UTILIZATION OF FLORAL WASTE IN VERMICOMPOSTING AT VARIOUS TEMPLES OF DHAR CITY

Abstract

Flowers are an important part of worship in temples of India. After worship, a huge number of flowers becomes waste. It generates pollution around the temples. Vermicomposting is used as an ecofriendly method to manage the floral waste. The floral waste was collected from around 10 temples of Dhar city and was utilized in the process of vermicomposting. Factors like moisture content, temperature are considered very important during entire period. Earthworm species Eisenia fetida was used to prepare vermicompost. Cow dung and floral waste were taken in a ratio of 30:70. Portable, UV stabilized, ecofriendly High-density Polyethylene (HDPE) Vermi beds were used for floral waste vermicomposting. Physico-chemical analysis of matured vermicompost was obtained as mentioned in Fertilizer Control Order,1985. The utilization of floral waste into vermicomposting resulted in an ecofriendly method of floral waste management. It was cost effective method and resulted as a source of income. Vermicompost can be sold at a rate of 10 rupees per kilogram. Keywords: Vermicomposting, Earthworm, Floral waste, Eisenia fetida.