Help Of Earthworms Research Articles

Weed biomass: Bioconversion through composting followed by vermicomposting to optimize time required

The potential of biodegradable wastes as resources is explored widely. Biomass conversion into organic fertilizers is substitute to chemical fertilizers for environmental benefits. Vermicompost is one of the quality rich organic fertilizers produced by bioconversion technology with the help of earthworm. The unwanted plants disturbing ecosystem termed as weeds is a major issue for management. The current study focused on the terrestrial weed Lantana camara biomass management through rotary drum in-vessel pre-composting combined with vermicomposting. Vermicomposting (V) and Rotary Followed by Vermicomposting (RFV), both these techniques were performed individually for the stabilization Lantana camara biomass. The Total Organic Carbon (TOC) was 27.88 % and 24.03 % at the end of V and RFV. Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN), Total Phosphorus (TP) obtained were 2.93 %, 11.03/kg respectively from RFV was higher than V alone. The final C/N ratio was <20. The reduced time for RFV as compared to V was observed.

A Review on Vermicompost Enrichment: In Prospect of Village Level

Cow dung is very useful as fertilizer, with help of earthworms a unique product vermicompost is formed. Importance of vermicompost over chemical fertilizer is accepted by all. There is plenty of cow dung but vermi tank are limited, here we have discussed some innovations to fasten the process of maturation by using decomposer, bacteria and fungi species, here we have reviewed different methods. It found significantly higher phosphorus percent in slurry method, slight more K percent compare to conventional method, not much difference in N content are reported, almost two folds increase in useful bacteria fungi and azotobacter population are recorded as compare to conventional. There are reported increase in N and P contents of manure after inoculation of phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) and N-fixing bacteria. Waste decomposer which contains fungi Trichoderma viridae and strains of bacteria Pseudomonus fluorescence and Azotobactor chroococcum also impart positive effects on nutrients composition in manure and also a symbiosis effect on earthworm population. The method of Pile composting enriched with decomposer will be prove as very useful for huge quantity waste with less resources and time.

APPLICATION OF MODERN BIOTECHNOLOGY METHODS TO IMPROVE SOIL FERTILITY

A person’s desire to improve the quality of life makes the individual reconsider the attitude towards the quality of consumed food. Despite the fact that the prices of natural products are several times higher than of those grown with the use of herbicides and pesticides, organic food is getting more popular in all countries around the world. Such products can only be received when crops are grown using organic farming methods, one of the principles of which is to increase the amount humus in the soil. The preservation of soil fertility can be ensured using the methods of modern biotechnology, which are based on the vital activity of microorganisms capable of converting organic matter from animal waste into environmentally friendly fertilizers. In animal husbandry, the main portion of agricultural waste is cattle and pig manure. The most economical way to dispose it is to use methane digestion, when biogas and fertilizers are obtained. However, when processing manure bedding materials in biogas reactors, the straw fractions and lignin–containing components of the bedding are not decomposed by bacteria and pass into the solid fraction of the fermented biomass unchanged, which is a problem. The infiltration of such an unprocessed residue into the soil leads to deterioration of soil properties. Thereby, the solid fraction of the fermented biomass requires additional processing to improve its agrochemical properties. Most expedient is to use vermicomposting, that is, process organic waste with the help of earthworms. Biohumus, or vermicompost, is one of the end products of this method. In this work, we studied the procedure of processing the solid fraction of fermented pig manure by Eisenia foetida compost worms (red Californian worm). In order to determine the optimal approach of vermicomposting, the experiment was planned. As a result, a high–quality organic fertilizer was obtained – biohumus –and the optimal parameters of the environment were determined(pH and humidity), at which the worms have the highest biological activity.

Comparing the nutrient changes, heavy metals, and genotoxicity assessment before and after vermicomposting of thermal fly ash using Eisenia fetida

Fly ash (FA) is available in an unstable state and can be ameliorated by vermicomposting. The different ratios of FA viz (FA10, FA15, FA20, FA25, FA50, FA75) were mixed with another organic waste, i.e., cattle dung. Supportive effects of FA were seen on the reproductive parameters of the earthworms up to FA25. Some beneficial changes have been reported in pH, EC, TOC, TKN, TAP, TNa, TK, and potentially toxic heavy metals (Zn, Cu, Cd, Co, Ni, Cr, Pb). The genotoxicity test was performed to assess the toxic effects of the fly ash which has not been done till now. Low genotoxicity potential and high onion root growth were observed in the post-vermicompost samples which were not even reported yet by any other study. These results clearly indicated that the vermicomposting process offers the best option to manage the FA by converting it into an ecofriendly, nutrient-rich, and properly detoxified manure with the help of earthworms which also indicate its economically best-fit applications for the large scale agricultural practices.

