Effect of Moisture Status on Vermicomposting of Organic Waste Amended Fly Ash

Abstract

Vermicomposting of organic waste amended fly ash has lately emerged as an effective biotechnology for degrading this waste material as source of plant nutrients. Present study attempted to determine the optimum moisture status for such bio-conversion. Vermicomposting of organic waste mixed fly ash under different moisture regimes showed improvement in microbial activity well as different indicators of composting with increase in moisture status of the substrate up to 50-55% moisture content. This was closely followed by 40-45% moisture range. The quality of the product, as assessed by availability of three major plant nutrients, was also found to be superior under these moisture regimes. Maintenance of 40-55% moisture range for facilitating optimum vermicomposting of organic waste amended fly ash has been suggested.