Earthworm Numbers Research Articles

Analysis of Earthworm (Lumbricus rubellus) Growth Due to the Addition of Fruit Waste Pulp to Feed

Earthworms are a group of animals that live in soil and have a segmented body, bilaterally symmetrical, and covered by a transparent cuticle, which protects from physical and chemical disturbances. One of the factors that influences the growth of earthworms is the availability of food substances in the media where they live. Research on the analysis of the increase in the number and total weight of earthworms (Lumbricus rubellus) due to the provision of fruit waste in feed has been carried out in 2023. This research aims to analyse the increase in the number and total weight of earthworms due to the application of fruit waste to the media where earthworms live. Research data was analysed using variance analysis. In this study, the results were obtained: (1) fruit waste pulp (papaya and banana) added to feed had a significant effect on increasing the number of earthworms, (2) fruit waste pulp added to the feed can increase the total weight of earthworms, (3) Giving 2 liters of fruit waste to the feed results in a higher number and total weight of earthworms than other levels of fruit waste pulp.

A comparison of mustard, household detergent and formalin as vermifuges for earthworm sampling

The efficiencies of three vermifuges (household detergent, mustard and formalin) in extracting earthworms were compared in a pasture in western Norway. Relative efficiency of detergent and mustard compared to formalin with respect to number of earthworms extracted, was 79% and 66%, respectively. No significant differences were found among the three treatments in proportion of juveniles, earthworm size, number of earthworms or biovolume of emerging earthworms. Two genera of earthworms were represented in the samples, Allolobophora spp. and Lumbricus spp. Genus composition differed among the three treatments, formalin extracting the highest percentage of Allolobophora spp. and mustard the lowest. The relative efficiency of the three vermifuges differed from what has been found in an earlier comparable study. Both mustard and household detergent are less detrimental to health of vegetation, earthworms and field workers than formalin, and given their relatively high efficiency as vermifuges, they might in many cases be preferable to formalin.

Earthworm influence on soil aggregate distribution and protected carbon at managed forest sites in Vermont, USA

The long-term effect of non-native earthworm species on forest soil carbon storage is not clear. While initial invasion into earthworm-free soils stimulates carbon losses, there is evidence that carbon stabilization in soil aggregates is enhanced. Fourteen managed forest sites throughout Vermont were sampled to identify and enumerate earthworms, and determine soil aggregate distribution and physically protected carbon. Most of these sites were northern hardwoods reforested in the mid-20th century after agricultural land use. Soil at six 50 × 50 cm subplots at each site was sampled to a depth of 20 cm below the Oe horizon and the mineral soil fractionated into free microaggregates (<250 μm), small macroaggregates (250–2000 μm), and large macroaggregates (>2000 μm). Microaggregates were then isolated from the macroaggregates and organic carbon determined. Mean earthworm numbers below the Oe horizon at each site ranged from 0 to 313 individuals m−2 and ten different species were identified, representing all earthworm ecotypes. Four sites had no earthworms in the soil layer sampled, three sites had earthworms in every subplot with up to six different species, and seven sites had subplots both with and without earthworms. When subplots were grouped by number of species present, there was a trend towards a greater fraction of the mineral soil in macroaggregates containing greater protected carbon, and a lower fraction of free microaggregates. A paired t-test of subplots from the seven sites with variable earthworm presence showed significant differences in the same trends and there was significantly greater mineral soil total carbon and protected carbon in the subplots with earthworms. These results are consistent with recent research into earthworm effects on soil carbon stabilization. While initial invasion likely resulted in a negative carbon balance, our findings suggest that earthworms can enhance transfer of carbon into physically protected pools in these forest soils.

