Effect of Different Nelumbo nucifera Media on the Growth and Cocoon Production of Eisenia fetida

The rate of cocoon production of adult earthworm, Eisenia fetida kept in the 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 PSR (percent substrate Ratio) media prepared from partly decomposed Nelumbo nucifera waste with soil for 30 days were determined. The worms kept in 50, 75, and 100 PSR media for 30 days showed a gradual increase in their body weight up to 22 days thereafter, a gradual decline until the termination of this study. However, the worms kept in the same media 50, 75 and 100 PSR after 30 days showed an increased value in their body weight over their respective initial weight. On the contrary, all the worms kept in 0 and 25 PSR media showed a gradual decrease in their body weight until the termination of this study. The worms kept in soil alone for 30 days though showed, only 4 cocoons were laid during the course of study due to less organic matters in the medium. The worms in their PSR media for 30 days produced relatively more cocoons. Though than control, the worms in 75 PSR Nelumbo nucifera medium is considered to be a good medium for the culture of earthworm, Eisenia fetida.