Microbial synergy in vermicomposting: Characterization of bio-chemically enriched vermiwash from agricultural waste

Abstract

Sustainable management and utilization of crop residues such as paddy stubble poses a practically substantial challenge for farming communities globally due to limited exploitation routes. Rice straw, rice husk, banana pseudostem and Gliricidia sepium leaves biomasss was subjected to rapid vermicomposting in varying weight proportions by utilizing Eudrilus eugeniae and fungal decomposer consortium, followed by vermiwash extraction. Rice straw + banana pseudostem combination vermiwash registered the highest nitrogen, potassium, copper, silicon and sulphur values, while calcium and magnesium content was on par with the best treatment. Banana pseudostem vermiwash exhibited peak iron and zinc levels. Microbial enumeration revealed the highest bacterial and actinomycetes load in paddy waste dominant combinations. While fungal population was significantly higher in Gliricidia sepium leaves vermiwash. The study ratiocinates vermiwash production as a viable bio-resource harnessing technology for paddy cultivation waste management and fortified bio-stimulant production with scope for commercial exploitation within feasible margins.