Management of organic wastes by earthworms: dual benefit for environment and society

Abstract

In the present study, two earthworm species, Eisenia fetida and Eudrilus eugeniae were employed to degrade the vegetable wastes and agro-residues. Chemical analysis of the vermicomposts derived from vegetable wastes showed that the quantity of organic carbon was reduced from 42.1% to 31.19 and 30.19% by E. fetida and E. eugeniae, respectively. The level of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and calcium was higher in vermicompost of vegetable wastes processed by E. eugeniae than E. fetida. An ideal C/N ratio (27.44) was observed in vegetable vermicompost processed by E. eugeniae. Similarly, E. eugeniae worked vegetable waste vermicompost positively altered the height, number and area of leaves, fruit length and weight of Abelmoschus esculentus.