Abstract
The aim of the study was to compare the efficiency of organic matter degradation between composting and vermicomposting as well as the possibility of making compost and vermicompost using cattle manure. The experiment was conducted with two treatments, where one was conventional composting (T1) and another was vermicomposting (T2) from cattle manure. The sample from composted materials was collected at 0, 20, 40 and 60th day of experiment. Parameter studied were dry matter (DM), crude fiber (CF), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), ash content of the samples as well as pH and temperature change during the experimental period. Results found that a significant higher DM (P<0.01) was found in T1 compared to T2. The CF degradation rate was significantly higher (P<0.01) in T2 compared to T1 group. The CP content also found significantly higher (P<0.05) in T2 compared to T1 group. There were no significant differences in EE and ash content as well as pH between the treatment groups. A typical temperature curve was found in T1 during active composting phase but the temperature was more or less same in T2 during the whole experimental period. From the experiment, it was found that crude fiber degradation rate is faster and CP content was higher in the T2 compared to T1 that might be indicated that vermicomposting is more beneficial than composting.
 Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. December 2020, 6(4): 768-776
Highlights
Bangladesh belongs to 3rd largest livestock population in Asia and plays an important role in the economy of Bangladesh (Barman et al, 2017; Baset et al, 2003; Begam et al, 2007; Rahman et al, 1998, 1999 and 2002)
Composition of raw material The proximate compositions of cow dung were analyzed before starting of the experiment both for composting and vermicomposting
The composition of compost mix and vermicompost mix were found different at the initial day
Summary
Bangladesh belongs to 3rd largest livestock population in Asia and plays an important role in the economy of Bangladesh (Barman et al, 2017; Baset et al, 2003; Begam et al, 2007; Rahman et al, 1998, 1999 and 2002). It is estimated that approximately 156 million tons of cattle manure is produced every year in Bangladesh (Modak et al, 2019) besides meat, milk and other by-products. These huge manures are a big issue of environmental pollution if not these treated properly. Cattle manure is a valuable resource as a soil fertilizer, as it provides high contents of macro and micro-nutrients for crop growth and is a low-cost alternative to mineral fertilizers (Ghos et al, 2004; Islam et al, 2010; Rahman et al, 2008; Sarker et al, 2018). Both compost and vermicompost are the rich source of organic matter for soil health and that are excellent soil amendment
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