Vermicomposting of harvested waste biomass of potato crop employing Eisenia fetida: changes in nutrient profile and assessment of the maturity of the end products
Year: 2021
Type: article
Abstract: Vermicomposting potential of waste biomass of potato crop that are generated at the time of harvesting was studied employing Eisenia fetida. The experiment was carried out in pots taking two treatments; in one only potato plant biomass (PPB) was taken as raw materials whereas in the other a mixture of PPB with cow dung was engaged in the proportion of 5:1. The vermicomposted materials showed a reduction in C/N ratio, humification index, enhancement in nutrients profiles, ash contents, nitrogen-fixing, phosphate and potassium solubilizing bacterial population. The macronutrient enhancement in the vermicompost samples was recorded 3.8-4.4 fold for total N, 5-5.6 fold in available P, 1.6 fold in total K, 5.2-6.2 fold in total Ca and 1.6 fold in total Mg contents. The reduction in C/N was found in the rage of 92.5-94.4% in the vermicompost samples. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) images showed higher disintegration in the vermicompost products when compared with initial raw material and compost samples. Addition of cow dung significantly enhanced the quality and quantity of vermicompost final products besides positively affecting the earthworm population and biomass by the end of 60 days of experimental trials.
Authors: Dimbeswar Das, Hemen Deka
Institution: Gauhati University
Language: English
Subfield: Soil Science
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
Funder: Gauhati University
OpenAlex ID: W3131786570