. This may be carried out
manually on a pilot scale, The methods described are best suited to Smaller-scale containerized systems
or pilot operations designed to breed initial worm populations. Once the system is expanded, it will be
necessary to use a commercial-scale mesh screener.
a. Light Separation
Earthworms are very sensitive to light and this separation method utilises this nature and the tendency
to burrow beneath the surface in order to escape light sources. This leaves a harvest of worm castings
and un-hatched capsules. These capsules will be lost, as the hatchlings will not survive in garden soil,
but the remaining worms quickly replace them. The castings should be stored for a week or two
before use as a fertilizer.
b. Sideways Separation
The finished material is moved to one side, while the fresh bedding mixed with organic waste is
placed alongside. This simple method produces castings, but no extra worms. Continue feeding
kitchen scraps into the container for up to four months. A second container should be started and
primed with fresh bedding and a supply of worms from the first box., the second can be prepared
about a month earlier, adding some worms to it every time the first container is fed.

6.2. Checking Quality of Vermicompost
Characteristics included in quality standards for producing Vermicopost can include one or more of
the following:
 Appropriate particle size
 Absence of sulfides
 Minimum level of nitrates
 Absence of viable weed seeds
 Optimum pH
 Minimum level of ammonium
 Appropriate level of O2 and CO2
 Optimum moisture content
6.3. Sieving vermicompost
6.3.1. Harvesting by Inducing the Migration of Earthworms
This method of harvesting vermicompost is based on earthworms‟ ability to detect sources of food.
They also have the habit of abandoning the pile exhausted of food and moving towards a more
palatable source. There are many modifications of the technique, but the basic principle is the same:
provide fresh, or otherwise more palatable food to cause the migration of earthworms from the ripe
pile to the new food source.
One technique involves constructing a new enclosure adjacent to the one with ripe compost in such a
way that the two enclosures share a common boundary. The new enclosure is filled with fresh
vermicomposting substrates. When it is ready to be stocked with earthworms, the common boundary,
which may consist of hollow blocks, is then removed. This allows the migration of earthworms
toward new food. Free of earthworms, the vermicompost should be easy to harvest with the use of a
shovel.If there are undecomposed substrates, like wood chips and stem segments which are hard to
decompose, they are separated manually. However, the migration of earthworms can take several
days to complete.

Note: Earthworms can be manually picked from the pile anytime. Based on their migratory habit as
described above, try harvesting earthworms from harvestable vermicompost piles or from one
approaching maturity using balled cattle manure or some other food or food mixture.
Try to reject cabbage also and segments of ripe fruit of jackfruit after the edible parts have been
removed. First, wrap the earthworm food with nylon netting with holes sufficient to allow passage of
earthworms. Fasten to a plastic twine or small rope or wire. Then insert the balled food into the pile
leaving some segment of the twine on top.
6.3.2. Harvesting Castings from your Worm Bin

After about three to six months of being fed, compost worms will have created enough compost to
harvest. In this two bin system, when your bin is getting full you are ready to add the next layer of
bin, nesting it on top. This works because you will stop feeding in the lower bin, and add food to the
top bin. As a result, many worms migrate to the top bin through the air holes in the bottom of that
bin.
To Start The Second Bin:
Remove bedding and any uneaten food scraps you find and place in the upper bin. If you are using a
system with only one bin, reserve the bedding and uneaten food to put back into the original bin.
Many worms will be in the top third of the bin with compost. You can also take some of this compost
with worms and transfer to the upper bin.
Ensure a one inch layer of bedding in the upper bin, as before.
Start feeding in the top bin. After about a week or so, many of the remaining worms in the lower bin
will have moved to the upper bin. Some worms, however, don't like change and will stay in the lower
bin reworking the compost.

