Mature Vermicompost Research Articles

Compost quality, earthworm activities and microbial communities in biochar-augmented vermicomposting of dewatered activated sludge: the role of biochar particle size

Vermicomposting utilizes the synergistic effect of earthworms with microorganisms to accelerate the stabilization of organic matter in biowastes. Nevertheless, the exact mechanism behind the maturity of vermicompost and the growth of earthworms exposed to biochar of varying particle sizes remains unclear. This study presents an investigation of the effect of biochar particle size on earthworm (Eisenia fetida) survival, microbial diversity, and the quality of vermicompost products. To address these issues, pelletized dewatered sludge samples from a municipal sewage treatment plant were amended with pine-based biochar with particle sizes of 1–2 mm, 25–75 μm, 200 nm, and 60 nm as the substrate for vermicomposting. This study revealed that the addition of millimeter-scale biochar and micron-scale biochar significantly promoted the degradation of organic matter since the organic matter in the treatment with 1–2 mm biochar at the end of the vermicomposting experiment decreased by 12.6%, which was equivalent to a 1.9-fold increase compared with that of the control. Excessive nanopowdering of nanobiochar significantly affected the survival of earthworms and led to 24.4–33.3% cumulative mortality, while millimeter-scale (mm) biochar and micron-scale (μm) biochar achieved zero mortality. The findings of this study could be used for evaluating the potential impact of nanoscale biochar to earthworms and guiding biochar-augmented vermicomposting.Graphical

Bioconversion of cow manure through vermicomposting: effects of tylosin concentration on the weight of worms and manure quality

This study investigated batch-fed vermicomposting of cow manure, with a specific focus on assessing the effects of tylosin on the weight of earthworms and the overall quality of the resulting manure. Five reactors, including three concentrations of tylosin (50, 100, and 150 mg/kg) and two control reactors, were employed. Residual tylosin concentrations were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Quality parameters such as pH, temperature, volatile solids (VS), organic carbon content (OCC), electrical conductivity (EC), ash content, C/N ratio, total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN), and microbial content were evaluated. The toxicity and maturity of vermicompost were assessed by determining the germination index (GI). The study also monitored variations in the earthworm’s weight. The results demonstrated a decreasing trend in VS, OCC, C/N, and fecal coliforms, along with increased pH, EC, ash content, and TKN during the vermicomposting process. Furthermore, investigations revealed significant reductions in the reactors with tylosin concentrations of 50, 100, and 150 mg/kg, resulting in the removal of 98%, 90.48%, and 89.38% of the initial tylosin, respectively. This result confirms the faster removal of tylosin in reactors with lower concentrations. Degradation of tylosin also conforms to first-order kinetics. The findings showed a significant influence of tylosin on the weight of Eisenia fetida earthworms and the lowest antibiotic concentration led to the highest weight gain. Finally, the high percentage of germination index (90–100%) showed that the quality and maturity of vermicompost is by national and international standards.

An eco‐friendly management of organic waste and recycling of pond water of zoo aquatic animals by using Eudrilus eugeniae in Gandhi Zoological Park: A case study of vermicompost maturity

AbstractZoo waste is a common problem in urban areas, as it overloads municipalities. To enhance the park's appeal, sustainability, and cleanliness, a pilot vermicomposting process was implemented as an alternative for organic waste disposal. It aimed to address the negative effects of poor organic waste management. Three types of pond water, namely hippopotamus, crocodile, and gharial, were recycled. Additionally, ostrich droppings and the nitrogenous compounds abundant in carnivore feces were utilized. The study sought to improve organic waste management and recycle pond water using exotic worms. Chemical and physical analyses were conducted on pond water and vermicompost obtained from Gandhi Zoological Park, revealing their high nutrient content. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was employed to study the functional groups present in the compost and vermicompost, allowing the detection of vermicompost maturity. The biomass of exotic earthworms, as well as the count of cocoons, juveniles, and adults, was assessed during different seasons of the year. This approach facilitated the recycling of pond water and the reduction of organic waste within the zoo premises. It involved the symbiotic cooperation of earthworms and bacterial colonies, transforming the waste into a high‐quality product with balanced macro nutrients. The novelty of the study lies in its focus on nutrient recycling in pond water, ostrich droppings, and vermicomposting of organic waste from carnivores.

