Title: Relative efficacy of two methods of vermicomposting for bio-degradation of organic wastes

Authors: Vivek K. Saini, R.C. Sihag, R.C. Sharma, S.K. Gahlawat, R.K. Gupta

Addresses: Department of Zoology, K.M. Government College, Narwana – 126116, India. ' Department of Zoology and Aquaculture, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar – 125004, India. ' Department of Zoology, Meerut College, Meerut – 250002, India. ' Department of Zoology and Aquaculture, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar – 125004, India. ' Department of Zoology and Aquaculture, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar – 125004, India

Abstract: Two methods of vermicomposting were used for the bio-degradation of organic wastes, viz., the pit method and the heap method. The efficacy of these two methods was compared under field conditions over three seasons (winter, summer and rainy) by using one of the most promising composting worm species, Eisenia fetida. One hundred adult earthworms (Eisenia fetida) were released in each pit and heap. The data clearly indicated that the pit method of vermicomposting was superior to the heap method in winter and summer, whereas the heap method showed better results in the rainy season.

Keywords: Eisenia fetida; C:N ratio; biomass; population; vermicomposting; biodegradation; organic wastes; composting; waste management; earthworms; heap method; pit method.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEWM.2008.016995

International Journal of Environment and Waste Management, 2008 Vol.2 No.1/2, pp.102 - 110

Published online: 03 Feb 2008 *

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