Title: Dynamics of nutrients and microflora during vermicomposting of mango leaf litter (Mangifera indica) using Perionyx ceylanensis

Authors: Mani Prakash, Natchimuthu Karmegam

Addresses: Department of Microbiology, Kanchi Shri Krishna College of Arts and Science, Kilambi, Kanchipuram 631 551, Tamil Nadu, India. ' Department of Biotechnology, V.M.K.V. Engineering College, Vinayaka Missions University, Periya Seeragapadi, Salem-636 308, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract: Pre-decomposed (15 days) mango leaf litter with cowdung in 50:50 (wt/wt) was subjected to vermicomposting using Perionyx ceylanensis for 60 days. The electrical conductivity, total NPK, Ca, Na and other nutrients were higher in the vermicompost than in the worm unworked control substrate, whereas organic carbon and C/N ratio were lowered. The population of bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes at the start of the experiment (initial) increased progressively towards the end of vermicomposting. The final microbial population was higher and significantly different (p < 0.05) from the initial values. The incubation period of vermicompost showed significant positive correlation with microbial population (r = 0.99; p < 0.001).

Keywords: earthworms; mango leaf litter; Mangifera indica; nutrient dynamics; Perionyx ceylanensis; vermicomposting; nutrients; microflora; cow dung.

DOI: 10.1504/IJGENVI.2010.037275

International Journal of Global Environmental Issues, 2010 Vol.10 No.3/4, pp.339 - 353

Published online: 01 Dec 2010 *

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