Diversity of functional edaphic macrofauna in Musa acuminata x Musa balbisiana (AAB) agroecosystems

Background This study focused on evaluating the diversity and richness of the edaphic macrofauna in eight banana farms in the western zone of Nicaragua. Methods The sampling design was random and descriptive, it was divided into two phases, the first was the collection of the sample, and the second was the classification, coding, and storage of the extracted macrofauna populations. The sampling method employed included the extraction of soil and litter samples. Soil samples were collected using a wooden frame (monolith), with each sample weighing approximately 1 kilogram and taken from a depth of 0.20 cm. Litter samples were collected from the soil surface. A total of 80 samples were collected, with 40 soil samples and 50 litter samples obtained across the 8 plantain farms. Results The results showed that the relative abundance of biodiversity was higher in the 0–20 cm soil depth stratum than in the branch and leaf biomass strata. The values of the diversity indices of Simpson's Dominance, Shanon, Margalef, and Equity were in the normal range, with a tendency towards low diversity. Likewise, in the richness of species, the Dominance or most abundant genus were earthworms (Oligochaeta) and Hymenoptera (Solenopsis, Leptothorax, Camponotus, Pheidole), indicating the directly proportional relationship, that is to say, that the greater the number of earthworms the production increases and the greater the number of Hymenoptera it decreases, confirmed with the Pearson correlation coefficient with a reliability of 95%. Conclusions It was concluded that based on the estimates of the diversity indicators, two detritivore genus (earthworms and Hymenoptera) were the ones with the more dominance, being important in the production of the banana agrosystem due to the decomposition of organic matter and its nutritional contribution to the plant. We observed a direct correlation with earthworms and an indirect relationship with Hymenoptera.

The Effect of Adding Vegetable Waste to Feed on The Growth of Earthworms (Lumbricus rubellus)

Earthworms are invertebrate animals that live in the soil and are hermaphroditic. This animal requires organic materials as food. Research on the analysis of the growth of earthworms (Lumbricus rubellus) due to the addition of vegetable waste to feed has been carried out in Pagutan Village, Mataram City. This research aims to analyze (1) the effect of adding vegetable waste to feed on the number of earthworms, (2) the effect of adding vegetable waste to feed on the total weight of earthworms, (3) the best dose of vegetable waste so that earthworms can grow optimally. The earthworm growth parameters measured were the total number and total weight of earthworms at the end of maintenance. Research data was analyzed using analysis of variance. In this study it can be concluded: (1) adding vegetable waste (spinach, water kale, mustard greens and lettuce) to feed can increase the total number of earthworms, (2) adding vegetable waste to feed can increase the total weight of earthworms, (3) giving 2 liters of vegetable waste provided better growth results for earthworms compared to other treatments.

Comparative Effects of No-dig and Conventional Cultivation with Vermicompost Fertilization on Earthworm Community parameters and Soil Physicochemical Condition

Because of the numerous ecosystem services provided by soil, such as elemental cycling, food production, and water filtration and storage, this resource requires special protection to maintain total efficiency of these services. However, standard agricultural practices can have a degrading effect, not only on the physical and chemical properties of soil, but may also threaten soil invertebrate communities. Soil macrofauna, and earthworms in particular, play a critical role in soil ecosystems because their activities affect the availability of nutrients for plants, shape soil structure, and significantly impact organic matter dynamics. The present study was undertaken to determine the effects of two systems used in plant cultivation (no-dig and conventional digging). Both used vermicompost as an organic fertilizer and looked at selected characteristics of Lumbricidae groupings and the dynamics of selected soil physicochemical properties. This study was conducted over three years in the same area to ensure that the soil characteristics were the same. The NDG (no-dig) and DG (conventional digging) sites were prepared as appropriate with a perennial hay meadow (MW) used as a control site. An electrical extraction (octet) method was used to collect earthworms. The same six species of earthworm were found at each site: Dendrodrilus rubidus (Sav.), Lumbricus rubellus (Hoff.), Aporrectodea caliginosa (Sav.), Aporrectodea rosea (Sav.), Octolasion lacteum (Örley), and Lumbricus terrestris (L.). Earthworm abundance and biomass were found to be significantly higher at the NDG site compared to DG (NDG &gt; DG; abundance by 24% (p &lt; 0.05), biomass by 22% (p &lt; 0.05)). No significant differences between NDG and MW were shown. Moisture, temperature, and soil organic carbon content likely influenced the abundance and biomass of Lumbricidae. The NDG site showed significantly higher organic carbon and moisture content and significantly lower temperatures than the DG site. The average number of earthworms damaged by digging was 0.85 ind. m−2, but did not significantly affect the other results. Overall, NDG is preferable to DG for enhancing the earthworm and physicochemical parameters of soil.

