Application of earthworm casts and biogas spent slurry as casing materials for the cultivation of milky mushroom (Calocybe indica)

摘要

Effect of earthworm casts and biogas slurry along with clay soil (control) in 1:1 ratio as casing material on the growth and yield of Calocybe indica was studied. The chemical and microbial analysis showed that the earthworm casts have higher electrical conductivity (E.C.), NPK content and microbial colony forming units (CFU) of bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes than biogas slurry and clay soil. An early fructification and a greater stimulation in fruiting formation were observed in both the casingmixtures. The earthworm casts mixed casing soil recorded increased yield of 64.7 per cent followed by biogas slurry mixed casing soil (47.7 percent) over control (clay soil).