Vermicomposting of coconut coir waste by utilizing epigeic earthworm species

Abstract

The present investigation was initiated to study the vermicomposting of coconut coir waste by utilizing two epigeic earthworm species viz. Eudrilus euginae (E1) and Eisenia foetida (E2) at Centre of Excellence for Mango, Department of Horticulture, Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli during the Rabi season of 2015-16 for 180 days. Coconut coir i.e. coir waste (Cocos nucifera L.) was used as a main substrate and cow dung waste was used as a waste material in different combinations for preparation of vermicompost such as M1-Coir waste (100%), M2-Coir waste :cow dung- (80:20%), M3- Coir waste :cow dung (60:40%), M4- Coir waste :cow dung (40:60), M5- Coir waste :cow dung (20:80%), M6- Cow dung (100%). Based on the findings of the present investigation, it could concluded that amongst the various combinations of organic residues evaluated, cow dung was found to be the best source for rapid composting followed by 20:80 combination of coir waste and cow dung. As far as the manurial value is concerned, 20:80 combination of coir waste and cow dung found to be the best combination from the point of macro nutrient contents. Between the two species of earthworms, Eudrilus euginae species of earthworm found superior over Eisenia foetida species of earthworm in respect of most of the parameters studied. The manurial value of all the compost products improved due to vermicomposting.