Accelerating the humification mechanism of dissolved organic matter using biochar during vermicomposting of dewatered sludge

The use of biochar can accelerate the vermicomposting process of dewatered sludge. However, the underlying mechanism of vermicompost maturity with biochar is still unclear. This study investigated the effect of biochar on sludge maturation during vermicomposting by analyzing the spectroscopic characteristics of dissolved organic matter. For this, dewatered sludge mixed with and without 5 % biochar were separately vermicomposted. The results showed that the biochar could significantly increase the biomass of earthworms as well as the activity and abundances of bacteria and eukaryotes (P < 0.05) during vermicomposting of sludge. The addition of biochar resulted in a 23.35 % increase in the ratio of absorbances at wavelengths of 250 nm and 365 nm (E250/E365), and a 20.50 % decrease in aromatic proteins of sludge during vermicomposting, compared to the control. The ratio of fulvic acid to humic acid contents rapidly increased from 10 to 15 days in biochar added treatment, which was earlier than that in the control. Compared to control, the biochar addition enhanced the contents of fulvic acid and humic acid in sludge vermicompost by 79.97 % and 91.54 %, respectively. During vermicomposting, the DOM maturated parameter displayed stronger correlation (P < 0.05) between each other in the treatment with biochar, rather than the control. This study suggests that the biochar addition significantly modifies the degradation pathway of dissolved organic matter, thus promoting sludge maturation during vermicomposting.

Infusion of fruit-vegetable waste biomass into bakery sludge to enhance nutrient availability and vermicompost maturity using Eisenia fetida

Infusion of fruit-vegetable waste biomass into bakery sludge to enhance nutrient availability and vermicompost maturity using Eisenia fetida

Effect of post-production vermicompost and thermophilic compost blending on nutrient availability

Composting is a common waste management strategy for recycling nutrients from organic household or agricultural wastes. However, thermophilic (e.g. windrow) composting and vermicomposting (using earthworms) produce different nutrient and enzyme profiles. Vermicompost is purported to have greater fertility benefits, but is also more expensive than thermophilic compost. The objective of this study was to examine a novel approach to designing organic fertility amendments by blending mature vermicompost and thermophilic compost. To examine the effect of blending, vermicompost was admixed to thermophilic compost at 20, 50 and 70 % by mass, with and without the addition of coir (cocopeat). Electric conductivity, water-extractable, immediately available N, P and K were measured. Vermicompost and coir synergistically affected the availability of these nutrients. Synergistic effects were between 15 and 40 % for total inorganic N in blends with coir. Without coir, synergism occurred only at vermicompost additions ≥50 %. Synergism for available P and K was present in all blends and ranged from 10% to 35%. Electrical conductivity measurements suggest that blending affected compost within three days of starting the incubation. The activity of five of seven measured enzymes were linearly and positively related to the fraction of vermicompost in the blend. Blending mature composts with differing properties may be another tool, in addition to adjusting feedstock and process parameters, to affect positively the fertility properties of composts.

Composting time minimization of mature vermicompost using desirability and response surface methodology approach

Vermicompost is a promising nutrient-rich organic fertilizer and soil conditioner. The maturity of vermicompost is highly important to ensure a proper quality of vermicompost. In this study, different indices to measure the compost maturity, such as carbon to nitrogen ratio (C:N ratio), carbon dioxide evolution rate, and ammonium to nitrate ratio, were tested. According to the California compost quality council process, tests were carried out for different sample data of vermicomposting as a function of composting time, moisture content, and initial C:N ratio. The composting time and initial C:N ratio were found to be significant influencing factors. The second-order polynomial models obtained using a response surface methodology were employed to explain the responses of the maturity indices according to changes in the vermicomposting factors. Composting should be conducted at an initial C:N ratio of 33.09 and a moisture content of 50.66% for 28.35 days to produce highly mature vermicompost.

Problems associated with vermicomposting of dog excrement in practice using Eisenia andrei.

One 25-kg dog produces about 500 g of excrement per day. Excrement is a potentially hazardous material, as it may contain pathogenic microorganisms. Our samples were tested for the presence of thermotolerant coliform bacteria, Enterococcus spp., Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp., which are indicators of faecal contamination, as well as for the presence of helminths and their eggs. During the experiment, it was observed whether these microorganisms could be eliminated by vermicomposting. There were two variants of vermicomposting piles: one test pile (with continuous feeding) and one control pile (with a single feeding). The vermicomposting process was run in outdoor conditions in park for 51 weeks using Eisenia andrei earthworms. The vermicomposting of dog excrement with waste from park maintenance (1:2) can produce a good quality fertiliser. During the process of vermicomposting, there was a gradual decrease in the content of pathogenic bacteria. At the end of the vermicomposting process, there were no eggs or adult helminths. The vermicompost was very rich in microorganisms and enzymatic activity. The pH value was slightly alkaline, and the C:N ratio corresponded to value of mature vermicompost.

