Pilot-scale study of efficient vermicomposting of agro-industrial wastes.
Pilot-scale vermicomposting was explored using Eudrilus eugeniae for 90 days with 45 days preliminary decomposition using different agro-industrial wastes as substrates. Spent wash and pressmud were mixed together (referred to as PS) and then combined with cow dung (CD) at five different ratios of PS:CD, namely, 25:75 (T1), 50:50 (T2), 75:25 (T3), 85:15 (T4) and 100 (T5), with two replicates for each treatment. All vermibeds expressed a significant decrease in pH (11.4-14.8%), organic carbon (4.2-30.5%) and an increase in total nitrogen (6-29%), AP (5-29%), exchangeable potash (6-21%) and turnover rate (52-66%). Maximum mortality (18.10%) of worms was recorded in T5 treatment. A high manurial value and a matured product was achieved in T3 treatment. The data reveal that pressmud mixed with spent wash can be decomposed through vermicomposting and can help to enhance the quality of vermicompost.
Department of Biotechnology, Kumaraguru College of Technology, Coimbatore--641006, India.
Vaidyanathan Vinoth
VV
Kumar
M
M
Shanmugaprakash
J
J
Aravind
S Karthick Raja
SK
Namasivayam
D000818:Animals; D000845:Annelida / Q000502:physiology*; D002417:Cattle; D007220:Industrial Waste; D010865:Pilot Projects; D059027:Recycling; D012987:Soil
D007220:Industrial Waste; D012987:Soil