Field Guide of Discovery-based Exercises for - Aseanipm ...

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Field Guide of Discovery-based Exercises for Organic Vegetable Production
The benefits, which can be derived from vermi-composting include: (a) improving soil texture,
porosity, and water holding capacity, (b) enhancing soil microbial activity and nutrient supply for
better plant growth, (c) providing plant growth regulators, and (d) suppressing soil-borne pests and
diseases. 65 One important innovation in vermi-composting is the formulation of vermi-tea as a
foliar fertilizer. It is prepared by brewing a kilogram of vermi-compost in 30 L of water with ½
kg of crude sugar for 24 hours. Continuous aeration and agitation is required to maintain aerobic
condition and extraction of microorganisms.
These practical and worthwhile innovations can be shared and enriched by farmers and facilitators
in FFSs to improve current soil and organic fertilizer management practices through participatory,
discovery-based, and experiential learning approaches, hence this exercise.
How long will this exercise take?
• Thirty minutes to one hour for field walks, observations, interaction with farmers on possible
earthworm habitats in vegetable area (e.g., dry and shaded, moist and shaded, moist grassy area,
or uncultivated moist area);
• Thirty minutes to one hour hands-on in learning field for construction of vermi-compost pit,
collection of waste materials, segregation, shredding or chopping, and thermophilic composting;
and
• Thirty minutes to one hour for brainstorming session in processing area.
• This exercise will require one month and two weeks from the preparation of vermin pit and
collection of waste material to harvesting of compost.
learning objectives
• To create awareness and understanding among participants on some practical and innovative
ways of producing organic fertilizers through vermi-composting for organic vegetable
production; and
• To learn from others and do actual production and use of vermi-compost as organic fertilizer
for organic vegetable production.
65 Villegas, L.G. 2000. Vermi-culture and Vermi-compost Technology. National Crop Research and Development Center, Bureau of Plant Industry, Los
Baños, Laguna. As cited in: Philippine Organic Agriculture Information Network. http//www.pcarrd.dost.gov.ph/phil-organic/technologies.