A Comparative Study on Agrowaste Conversion into Biofertilizer Employing Two Earthworm Species

Abstract

Disposal of groundnut waste is a major problem in agriculture sector. So, groundnut husk combined with cow dung was subjected to vermicomposting employing an exotic (Eisenia fetida) and a native (Perionyx sansibaricus) earthworm species. Separate vermibeds were prepared which contained crushed groundnut husk blended with cow dung in equal ratio (1:1). Vermicomposting was allowed for 90 days and different physicochemical parameters of vermibeds were monitored on 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75 and 90th day. The process of composting at different time intervals indicated significant increase in electrical conductivity, total nitrogen, available phosphorus and potassium, but there was decline in pH, organic carbon and C/N ratio after inoculation of earthworms. The E. fetida was found better than P. sansibaricus in decomposition of agrowaste and production of nutrient rich vermifertilizer. This eco-friendly technology may be used by farmers for agrowaste conversion, income generation and environmental cleaning.