Vermicomposting – Solution for Milk Sludge

The ever growing industries, human population and urban areas have increased the generation of waste materials, which is polluting the entire environment. As the environment gets affected, indirectly human race is also affected. Industrial waste management has become a big issue in the present era. Though there are different methods of waste disposal, most of them lead to soil deterioration, toxic effect and increased pollution on land, air, water and living beings apart from being very expensive. We need an eco-friendly one stroke solution for disposal of waste, which not only manages the waste but in return gives some beneficial end product.Vermicomposting is one such promising eco-friendly method which helps in reducing the pollution and simultaneously produces good quality compost using minimal space, labour and cost. Here an attempt is made to decompose milk sludge mixed with paper and garden waste with earthworms by vermicomposting. In one tank substrate is formed with paper and garden waste, milk sludge and cowdung in the ratio 3:1:1. And in another tank a ratio of 7:2:1 was considered. The reproduction of earthworms in the form of cocoons and the chemical composition of the generated manure after 30, 45, 60 days are noted and analysed.It is noted that the manure generated from the first pit has a favourable C:N ratio and decomposes fast, whereas the second pit manure with a higher nitrogen content decomposes slowly and this type of manure can be used for potato, soya bean and corn plant. Milk sludge, highly odorous and difficult to dispose can be treated by this simple eco-friendly method.