AGRO-WASTE MANAGEMNT BY VERMICOMPOSTING USING EISENIA FETIDA AND PERIONYX SANSIBARICUS EARTHWORMS

Abstract

Agro-waste like fennel straw blended with cow dung was recycled to analyze biochemical changes during composting process treated with earthworms Eisenia fetida and Perionyx sansibaricus. Both the species of earthworms were separately inoculated in composting substrate bedding for a period of 90 days. Fennel straw mixed with dry cow dung in 1:1 ratio was prepared as bedding substrate for earthworms in vermicomposting experiment. The changes in physical and biochemical parameters of vermicompost samples
during decomposition progression were recorded at specific interval of time. At different level of vermicomposting significant raise in
electrical conductivity, total N, available phosphorus and potassium, along with drop in pH, organic C and C/N ratio was recorded from
experimental vermibeds. The result showed that vermicomposting of fennel straw plus cow dung amended into nutrient rich material known as organic fertilizer. In this vermicomposting experiment E. fetida shows better functional activity than P. sansibaricus. The results suggested that enriched compost obtained from decomposition of wastes (agro and livestock waste) through vermicomposting with efficient worms will be utilized to enhance physico-chemical and biological properties of soil; leading to better plant growth and production of crop.