Production of Vermicompost by Agrowaste using Eudrilus Eugeniae and Eisenia Fetida Species (Linn)

Abstract

Sugarcane bagasse as a main substrate and cow dung are used as a waste material in different combinations such as M1- Sugarcane bagasse (100 %), M2- Sugarcane bagasse :cow dung- (80:20 %), M3- Sugarcane :cow dung (60:40%), M4- Sugarcane baggasse:cow dung (40:60), M5- Sugarcane bagasse:  dung (20:80%), M6- Cow dung (100%) for preparation of vermicompost along with two species of earthworm’s viz. Eudrilus eugeniae and Eisenia ferida. Based on the findings of present investigation, it could concluded that amongst the various combinations of organic residues evaluated, 100 per cent cow dung was found highest per cent recovery of vermicompost followed by 20:80 combination of Sugarcane bagasse and cow dung. The final results of the experiment showed that on composting the pH of all organic residues decreased slightly during composting. There was gradual increase in electrical conductivity of composting materials from 20 days to the 90 days of composting. As far as the manurial value is concerned, 20:80 combination of Sugarcane bagasse and cow dung found to be the best combination from the point of Micro nutrient contents. Between the two species of earthworms, Eudrilus eugeniae species of earthworm found superior over Eiseniaferida species of earthworm in respect of most of the parameters studied. The manurial value of all the compost products improved due to vermicomposting.