VERMICULTURE AND VERMICOMPOSTING

Present day distribution of worms is result of activities of their ancestors and their migratory capabilities, ability to survive in old and new environment. Earthworms are widely distributed in the world in most ecosystems excepting in sea, desert and areas devoid of vegetation or in permanent snowy areas. With criteria of adaptability, two types of earthworms are found, namely, peregrine species and endemic species. Former ones are highly adaptative and are widely distributed. Such species are numerous exotic species like Eisenia foetida, the sewage worm and Eudrilus eugeniae, the African Night crawler which have got established with introduction by man in countries other than their national homes. Such species are called peregrine Endemic species are less adaptive and have remained indigenous or localized unless specifically maintained by man in habitats other than natural homes. In present day, there are many Endemic species which are being maintained in different countries for vermiculture works and some are gradually getting distributed, through cocoons transported with plants and vermicompost.