Vol. 10, Issue 9 (2021)

Author(s):
Prakash Duwadi, Dr. Atul Yadav, Sarita Koirala, Vinay Joseph Silas, Dr. Chandra Shekhar and Dr. Satendra Kumar

Abstract:
This experiment entitled "Utilization of different Horticultural waste materials for vermicomposting by using Eisenia fetida" was carried out form 15^th Dec 2020 to 15^th May 2021 investigate response of Eisenia fetida on different horticultural waste materials to obtain quality compost. The experiment was carried out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with five treatments and three replication. One kg of each horticultural waste materials i.e. Parthenium leaves (Parthenium hysterophorus), Justicia leaves (Justicia adhatoda), Banana stem and Ashok leaves (Polyalthia longifolia) were mixed with cow dung at the ratio of 1:1.These mixtures and the similar weight of cow dung were considered as treatments. Each experimental units were inoculated with 200 nos. of earthworms (Eisenia fetida) for vermicomposting. Multiplication ratio, cocoons number, vermicompost yield, vermicompost maturation period and nitrogen content were investigated and analyzed with Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at 5% level of significance. The multiplication ratio of earthworm was found higher on Justicia leaves (1.06) and lower on cow dung (0.90). Similarly, cocoon production was found significantly higher on the Justicia leaves (272) and lower on Banana stem (53.33). The vermin compost yield was found significantly higher on the cow dung (1.78 kg) and lower on Justicia leaves (0.65 kg) from 2 kg substrate. At first, cow dung matured in 76 days whereas Ashok leaves matured lastly in 108 days on ward. The vermicompost produced from Ashok leaves mix recorded significantly higher (3.09%) nitrogen content whereas cow dung (1.93%) recorded the least. Among these five feeding materials, Justicia leaves was found most effective and suitable for obtaining the higher population of the earthworm. Additionally, cow dung was found effective for quick vermicompost maturation. This experiment proves that these horticultural waste materials can be used and managed effectively by vermicomposting.