Quality of Vermicompost Prepared from Bombax Ceiba Flowers in Presence of Different Quantities of Cow Dung with or without Nutrient Additives

Abstract

Huge quantity of Bombax ceiba flowers remains unutilized for beneficial purpose and burnt as wastes by villagers. The vermicomposting experiment showed that good quality nutrient rich vermicompost having 1.13% N, 0.48% P, 2.68% K, 0.55% Ca, 0.69% S and 2.29% Na could be prepared within 57 days from a mixture of equal quantity of flower and cow dung with the help of Eisenia fetida earthworms. Vermicomposting of this flower was also possible with addition of one fourth or even no cow dung. Flower cow dung ratio, however, played a significant role in effective vermicomposting of Bombax ceiba flowers. Application of nutrient additives like 0.5% urea, 0.5% rock phosphate and 2.5% Mahua seed cake during initial preparation of compost beds helped to improve nutrient status of vermicompost. Vermicomposting being easy and low-cost procedure should be followed by villagers for beneficial utilization of these beautiful flowers.