Kavita Sharma1, Vinod Kumar Garg2,3. 1. Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar, 125001, India. 2. Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar, 125001, India. vinodkgarg@yahoo.com. 3. Department of Environmental Sciences and Technology, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, 151001, India. vinodkgarg@yahoo.com.
Abstract
Present study aimed to evaluate the vermicomposting of lignocellulosic wastes employing Eisenia fetida earthworms. The study examined the effectiveness of vermicomposting for 105 days by mixing lignocellulosic waste (LW) with cattle manure (CM) in five different proportions. Results revealed that TOC and C/N ratio decreased gradually till end and in vermicomposts varied between 268-320 g/kg and 12.26-16.85, respectively. Nutrient content (NPK) in the vermicomposts increased with time in all the mixtures. Heavy metals' content also increased in vermicomposts and benefit ratio for heavy metals ranged between 0.06 and 5.1. Increase in earthworm biomass (22.38-39.64 g) and reproduction (21.27-31.60 hatchlings/worm) was also satisfactory in all the waste mixtures. Based on results, it can be inferred that lignocellulosic waste can successfully be converted into good quality manure employing earthworms.
Present study aimed to evaluate the vermicomposting of lignocellulosic wastes employing Eisenia fetidan class="Species">earthworms. The study examined the effectiveness of vermicomposting for 105 days by mixing lignocellulosic waste (LW) with cattle manure (CM) in five different proportions. Results revealed that TOC and C/N ratio decreased gradually till end and in vermicomposts varied between 268-320 g/kg and 12.26-16.85, respectively. Nutrient content (NPK) in the vermicomposts increased with time in all the mixtures. Heavy metals' content also increased in vermicomposts and benefit ratio for heavy metals ranged between 0.06 and 5.1. Increase in earthworm biomass (22.38-39.64 g) and reproduction (21.27-31.60 hatchlings/worm) was also satisfactory in all the waste mixtures. Based on results, it can be inferred that lignocellulosic waste can successfully be converted into good quality manure employing earthworms.
Entities:
Keywords:
E. fetida; Heavy metal; Leaf litter; Maturity; Recycling; Vermicompost