Organic waste management by two-stage composting process to decrease the time required for vermicomposting

Abstract

A fully matured product from a traditional vermicomposting method takes 45–60 days, which is 25–30 days longer than a rotary drum composting technique. Therefore, the use of rotary drum compost would minimize the vermicomposting period by 15–20 days. Very limited studies were available on combined technologies used for the biodegradation of invasive weeds. In this research, in-vessel composting and vermicomposting technologies are proven to be best in time reduction and produce mature, stable, and nutrient-rich compost that is more superior quality than conventional rotary drum compost. Esenia fetida, Eudrilus eugeniae, and Perionyx Ceylanesis were used to choose the best earthworm species for surviving with a low death rate and producing high-quality compost. For vermicomposting of pre-degraded waste, four separate reactors were set up: one with E. fetida (VrEF), one with E. euginae (VrEE), one with P. ceylanesis (VrPC), and one sans earthworm species (VrC). Vermicompost made from waste by all earthworm species exhibited a better nutritious value than control. Furthermore, E. fetida produced vermicompost with total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN) content of 3.24%, 12.87 g/kg total phosphorus (TP), and 22.08 g/kg potassium. The breakdown of complicated chemicals into simpler forms is confirmed by FTIR spectra. To confirm the vermicompost product, a germination assay was conducted on Vigna radiata. As a result, vermicomposting is the most effective nutrient recovery method. Weed management and the usage of two-stage compost products in the agro-industry could benefit from the current research.