Microbial composting and vermicomposting of temple waste using Eisenia fetida

Abstract

The present work is intended to study the decomposition of temple waste, comprising mainly of floral offerings along with others viz., fruits, coconut shells, etc, collected from four temples across Guwahati, by both vermicomposting and microbial composting techniques. The floral wastes mainly comprise of hibiscus, marigold, aparajita flower among others. The earthworm, Eisenia fetida, 200 in numbers was used for vermicomposting. Pre-composting was done for a brief period of 5 days by mixing the waste with cow dung, soil and finished compost, during which temperature started to increase for four days, and then started to decrease. Rectangular concrete beds with drainage holes were used for both vermicomposting, and microbial composting, wherein cow dung was added as an inoculum, and shredded newspapers, and/or dry leaves were added as bulking agent along with the partially degraded waste. Different physicochemical parameters like pH, Electrical Conductivity (EC), moisture content, NPK, volatile organic matter and Na content were evaluated on 7,15, 30 and 45 days. Temperature was monitored on a daily basis. Moisture content was measured twice a week. Bulking agents added served the purpose of absorbing excess moisture and enhance aeration. In vermicompost,pH was observed to be within the range of 6.2–7.3 for microbial composting and 6.2–7.7 for vermicomposting. Temperature was maintained well below 35°C throughout the composting process. The electrical conductivity of the end product was also within the required range (<4 dS m−1) for microbial composting; it was slightly higher in case of vermicomposting. Volatile solids content decreased with time, which is desirable.