Vermiremediation of allopathic pharmaceutical industry sludge amended with cattle dung employing Eisenia fetida

The present study aims to vermiremediate allopathic pharmaceutical industry sludge (AS) amended with cattle dung (CD), in different feed mixtures (AS:CD) i.e (AS0) 0:100 [Positive control], (AS25) 25:75, (AS50) 50:50, (AS75) 75:25 and (AS100) 100:0 [Negative Control] for 180 days using earthworm Eisenia fetida. The earthworms could thrive and grow well up to the AS75 feed mixture. In the final vermicompost, there were significant decreases in electrical conductivity (29.18–18.70%), total organic carbon (47.48–22.39%), total organic matter (47.47–22.36%), and C: N ratio (78.15-54.59%). While, significant increases in pH (9.06-16.47%), total Kjeldahl nitrogen (69.57–139.58%), total available phosphorus (30.30–81.56%), total potassium (8.92-22.22%), and total sodium (50.56–62.12%). The heavy metals like Cr (50–18.60%), Cd (100-75%), Pb (57.14–40%), and Ni (100-50%) were decreased, whereas Zn (8.37–53.77%), Fe (199.03-254.27%), and Cu (12.90–100%) increased significantly. The toxicity of the final vermicompost was shown to be lower in the Genotoxicity analysis, with values ranging between (76–42.33%). The germination index (GI) of Mung bean (Vigna radiata) showed a value ranging between 155.02 and 175.90%. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis showed irregularities with high porosity of texture in the final vermicompost than in initial mixtures. Fourier Transform-Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) spectra of final vermicompost had low peak intensities than the initial samples. The AS50 feed mixture was the most favorable for the growth and fecundity of Eisenia fetida, emphasizing the role of cattle dung in the vermicomposting process. Thus, it can be inferred that a cost-effective and eco-friendly method (vermicomposting) with the proper amendment of cattle dung and employing Eisenia fetida could transform allopathic sludge into a nutrient-rich, detoxified, stable, and mature vermicompost for agricultural purposes and further could serve as a stepping stone in the allopathic pharmaceutical industry sludge management strategies in the future.

Production of Nutrient-Enriched Vermicompost from Aquatic Macrophytes Supplemented with Kitchen Waste: Assessment of Nutrient Changes, Phytotoxicity, and Earthworm Biodynamics

Vermicompost is an organic fertilizer rich in nutrients, beneficial microbes, and plant growth hormones that not only enhances the growth of crops but also contributes to the improvement in the physicochemical and biological properties of the soil. However, its lower nutrient content makes it less preferable among farmers and limits its applicability. Here, we investigate, for the first time, nutrient enrichment of vermicompost by supplementing the free-floating macrophyte biomass with cow manure and organic nutrient supplements (eggshell, bone meal, banana peel, and tea waste). Free-floating macrophytes are aquatic plants that are found suspended on the water surface, playing a significant role in the structural and functional aspects of aquatic ecosystems. However, uncontrolled proliferation of these macrophytes endangers these ecosystems, having both economic and ecological implications; therefore, they need to be managed. Results showed an enhanced total nitrogen (2.87%), total phosphorus (0.86%), total potassium (3.74%), and other nutrients in vermicompost amended with cow manure and nutrient supplements. Highest biomass gain (710–782 mg), growth rate (11.83–13.04 mg), and reproduction rate (3.34–3.75 cocoons per worm) was also observed, indicating that amending bulking agent and nutrient supplements not only enhance the nutrient content of the final product but also improve overall earthworm activity. The stability and maturity of vermicompost, as indicated by C/N (&lt;20) and Germination Index (&gt;80), indicates that vermicompost obtained is suitable for agricultural applications. The study concluded that amendment of cow manure and organic nutrient supplements results in producing mature and nutrient-enriched vermicompost suitable for sustainable agricultural production.

