Optimization of cow dung spiked pre-consumer processing vegetable waste for vermicomposting using Eisenia fetida.
This paper reports the optimization of cow dung (CD) spiked pre-consumer processing vegetable waste (PPVW) for vermicomposting using Eisenia fetida in a laboratory scale study. Vermicomposting process decreased carbon and organic matter concentration and increased N, P and K content in the vermicompost. The C:N ratio was decreased by 45-69% in different vermireactors indicating stabilization of the waste. The heavy metal content was within permissible limits of their application in agricultural soils. It has been concluded from the results that addition of PPVW up to 40% with CD can produce a good quality vermicompost. Whereas, growth and fecundity of E. fetida was best when reared in 20% PPVW+80% CD feed mixture. However, higher percentages of PPVW in different vermireactors significantly affected the growth and fecundity of worms.
Garg
V K
VK
Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar 125001, India. kees.van.gestel@falw.vu.nl
Gupta
Renuka
R
D000818:Animals; D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D002244:Carbon / Q000378:metabolism; D002417:Cattle; D005298:Fertility / Q000187:drug effects; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007220:Industrial Waste / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008372:Manure; D019216:Metals, Heavy / Q000378:metabolism / Q000633:toxicity; D009584:Nitrogen / Q000378:metabolism; D009835:Oligochaeta / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D009930:Organic Chemicals / Q000378:metabolism; D010758:Phosphorus / Q000378:metabolism; D011188:Potassium / Q000378:metabolism; D012037:Refuse Disposal / Q000379:methods*; D012989:Soil Pollutants / Q000378:metabolism / Q000633:toxicity*; D013997:Time Factors; D014675:Vegetables
D007220:Industrial Waste; D008372:Manure; D019216:Metals, Heavy; D009930:Organic Chemicals; D012989:Soil Pollutants; D010758:Phosphorus; D002244:Carbon; D009584:Nitrogen; D011188:Potassium