Growth, reproduction and vermicomposting efficacy of earthworm (Eisenia foetida)
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Date
2015
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Publisher
CCSHAU
Abstract
Vermicomposting is a simple biotechnological process of composting (organic waste
management), in which certain species of earthworms are used to enhance the process of organic waste
management 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. Eisenia foetida is one of the earthworm species utilized
for organic waste management. This organic bio fertilizer is therefore increasingly considered in
agriculture and horticulture as a promising alternative to inorganic fertilizers. In present study,
vermicompost samples were prepared from different organic wastes like cow dung, cow dung +
Parthenium, cow dung + mixture of different Weeds and cow dung + Kitchen waste with a time
interval at 0,30,60 and 90 days. The changes in the micronutrients like nitrogen, potassium,
phosphorus, organic carbon, and C:N ratio was observed. In different organic wastes different changes
in nutrients were found. It was observed that the nitrogen, potassium and phosphorous content in all the
used wastes substrates increased but these were found more in kitchen waste product in all of them.
The C:N ratio level decreased in all of them and carbon level is also declined. In present studies the
direct and indirect effects of vermicompost on plant growth, as well as variability in the plant
responses, were examined in pot experiment with tomato and brinjal. 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 better
results were found in vermicompost as compare to other fertilizer. Results from present study provide a
promising opportunity, which after some further studies and observations can be commercially utilized.
Description
Keywords
E. foetida, Micronutrients, Organic fertilizers, Vermicompost, Organic waste, Tomato, Brinjal