The quality of vermicast from biotransformation of different organic substrates using Lumbricus rubellus and Perionyx excavates
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Abstract
The study discovered that substrates from farming activities and weeds offered a different quality of vermicast produced using Lumbricus rubellus and Perionyc excavatus. All substrates in the bio-convertor bin had similar temperatures and humidity; however, the pH was significantly different, where goat substrate exhibited the highest pH during eight weeks of vermicomposting. Substrate from cattle waste, fermented Melastoma, and rice straw yielded comparable vermicast production, but that from goats had lower production. The production of vermicast using Perionyx was greater than Lumbicus. Even though the yield of vermicast from goat substrate was the lowest, it had the highest P, K, Mg, and Fe contents. The contents of N and Ca were comparable in vermicast produced from goat and Melastoma substrates. Besides, Cu and Zn were higher in vermicast from animal substrate than plant residues. The contents of organic C and Pb were similar among all substrates. Both Lumbricus and Perionyx produced similar quality of vermicast. Melastoma weed is a prospective substrate for earthworm biotransformation to produce nutrient-rich organic fertilizer. The study further reveals that epigeic species worms, Lumbricus rubellus and Perionyx excavatus are equally suitable for the biotransformation of agricultural wastes and weeds.
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