Solid Waste Management: Impact of Organic Waste on Growth and Reproduction of Earthworm Eisenia fetida via Vermicomposting
Solid Waste Management: Impact of Organic Waste on Growth and Reproduction of Earthworm Eisenia fetida via Vermicomposting
Irsa Shafique1, Saiqa Andleeb1*, Farrukh Naeem2, Shaukat Ali3, Tauseef Tabassum4 and Tariq Sultan4
ABSTRACT
The objective of this study was to investigate physicochemical parameter’s impact on the growth and reproduction of earthworm Eisenia fetida during vermi-composting. Our study revealed that maximum weight/worm (0.35±0.00 mg/worms), length/worm (7.1±0.07 cm), the maximum number of cocoons (186), and juveniles (360) were recorded during 12 weeks of composting due to the high metabolic rate of earthworms. During the process of composting, pH, temperature, electrical conductivity, C: N ratio and moisture decreased till the end of the experiment and the final vermi-compost had pH (7.8), temperature (25 ˚C), electrical conductivity (2.82 mS/cm), C: N ratio (11:1), and moisture (25%). The maximum NPK content and various trace metals were also recorded in vermi-compost compared to cow dung which indicated its efficiency to promote the growth of plants. It was concluded that E. fetida could be used as a potential animal source for the solid waste management via vermi-composting.
To share on other social networks, click on any share button. What are these?
