Phosphorus enriched organic fertilizer from low-grade rock phosphate and biomass through vermicomposting

Technology Background:
The cost of commercial water-soluble P is high in India due to non-availability of high-grade rock phosphate. With the increasing cost of manufacturing and importing commercial P fertilizer, it is necessary to find out alternative sources from locally available rock phosphate (RP) deposit.
The enriched organic fertilizers involve physical mixing of rock phosphate with organic biomasses such as crop residues, animal manures and composts. Most of the phosphate enriched composts have been developed through normal composting process required relatively longer period of time (120-150 days). The level of phosphate enrichment and their bioavailability in existing enriched composts is far less as compared to the expectation of crop demand particularly in case of short duration crop. To meet the P requirement of agricultural crop, large quantity of organic fertilizer is needed which is a major challenge particularly in organic cultivation system. However, there is a need of an efficient and cost-effective process for producing the vermicompost with enhanced phosphate content and increased bioavailability.

Technology Details:
The present patented invention relates to an efficient method of vermicomposting and production of phosphorus enriched organic fertilizer from low-grade Indian rock phosphate and agro-waste biomass (including distillation waste).
The process is highly simple and technically advantageous for the development of enriched organic phosphate fertilizer with improved phosphate bioavailability from low-grade mineral and waste biomass. The process utilizes low-cost waste materials in a more sustainable and environmentally friendly manner. The present Invention comprises following unique features:

• The process requires lesser time for production of the compost, highly efficient which utilizes low-grade Indian rock phosphate and waste biomass
• The level of Phosphate enrichment is much higher in vermicompost obtained through the process of the present Invention as compared to available composts.
• The enriched vermicompost also comprises significantly enhanced bio available Phosphate content which can address immediate Phosphate requirement in initial stage of crop growth.
• The process is highly cost efficient and environment friendly..