Relative efficacy of two species of earthworms in biodegradation of organic wastes under semi-arid subtropical conditions of North-West India. (6th April 2010)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Saini, Vivek K.; Sihag, R.C.; Sharma, R.C.; Gahlawat, S.K.; , R.K. Gupta
• Is Part Of: World review of science, technology and sustainable development. Volume 7:Number 3(2010)
• Page Start: 259
• Page End: 270
• Publication Date: 2010-04-06
• Subjects: Eudrilus eugeniae -- Eisenia fetida -- carbon nitrogen ratio -- biomass -- population -- seasons -- solid waste management -- worms -- earthworms -- India -- organic waste -- semi-arid conditions -- subtropical conditions -- cow dung -- wheat straw -- vermicomposting; Sustainable development -- Periodicals; Appropriate technology -- Periodicals; Technology transfer -- Periodicals; Globalization -- Periodicals; 338.92705
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1741-2242

Abstract

The efficacy of two species of earthworms, Eudrilus eugeniae and Eisenia fetida, was compared for three seasons. The earthworms were cultured in the pits containing a mixture of fresh cow dung and wheat straw in 5 : 1 ratio. Eudrilus showed maximal increase in its population and biomass and minimal C : N ratio in its vermicompost in rainy season. Eisenia showed higher tolerance to temperature ranges and was able to perform better in winter and summer seasons. When compared for the whole year, Eisenia was found to be more suitable as a vermicomposting worm in subtropical areas of India.