Vermiconversion of biowastes with low-to-high C/N ratio into value added vermicompost. (February 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Biruntha, Muniyandi; Karmegam, Natchimuthu; Archana, Jeyaprakasam; Karunai Selvi, Balan; John Paul, James Arockia; Balamuralikrishnan, B.; Chang, S.W.; Ravindran, B.
• Is Part Of: Bioresource technology. Volume 297(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-02
• Subjects: Eudrilus eugeniae -- Carbon-to-nitrogen ratio -- Vermicomposting -- Seaweed -- Organic substrates; Biomass -- Periodicals; Biomass energy -- Periodicals; Bioremediation -- Periodicals; Agricultural wastes -- Periodicals; Factory and trade waste -- Periodicals; Organic wastes -- Periodicals; Bioénergie -- Périodiques; Déchets agricoles -- Périodiques; Déchets industriels -- Périodiques; Déchets organiques -- Périodiques; Déchets (Combustible) -- Périodiques; 662.88
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2019.122398
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0960-8524

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: Organic substrates with wide C/N ratio (23–70) were subjected to vermicomposting. Maximum increment of total NPK in vermicompost was achieved in low C/N substrate. Cellulose and lignin degradation was the major cause for the fall in C/N ratio. Growth and reproduction of earthworms are significantly dependent on C/N ratio. Initial vermibed C/N ratio is to be given prime importance. Abstract: Seaweed (T1), sugarcane trash (T2), coir pith (T3) and vegetable waste (T4) with cowdung (1:1, w/w) were vermicomposted using Eudrilus eugeniae (50 days). The pH in vermicomposts showed a decrease while electrical conductivity showed increment. The organic matter content, organic carbon, lignin, cellulose, C/N and C/P ratios in vermicompost was significantly lower than compost. Total NPK contents of vermicompost were significantly elevated (P < 0.05) with 12.04–63.75%, 19.05–31.58% and 22.47–42.55%, respectively. The significantly higher growth rate of 1.41 and 7.74 mg/worm/day was observed in T1 on 10th and 50th day respectively, with 23.91 initial C/N ratio; while it was 0.85 and 4.81 mg/worm/day in T4 with 69.81 initial C/N ratio. A similar pattern was reflected in cocoon production, hatchling success and hatchling number/cocoon. Results revealed that vermicompost quality, worm growth, and reproduction depend on C/N ratio. The study suggests that amendment materials like cowdung are necessary to reduce C/N ratio for effective vermicomposting.