Effectof Earthworm (Perionyx excavatus) Population on Substrate pH During Vermicomposting

摘要

The potential of epigeic earthworm (Perionyx excavatus) species for breaking down and processing non-toxic organic solid waste is well known. The effect of earthworm population on substrate (mixed vegetable waste) pH during vermicomposting using Perionyx excavatus (P. excavatus) has been studied. The mixed vegetable waste having initial pH value of 7.0 was vermicomposted for 45 day. It was observed that initially upto 6 day, the substrate pH increases to a maximum value of 8.4 for control and 8.35 with earthworm, which subsequently decreases to near neutral pH after 21 day. The substrate pH followed almost constant pattern thereafter till the last day of vermicomposting. The increase rate of substrate pH was higher than the decrease rate. The substrate pH during vermicomposting as a function of time was assessed. Plots and models corresponding to the zero (for control), 15 (minimum pH) and 40 (maximum pH) populations have been evolved corresponding to the enveloping curves.