Vermicomposting of Solid Waste Using Local and Exotic Earthworms - a Comparative Study

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the decomposition efficiency of earthworms, local (L. mauritii) as well as exotic (Eisenia foetida) in vermicomposting of garden litter in SRM University campus. The vermicom post produced through vermicomposting of garden litter mixed with cow dung in the ratio of 3: I by using local and exotic earthworms (Eisenia foetida) was rich in ammoniacal nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, available phosphorus, total potassium and TKN, and there was a reduction in total organic carbon and carbon to nitrogen ratio. The study reveals that the decomposition efficiency of exotic earthworms is better compared to local earthworms.