Description:FORM 2
THE PATENT ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See section 10; rule 13)
Azolla-Augmented Vermicomposting Method and System
GD Goenka University, Sohna Gurugram Road,
Sohna, Haryana, India, 122103
The following specification fully and particularly describes the invention and a method to carry out the same.
FIELD OF INVENTION
This invention relates to the field of organic waste management and compost production, specifically to a vermicomposting system that incorporates Azolla (a genus of aquatic ferns) to enhance the efficiency and nutrient content of the compost produced.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
The present invention relates to the field of organic waste management, and more specifically, to a vermicomposting system that enhances compost quality by incorporating Azolla, an aquatic fern known for its high nitrogen content and rapid biomass production.
Vermicomposting, which utilizes earthworms to convert organic waste into nutrient-rich compost, is widely adopted due to its environmental benefits and ability to recycle biodegradable waste. However, traditional vermicomposting systems face challenges such as long decomposition time, suboptimal nutrient balance in the end product, and dependency on variable feedstock quality. These factors can affect the efficiency and overall effectiveness of the composting process.
Azolla is a genus of small aquatic ferns that form a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria (Anabaena azollae). This natural association allows Azolla to accumulate significant amounts of nitrogen, making it a valuable biofertilizer and green manure in sustainable agriculture. Despite its potential, the use of Azolla in vermicomposting systems has not been adequately explored or systematized.
Accordingly, there exists a need for a vermicomposting system that can leverage the nutrient-rich properties of Azolla to improve the quality and decomposition rate of
compost. The present invention addresses this need by integrating Azolla cultivation and controlled incorporation into the vermicomposting process, thereby enhancing the nutrient content, promoting faster decomposition, and providing a more sustainable waste management solution.
WO2016156890A1 discloses a method of producing vermicompost in 6 months primarily from garden waste, which requires little financial and material outlay. A sheet made of a water-impermeable film is laid on the ground beneath a compost heap, the parts of the sheet extending beyond the heap are folded back onto the sides of the heap, and the heap is covered from above by a protective film or mesh. The moisture level in the heap is maintained at 70-80% by watering, and seepage accumulating in the sheet is drained and collected.
US8951787B1 discloses an apparatus for decomposing kitchen waste by the use of vermiculture includes a container. A conduit is disposed along a bottom of the container and is attached to a spigot that exits from the container. A plurality of fluid collection openings are arranged in spaced-apart rows along a bottom of the conduit and in a cluster proximate the spigot. Gravel or other means for producing a volume for the collection of an effluent is provided along the bottom of the container up to the uppermost height of the conduit, which is sloped downward toward the spigot. A screen is placed over the conduit and gravel. A starter material is placed over the screen and provides a habitat for a preferred species of earthworm which are then added.
Accordingly, there exists a need for a vermicomposting system that can leverage the nutrient-rich properties of Azolla to improve the quality and decomposition rate of compost. The present invention addresses this need by integrating Azolla cultivation and controlled incorporation into the vermicomposting process, thereby enhancing the nutrient content, promoting faster decomposition, and providing a more sustainable waste management solution.
The present invention fulfills this need by providing a vermicomposting system
comprising a primary composting bin, an Azolla cultivation chamber, and an integration mechanism for introducing Azolla into the composting matrix. This system allows for continuous production and incorporation of Azolla, enhancing the decomposition kinetics and nutrient composition of the final compost in an environmentally sustainable and cost-effective manner.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified format that is further described in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention and nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.
The present invention provides an improved vermicomposting system that incorporates Azolla as a supplementary feedstock to enhance compost quality and decomposition efficiency. The invention integrates a dedicated Azolla cultivation module within or adjacent to the vermicomposting setup and provides a mechanism for the periodic harvesting and incorporation of Azolla into the composting matrix.
The system comprises three major components:
Primary Composting Bin – A container designed to facilitate the decomposition of organic waste using earthworms. The bin includes features such as drainage outlets, aeration vents, and access ports for waste input and compost removal.
Azolla Cultivation Chamber – A dedicated section for cultivating Azolla, maintained under controlled water and nutrient conditions to promote rapid biomass production.
Integration Mechanism – A manual or automated system for transferring harvested Azolla into the composting bin at regular intervals. This ensures a consistent and nutrient-rich supplement to the organic waste.
The method involves the pre-treatment of organic waste (e.g., shredding, moistening), followed by its placement in the composting bin. Azolla is grown concurrently in the cultivation chamber and periodically harvested. The harvested Azolla is drained, optionally chopped, and then introduced into the composting bin in specified ratios. Environmental parameters such as moisture, pH, and temperature are monitored and adjusted to support optimal earthworm activity and organic matter breakdown.
The integration of Azolla into the vermicomposting process offers several advantages, including:
 Improved nitrogen content and overall nutrient balance in the final compost.
 Accelerated decomposition due to the presence of easily degradable Azolla biomass.
