Vermicomposting potential of waste biomass of potato crop that are generated at the time of harvesting was studied employing Eisenia fetida. The experiment was carried out in pots taking two treatments; in one only potato plant biomass (PPB) was taken as raw materials whereas in the other a mixture of PPB with cow dung was engaged in the proportion of 5:1. The vermicomposted materials showed a reduction in C/N ratio, humification index, enhancement in nutrients profiles, ash contents, nitrogen-fixing, phosphate and potassium solubilizing bacterial population. The macronutrient enhancement in the vermicompost samples was recorded 3.8-4.4 fold for total N, 5-5.6 fold in available P, 1.6 fold in total K, 5.2-6.2 fold in total Ca and 1.6 fold in total Mg contents. The reduction in C/N was found in the rage of 92.5-94.4% in the vermicompost samples. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) images showed higher disintegration in the vermicompost products when compared with initial raw material and compost samples. Addition of cow dung significantly enhanced the quality and quantity of vermicompost final products besides positively affecting the earthworm population and biomass by the end of 60 days of experimental trials.

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3
This is a list of supplementary files associated with this preprint. Click to download.
Loading...
Posted 24 Feb, 2021
Received 11 Feb, 2021
Invitations sent on 11 Feb, 2021
On 11 Feb, 2021
On 10 Feb, 2021
Posted 24 Feb, 2021
Received 11 Feb, 2021
Invitations sent on 11 Feb, 2021
On 11 Feb, 2021
On 10 Feb, 2021
Vermicomposting potential of waste biomass of potato crop that are generated at the time of harvesting was studied employing Eisenia fetida. The experiment was carried out in pots taking two treatments; in one only potato plant biomass (PPB) was taken as raw materials whereas in the other a mixture of PPB with cow dung was engaged in the proportion of 5:1. The vermicomposted materials showed a reduction in C/N ratio, humification index, enhancement in nutrients profiles, ash contents, nitrogen-fixing, phosphate and potassium solubilizing bacterial population. The macronutrient enhancement in the vermicompost samples was recorded 3.8-4.4 fold for total N, 5-5.6 fold in available P, 1.6 fold in total K, 5.2-6.2 fold in total Ca and 1.6 fold in total Mg contents. The reduction in C/N was found in the rage of 92.5-94.4% in the vermicompost samples. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) images showed higher disintegration in the vermicompost products when compared with initial raw material and compost samples. Addition of cow dung significantly enhanced the quality and quantity of vermicompost final products besides positively affecting the earthworm population and biomass by the end of 60 days of experimental trials.

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3
This is a list of supplementary files associated with this preprint. Click to download.
Loading...