Effect of Binary Combinations of Different Animal Dung with Different Agro Wastes on Reproduction and Development of The Earthworm Eisenia fetida

Author(s): Baghyaram Venkatesh and Narayana Perumal Ramesh

Abstract: The aim of present study was to investigate the effect of binary combination of different animal dung with agro-wastes on the reproduction and development of earthworm Eisenia foetida. There was significantly increase in reproduction rate as cocoon production in binary combination of Goat dung with Rice bran 0.159±0.05 cocoons worm day. The net weight gain by E. foetida was significantly highest 890.26±4.17(mg worm-1) in goat dung with gram bran. Food quality influences not only the size of earthworms but also their reproduction and development. After physical analysis of initial feed mixture and the final vermicompost there is a significant decrease in level of pH, C/N ratio and EC (electrical conductivity). The C/N ratios in all final vermicompost are significant decrease from initial feed mixture. The final vermicompost has significantly decreased electrical conductivity in combination of goat dung with gram bran. The chemical analysis before and after vermicomposting the TOC significantly highest in goat dung with rice bran296.23±1.06. In final vermicompost TKN, TK, TAP and TCa significantly increased in final vermicompost with respect to initial mixture. This study demonstrated that the binary combination of initial feed mixture of Goat dung with rice bran is better option for enhancement of earthworm’s population as well as provides the potent vermicomposts.

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