Eisenia fetida for vermiconversion of waste biomass of medicinal herbs: Status of nutrients and stability parameters. (March 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Das, Dhritashri; Kalita, Nabajit; Langthasa, Dericka; Faihriem, Vanlalhriet; Borah, Glory; Chakravarty, Paramita; Deka, Hemen
• Is Part Of: Bioresource technology. Volume 347(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-03
• Subjects: Harvested Waste -- Zingiber officinale -- Curcuma longa -- Vermicomposting -- Eisenia fetida -- Germination Index; 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.2021.126391
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0960-8524

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: Waste biomass of medicinal herb with cowdung is good substrate for vermicomposting. Vermicomposted substrate showed enhancement in macronutrients content. C/N and C/P values significantly reduced in vermicompost samples. High germination index in vermicompost extract confirms agronomic potential. Abstract: Vermiconversion possibility of waste biomass of two medicinal herbs Zingiber officinale and Curcuma longa has been investigated. The Eisenia fetida, an epigeic earthworm was used in the vermicomposting process . The vermicomposting caused shifting in pH towards neutral range, reduction in electrical conductivity, total organic carbon, C/N and C/P ratios whereas1.8–2.73 folds enhancement in macronutrients (TKN, AP, T Ca and T Mg) and ash contents in the substrate mixture. The heavy metals and trace elements content in the vermicompost were found within 3.25–1380 mg/kg and are under the permissible limits of compost applications. Besides, high germination index value in the vermicompost extract indicates loss of phytotoxicity and safe agricultural application potential of the end product. Finally, enhanced growth in Eisenia fetida confirms the application potential of harvested waste biomass as the raw materials for vermiconversion process.