 Sustainable and scalable waste management, particularly in rural and semi-urban settings.
The invention thus provides an environmentally friendly, efficient, and low-cost system for organic waste recycling that addresses the limitations of traditional vermicomposting methods.
To further clarify the advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended figures. It is appreciated that this figure depicts only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying figure.
OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION
The present invention has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available techniques and processes.
The primary object of the present invention is to provide an improved vermicomposting system that enhances compost quality and decomposition efficiency through the incorporation of Azolla.
Another object of the invention is to integrate a dedicated Azolla cultivation unit within the vermicomposting system, enabling on-site production of nitrogen-rich biomass.
Yet another object of the invention is to utilize Azolla as a sustainable and nutrient-dense supplement to traditional organic feedstocks, thereby increasing the nitrogen content of the final compost.
A further object of the invention is to accelerate the decomposition of organic waste by introducing readily degradable Azolla biomass into the composting matrix.
An additional object of the invention is to maintain optimal environmental conditions (moisture, temperature, and pH) within the composting bin to promote efficient worm activity and microbial degradation.
It is also an object of the invention to provide a cost-effective, eco-friendly, and scalable composting solution suitable for household, agricultural, and community-level organic waste management.
Another object of the invention is to ensure consistent compost quality by regulating the ratio and frequency of Azolla incorporation into the vermicomposting system.
These and other objects of the invention will become apparent from the following description, claims, and accompanying figures.
How the foregoing objects are achieved will be clear from the following brief description. In this context, it is clarified that the description provided is non-limiting and is only by way of explanation. Other objects and advantages of the invention will
become apparent as the foregoing description proceeds, taken together with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the figures and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.
It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory of the invention and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.
Reference throughout this specification to “an aspect”, “another aspect” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrase “in an embodiment”, “in another embodiment” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.
The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or systems or elements or structures or components proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other systems or other elements or other structures or other components or additional devices or additional systems or additional elements or additional structures or additional components.
Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.
The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items.
The terms “having”, “comprising”, “including”, and variations thereof signify the presence of a component.
Now the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the following embodiment.
The present invention provides a novel and sustainable vermicomposting system that integrates Azolla cultivation and its periodic incorporation into the composting process to improve decomposition efficiency and compost nutrient quality.
1. System Components
a. Primary Composting Bin The composting bin is designed to host the vermicomposting process. It is made of non-reactive material (e.g., plastic or metal) and is equipped with:
 Drainage holes at the bottom to remove excess leachate.
 Aeration vents to ensure sufficient oxygen flow.
 Access ports or lids to add feedstock and harvest compost.
 Internal mesh or baffle to retain earthworms during compost harvesting.
b. Azolla Cultivation Chamber This chamber is either attached to or placed adjacent to the composting bin and is designed to cultivate Azolla under controlled aquatic conditions. The chamber includes:
 A shallow water tank with appropriate depth (5–15 cm).
 Organic nutrient input (e.g., diluted cow dung slurry or leachate from compost) to promote Azolla growth.
 A sunlight exposure arrangement (partial shade) to maintain optimal growth conditions.
 Provision for drainage and water level control to avoid stagnation.
c. Integration Mechanism A system for transferring harvested Azolla from the cultivation chamber into the composting bin is provided. This can include:
 Manual harvesting tools such as sieves and draining baskets.
 Automated feeders or dispensers (in advanced systems).
 Guidelines for proportioning, ensuring that the Azolla added does not disrupt the carbon-to-nitrogen (C:N) ratio required for efficient decomposition.
2. Method of Operation
a. Feedstock Preparation Organic materials such as kitchen waste, crop residues, vegetable scraps, and biodegradable household waste are shredded or chopped and moistened if needed to aid in decomposition.
b. Azolla Cultivation and Harvesting Azolla is cultivated continuously in the dedicated chamber with water and organic nutrients. It is harvested at regular intervals (e.g., every 3–5 days) once sufficient biomass is formed. The harvested Azolla is:
 Drained to remove excess water,
 Optionally chopped to reduce particle size,
 Added directly to the composting bin in a predetermined ratio (typically 1:4 or 1:5 with other organic waste by weight).
c. Vermicomposting Process The composting bin is operated under controlled conditions:
 Earthworms (e.g., Eisenia fetida) are added to the feedstock.
 The bin is maintained at 20–30°C, moisture around 60–70%, and pH between 6.5–7.5.
 Azolla is added at regular intervals (weekly or bi-weekly) depending on composting rate and worm population.
d. Environmental Monitoring and Maintenance The system includes periodic checks for:
 Moisture level, adjusted by spraying water or adding dry matter.
 Temperature, maintained through shade or insulation.
 Aeration, achieved by occasional stirring and venting.
3. Advantages of the Invention
 Enhanced Nutrient Profile: The nitrogen-fixing property of Azolla boosts the nitrogen content of compost, improving its agronomic value.