Bioconversion of different organic waste into fortified vermicompost with the help of earthworm: A comprehensive review

Purpose Solid waste management has become a serious global problem. There is a strong need to recycle them as these wastes are rich in plant nutrients and soil conditioners. The different organic wastes can be efficiently degraded into nutrient-rich vermicompost by using earthworms. In this review, an attempt has been made to highlight the vermicomposting of different organic wastes by using different earthworm species. Methods An extensive literature search was done on Science Direct, Pubmed Central, Google Scholar, Springerlink by using various search strings, and appropriate studies of vermicomposting of different organic waste were selected. Results Any kind of organic waste can be converted into manure through vermicomposting. It was observed that for efficient vermicomposting, the waste should be mixed with another organic material. e.g., animal dung. It was observed that the vermireactors having 25 % to 30 % of waste mixed with about 70 % to 75 % of other organic rich material like cattle dung can be easily converted into a valuable product, but the high proportion of organic waste causes mortality in the earthworms. Conclusion This study indicated that vermicomposting is an effective and a better option for the recycling of different types of organic solid waste but these wastes cannot be directly degraded with the help of earthworms. The vermicompost so produced can be used to promote the growth of wide range of crops in the fields. The farmers should also be educated regarding the harmful effects of chemical fertilizers and pesticides and also get motivated to use vermicompost in their fields.

PENGARUH PUPUK VERMIKOMPOS TERHADAP PERTUMBUHAN DAN HASIL BEBERAPA VARIETAS JAGUNG (Zea mays. L)

Maize (Zea mays. L) is a source of carbohydrates as food, feed ingredients for livestock and industrial raw materials and bioethanol raw materials. To optimize the productivity of local maize, fertilization can be done. The use of organic fertilizers is very good for maintaining soil health, one of them is vermicompost. The application of vermicompost fertilizer is the right solution in this problem because composting of organic waste with the help of earthworms (Lumbricus sp.) contains high nutrients. The needs of adequate nutrient and growing environment will maximize the genetic potential of a variety. This research was conducted with the aim to determine the effect of vermicompost fertilizer on growth and yield of several maize varieties (Zea mays L). This study used a grooved plot design (Strip Plot) with 3 replications. The vertical path consists of 4 doses of fertilizer, namely P0 = 0 ton /ha, P1 = 4.5 tons/ha, P2 = 9 tons/ha, and P3 = 13.5 ton/ha. Horizontal path consists of 4 varieties, namely V1 = Dampit local variety, V2 = Arjuno superior variety, V3 = Karangploso local variety and V4 = Madura local variety (V4). Results of this study shows that fertilizer dose is 13.5 tons/ha (P3) and themaizeDampit localvariety (V1) showed good results on the growth and yield of maize crops. The results of P3V1 in maize plants were 2.66 kg of maize per bed and 1.15 kg of maize per bed. Keywords: Maize, Varieties, Vermicompost.

Physico-chemical Status of Vermicompost Processed by Earthworm Specie Eisenia fetida

Huge amount of organic wastes including agricultural field wastes, food wastes, municipal solid waste and manures can be converted into a safe and usable product that can be used as a possible substitute for chemical fertilizers. In this regard, the proposed study was designed with the aim to prepare macro and micronutrients rich vermicompost from different bio-wastes that can be used as a possible substitute to chemical fertilizers for improving plant growth. A 90 days vermicomposting experiment was conducted in wooden boxes (1×1 m) containing animal manure and waste material (grasses, brewed black tea leaf and dry leaf) mixed in 3:1 ratio with a 2.5 cm thin layer of soil. The material was at the bottom of the bed and around 10.000 earthworms of Eisenia fetida were settled in the box. The boxes were irrigated by sprinkled water daily and tilled from the top once every week for maintaining aeration and proper decomposition. The vermicompost production was continued for about 90 days in each box under 21-23°C room temperature. The results showed that by using animal manure and waste materials, the physical parameters like moisture content was increased upto50 % on day 90. Likewise, the percent increase recorded for total N, organic N, total P and soluble K content on day 90 was maximum in the vermicompost prepared from animal manure and waste material. It can be concluded from this experiment that with the help of earthworm‘s, different field and garden residues, wastes and manures can be converted into a nutrient rich and environment friendly vermicompost that can be used as a possible substitute to chemical fertilizers for improving plant growth.

English

The effect of compost and earthworm production on soil properties, growth and dry-matter yield of maize in crude oil degraded soil was studied. The treatment consisted of 250 g crude oil degraded soil (DS) and 50 g each of four different compost materials mixed differently with 250 g of degraded soil, and the compost were cassava peels (CP), cassava peels + poultry manure (PC), cassava peels + pig manure (GC) and cassava peels + pig manure + poultry manure (PGC) and 10 pieces of sub-adult earthworms (Eudrilus eugenae) were inoculated to each of the experimental pot after 11 days. The five treatments were replicated four times, data generated were subjected to analysis of variance test and treatment means were separated using least significant difference (LSD0.05). The results of the study indicated significant differences between the treatments in soil and agronomic parameters assessed. The application of compost and earthworm activities increased the plant height, leaf area, and number of leaves at 4 weeks after planting (WAP) and 6 WAP, and dry matter yield of maize. The shoot and root dry matter yield was observed to increase in the order PC > PGC > GC > CP > DS. Earthworm production in this study measured by the number survived and biomass weight showed CP and GC as the best culture for earthworm production in oil degraded soil. The degraded soil (DS) did not record any earthworm survival at harvest. The result of the soil analysis indicated less change in the textural class of the soil, and all the chemical parameters tested were enhanced by the compost and earthworm activities. Based on the results of growth rate and yield components of maize as well as soil chemical properties, the PC and PGC cultures having performed competitively better than the other treatments can be considered useful and adequate with the help of earthworm in reclaiming an oil degraded soil for crop production in a tropical environment like Nigeria. Key words: Compost, earthworm, maize, crude oil, soil properties

