Utilization of Agrowastes for Vermicomposting and its Impact on Growth and Reproduction of Selected Earthworm Species in Puducherry, India

摘要

Ecofriendly vermicomposting technology is used for utilizing the locally available agrowastes. Threedifferent combinations of locally abundant agrowastes- banana waste (BW), mixed farm waste(MFW) and cow dung (CD) were fed to two different earthworm species, Perionyx excavatus andEudrilus eugeniae in vermibins under controlled laboratory conditions for 90 days. Standard physicochemical parameters of vermicompost were evaluated for seven different treatments along with theimpacts on growth and reproduction of the selected earthworm species. The decomposition rate ofsubstrate in E. eugeniae in T3, T5 and T7 (70.3±2.1 days, 76.3±2.5 days and 75.7±1.5 days respectively)and in P. excavatus in T2, T4 and T6 of same combination of substrates (81.7±1.2, 84.3±2.5 and83.7±1.5 days) have been recorded. Earthworm growth and biomass production by weight of E.eugeniae was higher (68.5%) than P. excavates (66.9%). Further, the individual weight gain washigher in E. eugeniae than P. excavatus in all the three wastes with a significant difference (p<0.05).The production of cocoons and juveniles at the intervals of 30th, 60th and 90th days were found higherin E. eugeniae than P. excavatus in all the three agrowaste combinations. The results indicate thatEudrilus eugeniae outperformed Perionyx excavatus in growth and decomposition rate of substratesand proves to be a better species for vermicomposting. Therefore, vermicomposting may be anefficient management approach for the locally available agrowastes to convert them into enrichedmanure for sustainable agriculture.