Detoxification of coir pith through refined vermicomposting engaging Eudrilus eugeniae

Hazardous coir industrial waste, coir pith has been subjected to 50 days vermicomposting with Eudrilus eugeniae by amending nitrogenous legume plant, Gliricidia sepium together with cattle dung in different combinations, after 21 days precomposting using Pleurotus sajor-caju spawn. An increase in electrical conductivity, total NPK and calcium, and a decrease in organic matter, total organic carbon, C/N ratio, C/P ratio and total phenolic content in the final vermicompost were observed. Dehydrogenase, urease and cellulase activity peaked up to 30 days of vermicomposting and then declined. The phytotoxicity studies with Brassica juncea, C/N ratio and enzyme activities confirmed the stability and maturity of vermicompost. The results also demonstrated that the 2:3:1 ratio (coir pith + Gliricidia sepium + cow dung) is a suitable effective combination for nutrient-rich (N: 2.43%; P: 0.92%; K: 2.09%) vermicompost production. The total phenolic contents declined during the vermicomposting with a lower final content of 21.26 mg/g GAE in 2:3:1 combination of substrates from the initial level (105.56 mg/g GAE). Besides, the concentration of total phenol contents inversely related to the germination index of Brassica juncea (r = -0.761), indicating that the phenolic content could also play an important role in phytotoxicity. Growth and fecundity of Eudrilus eugeniae in 2:3:1 combination revealed the acceptability and rapid decomposition of coir pith substrate into vermifertilizer.

Microbial and chemical dynamics of brewers' spent grain during a low-input pre-vermicomposting treatment

The eco-sustainability of industrial processes relies on the proper exploitation of by-products and wastes. Recently, brewers' spent grain (BSG), the main by-product of brewing, was successfully recycled through vermicomposting to produce an organic soil conditioner. However, the pre-processing step there applied (oven-drying) resulted in high costs and the suppression of microbial species beneficial for soil fertility. To overcome these limitations, a low-input pre-processing step was here applied to better exploit BSG microbiota and to make BSG suitable for vermicomposting. During 51 days of pre-treatment, the bacterial and fungal communities of BSG were monitored by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). Chemical (carbon, nitrogen, ammonium, nitrate content, dissolved organic carbon) and biochemical (dehydrogenase activity) parameters were also evaluated. Mature vermicompost obtained from pre-processed BSG was characterized considering its legal requirements (e.g., absence of pathogens and mycotoxins, lack of phytotoxicity on seeds), microbiota composition, and chemical properties. Results obtained showed that throughout the pre-process, the BSG microbiota was enriched in bacterial and fungal species of significant biotechnological and agronomic potential, including lactic acid bacteria (Weissella, Pediococcus), plant growth-promoting bacteria (Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Pseudoxhantomonas), and biostimulant yeasts (Pichia fermentans, Trichoderma reesei, Beauveria bassiana). Pre-processing increased the suitability of BSG for earthworms' activity to produce high-quality mature vermicompost.

A valorisation approach in recycling of organic wastes using low-grade rock minerals and microbial culture through vermicomposting

A study was steered to explore the effect of rock mineral addition (i.e., rock phosphate (RP), dolomite (DM) and mica (MC)) in organic wastes (e.g., water hyacinth and paddy straw) along with microbial inoculums on vermicompost quality. Different amalgamations of four microbial inoculums viz., Trichoderma viride, Azotobacter chroococcum, Bacillus polymixa and Bacillus firmus, and three rock minerals i.e., RP, DM, and MC were used during vermicomposting process to access their effect on the quality of mature vermicompost. A significant reduction in pH, organic carbon, C/N ratio, while significant increase in humic acid, total nitrogen, available phosphorus and exchangeable potassium was observed in each of the vermibeds. Furthermore, enzymatic activities were also boosted considerably due to Vermi-stabilization. Application of rock minerals at 10% (200 g in 2 kg organic waste mixture) along with microbial inoculants in the vermicomposting process promoted the availability of macronutrients as compared to control treatment. The results showed that the combination of rock minerals and microorganisms along with earthworms facilitated the decomposition and reduced the overall time required for composting besides producing a nutrient-enriched vermicompost product.

Feasibility of vermicomposting for spent drilling fluid from a nature-gas industry employing earthworms Eisenia fetida

This study investigated the vermicomposting of spent drilling fluid (SDF) from the nature-gas industry mixed with cow dung in 0% (T1), 20% (T2), 30% (T3), 40% (T4), 50% (T5), and 60% (T6) ratio employing Eisenia fetida under a 6 weeks trial. Eisenia. fetida showed better growth and reproduction performances in the first three vermireactors (T1–T3), and the mortality was higher in the vermireactors that contained more spent drilling fluid (≥40%). Vermicomposting results in a decrease in total organic carbon, C/N ratio, and an increase in EC, total nitrogen, total phosphorous, total potassium compared to their initial values. The RadViz and VizRank showed that vermicomposting results in a greater impact on the C/N ratio (15.24–35.48%) and EC (7.29–26.45%) compared to other parameters. Activities of urease and alkaline phosphatase during vermicomposting initially increased and then declined suggesting vermicompost maturity. Also, seed germination, mitotic index and chromosomal abnormality assays using cowpea signified that the vermicomposts T2 is suitable for agricultural use due to the lower phytotoxicity and cytotoxicity. The results indicated that SDF could be converted into good quality manure by vermicomposting if mixed up to 20% with cow dung.