Soil Conservation in Brassica rapa chinensis L (Pakcoy) Growth

Population increase has an impact on the procurement of food sources. Pakcoy is a vegetable that is in increasing demand. Farmers' response to this condition is to use excessive fertilizer and pesticides, thereby reducing soil fertility. The research aims to obtain a combination of fertilizer and humic acid, which is effective in cultivating B. rappa chinesis L., as well as soil conservation efforts. The methodology was experimental with Randomized Block Design (RBD) on four treatments, K, P1, P2, and P3. The dose of K was 150 g/5 m2, NPK 16:16:16, 1 kg/5 m2 dolomite, and 5 kg/5 m2 manure. The P1 treatment is the same as K but without NPK fertilizer. P2 and P3 treatments were reduced by 50% and 70% of NPK fertilizer, respectively, with the addition of humic acid. The research results show that P2 with local environmental conditions provides optimal results in terms of chlorophyll, stomata, and plant height. Soil fertility was shown by increasing pH to 6.6, K 281 ppm and P 509 ppm, Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) 31.60 cmolc/kg, soil enzymes of 0.12 mg FDA g-1 soil d.w. h-1, an average number of earthworms of 17. The conclusion is that P2 fertilizer formulation can be applied to cultures as an anticipation of food security.

Can vermicomposting be used to process hyperaccumulator biomass in nickel agromining?

AbstractHyperaccumulator plants are a botanical curiosity that have allowed the development of agromining of metals, with a special focus on nickel. In nickel agromining, this element is recovered from ashed hyperaccumulators cultivated on metal‐rich soils. In order to explore bio‐based approaches for the decomposition of hyperaccumulator biomass and nickel recovery that do not include burning, we performed a vermicomposting experiment using the earthworm species Eisenia andrei and the biomass of Bornmuellera emarginata (which contained almost 1% of nickel). We conducted our experiment for 12 weeks and assessed the decomposition process of the hyperaccumulator biomass, changes in earthworm number and biomass, and changes in nickel concentration and mobility. Despite the initial mortality and an increase of Ni concentration in earthworm tissues, E. andrei was able to decompose B. emarginata biomass. This process also showed a massive colonization of the biomass by a fungus during the first weeks of the assay. Our results indicate that the vermicomposted hyperaccumulator biomass had a higher nickel concentration than the starting material but the diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid‐extractable nickel decreased. At the same time, due to earthworm activity, the nickel was redistributed and diluted in the vermicompost bedding, reducing the interest of this approach for agromining, but opening the perspective of using the vermicomposted hyperaccumulator biomass as an organic amendment in nickel‐deficient crops.

Assessing dietary specialization to inform the conservation of the fairy pitta (Pitta nympha), an endangered vermivore.

Quantifying the diet of endangered species is crucial for conservation, especially for diet specialists, which can be more susceptible to environmental changes. The vulnerable fairy pitta (Pitta nympha) is considered a specialist that primarily feeds its nestlings with earthworms. However, there have been few studies of the nestling diet provisioned by parents, and no assessments of earthworm proportion in the diet of adults. Our study aimed to fill these gaps, shedding light on crucial factors for conservation. Combining new observations with existing literature, we confirmed a consistent dominance of earthworms in the nestling diet, regardless of rainfall, nestling age, and time of day. We extrapolated the total earthworm consumption during a breeding event, accounting for potential variation in the availability of earthworms and their prevalence in the adult diet. We used literature-based earthworm densities in pitta habitats and our estimates of family earthworm consumption to calculate the habitat area that could provide a pitta family with the number of earthworms consumed during a breeding event. The predictions matched observed pitta home range sizes when assumed that the adult diet is comprised of approximately 70% earthworms. The results highlight the importance of earthworm-rich habitats for conservation planning of the fairy pitta. To mitigate the effects of habitat destruction, we discuss conservation practices that may involve enhancing earthworm abundance in natural habitats and providing vegetation cover for foraging pittas in adjacent anthropogenic habitats rich in earthworms. To guide conservation efforts effectively, future studies should investigate whether previously reported breeding in developed plantation habitats is due to high earthworm abundance there. Future studies should also quantify correlations between local earthworm densities, home range size, and the breeding success of the fairy pitta.

