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2 UDC: Vermitechnology Introduction and Usage in Georgia Kokhia Mzia Ilia State University, Institute of Zoology 3, Ak. Tsereteli Str., 0162, Tbilisi, Georgia, Abstract. Based on the numerous cases of poisoning the population caused by excessive use of nitrate fertilizers and various chemicals, scientists decided to draw attention to the seriousness of the problem and inform the society about the importance of implementing vermitechnology to get ecologically pure and safe bio products. The vermitechnology and vermiculture is at least a century old but it is now being revived worldwide with diverse ecological objectives such as waste management, soil detoxification and regeneration and sustainable agriculture. Earthworms act in the soil as aerators, grinders, crushers, chemical degraders and biological stimulators. Earthworms secrete enzymes, proteases, lipases, amylases, celluloses and chitins in their digestive tract that make rapid biochemical transformations of cells and protein-containing compounds into such organic compounds, which restore and enrich soils. Earthworms dramatically alter soil structure, water movement, nutrient dynamics, and plant growth. They are not essential to all healthy soil systems, but their presence is usually an indicator of a healthy system. Earthworms perform several beneficial functions. All this will make it possible to start a continuous production of bio humus in «conscious" peasants farms and its intensive usage Furthermore, the high-efficiency natural organic fertilizer obtained with earthworms help is a warranty of a good harvest and provides ecologically pure product. Key words. Vermitechnology, earthworms, plant residues, waste, soil, macro fauna, fertility, agriculture, ecologically pure product. Introduction Fertility is a significant property of an agricultural soil. Soil fertility is getting affected due to excessive use of chemical fertilizers. Natural fertility preservation in uncultivated grounds can be achieved by biological turnover. Soil invertebrates fed on plant residues take a direct participation in the transformation of soil organic compounds and after processing food through intestine saprophages fragment and mix it with mineral masses. One of the most important factors of animal habitats activity on the earth is their role in soil covering formation. Long-term researches showed that earthworms are the most numerous and active residents in soil. By digging the subsoil, loosening and threading it with tunnels the worms gradually deepen the topsoil layer, ripping up fine mineral particles and depositing them as castings on or near the surface of the soil. They constantly add nutrients to the zone in which plant roots feed and deliver mineral substances that would otherwise remain largely unavailable to most plants. No other living organism can duplicate this function. Soil represents a natural habitat for many living organisms. It should be noted that 1m 3 of soil can be inhabited by 1000 organisms. Adult soil inhabitants such as earthworms, millipedes, beetles and others are actively fed with plant residues make their mineralization, stimulate microbial activity and participate in creation of the soil profile. Although 1

3 earthworms derive their nutrition from microorganisms, more microorganisms are present in their feces or casts than in the organic matter that they consume. As organic matter passes through their intestines, it is fragmented and inoculated with microorganisms. Increased microbial activity facilitates the cycling of nutrients from organic matter and their conversion into forms readily taken up by plants. Thus, the abovementioned symbiosis of earthworms and microorganisms can be proved. Earthworms use results of a vital activity of microorganisms and create all necessary conditions for the development of useful microorganisms inside themselves and destroy pathogens [1]. The Goals The aim of this paper is to popularize the vermitechnology in Georgia, which has already been introduced in the world. Nowadays humanity has faced an acute environmental problem how to save the earth. Taking care of the Earth is not just a responsibility - it's a privilege. Hundreds of tones of biodegradable organic waste are being generated in cities and towns in the country, creating disposal problems. This waste can be converted into valuable compost by applying vermicomposting technology. This approach reduces pollution, provides a valuable substitute for chemical fertilizers and makes a less harmful impact on the environment. A great attention should be paid to production of ecologically pure food and increase of agricultural crops productivity using organic fertilizers to protect soil and crops from contamination with nitrates, phosphates and other mineral fertilizers. To settle these problems for improving the