6.4.Transferring Vermicompost into the laminated over sacs to avoid moisture loss
To avoid sunlight, the harvested vermicompost should be stored in dark and cool place. Loss of
moisture and nutrient content will take place in presence of sunlight. One important thing is that
the harvested material is openly stored rather than packed in over sac. Packing should be done at
the time of selling. If it is stored in open place, periodically sprinkling of water may be done to
maintain moisture level beneficial microbial activities. Vermicompost can be stored for 1 year
without loss of its quality, if the moisture is maintained at 40 per cent level.While packaging, sieve
the vermicompost to ensure the elimination of any plant and animal remnants. Then, transfer the
vermicompost into the laminated over sacs to avoid moisture loss and label it with the brand‟s
name, nutritive facts, direction for use, market price etc.
6.5. labeling and packing Vermicompost

The vermicompost should be stored in a dark, cool place. It should have minimum 40%
moisture. Sunlight should not fall over the compost. It will lead to loss of moisture and nutrient
content. It is advocated that the harvested compost is openly stored rather than packed in over
sac. Packing can be done at the time of selling. If it is stored in open place, periodical sprinkling
of water may be done to maintain moisture level and also to maintain beneficial microbial
population. If the necessity comes to store the material, laminated over sac is used for
packing(Fig.13).This will minimize the moisture evaporation loss. Vermicompost can be stored
for one year without loss of its quality, if the moisture is maintained at 40% level.
Self-Check –1 Written Test

Page 20 of 105 Ministry of Labor Horticulture production Version -1
and Skills Level -1 Jan, 224
Author/Copyright
Directions: Answer all the following questions listed below.
1.Which type of earthworm is typically used for vermicomposting? (1pts)

a) Nightcrawler
b) Red wiggler
c) African nightcrawler
d) Canadian nightcrawler
2.Describe some rules which are used in handling tools and equipments during preparation of
organic fertiliz
3.What is the role of earthworms in vermicomposting?
a) To break down organic matter
b) To provide oxygen to the compost pile
c) To prevent moisture buildup in the compost pile
d) To regulate the temperature of the compost pile
4.Which of the following is a potential benefit of using vermicomposting instead of traditional
composting?
a) Faster decomposition of organic matter
b) Less space required for composting
c) Reduced odor from the compost pile
d) All of the above
5.How long does it typically take for vermicomposting to produce compost?
a) 1 week
b) 1 month
c) 6 months
d) 1 year
6.Describe the storage conditions needed for crop residues and by-products that are to be
processed by composting(5pts)
7.List 5 items of information that should be included in the Records of compost production(5pts)

Operation Sheet -6
6.1.Techniques/Procedures/
A. Raw materials organic green wastes like waste coming from farms, kitchen, forest Maize stalk
Green vegetation Dry vegetation
B.Tools, raw materials and equipment
 Meter  .Pegs, plastic sheet,
 Animal dung or slurry  Ash
 Timber  .Water cane
 . Spade  Water
 .Shovel  .Appropriate PPE etc.
 .Digging hoes  Plastic cover
C. Procedures
Precautions: all activities are performed according to OHS requirements

LAP TEST-6 Performance Test
Name………………………………. ID……………………………..
Date…………………………………….
Instructions: Depending on the given materials and tools you are prepare to perform the following
tasks within 3:00 hour. The project is expected from each student.
Task -1, 1. Prepare heap compost.

Task -2, 1. Prepare pit compost.

LG #23 LO #7- Conduct Quality Control
Inspection.
 Determining fundamental characteristics of compost quality
 Inspecting and assessing finished compost
 Observing and reporting faults or variations
 Processing further non-compliant product
 Confirming compliance of compost
 Completing batch documentation
 Reporting work outcomes.
 Noting feedback
 Determine fundamental characteristics of compost quality
 Inspect and assess finished compost
 Observing and reporting faults or variations
 Process further non-compliant product
 Confirm compliance of compost.
 Complete batch documentation
 Report work outcomes.


