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Parthenium hysterophorus is considered one of the most noxious terrestrial weeds which needs to be efficiently managed to sustain the environment and vermicomposting are a promising eco-friendly management technique. In the current study, vermicomposting of P. hysterophorus was carried out using a polyculture of two epigeic earthworm species, i.e., Eisenia fetida and Eudrilus eugeniae employed in five different vermireactors referred as Rp1, Rp2, Rp3, Rp4, and Rp5 with five mixing ratios 3:7, 4:6, 5:5, 6:4, and 7:3 respectively of P. hysterophorus to cow dung as a blending material. The nutrients in the final vermicompost were determined by analyzing different physico-chemical parameters and the efficiency evaluated by the growth rate of earthworms. After vermicomposting, TKN, TP, and K contents increased with the highest percentage change of 74.74%, 91%, and 47.2% respectively, compared to initial values. Reduction in C/N ratio was observed in all the vermireactors with the lowest C/N ratio of 9.76. EC increased for all the vermireactors during the process and reached in the range of 3.7–3.85 ds/m at the end of the process. The highest percentage gain in biomass of earthworms was 46.25% in Rp2. Vermicomposting of P. hysterophorus is possible for the management of this invasive weed through polyculture of the earthworms E. fetida and E. eugeniae to obtain a value-added organic fertilizer, i.e., vermicompost by a sustainable process.

The objective of this study was to determine the capacity of Lumbricus rubellus, Eisenia fetida and Eudrilus eugeniae earthworms in vermicompost production utilizing mushroom waste substrate based on weight; number and weight loss of earthworms; temperature; pH; moisture content of media; and C/N ratio. The results showed that, by using 42 g of E. eugeniae, E. fetida and L. rubellus earthworms, there was an increase in weight of earthworms and vermicompost by more than 300% and 75%, respectively. In general, these three species of earthworms were able to produce vermicompost in compliance with quality standards, showing C/N ratio lower than 20.

Vermicompst is a rich source of vitamins and growth hormones and contains most nutrients in plant available form. Ten adult earthworms (Eudrilus eugeniae) were cultured for three (3) months and three (3) weeks in sack made from old window mosquito net. The resultant product at harvest – vermicompost made of mostly worm casts was used to incubate sandy and clay soils respectively at the ratio of 50g: 300g for two (2) months and replicated five (5) times. The results of the study shows that the produced vermicompost enriched the two types of soil with favourable pH level, high content of P, Ca, Mg and OM. Available P, pH level, Ca, Mg and OM were significantly (P < 0.05 ) increased and varied among the treatments. Exch. K and microbial biomass (MB) result showed higher value in clay while sand recorded higher value in N, Na and exchangeable acidity (EA). The findings of this study are of evidence that vermicompost improved the fertility of the soils by releasing mineral elements in the forms that are available for uptake of crops.

There is limited knowledge about how organic substrates influence reproductive characteristics and growth of African night crawler earthworm (Eudrilus eugeniae). It is, however, essential to understand the reproductive characteristics, fecundity, longevity and growth patterns of earthworms to promote vermiculture biotechnology as a strategy for ecological livestock intensification and sustainable production of earthworm biomass as a source of protein and vermicompost. To generate this information, reproductive characteristics, growth and offtake of E. eugeniae were studied using four organic substrates including abattoir waste (AW), cattle manure (CM), soya bean crop residue (SBCR) and a binary mixture of cattle manure and soya bean crop residue (CM + SBCR) aged for 2 weeks. Growth rate was 17.7, 15.8, 15.6 and 14.3 mg/worm/day when earthworms were fed AW, CM + SBCR, CM and SBCR, respectively. Irrespective of the substrate, length and biomass of earthworms increased at a decreasing rate between the 1st and 11th weeks. Clitellum appearance was initiated at 31.5 ± 2.4, 32.8 ± 3.2, 33.7 ± 3.3 and 35.5 ± 2.4 days for AW, CM, CM + SBCR and SBCR, respectively, while cocoon initiation was at 69.0 ± 1.4 (AW), 54.9 ± 2.3 (CM), 51.7 ± 1.7 (CM + SBCR) and 60.0 ± 2.4 (SBCR) days. Cocoon production rate (0.41 cocoons/worm/day) was highest (P

Detergent fiber analysis was used to fractionate carbon (C) into hemicellulose (degradable carbon) and cellulose and lignin (recalcitrant carbon) for cattle manure (CM), neem leaves (NL), corn stov...

Earthworm survey was conducted across Bidar district that contains solidified lava and forms the part of Deccan trap of Hyderabad–Karnataka Region. Earthworm samples along with their habitat soil were collected by digging and hand sorting method from the selected spots like gutter, garbage, near bore well, near tap, garden, pasture, drainage system and fields. Ten different species of earthworms were identified viz., Eudrilus eugeniae of the family EUDRILIDAE; Lampito mauritii and Perionyx sansibaricus of the family MEGASCOLECIDAE; Dichogaster bolaui, D. modiglianii, Eudichogaster ashworthi, E. prashadi, E. poonensis, Octochaetona beatrix and O. paliensis of the family OCTOCHAETIDAE. Among these the genus Eudichogaster is found to be the most dominant and widely distributed earthworm in Bidar district. Eudichogaster poonensis is reported for the first time from South India. Soil chemical characteristics of their habitat were pH 6.7–8, electrical conductivity (EC) 0.28–1.16 mohs/cm, organic carbon (OC) 0.75–3.54%, nitrogen (N) 25.2–118 kg/acre, phosphorous (P) 6.6–48.8 kg/acre and potassium (K) 79–354 kg/acre. Earthworms inhabiting in the laterite soil showed wider range in the soil chemical characteristics, pH ranged from slightly acidic to alkaline; whereas earthworms inhabiting in regur soil of this region showed narrow range in the soil chemical characteristics.

Vermin biotechnology is an eco-friendly technique and economically beneficent process to mitigate organic waste. India’s agro-industrial sector contributes colossal wealth of plant materials in the form of compost. The present study aims to publicize soil healthiness and its plant growth supplying possessions further corroborating the use of organic amendments instead of fertilizers. Plastic replicates investigation is an exercise in eighteen replicates in which fifteen were soil amendment treatments: one triplicate-control, 0% vermicompost, 50%, 25%, 12.5%, 6.25%, and 3.125% vermicompost of soil. Containers contained 2 kg soil each, in which seeds are sown, and the measurement of studied traits (length of shoot, length of internodes, flowers, leaves number and number of branches, and rate of germination) was noticed. The earthworms (Eudrilus eugeniae and Aporrectodea caliginosa) feed on waste like broiler droppings, the dung of sheep and cow, leaves, and decomposed wood and convert it into vermicompost, which required 72 days to extenuate the waste. Each setup was conducted on plastic containers, and there would be control and the test at respective experiments. Vermicompost was prepared; obviously, it contains better farming nutrients analyzed by different scientific methods and is very efficient for plant growth and other features. The main objective of the study was the effect of quality vermicompost produced by A. caliginosa on the exomorphology and rate of germination of Phaseolus vulgaris. Different ratios of vermicompost in respective replicates affect plant growth and external morphology, which is directly linked with nutrients present in treated and untreated soil. The outcomes suggested that vermicompost can be overworked as an efficacious biofertilizer.

In this study, agricultural waste materials (fresh and dried plantain peels and fresh and dried potato peels) were placed in four plastic bins labelled A1, A2, B1 and B2 respectively and vermicomposted into bio-fertilizer. The earthworms used for the study, Eudrilus eugeniae, were introduced into the bins at a ratio of 5:1 (waste/worm) in grams. The moisture content, temperature and pH level in the system were monitored for a study period of 15 days. At the end of the study period, the vermicasts produced were collected from each bin and analysed for Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium concentration. Sample A1 (fresh plantain peel) had the maximum concentration of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium with a value of 0.20%, 0.05% and 0.40% respectively. While sample B1(fresh potato peel) had 0.11% N, 0.04% P and 0.30% K; A2 (dried plantain peel) had 0.09% N, 0.02% P, and 0.30% K; and B2 (dried potato peel) had 0.13% N, 0.02% P, and 0.10% K. The results also revealed that vermicomposting reduced the mass of all the samples with a reduction of 48%, 45%, 53% and 49% for A1, A2, B1 and B2 respectively. The data obtained were statistically analysed using ANOVA to ascertain the significant effect of the types of peels on the NPK contents; Duncan multiple range test was also used to check if the differences in mean values obtained were significant. The concentration (in ratio) of N-P-K for the vermicompost are; A1 4:1:8, A2 5:1:15, B1 3:1:8 and B2 7:1:5, in comparison with the inorganic fertilizer with ratio 1:1:1. This indicated that the concentration (in ratio) of N-P-K is higher in the vermicompost than inorganic fertilizer. Therefore, vermicomposting is a promising alternative technology for the treatment of agricultural wastes into nutrient rich bio-fertilizer, it is eco-friendly, cheaper and more sustainable.Keywords - Earthworm, plantain peel, potato peel, vermicast, vermicomposting

Hazardous coir industrial waste, coir pith has been subjected to 50 days vermicomposting with Eudrilus eugeniae by amending nitrogenous legume plant, Gliricidia sepium together with cattle dung in different combinations, after 21 days precomposting using Pleurotus sajor-caju spawn. An increase in electrical conductivity, total NPK and calcium, and a decrease in organic matter, total organic carbon, C/N ratio, C/P ratio and total phenolic content in the final vermicompost were observed. Dehydrogenase, urease and cellulase activity peaked up to 30 days of vermicomposting and then declined. The phytotoxicity studies with Brassica juncea, C/N ratio and enzyme activities confirmed the stability and maturity of vermicompost. The results also demonstrated that the 2:3:1 ratio (coir pith + Gliricidia sepium + cow dung) is a suitable effective combination for nutrient-rich (N: 2.43%; P: 0.92%; K: 2.09%) vermicompost production. The total phenolic contents declined during the vermicomposting with a lower final content of 21.26 mg/g GAE in 2:3:1 combination of substrates from the initial level (105.56 mg/g GAE). Besides, the concentration of total phenol contents inversely related to the germination index of Brassica juncea (r = -0.761), indicating that the phenolic content could also play an important role in phytotoxicity. Growth and fecundity of Eudrilus eugeniae in 2:3:1 combination revealed the acceptability and rapid decomposition of coir pith substrate into vermifertilizer.

The process parameters of in-vessel rotary drum composting (RDC) with vermicomposting (VC) were investigated for the conversion of vegetable waste into vermicompost. After 7-day initial thermophilic exposure (maximal 51.5 °C in 24 h), the partially degraded RDC waste was divided into R1 (no vermiculture), R2, R3, and R4 (with Eudrilus eugeniae; Eisenia fetida; and Perionyx excavates monocultures, respectively). R3 derived vermicompost displayed maximum optimal process parameters and desirable compost qualities. Against the constant 2.2% nitrogen content of R1, an increase from 1.4 to 4.15% was seen in R3, with a 52.5% reduction in total organic carbon (TOC). A clear testimony to the enhanced nutritional content and fitness of the novel combination of RDC thermophilic biodegradation and E. fetida based vermicomposting. In an environmentally compatible mode, the faster organic deconstruction in 27 days could substantially alter organic waste treatment in the immediate future.

Penambahan pupuk organik seperti vermikompos dapat dilakukan untuk mengatasi masalah kekurangan bahan organik tanah. Salah satu spesies cacing tanah yang biasa digunakan dalam vermicomposting adalah Eudrilus eugeniae. Penelitian ini bertujuan mengetahui pengaruh kombinasi antara kotoran sapi dan jerami padi terhadap kualitas vermikompos dari kandungan C-organik, N, P, K total dan aktivitas enzim urease serta produksi vermikompos yang dihasilkan. Penelitian ini menggunakan rancangan acak lengkap (RAL) dengan 4 perlakuan. Perlakuan berupa P1: pakan 400 g kotoran sapi, P2: pakan 400 g jerami padi, P3: pakan 280 g kotoran sapi dan 120 g jerami padi, dan P4: pakan 140 g kotoran sapi dan 60 g jerami padi. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan perlakuan secara nyata mempengaruhi semua parameter pada vermikompos yang dihasilkan. Hasil produksi ditentukan berdasarkan nilai nisbah output/input (O/I). Kualitas dan produksi vermikompos pada P4 merupakan perlakuan yang memiliki hasil terbaik. Hal ini dikarenakan pencampuran kombinasi kotoran sapi dan jerami padi memberikan hasil makro nutrisi yang relatif lengkap serta dosis pemberian pakan yang lebih tinggi akan memberikan hasil produksi vermikompos yang lebih tinggi.

Vermicomposting is usually performed with one earthworm species. However, use of a consortium of two or more species (Eisenia fetida, Eudrilus eugeniae, and Perionyx excavatus) is rare. Research on optimization of vermicomposting duration is also insufficient. Three earthworm species in various combinations were fed with cowdung mixed biowaste feedstock. Organic C, C/N ratio, compost respiration, coliform count, toxic metals, and alkalinity reduced at maturity; whereas, earthworm biomass, NPK availability, enzyme activity, microbial growth, and humic substances remarkably improved under consortium systems. Thus, the harvest quality was optimized sooner under vermicomposting (40–60 days) than composting (>100 days). Phospho-lipid fatty-acid (PLFA) analyses revealed the enriched variations in microbial community structure and fatty-acid profiles in consortium treated vermicomposts. Overall, the Eisenia+Eudrilus+Perionyx consortium produced the best quality compost in the shortest duration (40–50 days) followed by Eisenia+Eudrilus and Eisenia+Perionyx consortia. Tomato seed germination and root-shoot vigors were significantly greater in consortia mediated systems. Moreover, economic assessment confirmed the advantage of consortium mediated vermitechnology.

The current study was carried out for the purpose of comparative evaluation of vegetable market waste degradation potential of three earthworm species (Eisenia fetida, Perionyx excavatus and Eudrilus eugeniae). The vegetable waste used as substrate in this study was collected from Mission Chariali vegetable market in Tezpur, Assam, India. Non-biodegradable materials such as polythenes, plastic etc. were segregated and organic waste was sun-dried. Cow dung was mixed with the substrate in 1:3 proportion and subjected to vermicomposting with three earthworms species separately. The data on physicochemical properties of the compost bed along with earthworm activity were collected every 10 days interval. The experiment was continued until 70 days. Analysis of the data indicated that E. fetida posed maximal nutrient mineralization and reduction in C:N ratio when compared with the data of day 0 with of day 70. Also, the values of vermicomposting coefficient were maximum for E. fetida. Moreover, the mean individual weight of E. fetida was also maximum during the decomposition period. Although Eu. eugeniae increased in total biomass much more rapidly than E. fetida, nevertheless, the cocoon production rate was greatest (78.67) in case of E. fetida, indicating the differential resource allocation with trade-off between sex alloca-tion and growth by Eu. eugeniae in a non-conducive environment during its life cycle. Overall, the results indicate suitability of E. fetida for vegetable waste degradation.

Vermicomposting (VC) process, an excellent technique to convert invasive weed biomass into benign fertilizer. Earthworm species, Eisenia fetida, Eudrilus eugeniae, and Perionyx ceylanesis, were used to create a 60-day cycle of vermicomposting (VC) process. Reactors were set up in triplicate namely; control (VC), using E. fetida (VEF), using E. eugeniae(VEE), and using P. ceylanesis (VPC). 5:4:1 ratio is used containing invasive weed M. micrantha, cow-dung (CD), and sawdust (SD). Earthworm species were used to know the best species that can survive, have a lower mortality rate, and provide healthy compost. Among all, E. fetida showed successful growth rate with less mortality rate. Highest Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN) (3.08%), total phosphorus (TP) (13.24 g/kg) and Potassium (33.25 g/kg) was observed in reactor VEF. PXRD analysis revealed the amorphous structure of the compound after 60 days of vermicomposting.

The use of composts or vermicomposts derived from organic fraction of Municipal Solid Waste (OFMSW) brought about certain disagreement in terms of high level of bacterial pathogens, thereby surpassing the legal restrictions. This preliminary study was undertaken to compare the evolution of pathogenic bacteria on OFMSW compost against vermicompost (generated by Eudrilus eugeniae ) with promises of achieving sanitation goals. Analysis to quality data showed that OFMSW vermicomposting caused a moderately higher reduction in total coliforms in contrast to composting. E. coli in OFMSW composts was found to be in the range of 4.72–4.96 log 10 CFU g −1 whilst on a clear contrary, E. coli was undetectable in the final vermicomposts (6.01–6.14 logs of reduction) which might be explained by the involvement of the digestive processes in worms' guts. Both OFMSW composts and vermicomposts generated Salmonella -free products which were acceptable for agricultural usage and soil improvement. In comparison to compost, the analysis of this research indicated that earthworm activity can effectively destroy bacterial pathogenic load in OFMSW vermicomposts. But still, this study necessitates extra research in order to comprehend the factors that direct pathogenic bacteria in vermicomposting and earthworm-free decomposition systems.

This study was carried out to assess the degradation and accumulation rates of fresh human excreta and how addition of anal cleansing materials affect performance during vermicomposting by Eisenia fetida and Eudrilus eugeniae. Vermicomposting setups consisting of two transparent containers (length 0.27 m, breadth 0.17 m and depth 0.12 m) stacked on top of each other were installed and operated under laboratory conditions. Earthworms, Eisenia fetida and Eudrilus eugeniae, were obtained from Green Cycle Technologies Limited in Accra, Ghana and the species verified and cultured before use. Fresh human excreta for feeding the experimental setups was collected from an Enviro-loo public toilet and 13 g applied to the setups daily. Similar setups were fed with 0.3 g of anal cleansing material in addition to the fresh excreta. A setup without any earthworms (NW) was set up as a control. Physicochemical characteristics of vermicompost accumulating in the setups were determined weekly for 28 days using standard laboratory procedures while the sludge accumulated in the various setups were weighed and recorded daily. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Post-hoc LSD tests were conducted to determine whether the differences in results between the two earthworm species and among setups with and without anal cleansing materials were statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05). The study showed 12.3% and 26.2% reduction in volatile solids in EE (Eudrilus eugeniae and excreta only) and EF (Eisenia fetida and excreta only) while ash content increased indicating good degradation. The percentage mass reductions recorded at the end of the fourth week were 67.5%, 58.8% and 40.5% in systems EE, EF and NW respectively, while reductions of 73.7% and 68.5% were realized in EEA (Eudrilus eugeniae with excreta and toilet paper) and EFA (Eisenia fetida with excreta and toilet paper) respectively. There was greater amount of sludge accumulated in systems without earthworms, 0.00020 m3 (59.5%) in NW, than in systems with earthworms where 0.00011 m3 (32.5%) and 0.00014 m3 (41.2%) were recorded for EE and EF respectively. The rate of accumulation in vermibeds EE and EF was relatively higher than in vermibeds with excreta and toilet paper (EEA and EFA). EEA and EFA recorded accumulation rates of 0.00009 m3 (26.3%) and 0.00011 m3 (31.5%) respectively. Complete removal of helminth eggs was not achieved in any of the treatment systems.

Agricultural utilisation is one of the most promising uses of sewage sludge in Hungary. Sewage sludge can be applied to agricultural fields in two ways: the injection of dewatered sewage sludge and the application of sewage sludge after composting. Vermicomposting is a special type of composting, where the organic residues are broken down by earthworms. The worms facilitate the decomposition process both by mixing the sludge and by physically degrading it. Earthworm species have various morphotypes requiring different habitats. Compost worms have great adaptability to extreme conditions and are capable of exploiting organic matter in a state of decomposition. Eisenia sp., Eudrilus eugeniae and Perionyx excavatus are important species for vermicomposting. When examining the role and possibilities of vermicomposting, it is important to compare it with traditional composting methods. The most important aspect of producing vermicompost is to ensure optimum environmental conditions for the earthworms, especially in terms of temperature, humidity and aeration, which requires constant attention. An important feature of traditional composting is the thermophilic phase, during which the pathogenic organisms in sewage sludge are destroyed. The thermophilic phase is omitted during vermicomposting due to the thermal sensitivity of the earthworms, but the presence and activity of the earthworms results in similar sterility. Regarding its nutrient content, vermicompost contains larger quantities of total and plant-available macroelements than conventional composts. A further advantage is the presence of the plant hormone agents excreted by earthworms. From the environmental point of view, the ability of earthworms to accumulate heavy metals and the role of their special gut flora in the decomposition of organic pollutants could contribute to the wider use of vermicomposting to dispose of sewage sludge. While vermicompost has many advantages, a number of obstacles need to be overcome before it can be routinely used in Hungary. Many landowners regard sewage sludge compost as hazardous waste that could contaminate their soil and crops rather than as a nutrient and soil amendment. Although numerous studies have been published on sewage sludge, the assessment of long-term effects, including the issues currently of most concern in Hungary, is still lacking. Vermicomposting is therefore a promising, innovative technology for sewage sludge recycling. Sewage sludge and sewage sludge composts with pollutant contents greater than the limits laid down in Government Regulation 50/2001. (IV.3.) can be made suitable for agricultural use by vermicomposting.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of different animal dung in vermicompost production using Eudrilus eugeniae worm and spent mushroom substrate (SMS) as a vermicomposting medium. The experiment was carried out for 40 days in completely randomized design (CRD) on four replicates for each treatment. The treatments were T1 (6 SMS + 3 cow dung + 1 chopped banana trunk (CB)), T2 (6 SMS + 3 goat dung + 1 CB), T3 (6 SMS + 3 chicken dung + 1 CB) and T4-Control (6 SMS + 0 animal dung + 1 CB). Data on pH, EC, vermicompost biodegradability coefficient, worm population and reproductive rate were observed. Results showed that the pH of vermicompost after vermicomposting ranges from 7.34 to 6.82 and the EC value was decreased ranging from 32 to 88%. The vermicompost biodegradability coefficient was greater in T4 (0.82), followed by T1 (0.37), T2 (0.36) and T3 (0.13). The population of the worm was higher in T4 (178.75 worms) as compared to T2 (153.75 worms), T1 (153.25 worms) and T3 (10 worms). Results revealed that chicken dung is not a suitable medium to be used as part of a mixture in the vermicomposting medium since it has prevented the reproduction of E. eugeniae worms. Meanwhile, medium with or without cow dung can be used for vermicompost production since the growth rate and the number of the worm were greater in both mediums.

Distillery sludge contains good nutrition because it is agro-based industrial waste and it has been recommended as a potential soil conditioner. Simultaneously, they contain heavy metals also. Hence, they need proper treatment before their usage as a soil conditioner and plant nutrient. However, the metal reduction in sludge was directly related to the bioaccumulation of metals in the tissues of composting earthworms. The inoculated earthworms showed a considerable level of Cd, Zn, Fe, Mn and Cu in their tissues and metallothionein protein was increased in the final when compared to initial. Histology and bioaccumulation factors also confirmed that the DSV1 (distillery sludge vermicompost set 1) inoculated earthworm’s tissues were severely damaged than the DSV2 (distillery sludge vermicompost set 2) because of their concentration. Finally, we conclude that earthworms could be used effectively for removal of heavy metals from distillery industrial sludge.

Seaweed (T1), sugarcane trash (T2), coir pith (T3) and vegetable waste (T4) with cowdung (1:1, w/w) were vermicomposted using Eudrilus eugeniae (50 days). The pH in vermicomposts showed a decrease while electrical conductivity showed increment. The organic matter content, organic carbon, lignin, cellulose, C/N and C/P ratios in vermicompost was significantly lower than compost. Total NPK contents of vermicompost were significantly elevated (P 0.05) with 12.04-63.75%, 19.05-31.58% and 22.47-42.55%, respectively. The significantly higher growth rate of 1.41 and 7.74 mg/worm/day was observed in T1 on 10th and 50th day respectively, with 23.91 initial C/N ratio; while it was 0.85 and 4.81 mg/worm/day in T4 with 69.81 initial C/N ratio. A similar pattern was reflected in cocoon production, hatchling success and hatchling number/cocoon. Results revealed that vermicompost quality, worm growth, and reproduction depend on C/N ratio. The study suggests that amendment materials like cowdung are necessary to reduce C/N ratio for effective vermicomposting.

Spent mushroom substrate (SMS) is a recalcitrant lignocellulosic waste. Recycling of SMS through composting has been reported; however, the process is lengthy due to its complex biochemical composition. Although vermitechnology is known for its high efficiency, it has rarely been applied to recycle SMS. In this study, the qualitative value of vermicomposted SMS mediated by three earthworm species (i.e., Eisenia fetida, Eudrilus eugeniae, and Perionyx excavatus) was evaluated on the basis of nutrient availability, microbial activity, phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) profiles, and seed germination assays. Degradation profiles of the lignocellulosic substrate in the vermireactors were assessed by monitoring the changes in crystallinity and distribution of functional groups using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, respectively. Total organic carbon decreased by 1.4–3.5 folds with approximately 2.1–2.4 folds increase in nitrogen and phosphorus availability in all vermibeds. Interestingly, pH declined in the Eisenia and Eudrilus systems but increased in the Perionyx-vermibeds. XRD-derived crystallinity index was reduced significantly by 1.37 folds in Perionyx-vermicompost with concurrent microbial enrichment. Further, profuse abundance of vital functional groups (C O, NH, and OH) was clearly observed in the vermicompost with Perionyx followed by that with Eisenia. Moreover, PLFA illustrated significant variations in fatty acid distributions and microbial communities of the three vermicomposting systems. The seed germination assay showed that the germination index and relative root-shoot vigor of Perionyx-vermicompost treated seeds were 1.05–1.30 times greater than those of Eisenia and Eudrilus vermicompost treated ones. The results suggest that SMS degradability was affected by the growth of a healthy microbial community through vermicomposting.

Six aquatic weeds species namely Hydrilla verticilata (L.f.) Royle, Ceratophyllum demursum L., Nelumbo nucifera Gaerth., Ludwigia palustris L., Pistia stratioles L., and Eicchornia crassipis along with Eudrilus eugeniae (earthworm sp.) were selected for vermistabilization. Aquatic sediment, cow dung and microbes were taken in ratio 2:1:1 allowed up to 45 days for stabilization, the study claimed, newly developed vermicompost is a novel kind with a total NPK of 3.32%, 2.03%, 0.62% with enriched microbial flora. Pistia stratioles L. shown potential growth on plants.

As per the estimates of World Health Organization (WHO) about 80% of world's population depends on plant and plant products for their primary healthcare. Recently the demand for herbal drugs has increased many folds at the global level, as these herbal medicines do not have any side effects and its cost effectiveness. Huge quantities of solid waste is generated during the production of decoction using roots, stems, nuts, barks, seeds, flowers and fruits. This solid waste is recalcitrant in nature and the dried waste is very sharp and prickly in nature. Hence cannot be used as a fodder, like leguminous plants. At present, this solid waste is simply being disposed off on land. So it was envisaged to try vermicomposting of this solid waste using earthworm species of Eudrilus eugeniae, considering the high content of Volatile Solids of Total Solids to the tune of 81.78%, indicating its good degradable nature. Herbal solid waste depicted C/N ratio of 35.34 and the vermicompost had C/N ratio of 12.6. Volatile Solids reduction obtained is around 61.23% indicating good bioconversion of the waste. 18.6% moisture content further indicates good quality vermicompost production. Maturity of the compost was confirmed by microbial analysis and also by Scanning Electron Microscopy. Vermicompost prepared out of this herbal pharmaceutical solid waste depicted efficient porosity of 80.489% and water holding capacity of 87.5534%. Bulk density was around 0.9667 gm/cm3 indicating its suitability for agricultural activity.

Waste materials in recent years have been increasing day by day and it is a major threat to the environmental issue. To solve the problem in one way, the waste materials are utilized in a fruitful way by using Eudrilus eugeniae. The vegetable and flower waste were subjected to vermicompost separately and along with tartrazine treatment. In these treatments, the vermicompost materials were analysed the micro and macro nutrients to understand the impact of tartrazine on the bioconversion of waste into compost. The Nitrogen level was increased in the flower waste compost by 28.5% whereas it was decreased in the vegetable waste by 28.6%. Similarly, the decreasing trend of Phosphorus was observed in both the compost. Besides Nitrogen and Phosphorus, the Potassium showed significant increase in all the treatments. However, insignificant changes of Zinc, Manganese and Copper were observed in the compost of flower and vegetable waste. In the case of Ferrous, significant increase was observed. The physical properties such as the Electrical Conductivity (EC) and pH of the vermicompost showed almost equal to the control. On the Basis of observation, the nutrients of the compost of waste have been stabilized by the earthworm, E. eugeniae.

Vermitransformation of coir pith (CP) into enriched vermifertilizer has been achieved by amending a green-manure plant, Sesbania sesban (SS) for the first time, and cow dung (CD) in five different combinations: T1(1:0:1), T2(4:3:3), T3(5:3:2), T4(5:4:1) and T5(1:1:0). The substrates were 28 days precomposted with Pleurotus sajor-caju followed by 50 days vermicomposting with Eisenia fetida and Eudrilus eugeniae. Results showed a significant reduction in cellulose, lignin, organic carbon, C/N ratio, C/P ratio and an increase in plant nutrients compared to control. The fertilization index and efficiency of nutrient recovery rate were higher in SS and CD amended CP vermicompost, with a maximum in T2(4:3:3) for E. fetida and T3(5:3:2) for E. eugeniae. The activity of dehydrogenase, urease and cellulase, and phytotoxicity assays further revealed vermicompost stability. The study concludes that T2(4:3:3) and T3(5:3:2) combinations respectively for E. fetida and E. eugeniae is suitable for vermitransformation of CP into enriched vermicompost.

Biotransformation of monogastric (Elephas maximus) and ruminant (Bos taurus) excrements with Eudrilus eugeniae was assessed by establishing five different treatments in triplicate: 100% elephant dung (T1), 50% elephant dung + 50% garden soil (T2), 50% elephant dung + 50% cow dung (T3), 100% cow dung (T4) and 50% cow dung + 50% garden soil (T5) and maintained for 90 days under experimental conditions. An increment of macronutrients and reduction of C/N ratio (20) in the vermicomposts was recorded, where T3 presented higher NPK contents with the relative nutrient recovery efficiency of 1.65, 2.94 and 1.76, respectively. Cycle I (45 days) endorsed cocoons and juveniles, while Cycle II (90 days) supported sub-adults and adults. Seed germination and 28 days growth studies with Vigna unguiculata signified that the vermicomposts were phytotoxicity-free. The binary ratio in T3 (1:1) is suitable for the biotransformation of elephant dung into advantageous vermicompost with Eudrilus eugeniae.

The lignocellulosic wastes viz.; paddy straw, maize stover, leaf litter, vegetable waste, and temple waste flowers were subjected to vermicomposting by using Eudrilus eugeniae. The recovery of compost varied widely between 62% from leaf litter and 76% from temple waste flower. The C:N ratio in all cases was 15:1, the desired level. The C:P and C:S ratios were within the mineralizable range

The aim of this work was to study nutrient recovery and vermicompost production from livestock solid wastes of indigenous and exotic cow breeds with epigeic earthworms. Fourteen days pre-decomposed dung of Vechur native (CD1) and exotic Jersey (CD2) breeds were vermicomposted with Perionyx excavatus and Eudrilus eugeniae for 45 days (Cycle I) and 90 days (Cycle II) including respective controls without earthworms. Vermicomposts from CD1 and CD2 substrates during Cycle I and II showed increase in NPK, Ca and micro-nutrients (P 0.05); whereas, pH, total organic carbon, C/N and C/P ratios disclosed decrease (P 0.05) over initial levels for both the earthworms. E. eugeniae was found efficient in vermicomposting cattle solid wastes in 45 days and CD1 yielded nutrient rich vermicompost. The study concludes that Cycle I is suitable for nutrient recovery and vermicompost production, in addition to mass multiplication of earthworms in Cycle II.

It remains unknown if casts produced by earthworms exposed to a glyphosate-based herbicide (GBH) will retain their agricultural benefit. This study investigated the agricultural importance of surface casts produced by three earthworm species (Alma millsoni, Eudrilus eugeniae and Libyodrilus violaceus) exposed to a GBH on growth, fruit yield and quality of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum). We sprayed 60 buckets (i.e 20 buckets/earthworm species) containing 20 adult earthworms of each species with 115.49 ml/m2 of Roundup® Alphee (Exposed) while another 60 buckets with earthworm species were sprayed with water (Control). Surface casts produced by the earthworms were collected for 1st, 2nd, 4th, 6th and 8th week post herbicide application. Tomato planting experiment on soil treated with the casts, NPK fertilizer and normal soil were grouped into 32 treatments. Tomato growth performance, yield and quality were evaluated with standard methods. Only the tomatoes planted with the casts of the exposed earthworms were unable to set fruit. There was no significant difference (p

Vermicomposting of pressmud with cow dung and nitrogenous green manures (Gliricidia sepium and Leucaena leucocephala) was carried out using Eudrilus eugeniae (50 days). The reduction in pH, total organic carbon, C/N ratio, water-soluble organic carbon (Cws)/Norg and C/P ratios, and a pronounced increase in NPK contents and microbial population in vermicompost were observed. An enhanced TKN of 3.80% and 3.45% was recorded in vermicomposts of pressmud + cow dung + L. leucocephala (2:1:1) and pressmud + cow dung + G. sepium (2:1:1) respectively. The C/N and Cws/Norg ratios in vermicompost ranged from 11.86 to 16.66 and 0.53 to 1.33, respectively. The activity of dehydrogenase, urease, acid and alkaline phosphatase declined towards the end, indicating the progression of vermicompost maturity. The pressmud and green manure substrates promoted more biomass of E. eugeniae, while cow dung with green manure combination favored reproduction. The amendment of cow dung and green manure plants to pressmud (2:1:1 ratio) results in nutrient-enriched vermicompost production.

Vermicomposting is one of the popular methods or technologies used in reducing the biodegradable waste materials generated by processing it into compost. The most common utilized substrates for this type of technology are plant leaves and kitchen waste. Seaweeds were rarely used as carbon sources; hence, the present study compared the vermicast yield using macroalga Sargassum sp. as main substrate with that of kitchen waste using the standard method developed by Solid Waste Management Section of the Environmental Management Bureau, Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Region VI, Parola, Iloilo City, Philippines. The experiment employed two treatments with three replicates. Treatment one used ground Sargassum sp. obtained from Isla Nadulao, Guimaras, West Central Philippines, while treatment two utilized the kitchen waste derived from various households. Each replicate had the 2.25 kg substrate and 0.75 kg animal manure. Fifty (50) matured African Night Crawler earthworms (Eudrilus eugeniae) were put for each replicate and allowed to metabolize the substrates for 6 weeks (1½ months). The set-up was regularly monitored and properly maintained. Regular sprinkling of clean water was done in order to provide moisture for the organisms. After two months, vermicast was harvested from the two treatments using hand picking and pyramid of Egypt methods and weighed thereafter. The number of the worms in both treatments was also manually counted. Findings of the study revealed that Sargassum sp. and kitchen waste treatments yielded 135.5 and 129.4 g of vermicast, respectively. Using student’s independent t-test (p < 0.05), results indicated that there was no significant difference between the amount of the vermicast yielded using ground Sargassum sp. and kitchen waste as substrates. This indicates that Sargassum sp. is as good as kitchen waste once used as substrate for vermicast production. Furthermore, it was observed that there was greater number of worms in Sargassum sp. than in kitchen waste treatment. With these findings, Sargassum sp. is recommended to be used as substrate for vermicomposting especially this organism stayed unharnessed during the peak of its growth.

Vermicompost and compost of leaf litter of Eucalyptus was studied in plastic bins in duplicate sets with two different proportions (100 % and 50 %). For vermicompost experiments, epigeic earthworm species Eisenia foetida and Eudrilus eugeniae were employed at 10-10 numbers each per vermicompost bins. Cattle dung was taken as control. During the entire process physical factors viz. temperature, pH, moisture content and biomass were measured and compaired. The results were reveal that initial temperature was 35°C ± 2°C in both vermicompost and compost leaf litter and after several weeks, it was set at minimum level. In 50 % leaf litter temperature was 2-3°C higher than 100 % leaf litter. pH of both vermicompost and compost mixtures were acidic in beginning phase while set at alkaline at final stage. Vermicompost had lower pH than compost. Moisture content of leaf litter also decreased in initial phase due to generation of metabolic heat but at later phase it was increased due to decreasing of metabolic heat. More changed was seen in 100 % leaf litter followed by 50 % and then cattle dung. Biomass of leaf litter was more decreased in 100 % waste then 50 % and cattle dung.

Eudrilus eugeniae (Kinberg, 1867), an adaptable exemplar of an anatomically advanced earthworm having direct fertilisation, is reviewed ecologically. A tropical West African species originating in savannah soils, it thrives on organically rich substrates. It has a rapid life-cycle from cocoon to maturity in as little as 47 days. Presence of this worm raised experimental pasture yields up to 83.9 %. Copious pellet-like casts deposited onto the soil surface are sought by roots. Passage of organic material through its gut reduces microbial pathogens and the resulting vermicompost product has enhanced nutrients, and microbial and enzymatic properties. Preliminary pharmaceutical reports are of inhibition of ‘Golden staph’ Staphylococcus aureus and ‘Thrush’ Candida albicans, plus anti-tumour effects in cancer cell lines. Its handling characteristics make this worm highly suitable for vermiculture with ecological and economic provisioning of: (1) fishing bait or 'seed' cultures, (2) high-protein worm bi...

The study was to assess and compare the redistribution of nutrients content (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and Na) during the composting and vermicomposting processes of organic components of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) for a period of 10 weeks. Six experiments were set up in which three experiments were for the in-vessel composting (S1, S2 and S3) which acted as controls and the other three were for the vermibin vermicomposting (S4, S5 and S6) using Eudrilus eugeniae as earthworm specie. The organic fraction of MSW was evaluated for nutrient contents and the composts from the in-vessels systems expressed a significant increase in total N (except for S1), P, K, Ca, Mg and Na. Similarly from the vermibins, all vermicomposting processes demonstrated an increase in these nutrients. Vermicomposting processes demonstrated a higher increase in P (67.2–87.5%), K (24.9–45.8%), Mg (12.2–63.8%) and Na (30.2–40.5%) than composting processes which might be possibly owing to the bacterial and faecal activity of earthworm gut enzymes resulting in mobilization and mineralization of these nutrients. Data suggested that the feasibility of inoculated earthworms to enhance the nutrient profile in MSW compared to the simple composting process might contribute to differentiate between vermicomposts and composts in their effects on plant growth.

This study was undertaken to assess the experimental process monitoring during the vermicomposting of organic solid waste (OSW) utilizing Eudrilus eugeniae as earthworm species. Three mixes for the vermicomposting of OSW were set up separately in three 244 L vermibins and denoted as M1, M2 and M3. M1 represented the food waste mix; M2 represented the paper waste mix and M3 for the yard waste mix. An increase in wet bulk density with a maximum value of 424.0 ± 8.7 kg/m3, 573.3 ± 9.9 kg/m3 and 349.7 ± 6.4 kg/m3 was noted for M1, M2 and M3, respectively. The net degradation of the vermicompost pile in terms of volatile solids reduction was 80.58% for M1, 61.03% for M2 and 77.51% for M3. The value of C:N ratios depicted an overall decrease of 41.5–48.4% in the final mixtures. The growth rate of E. eugeniae in the vermicomposting mixes was 3.33 g day−1, 3.47 g day−1 and 1.67 g day−1 for M1, M2 and M3 respectively and the mean size of the cocoons produced was 4.26 mm × 2.82 mm. Results suggested vermicomposting as an appropriate technology for bioremediation of heavy metals from OSW. Data implied that there is a huge scope for the implementation of vermicomposting technology on a countrywide basis by the scientific community of Mauritius considering the quantities and properties of OSW generated.

Fertilisers are widely used in agriculture to increase the yield of crops production. One of conventional ways in producing fertilizer is by vermicomposting which is considered as ecofriendly fertilizer in agriculture application. But, in terms of storage and transportation, it is difficult for farmers to ready with appropriate facilities owing to its high moisture content. The drying process was introduced to overcome this problem by studying the effects of microbial populations before and after the drying process. Samples were taken from the Pertubuhan Peladang Kawasan (PPK) Mada Sungai Dalam. Commercial vermicompost was used as a control sample were bought and raw vermicompost at the plot were taken for testing of drying at different temperatures. The drying process was done using Memmert UM100 oven at temperatures of 75°C, 65°C and 55°C for 3 hours. From the study, the temperature at 75°C showed the lowest reading of total microbial populations which is 49 × 104 CFU/mL while temperature at 65°C and 55°C shows 110 × 104 CFU/mL and 126 × 104 CFU/mL respectively. It can be concluded that, the higher the temperature applied on the vermicompost, the lower microbial population it contained due to loss of moisture content in vermicompost. The results demonstrated that although vermicompost could be dried, it has significant effect in terms of dwindling numbers of total microbial population.

Tanneries produce enormous quantities of solid waste including animal fleshing (ANFL) which is a major solid waste generated during pre-tanning operations of leather processing and needs to be disposed of in a safe and environmentally sound way. The aim of this study was to evaluate how the combination of earthworms and microorganisms could enhance the biodegradation of fermented tannery waste mixed with cow dung and leaf litter over a period of 25 days. In our previous study we focused on enzyme activity in fermented waste degradation while this current study revealed the significant role of microbial diversity and population in the Eudrilus eugeniae gut and in vermicompost manure. The maximum microbial population in both studies was recorded on day 21 of the vermicomposting process. Results in this study showed that substantial changes were observed with solid state ferment (SSF) > submerged state ferment (SmF) > control mixtures ( p 3 ], kinetin) were detected in all treatment vermicompost products. The germination index showed that the vermicomposts from all treatments had no phytotoxic effect on carrot seed ( Daucus carota ). The overall results confirmed that the microorganisms role were dominant in the vermicomposting process and that it is possible to produce rich manure from fermented tannery waste mixtures.

Spectroscopic analysis has been carried out to examine the compost quality, maturity and nutritional levels of vermicompost and compost of Eichhornia. 50% Eichhorniacrassipes and 50% cow dung mixtures were vermicomposted using earthworms (Eudrilus eugeniae) and collected on different days' time intervals. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) spectra reveal the presence of humic substance from compost and vermicompost, which improves the soil fertility. Gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) analysis shows maximum level of Benzene propanoic acid (95.98%) and by 2-Propanone, 1-Phenyl-, OXIM (10.10%) from vermicompost through earthworms activity. Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) results reported high level of micronutrient from Eichhornia mediated compost and vermicompost.

Vermicomposting is a process to biotransform organic solid wastes into valuable product, namely vermicompost using epigeic earthworms. Vermicomposting technology may provide a low-input basis for sustainable management of organic solid waste. The present study was to investigate the suitability of oil palm empty fruit bunches to be reused as feedstocks of Eudrilus eugeniae for the duration of 12 weeks. Empty fruit bunches were mixed with cow dung in different ratios to produce five different treatments for laboratory screening of solid waste. The growths of E. eugeniae were monitored weekly. All treatments encouraged the growth of E. eugeniae except the treatment with empty fruit bunches alone. The maturity and quality of vermicompost were assessed through carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, calcium, phosphorus, potassium and magnesium. Generally, all treatments showed increases in total contents of calcium (39.38–373.17 %), phosphorus (15.15–390.54 %), potassium (45.55–153.66 %) and magnesium (55.86–370.93 %) but a decrease in carbon-to-nitrogen ratio (11.24–76.24 %) after 12 weeks of vermicomposting process. Besides, parameters such as pH and electrical conductivity were also investigated in this paper. Among all the treatments investigated, empty fruit bunches that were mixed with cow dung in the ratio of 2:1 were biotransformed into the most superior quality vermicompost (carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, 18.53; calcium, 7.76 g/kg; phosphorus, 3.63 g/kg; potassium, 12.81 g/kg; and magnesium, 4.05 g/kg). In conclusion, vermicomposting could be used as an efficient technology to convert empty fruit bunches into nutrient-rich organic fertilizers if the wastes were mixed with cow dung in an appropriate ratio.

In this laboratory-scale study, earthworms were introduced as biodegraders of palm oil mill effluent (POME), which is a wastewater produced from the wet process of palm oil milling. POME was absorbed into amendments (soil or rice straw) in different ratios as feedstocks for the earthworm, Eudrilus eugeniae. The presence of earthworms led to significant increases in pH, electrical conductivity, and nutrient content but decreases in the C/N ratio (0.687-75.8%), soluble chemical oxygen demand (19.7-87.9%), and volatile solids (0.687-52.7%). However, earthworm growth was reduced in all treatments by the end of the treatment process. Rice straw was a better amendment/absorbent relative to soil, with a higher nutrient content and greater reduction in soluble chemical oxygen demand with a lower C/N ratio in the vermicompost. Among all treatments investigated, the treatment with 1 part rice straw and 3 parts POME (w/v) (RS1:3) produced the best quality vermicompost with high nutritional status.

This research work deals with the production of vermicompost from empty fruit bunch (EFB) blended with cow dung using an epigeic earthworm known as Eudrilus Eugeniae. The vermicomposting mixture was carried out in a humid environment with moisture content between 70% to 80% and a pH of between 6 to 8. Natural zeolite, such as clinoptilolite and charcoal were mixed with vermicompost at different ratios and prior to being pelletized. The highest cation exchange capacity (CEC) was observed at 10% of zeolite (Z2) and 20% of charcoal (C4) mixtures. The proportion of 10% zeolite in the mixture resulted in the highest of Cu reduction by 44% and manganese by 60% and in addition the 15% charcoal caused the highest reduction of iron (Fe) by 32%. A significant decrease in carbon to nitrogen C/N ratio and an overall increase in total nitrogen, total available phosporous and total potassium were also discussed in this paper.

Pot culture experiments were done to process poultry waste mixed with bedding materials (Eichhornia crassipes and cow dung) in the ratio of 1:1:2, 1:2:1 and 2:1:1 using earthworm Eudrilus eugeniae. Totally there were three treatments (T 1 , T 2 and T 3 ) with three replicates for each. The raw poultry waste, predigested poultry waste and vermicompost were separately subjected to chemical nutrients composition analysis. The vermicompost had increased levels of total N, P, K and Ca when compared to raw poultry waste and pre-digested poultry waste. The results of the present study suggest that the vermicomposted poultry waste with Eichhornia crassipes and cow dung at 2:1:1 proportion can very well be used as organic manure. Keywords: Earthworm, Poultry waste, Eichhornia crassipes , Vermicompost, Biomass. I. Introduction Poultry litter is usually applied as a fertilizer. Excessive land application of poultry litter can lead to surface water runoff of plant nutrients, which in turn can cause eutrophication of water reservoirs. Transportation of poultry litter out of the affected areas may decrease the negative environmental effects related to its land application; however, high transportation costs require adding value to poultry litter. Vermicomposting can potentially add value to poultry litter. Vermicomposting involves consumption and stabilization of organic matter by earthworms. Vermicomposting of poultry litter can not only produce value added fertilizer but it can also produce worms which could be sold as fish bait and a protein source. Although several studies have been conducted on vermicomposting, limited available data presents numerous challenges while vermicomposting poultry litter. High ammoniacal-nitrogen concentration, auto heating, and high bulk density are some of the major concerns that need to be addressed while vermicomposting poultry litter. Eichhornia is the free floating invasive aquatic macrophytes that are known to cause severe damage to the aquatic habitat. Literature revealed that the noxious weeds like Eichhornia are resisted to the all physical, chemical, biological as well as hybrid methods that have been applied to eradicate it [1]. Eichhornia is commonly found in India and it is a problematic weed in a number of districts. It has choked hundred of water bodies in India. Ecologically devastating properties of Eichhornia can be profitably used as compost after as conversion by vermicompost [2]. The vermicomposting process is a result of the combined action of the earthworms and microflora living in earthworm intestines and in the growth medium. Vermicompost improve the soil structure, increasing the water holding capacity and porosity which facilitate the root respiration and growth [3, 4].

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy have been carried out to investigate the chemical composition of Parthenium mediated vermicompost. Four different concentrations of Parthenium and cow dung mixtures were vermicomposted using the earthworms (Eudrilus eugeniae). FT-IR spectra reveal the absence of Parthenin toxin (sesquiterpene lactone) and phenols in vermicompost which was obtained from high concentration of cow dung mixed treatments. GC-MS analysis shows no phenolic compounds and predominant level of intermediate metabolites such as 4,8,12,16-Tetramethylheptadecan-4-olide (7.61%), 2-Pentadecanone, 6,10,14-trimethyl- (5.29%) and Methyl 16-methyl-heptadecanoate (4.69%) during the vermicomposting process. Spectral results indicated that Parthenin toxin and phenols can be eradicated via vermicomposting if mixed with appropriate quantity of cow dung.

The present work has assessed sustainable vermiconversion of aquatic weed water hyacinth (Eichornia crassipes). The garden soil, water hyacinth and cow dung were taken in the following the combinations of 1: 2 : 1, 2: 1: 1 and 1 : 1: 2. Two species of earthworms Eudrilus eugeniae and Eisenia fetida was used for the experiment. The total nitrogen (0.18% in control and 1.68% in earthworm treated) and phosphate (0.63 % in control and 1.64 % in earthworm treated) levels were increased and toxic heavy metals zinc (7.66 ppm in control and 2.58 ppm in earthworm treated) and copper (6.68 ppm in control and 1.15 ppm in earthworm treated) were significantly decreased. The earthworm enriches the compost with various nutrients for plant and microbial growth. Plant growth studies were conducted in all the combination of water hyacinth, maximum growth of root length (8.9cm and 7.2 in control) and shoot length (21.6cm and 16.2 in control) observed compare to control. Gut microbial analysis revealed that Bacillus cereus, Micrococcus luteus were predominantly present in the earthworm. The study recommended that the aquatic weed compost was suitable of agricultural usage.

Earthworms have been successfully used in the vermicomposting of different organic residues to produce vermicompost. Therefore, three different earthworm species Eisenia fetida, Eudrilus eugeniae, Perionyx excavates were utilized for the conversion of dewatered sludge (DS) of pulp and paper mill into stable compost. DS was mixed with saw dust (SD) in four different proportions such as (50:50, 60:40, 70:30 and 80:20). Stability analysis of compost was study by stability parameters i.e. C/N ratio, oxygen uptake rate, CO2 evolution and biodegradable organic matter. Compost stability studies revealed that the final compost became stable in all proportions with every earthworm species. However the substrate combination of DS and SD (70:30) proved to be the best mixture on an overall basis with earthworm species E. fetida.

 Abstract—Tomato residue and yard waste were used as substrate for vermicompost production. These two organic wastes were suitable for feeding Eudrilus eugeniae. E. eugeniae was cultivated under four feeding conditions; control (no organic waste added), adding tomato residue, adding grass waste and adding tomato and grass. Vermicomposts from all conditions provided major nutrients (N, P, K) higher than the standard of organic fertilizer. All vermicomposts were applied to Chinese cabbage and zinnia. The results showed that all formula of vermicomposts supported crop plants as good as chemical fertilizer. Vermicomposts may benefits both economical and environmental purposes. Index Terms—waste reduction, tomato residue, yard waste, Vermicompost.

The palm oil industry generates empty fruit bunch (EFB) in large quantities, which need to be optimally exploited to obtain maximum benefits from their uses. Vermicomposting of EFB with neem leaves is of great interest, as the end product might function as biofertiliser as well as biopesticide. Therefore, vermicomposting of different ratios of EFB and neem leaves using Eudrilus eugeniae as a composting agent was conducted. The results showed that the vermicompost produced was lower in pH, total organic carbon and the C/N ratio, but higher in humic acid content compared to the earthworm free control. The addition of neem leaves as a mixture of EFB-based vermicompost contributed to the enrichment in some important plant nutrients, such as total and available N, P, K and Ca. Results suggested that the addition of 10% neem leaves would enhance the earthworm biomass as well as nutrient contents, protease and phosphatase activity in vermicompost. Key words: Vermicomposting, empty fruit bunch, neem leaf, chemical properties, enzyme activity.

Summary: Coffee pulp is the main solid residue from the wet processing of coffee berries. Recent stringent measures by Pollution Control authorities, made it mandatory to treat all the solid and liquid waste emanating from the coffee farms. A study was conducted to evaluate the efficiency of an exotic (Eudrilus eugeniae) and a native earthworm (Perionyx ceylanesis) from coffee farm for decomposition of coffee pulp into valuable vermicompost. Exotic earthworms were found to degrade the coffee pulp faster (112 days) as compared to the native worms (165 days) and the vermicomposting efficiency (77.9%) and vermicompost yield (389 kg) were found to significantly higher with native worms. The multiplication rate of earthworms (280%) and worm yield (3.78 kg) recorded significantly higher with the exotic earthworms. The percentage of nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, calcium and magnesium in vermicompost was found to increase while C:N ratio, pH and total organic carbon declined as a function of the vermicomposting. Vermicompost and vermicasts from native earthworms recorded significantly higher functional microbial group's population as compared to the exotic worms. The study reveals that coffee pulp can be very well used as substrate for vermicomposting using exotic (Eudrilus eugeniae) and native earthworm (Perionyx ceylanesis).