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The present developed a bioprocess to produce nano-biofertilizers from agro-industrial residues by augmentation of microbial agents and vermitechnology. The agroresidues like coir peat, neem cake, pongamia cake, castor cake and polyculture of microorganisms having psuedomonas florescence, microbacterium laevoniformins and pseudomonas putida are added to initiate the degradation of complex biomolecules in the plant biomass into nanosized nutrients line nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P) and potassium (K). The stabilization of produced nano-nutrients are achieved by subjecting to vermitechnology to produce vermicompost aggregates through the associated gut enzymes. The nano-dimension of nutrients are conformed through UV spectrophotometer resulted in higher obsorption compared to control vermicompost. The nano-dimension of nano-nutrients were confirmed by subjecting to dynamic light scattering (DLS) techniques which ranged between 25-50nm. The safety and growth efficiency of nano-fertilizer has been assessed using bioassays like seed germination test on raddish vegetable crop which yielded 100 per cent over vermicompost 90 per cent germination efficiency. The growth indices in the potculutre studies reveals 100 per cent over control vermicompost applied plants showing 90 per cent. This gives scientific support to application of nano-biofertilizer to enhance the growth and yield of the crop and also standardized the process to produce nanobiofertilizers using augmented method of microbial polyculture and vermitechnology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

' The aim of this study was to clean up toxic element polluted soil in Madaka, Niger State, Nigeria. Standard techniques were used to determine the soil physicochemical properties. To aid the plants (Melissa officinalis L and Sida acuta) during the remediation process, standard methods were used to make chicken dropping vermicompost and goat manure vermicompost. M. officinalis L mopped up toxic elements in the first location (Angwan Kawo), with concentrations of cadmium, arsenic, and lead ranging from 0.007 to 0.33 mg/kg, 0.09 to 4.39 mg/kg, and 0.07 to 10.35 mg/kg, respectively, while toxic elements, cadmium, arsenic, and lead in S. acuta, ranged from 0.002 to 0.43 mg/kg, 0.27 to 3.79 mg/ kg, and 1.68 to 10.7 mg/kg, respectively. The two plants mopped up toxic elements at different rates in the second location of the polluted soil (Angwan Magiro). Cadmium, arsenic, and lead concentrations in M. officinalis L ranged from 0.03 to 0.41 mg/kg, 0.65 to 4.65 mg/kg, and 1.93 to 11.49 mg/kg, respectively, while toxic element concentrations in S. acuta ranged from 0.06 to 0.66 mg/kg, 0.68 to 4.64 mg/kg, and 1.53 to 11.53 mg/kg, respectively. Melissa officinalis L and Sida acuta were found to be the most suitable plants for phytoextraction of toxic element-contaminated sites because their bioconcentration factor, translocation factor, and biological accumulation coefficient were all greater than one (> 1), and both plants had bioconcentration and translocation factor < 1; they were also classified as phytostabilizers. As a result, the plants could be used to clean up Madaka soil polluted with toxic element. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The processing of steel waste slag from the black metallurgical sector seriously threatened the ecology. To counter these dangers, appropriate detoxification methods were required. Vermitechnology was one such strategy that could successfully convert this industrial waste into nutrient-rich products suitable for use in agriculture. This research primarily focuses on employing vermitechnology for the transformation of waste steel slag into vermicompost and to determine changes in microbial composition, nutrient cycling, and metal detoxification facilitated by earthworms (Eisenia fetida). Earthworm populations in steel waste vermibeds (sw-vermibeds) increased by 2.87–3.07 folds. T1(SW + CD-1:1) comparatively showed increased levels of nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Microbial and enzymatic parameters were more pronounced in treatment T1. The findings of phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) diversity demonstrate microbial diversity and fatty acid composition. Based on PLFA Sobol Sensitivity Analysis (SSA), PUFA and cyclo were the most sensitive inputs to the presence of heavy metal (HMs) concentrations in SW. In accordance with Taylor-based modelling, R-tree, and Mars were the most trusted regression models for predicting HMs toxicity on microbes. The bioavailable metal fractions of HMs (Fe, Ni, Cd, Cu, Pb, and Cr) decreased by 61–83%. The correlation was performed for 0 and 90 days for metal microbial interactions r (0 days), [BSR vs Fe, Cd, Cu, Ni = −0.99, −0.82, −0.43, −0.99] and r (90 days), [FDA vs Fe, Cu, Ni = −0.97, −0.47, −0.95]. Overall, the results indicated that T1(1:1 SW + CD) provided more favorable conditions for the development of microbes and Eisenia fetida. This research presents a new perspective to the world community on the transformation of harmful steel waste slag into advantageous biological resources by introducing a novel method of employing Eisenia fetida to remediate hazardous steel waste slag. • Hazardous steel waste slag (SW) was effectively remediated by Eisenia fetida. • Eisenia fetida effectively reduced toxicity by bioaccumulating HMs in their gut. • Under HMs stress in vermibeds, PUFA and Cyclo were the most sensitive PLFA factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Purpose In a novel attempt, vermicompost derived from an intransigent and noxious weed salvinia was assessed for its fertilizer value and pest repellent properties. Methods In outdoor experiments which simulated the way vegetables are cultivated by farmers, ladies finger (Abelmoschus esculentus) seeds were germinated and grown in soil supplemented with salvinia vermicompost at four levels: 0 (V0), 2.5 (V1), 3.75 (V2) and 5 (V3) t/ha. Besides assessing germination success and subsequent growth, yield, and biochemical content of the plants, the impact of pest attacks on them was also studied. Results Salvinia vermicompost significantly enhanced germination success, growth, and yield of the plants. Maximum growth in terms of shoot length (96.2 cm), root length (48.2 cm), shoot and root dry weight (23.31, 7.96 g), stem diameter (14.04 mm), and number of leaves and branches (26.8, 4.8) was recorded in V4 (5t/ha). Likewise, the mineral and biochemical content in vermicompost-treated plants was significantly higher than in the controls. The vermicompost also induced resistance in plants against pests and disease. Compared to the controls, vermicompost had reduced the fruit borer infection by 65, 78 and 82% in V1, V2 and V3, respectively. Conclusion The toxicity of salvinia is largely eliminated when it is vermicomposted, and the product acquires the qualities of a good organic fertilizer. The present work can potentially lead to the development of an inexpensive, sustainable and eco-friendly method of utilizing billions of tons of phytomass that is generated annually by salvinia, and which presently goes to waste.

Detoxification of silk processing effluents and sludge (SPES) through composting approaches is a new idea. This study examined the biodegradation potential of two epigeic earthworms ( Eisenia fetida and Eudrilus eugeniae ) in different SPES and cow dung (CD) mixtures in comparison with composting. N, P, S, Fe and Mn availability significantly increased upon vermicomposting compared to aerobic composting. The alkaline pH of the feedstocks satisfactorily neutralized under vermicomposting. The Ca-K availability and cation exchange dynamics readily stabilized due to vermicomposting. Interestingly, Eisenia fetida exhibited greater adaptability towards the toxic SPES materials than Eudrilus eugeniae , which was accompanied by 60–70% reduction of Cd, Cr, Zn and Pb levels in Eisenia system, whereas metal accumulation ability of Eudrilus eugeniae was remarkable. Moreover, both the species equally contributed in augmentation of beneficial (N-fixing and P-solubilizing) microorganisms in the feedstocks. Overall, nutrient enrichment and sanitizing potency of vermitechnology was explicitly manifested in SPES + CD (1:1) combination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Concentrations of heavy metals were significantly reduced in paper mill sludge by earthworm. • Heavy metals were accumulated by earthworm internal body. • High concentration of paper mill sludge showed the highest incidence of damaged tissues in earthworms. • Vermistabilization is a low-cost eco-friendly technology to combat land pollution. Abstract The present study demonstrates the vermistabilization of paper mill wastewater sludge (PMS) spiked with cow dung (CD) employing indigenous epigeic earthworm Perionyx excavatus Perrier. A total of six treatments were prepared along with a positive control (PC) and negative control (NC). Twenty earthworms were released into each treatment including PC and NC without earthworms. The different proportions viz., T1 (CD – 100%), T2 (PMS:CD – 1:3), T3 (PMS:CD – 1:2), T4 (PMS:CD – 1:1), T5 (PMS:CD – 3:1), T6 (PMS:CD – 2:1), PC (PMS – 100%) and NC (PMS – 100%) and changes in chemical parameters and microbial properties were recorded during the course of 60 days. Vermistabilization caused a significant decrease in the level of heavy metals: Cd (2.9–27.8%), Cu (0.22–42.3%), Pb (1.3–56.3%) and Cr (0.8–46.2%). The bioconcentration factor (BCFs) was also calculated and great amount of heavy metals accumulated in their body (mg kg−1) that ranged from 0.31 ± 0.003–0.45 ± 0.007 for Cd, 0.12 ± 0.005–0.24 ± 0.003 for Cu, 0.15 ± 0.005–0.31 ± 0.006 for Pb and 0.29 ± 0.007–0.56 ± 0.001 mg kg−1 for Cr, accumulation of heavy metals are in the order: Cr > Cd > Pb > Cu. The physicochemical parameters of earthworm treated substrate such as electrical conductivity, total nitrogen, total phosphorus and total potassium were significantly increased; whereas, pH, total organic carbon, C:N ratio (carbon: nitrogen) and C:P ratio (carbon: phosphorus) were reduced after 60 days of vermistabilization. The vermistabilized materials also had a higher population of bacteria (98.90 ± 0.30 CFU × 106 g−1), fungi (43.75 ± 0.55 CFU × 103 g−1) and actinomycetes (67.65 ± 0.45 CFU × 105 g−1) than initial mixtures. Moreover, several histopathological changes were observed in earthworm tissues viz., disintegration of cells, irregular surface of epidermis, cellular debris, irregular cellular compartmentation, and oval-shaped nucleus. Higher level of histopathological abnormalities was recorded in PC (PMS-100%) while none were detected in lower concentrations of PMS. Furthermore, the study concludes that the paper mill sludge in a mixture of cow dung (1:1 ratio) can be a useful proposition for utilizing this hazardous waste through the adoption of vermitechnology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents opportunities for management of sewage sludge from wastewater treatment plants and organic waste through application of the bio-installation "beVermi", registered at the Patent Office of the Republic of Bulgaria. The bio-installation utilizes and transforms sludge into an ecologically clean product through an efficient, environmentally friendly and natural process with a high absorption capacity of organic waste. "BeVermi" in wastewater treatment plants is an environmentally friendly model with a fully natural cycle of water purification, without chemical contractors and expensive mechanized steps, machines and equipment, without segregation of sludge and other polluting waste, with a lower cost in comparison to a traditional sewage treatment plant. The technology is also applicable to the management of organic waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In a novel attempt, vermicompost derived from an intransigent and noxious weed salvinia was assessed for its fertilizer value and pest repellent properties. Methods: In outdoor experiments which simulated the way vegetables are cultivated by farmers, ladies finger ( Abelmoschus esculentus) seeds were germinated and grown in soil supplemented with salvinia vermicompost at four levels: 0 (V), 2.5 (V), 3.75 (V) and 5 (V) t/ha. Besides assessing germination success and subsequent growth, yield, and biochemical content of the plants, the impact of pest attacks on them was also studied. Results: Salvinia vermicompost significantly enhanced germination success, growth, and yield of the plants. Maximum growth in terms of shoot length (96.2 cm), root length (48.2 cm), shoot and root dry weight (23.31, 7.96 g), stem diameter (14.04 mm), and number of leaves and branches (26.8, 4.8) was recorded in V (5t/ha). Likewise, the mineral and biochemical content in vermicompost-treated plants was significantly higher than in the controls. The vermicompost also induced resistance in plants against pests and disease. Compared to the controls, vermicompost had reduced the fruit borer infection by 65, 78 and 82% in V, V and V, respectively. Conclusion: The toxicity of salvinia is largely eliminated when it is vermicomposted, and the product acquires the qualities of a good organic fertilizer. The present work can potentially lead to the development of an inexpensive, sustainable and eco-friendly method of utilizing billions of tons of phytomass that is generated annually by salvinia, and which presently goes to waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This Article deals with the utilization of agricultural waste such as cattle manure, swine manure, chicken manure and their mixtures. It is promising a simultaneous running of biogas processes and vermitechnology. A special biogas-vermitechnological shoulder was constructed. A special organic catalyst, which contained glucose and cellulose, was used in the biogas process, as a source of biogas bacteria and to alter C/ N ratio of the fermented substrate, to C/ N = 30/1. Swine manure shows a higher biogas yield and methane-in-biogas content than others. It is effective to mix different manures to increase biogas yield. Earthworms Eisenia Foetida were used in the vermitechnological stage. Using only cattle manure and in mixtures with leaves (4:1 wt) was processed to make vermicompost. The obtained biohumus was studied with a microscope. It was found to have a more homogenous and structured porosity surface. It was observed that the organic content increased in vermicompost. The ratio of humic and fulvic acids can be varied using rotted leaves as fillers. Atomic Absorption Spectrometry was used to determine the content of metals. It was observed that metals from manure (Sb, Rb, Sr) were accumulated in earthworms, therefore biohumus was purified from pollutants. The released heat from the biogas stage was used for the vermitechnology stage heating. Using the biogas heat, it is possible to conduct the vermiprocess, even in cold seasons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salinity is a major factor limiting irrigated agriculture in arid regions. Vermi amendments can be used for improving the fertility of salt-affected soils. Current study was aimed to find out the response of different earthworm species to soil salinity and to check the effects of salinity and different vermi amendments on growth ofSorghum bicolorunder salt stress. Eight earthworm species were subjected to different salinity levels for 4 weeks. Various vermi amendments and salinity treatments were provided in a factorial combination toS. bicolorplants to see their effect on growth and biomass parameters.L. mauritii, E. incommodusandP. posthumawere found to be the most salt-tolerant species showing good survival and growth till soil ECevalue of 10.48 mS cm−1. Results showed that salinity significantly decreased plant growth that was enhanced by the application of different vermi amendments. Maximum growth ofS. bicolorwas recorded when vermicompost and vermiwash were used together under both saline and non-saline conditions. The results showed that the application of vermi amendments improved nutritional balance of the soil, delayed salt-induced damage to the plants and supported their growth so can be helpful in increasing crop production on saline soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although various alternative energy sources have been introduced from time to time, the dependence on coal has not yet been altered significantly. Large quantities of coal ash (CA) are produced due to the combustion of pulverized coal in power plants and other industrial units. Some CAs have relatively high content of essential nutrients and water retention capacity (due to high porosity) which should add their potential for agricultural and several engineering applications. However, as hazardous components (like heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and polychlorinated biphenyls) are preferentially entrapped in the finer proportion, a number of judicious solutions such as vermitechnology have been proposed to resolve those problems. Earthworms are demonstrated to be potent enough to treat various solid wastes. This review emphasized various aspects of hazardous contamination and beneficial role of vermitechnology for sustainable utilization of CA. Furthermore, we reviewed earthworm biology to signify its response toward soil contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Performance evaluation of vermireactors (Trials T 1 , T 2 , T 3 ) for co-treatment of organic fractions of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) and sewage was conducted on three different earthworm species such as Eisenia fetida , Perionyx excavatus , and Perionyx sansibaricus . The results were compared with control reactor (T 4 ) (without earthworms) for 120 days. Sewage was applied at hydraulic loading rate of 1 m 3 /m 2 /day, and earthworm biomass of 500 mg per 2 kg of organic waste was used for the treatment purpose. A significant gain in earthworm biomass was noted, and maximum growth was observed in T 1 followed by T 2 than T 3 . The treatment process due to earthworms causes removal of total organic carbon (65–75%), COD tot (85–86%), BOD 5 (84–87%), ammonia nitrogen (45–59%), and coliforms (99.9%), but increase in nitrate nitrogen (172.5–186.7%) and total phosphorous (161–201%) subsequently in treated effluent and nutrient enhancement in solid waste samples was observed. Scanning electron micrographs revealed the final products (vermicompost) exhibited a distinct physical appearance than initial solid waste samples characterized by predominantly spherical cell-like structure and significantly lower number of filamentous bacteria. Moreover, it can be concluded that these three earthworm species are suitable for onsite co-treatment of OFMSW and municipal sewage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vermicomposting of vegetable waste (VW) spiked with multiple sources of agro-industrial waste was conducted in microcosms for 18 days of pre-composting and a subsequent 70 days (10 weeks) of vermicomposting by utilizing epigeic Lumbricus rubellus. Nutrient element and heavy metal content in vermicompost produced were evaluated by comparing with different agro-industrial waste as amended materials. Earthworm multiplication and growth showed the highest increment in 100% of spent mushroom compost (SMC) (+323.72% for biomass and +38.10% for number). Significant differences (P<0.05) between earthworm biomass and number was identified in treatment of 100% cow dung (CD), cow dung:vegetable waste I (CD:VW I), 100% of spent mushroom compost (SMC), and spent mushroom compost:vegetable waste I (SMC:VW I). The highest nutrient element i.e. N, P, and K content in vermicompost was paddy straw:vegetable waste II (PS:VW II) 1.37±0.040, 0.37±0.057, and 1.29±0.050 respectively and the lowest C:N ratio in cow dung:vegetable waste I (CD:VW I) (19.62±0.11), which indicates an advanced degree of compost maturity. Heavy metal, i.e. Cd, Cr, Pb, Cu, and Zn content in vermicompost from all vermibeds were lower compared to the compost limits set by the USA, European countries, and the Malaysian Recommended Site Screening Levels for Contaminated Land (SSLs). Thus, L. rubellus is feasible in bioconverting VW spiked with agroindustrial waste into vermicompost, and the product possesses agronomic potential as well as environmentally sounding in contrast to synthesized chemical fertilizer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Experiments were conducted to remove heavy metals (Cr, Cd, Pb, Cu and Zn) from urban sewage sludge (SS) amended with spent mushroom compost (SMC) using worms, Lumbricus rubellus, for 105 days, after 21 days of pre-composting. Five combinations of SS/SMC treatments were prepared in triplicate along with a control for each treatment in microcosms. Analysis of the earthworms'' multiplication and growth and laboratory analysis were conducted during the tenth and fifteenth week of vermicomposting. Our result showed that the final biomass of earthworms (mg) and final number of earthworms showed significant differences between treatments i.e. F=554.70, P=0.00 and F=729.10, P=0.00 respectively. The heavy metals Cr, Cd and Pb contained in vermicompost were lower than initial concentrations, with 90–98.7percent removal on week ten. However, concentrations of Cu and Zn, that are considered as micronutrients, were higher than initial concentrations, but they were 10–200-fold lower than the EU and USA biosolid compost limits and Malaysian Recommended Site Screening Levels for Contaminated Land (SSLs). An increment of heavy metals were recorded in vermicompost for all treatments on week fifteen compared to week ten, while concentration of heavy metals in earthworms'' tissue were lower compared to vermicompost. Hence, it is suggested that earthworms begin to discharge heavy metals into their surroundings and it was evident that the earthworms'' heavy metals excretion period was within the interval of ten to fifteen weeks. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Vermicomposting has been arising as an innovative ecotechnology for the conversion of various types of wastes into vermicompost. Vermicompost is humus like, finely granulated and stabilized material which can be used as a soil conditioner to reintegrate the organic matter to the agricultural soils. Industrial wastes remain largely unutilized and often cause environmental problems like ground and surface water pollution, foul odours, occupying vast land areas etc. Non-toxic and organic industrial wastes could be potential raw material for vermitechnology. In the last two decades, vermitechnology has been applied for the management of industrial wastes and sludges and to convert them into vermicompost for land restoration practices. The success of the process depends upon several process parameters like quality of raw material, pH, temperature, moisture, aeration etc., type of vermicomposting system and earthworm species used. The review discusses the vermitechnology and the present state of research in the vermicomposting industrial sludges and wastes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a review of the existing knowledge on the application of earthworms, both native and exotic species for waste land reclamation, increasing plant productivity with reference to tea production in Indian sites, plant growth and productivity in Indian and world sites and application of vermicompost for increased plant growth in some Indian sites. The paper identifies Indian species of earthworms to be employed in vermitechnology. Based on the existing knowledge, the areas of future research and funding on vermitechnology have been identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodiversity is one of the most important areas of environmental research, management and concerns. Our understanding about belowground biodiversity and its functions is not as strong as that on aboveground bioctiversity. This paper presents a review of the existing knowledge on soil fauna, with particular reference to (i) community structure, biomass and population turnover in different land uses; (ii) bioturbation activity; (iii) soil fauna - soil micro-flora interaction; (iv) role of soil fauna in land reclamation; and (v) vermitechnology. Based on the existing knowledge, the areas of future research for conservation and management of below ground biodiversity have been identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Recycling of leather industrial sludge through vermitechnology is reviewed. • Chemical characteristics of these leather industrial sludge poses serious threat to the environment. • Vermitechnology offers effective mitigation strategies for waste reduction and cleaner environment. • Proper implementation of vermitechnology is needed for sustainable crop production. In the last few decades, an enormous number of industrial sectors have been developed particularly, leather industries. The leather industries consume a large quantity of freshwater and various chemical substances during the leather making process and eject different solid waste materials, hides, buffing dust materials, and wastewater sludge. Besides, leather industrial wastes contain a significant amount of hazardous substances like heavy metals (e.g. cadmium, chromium, lead, nickel, and cobalt), aluminum sulfate, and magnesium oxide. Insecure disposal of wastewater sludge creates serious environmental problems in soil and groundwater. This situation warrants the easiest way to rationalize such conflicts through urgent environment-friendly disposal technologies. The main objective of the present review is to highlight the remediation of leather industry wastewater sludge through eco-friendly vermiremediation employing earthworms. Additionally, earthworms and microorganisms can eliminate toxic chemical substances. The present review also addresses earthworm species employed in a polluted environment, factors (i.e., pH, humidity, and temperature) and amendment materials essential for the stimulation of earthworm activity. In the hope of moving past this state, the earthworms are used for in-situ and ex-situ remediation of leather waste materials. The present review points to the real significances of vermi-treated leather wastes as plant growth-promoting medium that is useful in the field of sustainable agriculture. Furthermore, the fastidiously gathered evidence proves that vermi-treatment would be a potential alternative strategy to our surroundings with improved agroecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The safe disposal of organic solid waste (OSW) has been regarded as utmost concern in this period of green economy and the concept of producing high quality fertilizers with an enriched nutrient content is at present identified prospectively in many countries. When OSW are improperly disposed, considerable amounts of nutrients which are locked in the OSW are reduced or lost. These valuable nutrients which are lost might be recuperated through suitable biochemical technologies and employed as nutrient-rich fertilizers in agricultural fields for maintaining soil fertility. This work aimed to review macro-nutrients (N, P, K) and micro-nutrients (Ca, Mg, Na, Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn, B, Mo, S) recycling during biochemical conversion technologies e.g. composting and vermicomposting of OSW for the production of fertilizer. This work also elucidates the possible ways of enriching the nutrient content in vermicompost, the effects of possible mechanisms on earthworms linking to nutrients enrichment and the quality assessment of composts and vermicomposts in terms of nutrient content. Generally, it would appear that vermicomposts can have "added-value" characteristics since vermicomposting of OSW could efficiently amplify the nutrients content and vermicomposts could be inferred as a superior organic fertilizer with high nutritional content of agronomic importance in contrast to composts. The high nutrient content in vermicompost could be explicated by earthworm gut-borne microorganisms which mixed with organic matter (OM) during their passage in the intestine and those microorganisms consecutively have a vital role in the biochemical alterations of nutritive elements. This review recommends the importance of obtaining a comprehensive insight on the earthworm activity entailed in vermitechnology, especially the mechanisms they accomplish for the nutrients enrichment. Conclusively, the need for further scientific research aimed at outlining Mg and Na metabolisms by earthworm mechanism and also other trace elements (Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn, B, Mo, S) in vermicomposting processes is greatly recommended which will thus provide a meaningful direction for future study. • Inoculation of nutrient-rich materials to composts represents a promising strategy. • Vermicompost is inferred as a fertilizer with high nutritional content than compost. • High nutrients in vermicompost is due to enhanced microflora in gut of earthworms. • Earthworm gut-borne microbes alter the biochemical changes of nutritive elements. • Research at outlining Mg and Na metabolisms by earthworms is demanded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]