Abstract

This study reports the vermicomposting of banana crop waste biomass by Eisenia fetida. Cow dung has been used as bulking agent in this study. The experiment was conducted in six vermireactors containing different ratios of banana leaf waste biomass (BL) and cow dung (CD) for 105 days. Earthworm activity significantly reduced pH, TOC, C:N and C:P ratio of the wastes. Whereas macronutrients and micronutrients content increased after vermicomposting. TOC content of wastes reduced by 40–64% and C:N ratio of the vermicomposts was in the range of 8.9–24.3. The benefit ratio for heavy metals (Cu, Fe, Zn, Cd, Pb, Mn and Cr) was in the range of 0.23–3.44. The results indicated that the growth and fecundity of the earthworms was best in the vermireactors having 20–40% BL. Finally, it was concluded that vermicomposting can be included in the overall scheme of banana crop waste management.

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

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.