Vermicomposting as a tool for sustainable agriculture: Benefits and challenges

Abstract

Sustainable agriculture represents a holistic approach to farming that seeks to balance the imperative for increased agricultural productivity with the need to protect and preserve natural resources for future generations. It emphasizes practices that maintain or enhance soil fertility, reduce dependency on synthetic inputs, promote biodiversity, and minimize adverse environmental impacts such as soil degradation, water contamination, and greenhouse gas emissions. Among the various emerging strategies that align with these principles, vermicomposting has gained significant attention as an eco-friendly, cost-effective, and efficient method for organic waste management and soil rejuvenation. Vermicomposting involves the biological conversion of organic wastes, such as agricultural residues, animal manures, and municipal solid waste, into a nutrient-rich, stabilized product known as vermicast through the activity of earthworms and associated microorganisms. This process not only reduces the volume of waste entering landfills and curbs environmental pollution but also produces a high-quality organic amendment that can substantially improve the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils. Vermicast is known for its ability to enhance soil structure, increase water retention, and supply essential macro- and micronutrients in plant-available forms, thereby contributing to improved crop growth and yield. Moreover, the presence of beneficial microbial populations and plant growth-promoting substances in vermicompost supports plant health and resilience against pests and diseases. Despite these multifaceted benefits, the adoption of vermicomposting on a larger scale is constrained by several challenges. Operational limitations such as space requirements, labor intensiveness, and the sensitivity of earthworms to environmental fluctuations and contaminants (e.g., heavy metals, pesticides) hinder its scalability in diverse agro-ecological settings. Socio-economic barriers, including limited technical knowledge among farmers, lack of institutional support, and insufficient policy incentives, further restrict its integration into mainstream agricultural practices. Addressing these challenges through targeted research innovations, such as the development of robust earthworm species tolerant to variable waste streams, and supportive policy frameworks could significantly enhance the viability and adoption of vermicomposting as a core component of sustainable agricultural systems. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of vermicomposting as a tool for sustainable agriculture, focusing on its ecological and agronomic benefits, potential applications in waste management, and the critical challenges that need to be overcome for its broader implementation. It also outlines future perspectives and research priorities necessary to realize the full potential of vermicomposting in contributing to environmentally sound and economically viable agricultural development.