Life cycle assessment of vermicomposting process

Abstract

The thorough evaluation of vermicomposting's environmental impact underscores its potential to transform agricultural methods significantly. Apart from its immediate advantages in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and nutrient runoff, vermicompost presents a versatile solution to sustainability challenges in contemporary farming. Utilizing vermicompost as a fertilizer not only enriches soil fertility but also promotes soil health by introducing beneficial microorganisms. This microbial activity facilitates nutrient circulation and improves soil structure, resulting in enhanced water retention and reduced erosion. Furthermore, the organic composition of vermicompost reduces the risk of chemical leaching into groundwater, thus protecting water quality and biodiversity in adjacent ecosystems. By mitigating the adverse effects associated with synthetic fertilizers, vermicomposting aligns with the principles of regenerative agriculture, fostering longterm ecological equilibrium and resilience. This study delves into the production process of vermicomposting at Edelmark AS to evaluate its life cycle implications. Employing a functional unit of 1 kg of vermicompost, this thesis assessed its environmental footprint concerning global warming and eutrophication. Utilizing the EcoInvent database and ReCiPe midpoint impact assessments, determined that the process results in 0.10999 kg CO2 eq for global warming, 1.18 × 10-8 kg P eq for freshwater eutrophication, and 2.17 × 10-9 kg N eq for marine eutrophication. These findings highlight the viability of vermicompost as a sustainable alternative to traditional fertilizers in plant production. Its utilization of digested feed minimizes environmental impacts typically associated with conventional fertilizers.