The effect of nest box type and stocking density on stratified shelf culture to increase earthworm Eisenia fetida biomass production

Abstract

Eisenia fetida is one of the species of earthworm that is widely cultivated commercially because the results of its cultivation are related to agriculture and industry. Eisenia fetida earthworm biomass production in the cultivation system applied by the cultivator community is still low. We need innovations in the application of cultivation technology. This research was conducted to determine the effect of the type of nest box, the density of the distribution of earthworms, and the use of multilevel rack cultivation system technology on the biomass production of Eisenia fetida. The research was conducted at the Earthworm Teaching Farm in Mandalika Village, Sandubaya District, Mataram City in January-March 2020. This study used an experimental method with a completely randomized design with a factorial pattern consisting of three factors, namely: three types of nest boxes, three levels of stocking density, and three levels of cultivation racks. The results showed that the type of nest box had a significant effect (P <0.05) on the percentage increase in biomass weight, but did not affect the percentage increase in the amount of biomass. The stocking density had a significant effect (P <0.05) on the percentage increase in the amount and weight of biomass. The level of cultivation rack did not affect the percentage of the number and weight of Eisenia fetida. The conclusion was that the average percentage increase in the highest amount of biomass was 175%/nest box, and the highest percentage increase in biomass weight of 344%/nest box was achieved in a plastic tub nest box with a stocking density of 25 grams of earthworms/nest box on the third tier cultivation rack. The average increase in weight of earthworm Eisenia fetida was 8.6% per day per nest box.