Production of phospho-vermicompost by earthworms mediated bio-conversion of organic residues and rock phosphate

A glass house experiment was conducted to develop phospho-vermicompost using different combination of organic residues amended with rock phosphate and earthworms at the Soil Science Division, BINA, Mymensingh. The experiment was conducted in a Completely Randomized Design with eight treatments and three replications. The treatments were as T1:50% Cowdung (CD) + 50% Mustard straw (MST), T2:50% CD + 50% Water hyacinth (WH), T3:50% CD + 50% Rice straw (RST), T4:50% CD + 25% WH + 25% RST, T5:50% CD + 50% MST + 4% Rock phosphate (RP), T6:50% CD + 50% WH + 4% RP, T7:50% CD + 50% RST + 4% RP, T8:50% CD + 25% WH + 25% RST + 4% RP. About 150 earth worms (Eisenia foetida or Red wiggler earthworms) were released on partial decomposed residues into the pots. At the end of the incubation, population of earthworms, total bacteria and phosphate solubilizing bacteria were determined from prepared vermicompost. pH, organic carbon, total N, P, K, S, available P and alkaline phosphatase activity were also determined from prepared vermicomposts. pH was found almost similar in all the treatment combinations but with rock phosphate amended treatments showed greater pH than without rock phosphate amended treatments. The treatment T8 (50% cowdung +25% water hyacinth +25% rice straw with 4% rock phosphate powder + red wiggler earthworms) showed significantly highest population of earthworms, total bacteria, phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) and alkaline phosphatase activity (ALPA) and gave lower C:N and C:P ratio which might be resulted the higher amount of nutrients including available P in mature vermicompost. However, among the treatments, the treatments T8 gave the highest total N (1.42%), P (1.45%), K (1.52%) and S (0.35%) and available P contents than that of other treatments which indicated the better quality of phospho-vermicompost. Therefore, 50% cowdung +25% water hyacinth +25% rice straw with 4% rock phosphate powder and red wiggler earthworms could be used for the production of phospho-vermicompost. The developed phospho-vermicompost could be used for supplement of phosphatic fertilizer and other chemical fertilizers in the cultivation of different crops and also could be saved of chemical fertilizers.&#x0D; Progressive Agriculture 31 (3): 195-204, 2020

Pilot-scale vermicomposting of sewage sludge mixed with mature vermicompost using earthworm reactor of frame composite structure

To improve the efficiency of sludge vermicomposting, a new cost-effective method is provided. It uses a new earthworm reactor with a frame composite structure for vermicomposting and reuses mature vermicompost to condition the sludge. Under the optimum conditions (proportion of earthworm droppings: 15%; thickness of sludge laying: 6 cm; moisture content of initial sludge mixture: 75%), the method of continuous operation described herein works well and presents three advantages compared with the traditional vermicomposting method: the short time required for vermicomposting (20.25 h); covering a small area (5 m2/t·d); and a low cost. In addition, the vermicompost obtained from sludge vermicomposting shows better stability and maturity (C/N: 14.96; GI: 86.42%; TOC: 188.5 mg/g; ash content: 516.2 mg/g). The investigation of the associated mechanisms, including 3D-EEM, TGA, SEM and microbial community analyses, revealed that the addition of mature vermicompost can speed up the progress of decomposition and humification of organic matter in sludge. The process of vermicomposting and adding mature vermicompost significantly modified the microbial community of sewage sludge, and the changes in microorganisms in vermicompost were related to the microorganisms in the earthworm gut.

