Management of lignocellulosic green waste Saccharum spontaenum through vermicomposting with cow dung. (15th July 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Devi, Chaichi; Khwairakpam, Meena
• Is Part Of: Waste management. Volume 113(2020)
• Page Start: 88
• Page End: 95
• Publication Date: 2020-07-15
• Subjects: Terrestrial weed -- Saccharum spontaenum -- Green waste -- Eisenia fetida -- Vermicompost; Hazardous wastes -- Periodicals; Refuse and refuse disposal -- Periodicals; 363.728
• DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2020.05.050
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0956-053X

Abstract

Highlights: Vermicomposting of S. spontaenum is possible. The final C/N ratio was within 10–16 for all the reactors. The highest TOC loss was observed to be with percentage change of 31.4%. The mixing ratio ( Saccharum spontaenum :cow dung) 3:7 and 4:6 was found to be ideal. E. fetida was suitable for the biodegradation of green waste S. spontaenum . Abstract: Saccharum spontaenum is considered as an invasive terrestrial weed spread across the world and its management possess big challenge to the research community. The current study illustrates the potential of vermicomposting for the management of lignocellulosic terrestrial weed Saccharum spontaenum under green waste management. The vermicompost experiments were done in five different mixing ratio of Saccharum spontaenum amended with cow dung 3:7, 4:6, 5:5, 6:4, 7:3 in vermireactors referred as Ref 1, Ref 2, Ref 3, Ref 4, Ref 5 respectively. The vermicomposting was carried out for total 45 days with one time feeding of the earthworms. The study indicates a mature vermicompost can be obtained with enhanced nutrients from proper mixing ratio. The different physicochemical parameters were observed to be varied among the reactors and between vermicomposting time significantly. The final C/N ratio was within 10–16 with highest decrease in Ref 1. Earthworm growth was observed to be highest in Ref 2 with percentage change of net biomass of earthworms with 34.25%. The highest TOC loss was observed to be 31.4% change in Ref 2 and maximum TKN was 2.95% in the final vermicompost of Ref3. Even though the mixing ratio of Ref 1 and Ref 2 was found to be ideal for the degradation of Saccharum spontaenum, the other reactors also produced acceptable quality end product. The study further reveals that the earthworm species Eisenia fetida was highly suitable for the biodegradation of this lignocellulosic weed material.