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Why is vermicomposting considered highly beneficial for agricultural soil health?
It increases soil salinity
It reduces the need for chemical fertilizers and improves soil structure
It kills all soil microorganisms
It increases soil temperature excessively
It reduces the need for chemical fertilizers and improves soil structure
Vermicomposting is the process of using earthworms to decompose organic waste into nutrient-rich humus. It significantly enhances soil structure, aeration, and water-holding capacity while providing essential macro and micronutrients, thereby reducing reliance on synthetic chemical fertilizers.
Vermicomposting is the process of using earthworms to decompose organic waste into nutrient-rich humus. It significantly enhances soil structure, aeration, and water-holding capacity while providing essential macro and micronutrients, thereby reducing reliance on synthetic chemical fertilizers.
This concept relates to the 'National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture' (NMSA) under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, which promotes organic farming practices across India.
Earthworms act as biological bioreactors, increasing the availability of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in soil.
Vermicompost improves soil porosity, allowing better root penetration and oxygen circulation.
It contains beneficial plant growth hormones like auxins and gibberellins secreted by earthworms.
The process involves common earthworm species like Eisenia fetida and Eudrilus eugeniae.
Unlike chemical fertilizers, vermicompost does not lead to soil acidification or the leaching of nutrients into groundwater.
Option A is incorrect because vermicomposting reduces soil salinity by improving soil structure. Option C is incorrect as vermicomposting promotes, rather than kills, beneficial soil microbial flora. Option D is incorrect as it acts as a soil conditioner and does not raise soil temperature.
B is correct тАФ Vermicomposting provides a sustainable source of nutrients and enhances physical soil properties, decreasing the necessity for chemical inputs.
In exams, link vermicomposting with 'Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana' (PKVY), as both focus on shifting farmers toward organic and chemical-free agricultural practices.