A Study on Yield and Gut Flora Diversity on Vermicomposting of Bio-Waste Using Eisenia fetida

Abstract

Background and Objective: Management of accumulated refuse materials can be made effective through vermicomposting. The study aims to find the yield of compost from different bio-wastes and biochemical characterization of microbes present in the gut region. Materials and Methods: Collected and dried biowastes were spread over concrete tanks for composting. Addition of cow dung slurry for pre-treating the biowastes. Eisenia fetida was inoculated into the tanks in a ratio of 10:1 and left for vermicomposting. About one gram of earthworm tissue was dissected and taken for analysis. Microbiological methods were employed to isolate, identify and characterize the vermin bacteria. Results: Degradation of hard fibrous sugarcane bagasse resulted relatively in a higher vermicompost production (55.79 and 70.34%) and an increased percentage (29%) of earthworm when compared to other wastes used in the study. As 70.34% recovery during the second study period was obtained because of the longer pre-composting period. Eight different bacterial isolates identified from the gut region were found to be present in the soil, which has plant growth-regulating functions. Conclusion: The results of the work can be applicable in multi-faceted fields, including natural resources conservation, organic farming, recycling and reuse of solid and agro-wastes.