Biological indicators for assessing the maturity of the vermicomposted products of citronella bagasse and paper mill sludge mixture

Maturity of vermicomposted end products obtained from citronella bagasse (CB) and a mixture of citronella bagasse and paper mill sludge (CB + PMS) was determined employing the epigeic earthworm species Eisenia fetida. Two of the primary biological indicators—enzyme assay and germination index—were used for evaluation of vermicompost maturity. The enzyme assay includes the changes in dehydrogenase and urease activities in the final products. The test for germination index was performed on two economically important plant species Abelmoschus esculentus and Solanum melongena. The results revealed a significant increase in dehydrogenase and urease activities in the vermicompost samples over the raw materials and traditional compost. The enhancement was recorded 215.63–225.63% in dehydrogenase and 149.89–249.31% for urease in the end products obtained after 45 days of experimental trials. Further, the higher values of germination index in the vermicompost treatments as against the control confirm the suitability and stability of the vermicomposted final products.

Valorization of Orange Peel Waste Using Precomposting and Vermicomposting Processes

The industrialization process of oranges generates waste, which is inadequately disposed of; this produces adverse effects on the environment. Among the alternatives for valorization is the vermicomposting process, which consists of the degradation of organic waste through the action of earthworms and microorganisms. Therefore, this research aimed to study this process using orange peel (OP) waste at the laboratory level. For this purpose, it was necessary to determine the degradation conditions through the monitoring of physicochemical parameters (temperature, pH, humidity, organic matter (OM), total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN) and the carbon/nitrogen (C/N) ratio). To balance the substrate’s nutrients, load material (LM) that included vegetable waste and eggshells was added to three different mixtures: M1 (50% OP + 50% LM), M2 (40% OP + 60% LM) and M3 (60% OP + 40% LM). To condition the substrate for earthworm (Eisenia fetida) activity, a previous precomposting process was performed. The results showed that all the mixtures fulfilled the requirements for a quality and mature vermicompost; however, the highest concentrations for TN were in the mixtures M1 and M2. The total time required for degradation of the OP waste was 13 weeks.

Management of lignocellulosic green waste Saccharum spontaenum through vermicomposting with cow dung

Saccharum spontaenum is considered as an invasive terrestrial weed spread across the world and its management possess big challenge to the research community. The current study illustrates the potential of vermicomposting for the management of lignocellulosic terrestrial weed Saccharum spontaenum under green waste management. The vermicompost experiments were done in five different mixing ratio of Saccharum spontaenum amended with cow dung 3:7, 4:6, 5:5, 6:4, 7:3 in vermireactors referred as Ref1, Ref2, Ref3, Ref4, Ref5 respectively. The vermicomposting was carried out for total 45 days with one time feeding of the earthworms. The study indicates a mature vermicompost can be obtained with enhanced nutrients from proper mixing ratio. The different physicochemical parameters were observed to be varied among the reactors and between vermicomposting time significantly. The final C/N ratio was within 10–16 with highest decrease in Ref1. Earthworm growth was observed to be highest in Ref2 with percentage change of net biomass of earthworms with 34.25%. The highest TOC loss was observed to be 31.4% change in Ref2 and maximum TKN was 2.95% in the final vermicompost of Ref3. Even though the mixing ratio of Ref1 and Ref2 was found to be ideal for the degradation of Saccharum spontaenum, the other reactors also produced acceptable quality end product. The study further reveals that the earthworm species Eisenia fetida was highly suitable for the biodegradation of this lignocellulosic weed material.

Feasibility of vermicomposting for the management of terrestrial weed Ageratum conyzoides using earthworm species Eisenia fetida

This study illustrates the feasibility of vermicomposting of an invasive terrestrial weed Ageratum conyzoides for environment and economic benefits. This study presents the different mix proportion of substrate and cow dung as blending material in the vermicomposting process. It also advocates the potential of earthworm species Eisenia fetida for the bioconversion of A. conyzoides into a valuable end product. The work is based on biochemical characterization along with earthworm growth and cocoon production to evaluate the properties of the final product. The vermicompost obtained from all the reactors attained stabilization with increase in nutrients and decrease in total organic carbon (TOC), CO2 evolution rate after the end of the process. The pH was obtained in the range of 6.7–7.4 during vermicomposting. The final C/N ratio falls within 12–17 in all the reactors. The highest Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN) value observed in the final vermicompost was 2.67% which was higher than the initial value 1.83%. TOC decreased up to 30.05% at the end of the process. The earthworm biomass increased in a similar trend in all the reactors with highest biomass change of 25.75%. The results indicate that the biomass of A. conyzoides can be efficiently utilized to produce a mature vermicompost with the potential of further applications. It may be inferred from the findings that vermicomposting can be an alternative environment friendly option for the management of A. conyzoides and recommendable for on site management of the weed in an economical way.