Changes in chemical properties during composting of organic residues as influenced by earthworm activity
1999
Talashilkar, S.C. | Bhangarath, P.P. | Mehta, V.B.(Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli (India). Dept. of Agricultural Chemistry and Soil Science).
The influence of two species of earthworms viz. Eisenia foetida and Eudrilus eugineae on the changes in various chemical parameters governing the compost maturity of local grass, mango leaves and farm wastes was studied. There was decrease in C:N ratio, while humic acid, cation exchange capacity and water soluble carbohydrates increased up to 150 days of composting. Compost maturation was achieved up to a period of 120 and 150 days in farm wastes and mango leaves, respectively, while more than 150 days would be required to reach the maturity in case of local grass. Inoculation of both the species of earthworms reduced the period of composting by thirteen days only. Vermicomposting of all the residues resulted in significant reduction in C:N ratio and increase in other parameters like humic acid content, cation exchange capacity and water soluble carbohydrate content of all the residues after 150 days of composting over the residues uninoculated with earthworms. However, significant differences in the said parameters governing the process of composting were not recorded due to inoculation of two different species of earthworms.
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