quality and increasing the yield of agricultural products it s obligatory to promote the introduction and usage of vermitechnology in Georgia. One of the main processes of vermitechnology is the vermicompost producing. Vermicompost is an excellent nutrient-rich organic fertilizer and soil conditioner containing water-soluble nutrients. Vermicomposting is practiced in Canada, Italy, Japan, the Philippines, the United States and other countries. The vermicompost may be used for farming, landscaping, for creating compost tea, or for selling. Some of these operations produce worms for bait and/or home vermicomposting. From the above said we decided to draw attention to the vermicomposting and generally to the vermitechnology and inform the society about the importance of implementing vermitechnology to get ecologically pure and safe bio products. Considering the selection of the most productive and efficient local earthworms species (eg: Pheretima family representative of earthworms which are as active as other known species). We consider that the species already approved in foreign countries can be used, namely the Californian red wiggler worm (Eisenia fetida). We don t exclude the possibility to cultivate a new local type of earthworms. Besides all this will motivate the villagers to protect the environment, enable them to start a permanent production of bio humus and use it in farming. It should be noted that after many experiments and researches in many countries, it was announced that 10%-20% of humus added to soil was the most effective and in some cases the addition of even 5% was quiet enough. Thus, humus positive impact on soil productivity and plants growth is beyond any doubt. Humus content in bio humus depends on a substrate type and rises to 10-15%. It was observed that soil productive features remained 2

4 unchangeable within 3-4 years after bio humus addition, plants growth increased by % according to plants types and location areas. Besides earthworms cultivation and successful application in agriculture, earthworms can be used as nutrition for poultry breeding, natural live bait for fishing and in medicine. The above-mentioned is beyond question and indicates to the necessity of bio humus and vermiculture production in Georgia taking in the account the current state of agriculture [2]. The most productive local species of earthworms should be selected and applied widely. Certainly, the obtained results and their efficiency will be compared with the species that have been already approved and used in foreign countries, namely the red Californian wriggle worm (Eisenia fetida). We don t exclude the possibility to cultivate a new species of local earthworms by crossing earthworms species of two distant populations (the native Georgian and the Californian one) in the laboratory conditions. All this will motivate progressive peasants and farmers to start continuous production of bio humus and its usage in their farms, which is a very important socio-economic factor. Furthermore, the high-efficiency natural organic fertilizer obtained with earthworms help is a warranty of a good harvest and provides ecologically pure product. The experiments in lab conditions showed that the activity of the earthworms population considerably depends on food composition. After the addition of hay in the manure, which was the main component of earthworms food, the number of Californian Red Wigglers doubled, and the number of the Georgian population continued to increase sequentially [3]. Why biohumus? As biohumus is: 100% organic fertilizer! Guarant of obtaining ecologically pure crop. Stimulator of the natural activity of beneficial microorganisms, enzymes and natural plant growth regulator. Reductant of degraded lands fertility After making the bio humus into the soil a positive effect has been observed over the 3 years. It strengthens the immunity of plants. It is times more effective than any known organic fertilizers. It is harmless in any concentrations and any soil. Used as an independent ground. It does not contain any pathogenic micro-flora and the helminthes eggs. In addition: Bio wastes conversion reduces waste flow to landfills Elimination of bio wastes from the waste stream reduces contamination of other recyclables collected in a single bin (a common problem in communities practicing single-stream recycling) Creates low-skill jobs at local level Low capital investment and relatively simple technologies make vermicomposting practical for less-developed agricultural regions. 3

