Utilization of Agrowastes for Vermicomposting and its Impact on Growth and Reproduction of Selected Earthworm Species in Puducherry, India

Ecofriendly vermicomposting technology is used for utilizing the locally available agrowastes. Three different combinations of locally abundant agrowastes-banana waste (BW), mixed farm waste (MFW) and cow dung (CD) were fed to two different earthworm species, Perionyx excavatus and Eudrilus eugeniae in vermibins under controlled laboratory conditions for 90 days. Standard physicochemical parameters of vermicompost were evaluated for seven different treatments along with the impacts on growth and reproduction of the selected earthworm species. The decomposition rate of substrate in E. eugeniae in T3, T5 and T7 (70.3±2.1 days, 76.3±2.5 days and 75.7±1.5 days respectively) and in P. excavatus in T2, T4 and T6 of same combination of substrates (81.7±1.2, 84.3±2.5 and 83.7±1.5 days) have been recorded. Earthworm growth and biomass production by weight of E. eugeniae was higher (68.5%) than P. excavates (66.9%). Further, the individual weight gain was higher in E. eugeniae than P. excavatus in all the three wastes with a significant difference (p<0.05). The production of cocoons and juveniles at the intervals of 30^th, 60^th and 90^th days were found higher in E. eugeniae than P. excavatus in all the three agrowaste combinations. The results indicate that Eudrilus eugeniae outperformed Perionyx excavatus in growth and decomposition rate of substrates and proves to be a better species for vermicomposting. Therefore, vermicomposting may be an efficient management approach for the locally available agrowastes to convert them into enriched manure for sustainable agriculture.