Enzymatic Analysis and Effect of Vermicompost Production from Banana Leaves Waste Using Epigeic Earthworm Eudrillus euginea

Jannathul Firdous, V. Bharathi, S. Durga Devi and J. Jayachitra

Enzymatic Analysis and Effect of Vermicompost Production from Banana Leaves Waste Using Epigeic Earthworm Eudrillus euginea

2019

Jannathul Firdous, V. Bharathi, S. Durga Devi and J. Jayachitra

Recycling of organic waste with enormous nutrients gives soil fertility when added to the soil and reduce the usage of chemical fertilizers. Vermicomposting process of recycling the bio-organic waste by earthworms contains efficient nutrients with low levels of toxic contents. In the present study, banana leaves waste was mixed with cow dung in different ratios. The earthworm Eudrillus euginea was later added to the compost. Total organic matter (TOM), total organic carbon (TOC), pH, EC, total alkalinity and phosphorus were analysed and compared for different ratios of vermicompost at different day intervals. Microorganisms present in vermicompost were isolated and analysed for their enzymatic activities. Compost maturity was also observed by FTIR application. Results showed that the vermicompost quality was improved with positive catalase and protease enzymatic activity. FTIR analysis showed the proper maturation of vermicompost with reduced complex structures such as aromatic compounds, polysaccharides and polypeptides. It was concluded that composting of organic wastes by vermicomposting promote humification, increased microbial activity and enzyme production, which in turn increase the aggregate stability of soil particles resulting in better aeration with pollutionfree technique.

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