Information Sheet 7
7.1. Inspecting and assessing finished compost and Vermicompost products

Recognition of a familiar pattern leading to immediate solution of a mathematical problem solves
by inspection. Checking or testing of an individual against established standards. Water content in
the compost and is expressed as a percentage of total dry weight compost, which will affect
handling and transportation.
Dry compost will be light and dusty and Moisture content lower than 30% will indicate dry
compost and higher than 60% is wet compost will be heavy and clumpy. Take a handful of
compost, squeeze it firmly and then open the fist. If the compost is too dry, the compost will then
fall apart. If the moisture content is normal, then compost stays together.
Inspection Parameters:-
 Carbon- to-nitrogen (C:N) ratio,
 Organic matter content,
 Salinity, total nitrogen,
 Total phosphorus,
 Stability, phytotoxicity, pH,
 Maturity, boron, chloride, sodium, particle sizes, heavy metal concentration, and pathogen
concentrations are factors to evaluate when you are comparing available.
7.2. Observing and reporting faults or variations

Common problems include smelly compost bins, slimy ingredients that have become excessively
wet, or compost that has simply stopped rotting down before it's ready. The most common problem
is excess moisture, which causes foul odors, flies, and the production of substances harmful to
your plants. Adding too much fresh material, instead of a balanced mix of fresh and dry materials,
is the usual culprit. Fresh materials such as vegetable peelings and grass clippings have a high
water content, which makes them heavy. If too much is added to your compost heap at once it can
become compacted, excluding air or filling air spaces with water. These oxygen-starved

„anaerobic‟ conditions enable harmful microbes to thrive the same microbes responsible for
creating the unpleasant smells that arise from such putrid conditions. Fresh materials are mostly
'greens' which have a high nitrogen content, so mixing in more carbon-rich 'browns' will help solve
the problem. If your compost heap is too wet, dig it out completely, and then turn the ingredients to
incorporate more air before restacking. Add dry materials into the mix to get a balance of greens
and browns, improve drainage and prevent the compost from clogging up again. Ingredients such
as shredded pruning‟s, sawdust, straw and cardboard torn into smaller pieces will create channels
within the compost that allow air to percolate and excess moisture to drain away.
The composting process is greatly affected by environment factors (temperature, moisture content,
pH, and aeration). Moisture content is an essential parameter that influences the changes in
physical, chemical, and biological properties of waste materials during the advancement of
decomposition of organic matter.
Assessments with own senses
Observations of compost with own senses (eyes, nose, and touch) can provide information about
the compost quality. These observations cannot replace chemical analyses or plant tests, but they
can complement them.
Types of assessments or observations of compost

A. Colors of the compost.
At the beginning of the composting process, the material presents a mosaic of color deriving from
the input materials. During the process, a homogenization of the color takes place, and, with the
evolution of the mummification, the compost becomes brown or blackish. If the compost is too dry
during the process, grey molds can be observed.
B. Odors of Compost.
Always smells but the odors can be more or less intensive and more or less agreeable depending
on the management process. The odor of a compost depends on its maturity and on the process
management. Young composts containing nitrogen-rich materials smell of ammonia, and will be
transformed during the maturation processes into a product with the smell of forest soil.
Disagreeable odors such as that of “rotten eggs” or butyric acid are typical for poorly controlled

anaerobic processes in the compost pile. Organic acids are formed as a result of oxygen
starvation, and they cannot be transformed forward, which causes the emission of intense and
disagreeable odors.
C. Structure of the compost.

Mature compost produced by an optimal process has a crumbly structure and no recognizable
starting material except for some wooden pieces. The presence of much fibrous material is a sign
that the compost is not sufficiently mature. This can happen if the humidity content of the
compost pile was too low especially in the hot phase.
The ammonium present in the pile would therefore be lost as ammonia, leading to a shortage of
N for the microorganisms and insufficient decomposition, even when water is available. When
such fibrous compost is applied, there is risk of nitrogen immobilization in the soil. The wood
breaking test also allows the characterization of the degree of maturity of the compost and the
risk of nitrogen immobilization in the field after its use.
Degradation of wood starts after the high temperature phase. Hence, we observe only minor
degradation of wood in young compost, and clearly attacked wood in mature compost. If relatively
raw wood is applied to a field soil, the microorganisms responsible for its degradation will
immobilize the available nitrogen in the soil in order to perform the degradation. This nitrogen is
therefore temporarily unavailable to the plants which inhibit their growth.
7.3.Processing further non-compliant product
The three basic steps when it comes to controlling nonconformity are identifying the problem or
violation, recording it, and taking the appropriate action to put a stop to it. In order to be able to
properly deal with the issue that is at hand, the nonconformity must first be identified.
The non-conformance process flow includes steps:

 Identification of the source or root cause of the failure.