Effect of Biochar on Vermicompost Production: Chemical, Biochemical, and Biological Properties

Farm and industrial residues must be adequately managed to avoid negative environmental implications. In this study, our objective was to evaluate (i) the impact of the co-production of vermicompost using grape bagasse and biochar (BC) on the yield and biochemical, chemical, and biological properties of vermicompost; (ii) the effect of BC on earthworms (Eisenia fetida Sav.). The vermicompost was co-produced over 5 months (n = 4 per treatment) using (i) grape bagasse as the substrate, (ii) earthworms (Eisenia fetida Sav.), and (iii) three BCs (eucalyptus sawdust BC, pig manure BC, and carbonaceous material from poultry litter CM) at 2% (w/w). A control without BC was included. The chemical, microbiological (activity and respiration), enzymatic properties, and enzymatic indices were characterized. After the incubation period, vermicompost yield increased with the application of the three BCs (25% on average). The number of adult earthworms was not affected by any of the BCs. Compared to treatments without BC, those with pig manure BC and eucalyptus BC resulted in maintained or significantly decreased enzymatic activity, indicating that the vermicompost was at an advanced stage of maturity. Eucalyptus BC significantly enriched the C content of the vermicompost by 4.3%, maintaining respiration rates at 18% lower than the treatment without BC. Additionally, pig manure BC generated the lowest respiration rate in the vermicompost (20% lower). We conclude that BC has a positive influence on the vermicompost process, stabilizing organic matter (especially pig manure BC) and improving the potential of vermicompost to store C (when high-C-content BCs are applied).

The effect of giving cabbage litter on population growth of the african night crawder earthworm (Eudrilus eugeniae)

Cabbage (Brassica oleracea) is one of the vegetable wastes that is often produced by the Amahami market, Bima City. With its easy-to-wilt nature and high water content, cabbage causes it to rot quickly, which will impact environmental problems. Processing market waste certainly requires sustainable management. One model of waste management is to use it as feed. This research aims to determine the effect of giving cabbage waste on the increase in the population of earthworms (Eudrilus eugeniae). The research was carried out in Bima City, Ule Village, Asakota District, Tolotongga Environment. The type of this research is experimental. The research design was a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with four treatments and ten replications. The parameter observed was the increase in the number of earthworms, analyzed using One Way Anova and followed by Duncan's Multiple Range Test (DMRT). The results of the research showed that giving cabbage waste (Brassica oleracea) as feed had a significant effect (0.009&lt;0.05) on increasing the population of earthworms (Eudrilus eugeniae). The treatment with the highest results was P1 (50 grams of cabbage), with an average number of worms of 367.30.

Pengaruh Penggunaan Cacing Tanah dan Kotoran Sapi pada Proses Pengomposan Limbah Organik Pasar terhadap Kualitas Kompos

Garbage is material that is not used or remains from activities carried out by humans, generally in the form of solids, and this is also called waste. One of the most waste-producing environments is the market, especially the traditional market. This market waste is dominated by the type of organic waste. The solution to reducing market waste can be done by managing organic waste into compost. The composting process is closely related to decomposers, examples of decomposers are earthworms, bacteria, and fungi. This study aims to determine the effect of the interaction between the treatment of earthworms and cow manure on compost quality. The study used a factorial completely randomized design (CRD) with 2 factors and was repeated 3 times. The first factor was the number of earthworms consisting of no earthworms (C0), using 60 earthworms (C1), and using 120 earthworms (C2). The second factor was the amount of cow manure which consisted of no cow manure (K0), with 22.5% cow manure (K1) and 45% cow manure (K2). The variables observed included the quality of the compost by looking at the color, smell, texture, temperature, C-organic, N-total, P2O5, K2O, and C/N ratio. Data were analyzed by Analysis of Variety. If it is significantly different, it will be tested further with Duncan's 5% Multiple Range Test. The combination of C0K0 treatment had the highest C-organic, N-total, P2O5, and K2O values. The C0K1 combination has the highest C/N ratio..