The combinations of vermiwash with bio-pesticides-A boon for crop productivity

Imbalance use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides has posed a serious threat to the environment, animal and human health and also cause disturbance to the soil ecosystem. The biological wastes include those wastes which are produced by living being, either in the form of agricultural wastes, municipal solid wastes, kitchen wastes or animal excreta. The biological wastes are serious problem for society. The vermicomposting is the suitable way for proper management of biological wastes and production of vermicompost. The vermicompost is the best alternative of synthetic chemical fertilizers because it is eco-friendly, less-expensive and no hazardous to human, animal and environment. The vermicompost prepared from the different combinations of feed materials of buffalo dung with gram bran and water hyacinth wastes with the help of earthworm Eisenia fetida and liquid biofertilizer vermiwash were extracted with the help of vermiwash collecting device. The different combinations of extracted vermiwash were mixed with different biopestcides like garlic bulb, neem plant part and neem based bio-pesticides. The effect of foliar application of vermiwash with bio-pesticides on the growth, flowering, and productivity of Cicer aritinum and Cajanus cajanas well as pest infestation of Helicoverpa armigera were observed. The foliar application of vermiwash with bio-pesticides increased the growth, productivity, early flowering and reduces the pest infestation of Helicoverpa armigera.The vermiwash with garlic bulb extract have significant growth, productivity, early flowering and minimize the pest infestation of Helicoverpa armigera followed by vermiwash with neem oil.

Biological Remediation of the Petroleum and Diesel Contaminated Soil with Earthworms Eisenia Fetida

The study was performed of the bioremediation efficiency of the soil contaminated with petroleum and diesel with the help of earthworms E. fetida in the presence of bacteria Pseudomonas, nitrogen fixing bacteria Azotobacter and Clostridium, yeasts Saccharomyces, fungi Aspergillus and Penicillium, as well as Actinomycetales, all being components of biopreparation Baykal-EM. It was demonstrated that in petroleum-contaminated soil with 20-60 g/kg of petroleum, the content of hydrocarbons decreases by 99% after 22 weeks in the presence of worms and biopreparation. In diesel-contaminated soil with diesel concentration of 40 g/kg in the presence of earthworms E. fetida and microbiological preparation, 30% of the earthworm species died after 14 days because of the toxic impact of the diesel fuel.

Possibility of Eco Friendly Post Consumer Waste Management

Organic and postconsumer wastes are the major waste of today's concern in our living environment. Though they are one of the very rich sources of nitrogen and carbon, improper disposal results in different types of pollution including aesthetic pollution too. Hence, our aim is to manage the dried paper cup waste, temple waste and bay leaf waste in an eco friendly manner. Vermicomposting is a method involving biooxidation and stabilization of organic matter with the help of earthworms and microorganisms thereby turning waste into valuable soil amendments. The intensive objective of this study is to investigate the physico chemical characteristics, biomass, microbial population and also the histopathalogical analysis of the three different types of waste. Three different sets were prepared for this study, which includes paper cup waste and cowdung along with E. eugenia (A), Temple waste, cow dung along with E. eugenia (B), Bay waste, cow dung along with E. eugenia (C) in 1:1 ratio to carry out the degradation process in an eminent way. These materials were left for pre-composting followed by the introduction of the selected earth worms. Physico-chemical parameters (pH, Electrical conductivity (EC), Total organic matter (TOM), Total Nitrogen (TKN), C:N and Total Phosphorus) were analyzed. We have found that the aging of vermicompost reduce the microbial biomass of both bacteria and fungi. The histopathology analysis showed differences in the tissue damage of earthworm employed in different types of waste. Coherently, we have found noticeable earthworm behaviour during the addition of bay leaf waste and temple waste when compared to the paper cup waste. By this way the earthworms were active till the end of the process of degradation. Thus the addition of organic waste along with the post-consumer waste is justified.

Self-sustained vermicomposting plant at municipal solid waste generation point

The increase in quantum of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) generation puts additional burden on MSW and energy management. Out of all the wastes, the biodegradable waste is the worst waste regarding heat generation due to anaerobic conditions of the waste. The expenditure on collection, transportation and disposal of MSW are very high and environmentally unhygienic. The waste can be converted into wealth through vermicomposting and the end product can be environmentally safe for disposal. The present study is an effort to compost the MSW with the help of earthworms at the source of generation and harvesting of the compost as manure, at the same time to reproduce the earthworms. The cost of maintaining vermicomposting plants may be recovered from the sale of manure and worms produced from the plant. The energy for aeration of waste shall be generated at MSW source itself without using external source.