 Documentation of the non-conformance such as the material, problem, disposition, and signature
of the person responsible.
 Evaluation of the nonconformity and determine if an investigation is required
Ways of following non-conforming products:

1.Elimination – The non-conforming item can be scrapped or returned to the vendor. .
2.Releasing – By authorizing its use, release or acceptance under concession by an authorized
representative of the customer
3.Correction - is action to eliminate a detected nonconformity. For example, correction may
involve replacing nonconforming product with conforming product or replacing an obsolete
procedure with the current issue, etc. Corrective action cannot be taken without first making a
determination of the cause of nonconformity
Addressing Non-Conformances and Corrective Actions
 Containment.
 Correction/Immediate Corrective Action.
 Root Cause.
 Corrective Action/Long Term Corrective Action.
 Verification of Effectiveness.
7.4. Confirming compliance of compost

Compliant Compost is a new, simple code of practice that can be independently verified by
approved auditors. The code is focused on demonstrating that the compost will not introduce
human pathogens into the environment or onto food. Compost certified using the “compliant
compost” program can therefore be used on farm without restriction.
Product Quality Compliance is a system to ensure that products adhere to industry standards. It
gives consumers peace of mind that products are safe for use. Having such a system is proof of a
brand‟s commitment to tangible quality and is a key element in converting satisfied customers into
loyal followers. Without it, a tiny defect spotted by the end-user could result in unnecessary costs,
or worst.

Quality of conformance refers to the capability of a product, service, or process to meet certain
design standards set by the producer. It measures how close a product, service, or process is to
meeting design specifications.
7.5. Completing batch documentation

When it's time to cook up a batch of compost, you place these materials in alternating layers into a
bin of some kind and water them down. To ensure that your mixture has enough nitrogen and
microbes, you can add a compost starter, such as Super-Hot Compost Starter, as you are layering
the ingredients.
Means the documents and other records that are produced in connection with the manufacture of a
composting batch and/or lot. Batch Documentation includes master manufacturing formula, a
listing of raw materials and corresponding specifications, packaging and storage instructions,
testing requirements and exception documentation, such as deviations, failures, out-of-
specification investigation reports, non-conforming material reports and additional documentation
which may have been generated and/or processed as part of the production record of the Batch.
Fig 7.1 Batch compost
7.6. Reporting work outcomes.

Outcome reporting bias refers to selective/distorted reporting of results, and/or biased
interpretation of available information. This may involve overlooking some results or using

specific statistical methods to achieve a desirable and often pre-determined outcome. An important
point in every work including compost preparation is recording data, analyzing and reporting, all
the steps from the initial to the final product of the work. One of the ways of communicating to the
employer or the customer is reporting work outcome
This report includes information regarding.
 Date of preparation  Hazards and safety

 who is prepared  Techniques and system of work
 Raw materials  Cost expended
 Supplies  Material availability
 Problem encountered  Sustainability of work
 Length of work  Labor required
 Alternative measures
1.7. Feedback and improvements
vermicompost is the basic ingredient for successful organic farming. More than 85 per cent of
organic crop cultivation in India depends on it. It has several advantages as an organic seedling
growth medium: it is relatively high in nitrate, which can enhance seedling germination and
stimulate seedling growth; it has high microbial activity that may protect against some pests; and it
has little or no phytotoxicity. There have been several reports that vermicompost can induce
excellent plant growth and enhance crop production. Recently, Dhanalakshmi.V., et al (2014)
studied the impact of addition of vermicompost on growth of okra, brinjal and chilli and recorded
the improvement in the yield of fruits.
The important revelations by farmers about use of vermicompost recorded includes:

1) Reduced use of water for irrigation;
2) Reduced pest attack (by at least 75%) especially after spray of vermiwash (liquid
drained during vermicomposting);
3) Reduced termite attack in farm soil especially where worms were in good population;
4) Reduced weed growth;
5) Faster rate of seed germination and rapid seedlings growth and development;
6) Greater numbers of fruits per plant (in vegetable crops) and greater numbers of seeds
per ear (in cereal crops), heavier in weight-better in both, quantity and quality as comparedto those
grown on chemicals;
7) Fruits and vegetables had better taste and texture and could be safely stored up to 6-7
days, while those grown on chemicals could be kept at the most for 2-3 days;
8) Fodder growth was increased by nearly 50% @ 30 to 40 quintal/hectare;
9) Flower production (commercial floriculture) was increased by 30%-50% @ 15-20
quintal/hectare. Flower blooms were more colourful and bigger in size

Part I: - Write all the questions listed below
1.List quality of good compost

2.Write factors that affect compost quality
3.List sign that compost may be struggling or bad
4.Write ways to better compost
5.Write environmental factors which greatly affect composting process and discuss on each of
them

Operation Sheet-7
Techniques/Procedures/Methods of batch compost preparation

.
A. Tools raw materials and equipment
 meter
 Spade  Maize stalk.
 Shovel  Dry grass
 Batch material  Green vegetation
 Plastic sheet,  Ash
 Water cane  Water
 batch  Top soil
 Appropriate PPE etc.  Plastic cover
 Animal dung.
B. Procedures: -
 Collect tools together
 Collect raw materials and chop in a required size.
 Remove contaminant from raw materials.
 Mix raw materials
 Fill mixed raw materials in to batch
 Cover the batch.

LAP Test 7
Name_________________________ Date: ________________

Time started: ___________ Time finished:_______________
Instructions: Work bath compost depends on given necessary, tools and materials you are
required to perform the following tasks within 3: 00 hours.
Task 1, 1. Prepare batch compost.

AKNOWLEDGEMENT
Ministry of Labor and Skills and Ministry of Agriculture to extend thanks and appreciation
to the many representatives of TVET instructors and respective industry experts who donated
their time and expertise to the development of this Teaching, Training and Learning Materials
(TTLM).

References
 Chang S.S. 1995. Research and development in the appropriate use of organic materials for crop
productions current status and perspective. pp. 1-14. In: Taiwan Agricultural Research Institute
(ed.), Proceedings of the Conference on Rational Application of Organic Fertilizer.
 Huang S.N. and C.C. Lin. 2001. Current of organic materials recycling in southern Taiwan. pp.
14-24. In: Food and Fertilizer Technology Center for Asian and Pacific Region (ed.),
Proceedings of the International Workshop on Recent Technologies of Composting and Their
Applications.
 Hsieh, S.C. and C.F. Hsieh. 1990. The use of organic matter in crop production. 315:1-19.
Taiwan, ROC: Taichung District Agricultural Improvement Station.
 Lin, Y. W., T. S. Liu, and C. H. Wang. 2003. Study on nitrogen mineralization characteristics of
organic materials. J. Agric. Res. China 53:178-190.
 Wang, H.H. 1989. Utilization of agricultural wastes in organic farming. Organic Farming,
special publication 16:217-227. Taiwan, ROC: Taichung District Agricultural Improvement
Station. (In Chinese).
 Yen, S.C. 1989. Utilization of animal wastes in organic agriculture. Organic Farming, special
publication 16:229-242. Taiwan, ROC: Taichung District Agricultural Improvement Station. (In
Chinese).
Web site
 htt://www.epa.gov.(accessed date 29/8/22)
 htt://www.science direct.com(accessed date 30/8/22)