5 For the environment protection the biohumus: Helps to close the "metabolic gap" through recycling waste on-site Large systems often use a temperature control and mechanized harvesting, however equipment is relatively simple and does not wear out quickly Production reduces greenhouse gas emissions such as methane and nitric oxide (produced in landfills or incinerators when not composted or through methane harvest). Biohumus efficiency Biohumus is a concentrated fertilizer that contains all necessary nutritional substances and microelements for plant growth and includes a large number of humus compounds. The main advantage of bio humus in comparison with manure and humus composts is that humus content is 4-8 times more. Bio humus is a unique microbiological fertilizer in which a beneficial microorganism community - the basis of soil fertility inhabits in large quantities. Bio humus is 5-10 times more efficient compared to traditional natural fertilizers. Taking into consideration soil texture and fertility input distinguished by its soil characteristics and fertility in the proper input (3-10 t / ha) of bio humus in an appropriate amount increase by 30-40% maize and other cereals yield, potato and other vegetables almost by 70%. At the same time usage of bio humus improves a product quality, increases protein in corns, a content of glucose in fruits and a vitamin content of 15-45% in vegetables and as a result, enables to get pure products free of nitrates, chlorine and other harmful compounds. Biohumus action is particularly effective and powerful for very contaminated and depleted soils. Bio humus input in soil is provided both in the process of planting locally or sowing, and also on a surface with a subsequent treatment. Bio humus does not contain pathogenic micro flora, helminthes ovum, weed seeds and heavy metals. Bio humus consumption by plants is easy and gradually within the whole life cycle period. Products after using the biohumus grow ecologically safe, with excellent taste and marketable agricultural produce, maturation during prolonged storage; flowers become more colorful and flavored. Application of a sufficient amount of biohumus (not less than 0.5 kg per 1m2) supports the maturation of fruits, vegetables and berries, accelerated within 2-3 weeks. When to use the Biohumus? For faster seed germination, raising plant growth and crop yield. Perfect for transplantation (transfer) transported and preserved plants. Restore or improve soil physical structure and its fertility in a short time (for 1 season). Increase plant resistance to diseases and temperature extremes. Acceleration of fruits ripening. Receiving delicious, healthy and ecologically pure products. Enhancing flavor, color brightness and resistance to fading. Lawns growing. The fertility of the land determines the presence of humus than the more - the better. According to the content of humus manure is not the best type of fertilizer. Draw a small comparison of manure and organic fertilizers are ecologically pure Biohumus. 4

6 Vermicompost is the product of the technological recycling of organic waste by worms. Worms recycle organic material - manure or compost much faster and more completely than the soil microorganisms in the composting process. Absorbing together with soil a huge amount of crop residues, nematodes, bacteria, fungi, earthworms digest them, highlighting the coprolite with large amount of humus, its own micro flora, amino acids, enzymes, vitamins and other biologically active substances that inhibit pathogenic micro flora. During this process organic matter loses its smell, disinfected, gets granular form and pleasant scent of the earth. Biohumus exceeds 4-8 times the manure and composts in the content of humus. This is its main advantage. Nutrients in biohumus are compounds of humic acids and contain all the necessary plant macro-and micronutrients. Elements necessary for plant nutrition containing in biohumus interact with the mineral components of soil and form a complicated compounds. Thus, they are securely stored from washing, slowly dissolve in water, providing nourishing plants for a long time. From above said we could conclude that the obtained vermiproducts usage should be applied in various directions: in small farms and greenhouses, private gardens and cottage plots. The results of our researches showed that the usage of earthworms is more suitable for waste recycling [3] and is very important to promote the development and introduction of vermitechnology in Georgia. The population will be able to use these vermiproducts only on receiving the recommendations and instructions from biohumus producers. REFERENCES 1. Elvira, C. Domingues, J., Mato, S. The growth and reproduction of Lumbricus rubellus and Dendrobaena rubida in cow manure mixed cultures with Eisenia Andrei. Appl.Soil Ecol. 1997; 5, pp ; 2. gigineisvili l., yaralasvili n., giorgaze m., badagaze j., qiziyurasvili v. biohumusis warmoebis da gamoyenebis teqnologia. saqartvelos fermerta saxli, Tbilisi, gv. 58; 3. koxia m. vermikompostireba organuli narcenebis gadamusavebis alternativa. SromaTa krebuli, saertasoriso samecnieropraqtikuli konferencia inovaciuri teqnologiebi da garemos dacva, qutaisi, gv