Abstract
Vermicomposting is a promising technology to convert variety of bio-degradable wastes into organic fertilizer while recovering all the important nutrients present in the waste. The objective of present study is to investigate the feasibility of vermicomposting of toxic parthenium weed mixed with buffalo dung in different proportions using Eisenia fetida at laboratory scale. Changes in organic waste during vermicomposting have been assessed by physico-chemical and spectroscopic analysis. Earthworms significantly enhanced the N (70.7–132%); P (34–56%) and K (0.33–26%) content of parthenium weed and buffalo dung mixture. TOC (26–51%), C/N (56–78%) and C/P ratio (44–68%) were reduced after vermicomposting proving that vermicompost so produced was stable and mature to use as manure. SEM images of vermicomposts indicated that it was granulated, flaked, with higher surface area and more fragmentized structure as compared to initial waste mixture. It is evident from this study that agro-livestock wastes are good raw material to produce valuable organic fertilizer.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call