Vermial and microbial management of biological sludges under dynamic conditions of temperature and seasonal changes

Abstract

The application of earthworm (vermial) biotechnology, in conjunction with indigenous microbial activity, has been suggested as a potentially efficient method for managing biological sludges and other labile organic matter on land. Studies were conducted in order to determine the effect of variable temperatures and seasonal changes on vermial and microbial activities. The results suggested that vermial activity and growth are accelerated under dynamic conditions of recurrently fluctuated temperatures—vermial and microbial stabilization of biological sludges on soil will persist under ambient conditions of temperature and seasonal changes—and the rate of stabilization and turnover of biological sludges is accelerated when vermial and microbial activities are combined.