Vermicomposting in Arid and Semi-Arid Regions

Abstract

Introduction Arid and semi-arid areas are marked by limited rainfall, elevated temperatures, and frequently degraded soils. These conditions pose significant challenges for sustainable agriculture, primarily due to inadequate soil fertility and water scarcity. Nonetheless, vermicomposting emerges as a viable method to enhance soil health and encourage sustainable farming practices in these environments. This process involves utilizing earthworms to transform organic waste into nutrient-dense compost, which boosts soil structure and fertility, improves moisture retention, and increases crop yield (Sharma et al., 2021; Mohapatra & Das, 2020).