Integrated microbiota and multi-omics analysis reveal the differential responses of earthworm to conventional and biodegradable microplastics in soil under biogas slurry irrigation

As one of the promising alternatives of conventional plastic mulching film (C-PMF), biodegradable plastic mulching films (B-PMF) were employed in agronomy production to alleviate the environmental burden of C-PMF. However, information regarding the potential toxicity effects of biodegradable microplastics (MPs) in soil still in scarcity, and the available findings were found to be controversial. Additionally, little is known about the molecular toxicity effects of conventional and biodegradable MPs on terrestrial organisms. Thus, 5 % (w/w) biodegradable (polylactic acid, PLA) and conventional (polyvinylchloride, PVC; low-density polyvinylchloride, LDPE) MPs were employed to assess the toxicity effects on Eisenia fetida in agricultural soil with biogas slurry irrigation. In the present study, transcriptomic, metabolomic profiles and individual indexes were selected to reveal the toxicity mechanisms from molecular level to the individual response. Furthermore, dysbiosis of bacterial community in gut was also investigated for obtaining comprehensive knowledge on the MPs toxicity. At the end of the exposure, the number of survival earthworms after MPs exposure was significantly reduced. Compared with the initial body weight, PLA and LDPE increased the biomass of earthworms after MPs exposure, while no significant influence on the biomass was observed in PVC treatment. Microbacterium, Klebsiella and Chryseobacterium were significantly enriched in earthworm gut after PLA, PVC and LDPE exposure, respectively (p < 0.05). Transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis revealed that PLA exposure induced neurotransmission disorder and high energetic expenditure in earthworms. However, PVC and LDPE inhibited the nutrient absorption efficiency and activated the innate immunity responses of earthworms. The PLS-SEM results showed that the effects of MPs were dominated by the polymer types, and hence, significantly and directly influence the gut bacterial community of earthworms. This study provides a better understanding of the similarities and discrepancies in toxicity effects of biodegradable and conventional MPs from the perspectives of individual, gut bacterial community, transcriptome and metabolome.

Talajkímélő művelés hatása a földigilisztákra egy Zala megyei tartamkísérletben

Conventional ploughing tillage is associated with significant soil degradation. Erosion is increasing while soil organic matter is decreasing and life circumstances of soil biota are deteriorating. Non-inversion conservation tillage tends to provide better conditions for soil fauna due to less disturbance, more organic matter and higher soil moisture content. In our study, we investigate the effects of 18 years of conservation tillage on earthworm abundance and biomass. Our study was carried out on a 90 ha area divided into 10 pairs of plots in Southern Hungary close to Dióskál. Samples were taken in spring and autumn during the first 3 years after the shift from conventional to conservation tillage (2004–2006) and then after 15 years the sampling was repeated in the 3-year-period of 2019–2021. Samples were collected with a soil sampler of 10 cm diameter and height. Our results show that the number of earthworms increased explosively after the shift. However, their abundance do not increase after years, but their number and biomass are significantly higher in all periods of the study in conservation tillage areas.

Earthworm populations and diversity under annual and perennial wheat in a North to South gradient in Western Europe

The challenge to sustain food security while halting the loss of biodiversity and soil quality might be achieved by a transformation in agriculture from high-input management of annual crops to a more nature-based solution introducing perennial cropping systems. This study analysed earthworm communities (numbers, biomass, ecological categories) and diversity over two years, from annual wheat and perennial intermediate wheatgrass (IWG, Thinopyrum intermedium, Kernza®) within the EU-Biodiversa project NAPERDIV from Southern to Northern Europe. Study sites in France, Belgium and Sweden represented diverse soil, climatic and plant growth conditions. In total, 16 species were identified with IWG in France having the highest (13) and annual wheat in Belgium and Sweden the lowest (7) species numbers. Improved biodiversity under perennial wheat was indicated by alpha-diversity indices (Simpson index, Shannon-Weaver index, Evenness). Earthworm abundance and biomass were generally significantly higher in IWG across the three sites (GLMM model). The overall mean earthworm number under IWG was 424.7 No. m−2 compared to 164.7 No. m−2 for annual wheat. Mean earthworm biomass under IWG was 83.7 g m−2 relative to 45.9 g m−2 under annual wheat, respectively. Remarkably, mean number of juvenile earthworms was several times higher on IWG sites relative to the annual comparatives. Moreover, endogeic and epigeic earthworms were supported on the IWG plots. Beta diversity (Sorensen coefficient) emphasised highest similarity between Belgium and Sweden and lowest between France and Sweden, indicating a possible South to North distribution within Western Europe. The Canonical Correspondence Analysis showed discrete clusters for study sites and species distribution (including the subtypes of Allolobophora chlorotica) in relation to soil parameters (pH, soil texture, TOC, TN, WHC, C–N ratio). The CCA additionally discriminated between annual and perennial plots in France. In summary, earthworm communities were more diverse under IWG and seemed to follow a South to North gradient.