 Faster Decomposition: Readily decomposable Azolla biomass accelerates microbial and worm activity.
 Eco-Friendly and Scalable: The system uses no synthetic additives and can be scaled from small household units to large agricultural composting setups.
 Resource Efficiency: Utilizes locally available resources and closes the nutrient loop by using leachate from compost to support Azolla growth.
While the invention has been described with respect to specific composition which include presently preferred modes of carrying out the invention, those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are numerous variations and permutations of the above described embodiments that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention. It should be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and arrangements of the components set forth herein.
Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, many variations of these embodiments are envisaged within the scope of the present invention.
The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or
to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching.
The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but such omissions and substitutions are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention.
CLAIMS
We Claim,
1. A vermicomposting system comprising:
(a) a primary composting bin configured to decompose organic waste using earthworms;
(b) an Azolla cultivation chamber operatively associated with the composting bin, said chamber being adapted to grow Azolla under aquatic conditions; and
(c) an integration mechanism for harvesting and transferring Azolla biomass from the cultivation chamber to the composting bin to enhance nutrient content and decomposition efficiency of compost.
2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the primary composting bin comprises drainage outlets, aeration vents, and access ports for loading organic waste and harvesting compost.
3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the Azolla cultivation chamber includes a shallow water tank with a nutrient medium derived from organic leachate or cow dung slurry.
4. The system as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the integration mechanism comprises a manual or automated means for draining, collecting, and introducing Azolla into the composting bin at defined intervals and ratios.
5. 5. The system as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the composting bin is monitored and regulated to maintain optimal environmental parameters including temperature (20–30°C), moisture content (60–70%), and pH (6.5–7.5).
6. A method of vermicomposting comprising the steps of:
(a) preparing organic feedstock by shredding and moistening biodegradable waste;
(b) cultivating Azolla in a dedicated chamber with controlled water and nutrient conditions;
(c) harvesting Azolla at regular intervals and transferring it into the composting bin; and
(d) allowing decomposition of the organic feedstock in the presence of earthworms under regulated environmental conditions to produce nutrient-rich compost.
7. The method as claimed in claim 6, wherein the Azolla is drained and optionally chopped before being introduced into the composting bin.
8. The method as claimed in claim 6 or 7, wherein leachate generated during composting is used as a nutrient medium for Azolla cultivation, thereby forming a closed-loop nutrient recycling system.
Date- 17/07/2025
G D Goenka University
APPLICANT
ABSTRACT
Azolla-Augmented Vermicomposting Method and System
The invention relates to a vermicomposting system that integrates Azolla cultivation to enhance compost nutrient content and decomposition efficiency. The system comprises a primary composting bin for organic waste decomposition using earthworms, an Azolla cultivation chamber maintained under controlled aquatic conditions, and a mechanism for periodic harvesting and incorporation of Azolla into the composting bin. The method involves preparing organic feedstock, cultivating Azolla, and regularly introducing the harvested biomass into the compost to improve nitrogen content and accelerate breakdown. The system also allows environmental monitoring to optimize conditions for worm activity. This integrated approach results in a sustainable, cost-effective, and nutrient-enriched composting solution suitable for household and agricultural applications. , Claims:1. A vermicomposting system comprising:
(a) a primary composting bin configured to decompose organic waste using earthworms;
(b) an Azolla cultivation chamber operatively associated with the composting bin, said chamber being adapted to grow Azolla under aquatic conditions; and
(c) an integration mechanism for harvesting and transferring Azolla biomass from the cultivation chamber to the composting bin to enhance nutrient content and decomposition efficiency of compost.
2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the primary composting bin comprises drainage outlets, aeration vents, and access ports for loading organic waste and harvesting compost.
3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the Azolla cultivation chamber includes a shallow water tank with a nutrient medium derived from organic leachate or cow dung slurry.
4. The system as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the integration mechanism comprises a manual or automated means for draining, collecting, and introducing Azolla into the composting bin at defined intervals and ratios.
5. 5. The system as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the composting bin is monitored and regulated to maintain optimal environmental parameters including temperature (20–30°C), moisture content (60–70%), and pH (6.5–7.5).
6. A method of vermicomposting comprising the steps of:
(a) preparing organic feedstock by shredding and moistening biodegradable waste;
(b) cultivating Azolla in a dedicated chamber with controlled water and nutrient conditions;
(c) harvesting Azolla at regular intervals and transferring it into the composting bin; and
(d) allowing decomposition of the organic feedstock in the presence of earthworms under regulated environmental conditions to produce nutrient-rich compost.
7. The method as claimed in claim 6, wherein the Azolla is drained and optionally chopped before being introduced into the composting bin.
8. The method as claimed in claim 6 or 7, wherein leachate generated during composting is used as a nutrient medium for Azolla cultivation, thereby forming a closed-loop nutrient recycling system.