Effects of Spirulina Platensis on Reproductive Rates of Earthworm (Eisenia Fetida) in Vermicomposting.

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to determine how adding Spirulina platensis to the diet would affect the growth and reproduction of Earthworm Eisenia fetida, in the process of vermicomposting. In the current study, vermicompost was prepared using cow dung. Total three setup were prepared for the both the treatment and control vermicom-posting. Development and reproduction of Eisenia fetida in cow dung feed supplemented with Spirulina platensis (in powdered form) were monitored weekly by counting the number of hatchlings and number of cocoons. When the vermicompost gets matured, cocoons, hatchlings and earthworm were removed to calculate the total change in biomass of Earthworm Eisenia fetida after the treatment. It was observed that Eisenia fetida fed with Spirulina platensis in vermicomposting had higher rates of reproduction than that of controlled vermicomposting. After the second week of treatment, premature worms formed clitella, and after the third week, cocoons were seen.