Loading...
Theses
Browse
1 results
Search Results
ThesisItem Open Access To study the seasonal variation in growth, reproduction and vermicomposting efficiency of different earthworm species(CCSHAU, 2012) ANAND KUMAR; Sabhlok, V.P.Vermicomposting is a simple biotechnological process of composting, in which certain species of earthworms are used to enhance the process of waste conversion and produce a better end product. It is a mesophilic process, utilizing microorganisms and earthworms that are active at 10–32°C. The resulting vermicompost has been shown to have several positive impacts on plant growth and health. This organic fertilizer is therefore increasingly considered in agricultureand horticulture as a promising alternative to inorganic fertilizers and/or peat in greenhouse potting media. In presentstudies the direct and indirect effects of vermicompost on plant growth, as well as variability in the plant responses, were examined in pot experiment with chili, brinjal, okra, turnip and radish. Total five growth and yield parameters were recorded viz. height of plants, diameter of main stem, dry weight of whole plant (except fruit and roots), number of fruits per plant and total weight of fruits/seeds per plant and found better results. The effect of seasonal variation on the growth and reproduction was observed on different species of earthworms. The maximum numbers of cocoons, adults were recorded in E. fetida than P. excavatus and E. eugeniae. The rainy season was found to be better for the cocoon production and adult’s earthworm production in all the species as compared to the winter and summer seasons. The weight gain was recorded to be maximum i.e 1.90gm in case of E. eugeniaein rainy season and maximum length was 8.10cm in case of E. eugeniae as compared to E. fetidaand P. excavatus in rainy season. In present studies vermicompost was prepared from different agricultural wastes like wheat straw, millet straw, pulse brawn and mustard straw and were used as substrates for vermicomposting with a time interval at 0 day, 30 days, 60 days and 90 days. The changes in the micronutrients like nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, organic carban, and C: N ratio was observed. In different agricultural wastes different changes in nutrients were found. It was found that nitrogen% in wheat straw:cow dung (in ratio 1:5) was found to be maximum i.e. 1.74%, in mustard straw 1.80%, in pulse brawn 1.91%, in millet straw 1.86%, in cow dung as control the nitrogen % was found to be 1.30% after 90 days. Potassium % was found to be 1.72% in wheat straw. In mustard it was 2.05%, in pulse brawn potassium % it was 1.53%, in millet straw it was observed to be 1.63% and in cow dung potassium % was found to be 1.07% after 90 days. Phosphorus wasfound to be maximum in wheat straw waste mixture. It was found to be maximum i.e 2.09% as compared to other wastes. The organic carban and C: N ratio was decreased in percentage after time interval during vermicomposting. In experiment I (2009- 2010) and II (2010- 2011). There were similar trend resuts were observed.