Value-Added System of Waste Management through Phospho-Vermicomposting: A Comprehensive Evaluation of Eisenia fetida Mediated Bio-conversion of Organic Residues and Rock Phosphate

Abstract

Vermiculture is an innovative approach and substantial way of reducing organic wastes andpromising source of bio-fertilizer production to maintain the equilibrium of the ecological environment. In present study, cow dung, rice straw, neem leaves, vegetable peels, chopped dried leafy materials and rock phosphate were mixed and kept for partial decomposition with burrowing earthworm (Eisenia fetida). However, Eisenia fetida is the potential type of earthworms that decomposes the organic waste and increase the nutrients availability therefore act as a worthy "Eco-biological engineers". In addition to environment mitigation, Eisenia fetida also increases the phosphorous availability in soil through conversion of insoluble phosphorous to soluble form in the presence of some enzymes and microorganisms during phosphor-vermicomposting procedure. Moreover, phospho-vermicomposting includes a potential factor i.e. rock phosphate (VCRP) and amarysed with vermicompost without rock phosphate (VC). Further evaluate the effect of developed vermicompost on chilli plant. Appropriate proportion of cow dung, rice straw, vegetables peel and dry leaves would be helpful to promote the earthworm growth and fecundity as observed in present investigation. It was concluded that vermicompost with rock phosphate (VCRP) was prepared within short duration of time (30-35 days) as compared to vermicompost without rock phosphate (VC: 45-50 days) under same conditions. Phospho- vermicompost produced large quantity of vermicast/ vermicompost and vermiworms as monitored in vermicompost without rock phosphate (VC). Treatment of phospho-vermicompost significantly increased the leaf number and plant height in chilli plant. Present study concluded that Eisenia fetida is powerful bioreactor with rock phosphate and cow dung due to its gut function and microbial activity that proves high-quality biofertilizer as compared to commercial fertilizers. In future, phosphor-vermicomposting approach would be profitable system (alternative of chemical fertilizer) to mitigate the soil resilience and to maintain the climatic conditions. Furthermore, vermiculture would be a livelihood program for small farmers that includevermiculture, vermiwash and vermitea/vermicompost tea).