The experts who developed the learning guide
N Name Qualificatio Educational Institution/Org Phone E-mail
o n background anization number
1 Temesgen Molla MSc Agronomy Alage 0921937746 temesgene143@gmail.co
m
2 Berhanu Mammo MSc Horticulture Mizan 0912676883 birhanmammo@gmail.co
m
3 Debebe Degu MSc Agronomy W/sodo 0926250092 debebedegu@yahoo.com
4 Dereje Nigusie MSc Horticulture O/Kombolcha 0920267516 deretsg2010@yahoo.com
candidate
5 Alemayehu MSc Agronomy Nedjo 0913214980 alemayehutesfayem@gma
Tesfaye il.com


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Horticultural Crops Production

Based on May 2023, Version - I Occupational Standard

Module Title: - Preparing Organic Fertilizer

Page 2 of 105 Ministry of Labor Horticulture Crops Version -1

Module Description ....................................................................................................... 1

LO #1- Prepare raw materials for compost preparation............................................. 2

LO #2- Prepare compost ............................................................................................. 22

LO #3- Monitor Composting Process .......................................................................... 5

LO #4- Prepare raw material for Vermicompost preparation ................................... 13

LO #5- Prepare Vermicompost and monitor the process ........................................ 24

LO #6- Harvesting and packing Vermicompost .......................................................... 3

LO #7- Conduct Quality Control Inspection. ............................................................. 47

Page ii of 105 Ministry of Labor Horticulture Crops Version -1

Page 1 of 105 Ministry of Labor Horticulture Crops Version -1

Page 2 of 105 Ministry of Labor Horticulture Crops Version -1

Page 3 of 105 Ministry of Labor Horticulture Crops Version -1

1.1.1. Plant residue and other plant bodies

1.1.2. Green manures

1.1.3. Farmyard manure and animal slurry

Page 5 of 105 Ministry of Labor Horticulture Crops Version -1

It is a semi-liquid nutrient source that can be mechanically collected (pumped up to 12 percent

 Cow slurry: 0.25–0.5 percent N, 0.3–0.5 percent K, 0.05–0.1 percent P;

1.1.4. Town Refuse/municipal waste

Page 6 of 105 Ministry of Labor Horticulture Crops Version -1

 the addition of essential plant nutrients,

Page 7 of 105 Ministry of Labor Horticulture Crops Version -1

Limitation of organic fertilizer preparation

1.2. Raw materials and additives

Page 8 of 105 Ministry of Labor Horticulture Crops Version -1

1.2.1.Raw materials used to make compost

 Fruits and vegetables

1.2.2. Raw materials not used to make compost

1.3. Collecting and checking locally available materials

Agricultural compost facilities use materials readily available on nearby farms.

Page 6 of 105 Ministry of Labor Horticulture Crops Version -1

1.5. Assessing physical contamination

i. Basic Compost is prepared by managing the aerobic decomposition of organic materials

Page 13 of 105 Ministry of Labor Horticulture Crops Version -1

Page 14 of 105 Ministry of Labor Horticulture Crops Version -1

1.8. Mixing pre-processed raw materials into suitable feedstock

Page 15 of 105 Ministry of Labor Horticulture Crops Version -1

Farmyard manure collected and stored

Page 16 of 105 Ministry of Labor Horticulture Crops Version -1

Figure 1-1 - Appropriate treatment of farmyard manure

Page 17 of 105 Ministry of Labor Horticulture Crops Version -1

Fig 1.2 Raw materials identification.

1.10. Selecting and checking personal protective equipment’s (PPE)

Page 18 of 105 Ministry of Labor Horticulture Crops Version -1

 PPE should include:

Page 19 of 105 Ministry of Labor Horticulture Crops Version -1

There are many types of hazards:-

Page 17 of 105 Ministry of Labor Horticulture Crops Version -1

Direction: - Answer all the questions listed below.

Page 18 of 105 Ministry of Labor Horticulture Crops Version -1

1.1 Techniques/Procedures/Methods of cleaning, collecting and storing tools and equipment‟s.

Page 19 of 105 Ministry of Labor Horticulture Crops Version -1

Name_________________________ sign: ________________

Task. I. 1. Clean tools and equipment‟s in appropriate

Page 21 of 105 Ministry of Labor Horticulture Crops Version -1

Name_________ sign:

Time started: ________ Time finished: