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Vermistabilization of seaweeds using an indigenous earthworm species, Perionyx excavatus (Perrier).

Authors :
Ananthavalli, Ramachandran
Ramadas, Venkatasamy
John Paul, James Arockia
Karunai Selvi, Balan
Karmegam, Natchimuthu
Source :
Ecological Engineering. May2019, Vol. 130, p23-31. 9p.
Publication Year :
2019

Abstract

• Seaweeds in combination with cowdung (1:1) were subjected to vermicomposting for 60 days. • Earthworms significantly increased the EC and nutrients-NPK and reduced total organic carbon and C/N. • Vermicomposting by Perionyx excavatus increased the total microbial population. • Growth and reproduction of the earthworms shows the acceptability of seaweed substrates. The seaweeds, Gracilaria edulis, Turbinaria ornata and Ulva reticulata collected from Mandapam East Coast region of Tamil Nadu, India has been subjected to vermicomposting in combination with cowdung (CD) in 1:1 combination for 60 days under laboratory conditions. The percentage decomposition was ranged between 83.70 and 87.00 in the vermicompost of seaweed + CD combinations while it was 30.71 and 35.12% in worm-unworked compost where the decomposition rate of substrates with earthworms is significantly (P < 0.05) higher than the substrates without earthworms after 60 days. The physico-chemical characteristics of the vermicompost showed increased levels of electrical conductivity, NPK, while organic carbon, C:N ratio and organic matter content showed reduction in all seaweed + CD substrates. A higher amount of NPK of 1.38, 0.69 and 2.41% respectively in the vermicompost of Turbinaria ornata + CD was recorded with the respective percentage increase of 50.00, 68.29, and 34.64 over compost, and the values were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than in the initial substrate as well as the worm-unworked compost of Turbinaria ornata + CD. The activity of earthworms during vermicomposting of seaweed substrates significantly increased the total microbial population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
09258574
Volume :
130
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
Ecological Engineering
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
136177310
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoleng.2019.02.001