Diversity of functional edaphic macrofauna in Musa acuminata x Musa balbisiana (AAB) agroecosystems

Background: This study focused on evaluating the diversity and richness of the edaphic macrofauna in eight banana farms in the western zone of Nicaragua. Methods: The sampling design was random and descriptive, it was divided into two phases, the first was the collection of the sample, and the second was the classification, coding, and storage of the extracted macrofauna populations. Subsequently, the indices of diversity and species richness, relative abundance, by functional groups were estimated. Results: The results showed that the relative abundance of biodiversity was higher in the 0–20 cm soil depth stratum than in the branch and leaf biomass strata. The values ​​of the diversity indices of Dominion, Simpson, Shanon, Margalef, and Equity were in the normal range, with a tendency towards low diversity. Likewise, in the richness of species, the Dominant or most abundant genus were earthworms (Oligochaeta) and Hymenoptera (Solenopsis, Leptothorax, Camponotus, Pheidole), indicating the directly proportional relationship, that is to say, that the greater the number of earthworms the production increases and the greater the number of Hymenoptera it decreases, confirmed with the Pearson correlation coefficient with a reliability of 95%. Conclusions: It was concluded that based on the estimates of the diversity indicators, two detritivore genus (earthworms and Hymenoptera) were the ones with the greatest presence, being important in the production of the banana agrosystem due to the decomposition of organic matter and its nutritional contribution to the plant. We observed a direct correlation with earthworms and an indirect relationship with Hymenoptera.

Структура угрупувань дощових червів в урбані­зованих біотопах Центрального Полісся

The article describes the results of the impact of urbanisation on the quantitative and qualitative structure of earthworm communities, since urbanisation is currently one of the main threats to biodiversity. Earthworms, as the most common representatives of the edaphic mesofauna, react sensitively to the level of environmental pollution. On the example of the city of Cherniakhiv, it has been established that the lumbricide fauna of the studied area includes eight species: Aporrectodea caliginosa (Savigny, 1826), A. rosea (Savigny, 1826), A. trapezoides (Dugesi, 1828), Lumbricus terrestris (Linnaeus, 1758), L. castaneus (Savigny, 1826), Octolasion lacteum (Örley, 1885), Eisenia fetida (Savigny, 1826), and Dendrobaena octaedra (Savigny, 1826). All detected worms are rather unevenly represented in the analysed samples. Background species in the study area are A. caliginosa, A. rosea, and L. terrestris. According to the analysis of the relative abundance in the samples, A. caliginosa is dominant, whereas A. rosea and O. lacteum are less common. According to the results of the spatial distribution of earthworms, a clear dominance of one species was noted in agrocoenoses and in areas with a significant recreational load, whereas in a less anthropogenically transformed zone a higher number and species diversity of lumbricides was noted. Using cluster analysis of k-means according to biodiversity estimates, two clusters of samples were selected. At the same time, such parameters as the number of species, the number of individuals in the sample, and the Brillouin index make the greatest contribution to the differentiation of clusters. A reliable correlation was found between the number of individuals in the sample and the reflectivity in the B8 band range, as well as between the indicator of the evenness of the grouping structure and the reflectivity in the B4, B5, B11, and B12 bands of the Sentinel-2 space image and the value of the NDVI vegetation index. These spectral characteristics were used to model the spatial distribution of the absolute number of lumbricides and the evenness of their groups. The model of the spatial distribution of the number of earthworms has a mosaic character: individual cells with a high number of lumbricides are replaced by areas where they are less abundant. There is a certain relationship between individual estimates of earthworm biodiversity and land cover spectral characteristics.

