The Use of Earthworm Eudrilus eugeniae in the Breakdown and Management of Poultry Waste

Abstract

Abstract: Pot culture experiments were done to process poultry waste mixed with bedding materials (Eichhornia crassipes and cow dung) in the ratio of 1:1:2, 1:2:1 and 2:1:1 using earthworm Eudrilus eugeniae. Totally there were three treatments (T 1 , T 2 and T 3 ) with three replicates for each. The raw poultry waste, predigested poultry waste and vermicompost were separately subjected to chemical nutrients composition analysis. The vermicompost had increased levels of total N, P, K and Ca when compared to raw poultry waste and pre-digested poultry waste. The results of the present study suggest that the vermicomposted poultry waste with Eichhornia crassipes and cow dung at 2:1:1 proportion can very well be used as organic manure. Keywords: Earthworm, Poultry waste, Eichhornia crassipes , Vermicompost, Biomass. I. Introduction Poultry litter is usually applied as a fertilizer. Excessive land application of poultry litter can lead to surface water runoff of plant nutrients, which in turn can cause eutrophication of water reservoirs. Transportation of poultry litter out of the affected areas may decrease the negative environmental effects related to its land application; however, high transportation costs require adding value to poultry litter. Vermicomposting can potentially add value to poultry litter. Vermicomposting involves consumption and stabilization of organic matter by earthworms. Vermicomposting of poultry litter can not only produce value added fertilizer but it can also produce worms which could be sold as fish bait and a protein source. Although several studies have been conducted on vermicomposting, limited available data presents numerous challenges while vermicomposting poultry litter. High ammoniacal-nitrogen concentration, auto heating, and high bulk density are some of the major concerns that need to be addressed while vermicomposting poultry litter. Eichhornia is the free floating invasive aquatic macrophytes that are known to cause severe damage to the aquatic habitat. Literature revealed that the noxious weeds like Eichhornia are resisted to the all physical, chemical, biological as well as hybrid methods that have been applied to eradicate it [1]. Eichhornia is commonly found in India and it is a problematic weed in a number of districts. It has choked hundred of water bodies in India. Ecologically devastating properties of Eichhornia can be profitably used as compost after as conversion by vermicompost [2]. The vermicomposting process is a result of the combined action of the earthworms and microflora living in earthworm intestines and in the growth medium. Vermicompost improve the soil structure, increasing the water holding capacity and porosity which facilitate the root respiration and growth [3, 4].