Department of Zoology

VERMICOMPOST UNIT :

The main aim was to recycle green waste (i.e. plant litter) generated in college campus into manure that could further be utilized for gardening purpose. Thus, with this initiative, zero waste zones could be created in the college premises. Two vermi beds were prepared for the introduction of green waste mixed with cow dung in the proportion of 50:50 in each. Eisenia foetida, commonly known as red worm was used for vermicomposting. Two kilograms of earthworms were inoculated in each bed after 10 days of pre-decomposition. All the beds were covered on the top by a rice straw to protect the earthworms from the predators and to prevent moisture loss. The process of vermicomposting was carried out for a period of 30-40 days. The temperature and moisture content were maintained by sprinkling adequate quantity of water every day and upside down mixing of waste was done once daily. After the feed material got converted into loose, granular mounds, the entire material was collected from each bed. The cast was passed through the sieve and the earthworms were removed manually. The cast was air dried by spreading on a sheet. After sufficient moisture was lost, the vermicompost was stored in bags for further analysis.

METHOD OF VERMICOMPOSTING:

Vermicomposting is done by Pit method.
Bed Method: Composting is done on the pucca floor by making a bed (dimension: 5x3x3 feet) of organic mixture. This method is easy to maintain and to practice.
Procedure:
1. Processing involves collection of wastes (plant waste, litter & canteen waste), shredding, and storage of organic wastes.
2. Pre-digestion of organic waste for twenty days by heaping or dumping the material along with cattle dung slurry. This process partially digests the material and fit for earthworm consumption.
3. Preparation of earthworm bed. A concrete base is required to put the waste for vermicompost preparation. Loose soil will allow the worms to go into the soil and also while watering all the dissolvable nutrients go into the soil along with water.
4. A layer of 15-20cm of chopped dried leaves/grasses should be kept as bedding material at the bottom of the bed.
5. Beds of partially decomposed material of size 5x3x3 feet should be made. Each bed should contain raw material and number of bed increased as per raw material availability and requirement.
6. Red earthworm (350-360 worms per m3 of bed volume) should be released in the upper layer of the bed.
7. Water should be sprinkled with can immediately after the release of worms.
8. Beds should be kept moist by sprinkling of water (daily) and by covering with gunny bags/polythene.
9. Bed should be turned once after 30 days for maintaining aeration and for proper decomposition.
10. Compost gets ready in 45-50days.
11. The weight of the finished product is about 75% of the raw materials used.

Infrastructure (Zoology Lab)

Faculty Detail

Session 2023-24
16 Oct,2023
1.On “World’s Food day”, students of B.Sc. Medical made posters on the theme “Water is food, Water is life-Leave no one behind”.
02 feb,2024
2.On the occasion of World Wetlands Day – 2024, students of B.Sc. Medical visit “Ranjit Sagar Dam” Pathankot along with their teachers.

Session 2022-23
11th April, 2022
On 11th April, 2022, B.Sc. Medical students visited Bee Farm, Kotli, Pathankot. They gained knowledge about Bee Keeping and also made a report.

Session 2021-22
30th April, 2021
On 30th April, 2021 B.Sc. Medical students visited Fish Farm, Hariana, Distt. Hoshiarpur along with their teachers.

Session 2019-20
28 Feb, 2020
Department organized Quiz Competition for “Science Day Celebration” (28 Feb, 2020)