Competence of Cow Manure as a Sustainable Feedstock for Bioenergy and Biofertilizer Production

Livestock development sector remained conspicuous in many developed and developing countries. Nevertheless, animal manure management became an increasing concern relative to environmental and economic constraints. The daily cow manure varies between 60-85 kg per 1000 kg of body biomass. Thus, 33 to 70 % of biomass could be recovered in the form of cow dung for value added products such as bioenergy and biofertilizer. Halhale dairy farm of Eritrea has a potential to produce approximately 25 tonnes of fresh cow manure per day. Proximate analysis of Halhale dairy manure (HDM) revealed that it contains a mean value of 14.35% of total solids, which inherently composed of 64.8% of Volatile solids and 23.3% of ash content. Detailed elemental analysis using X-ray fluorescent showed that it has 43.1% of C, 0.31% of S, 0.21% of P and 1.18% of K. Hydrogen and nitrogen contents of 4.57% and 1.58% were evaluated for HDM. Thermophysical parameters such as PH, SG and lower heating value(LHV) estimated as 7.025, 1.68 and 19.97 MJ kg-1 respectively. Significant LHV values indicate the aptness of HDM for fuel substitute. In addition, estimated C/N values of 25.68-27.3, ensure their best suitability for the biogas generation. Rich organic matter and high moisture content in HDM support large number of earthworms in vermicomposting. HDM have showed excellent N:P2O5 of 3.84 to favor the growth of any crop. Higher Si content of 4.32% along with desired micronutrients of 0.043% of Zn, &lt;0.02% of Cu and 241 ppm of Mn, were measured for HDM samples. The effect of sodicity on soil measured in terms of sodium absorption rate (SAR), and a mean value of 0.84 was estimated for HDM.

The coffee-mango association promotes favorable soil conditions for better-nourished and higher-yielding plants

In several countries, coffee is traditionally grown under the shade of large trees; however, the non-shade surface system has increased. Shade cultivation system benefits the soil, helps crops adaption to climate change, and reduces vulnerability. This study aimed to compare the physical, chemical, and biological soil features under coffee production systems: coffee-mango, coffee-banana, and full-sun coffee; to identify the nutritional variation of coffee plants in the three cultivation systems, and to establish recommendations for coffee production associated with other crops. Soil properties varied between the shaded and full-sun systems. The shade coffee systems had different pH, cation exchange capacity, potassium, and nitrogen concentrations, organic matter, carbon-, nitrogen-microbial biomass, and the number of earthworms from the full-sun coffee system. The coffee-mango association showed specific soil (exchangeable calcium, moisture, soil porosity, and aggregate stability index), foliar (calcium, potassium, nitrogen, iron, and chlorophyll a and b concentrations), and grain features (gold coffee yield, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorous concentrations) that make distinct from the other two coffee systems. The coffee-mango system positively influenced soil traits, nutrient concentration in leaves, production, yield, and nutritional status of the fruit. The production of coffee under full-sun adversely affects the soil and the coffee’s nutrition and yield. Therefore, the production of coffee should be in the traditional manner under shade trees. These results apply to coffee production under shade systems in other countries with similar agroecological conditions and to soil conservation as a pertinent vision under global climate change.

Effects of Physico Chemical Parameters on Biomass Produced by Using Earthworm Eudrilus Eugeniae

Earthworms are a kind of segmented, nocturnal, terrestrial invertebrates that are widespread around the globe. They belong to the subphylum Oligochaeta of the Phylum Annelida. Earthworms are important to the breakdown of different types of wastes and the improvement of the soil’s nutrient content. Earthworms are raised on artificial vermicomposting beds using a green method called vermiculture, also known as vermitechnology. Vermicomposting is a technique for creating nutrient-rich compost made by earthworms and microorganism activity. It is one of the simplest ways to recycle household wastes, garden wastes, animal wastes, agricultural wastes, and more to create high-quality, enriched compost. In this paper, extensive research is conducted on the various influencing factors for a vermicomposting unit, followed by the design of a vermicomposting pit and the number of earthworms required for the amount of waste obtained. This is followed by the selection of an optimal range for parameters such as temperature, potential hydrogen, moisture content, and natural enemies. The research was limited to growing the epigamic earthworm Eudrilus eugeniae with cow dung, curd, and country sugar. Crop production and plant growth are aided by vermicompost.