Abstract

Vermitechnology refers to composting of wastes through earthworms which are called as farmers’ friend. The end product of vermicomposting is vermicompost. Vermicomposts have higher level of available nutrients like carbon nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium, calcium and magnesium derived from the wastes. The study has attempted to evaluate the efficacy vermicompost by using three varieties of earthworm on agricultural wastes. These wastes include industrial, crop residues, waste papers and cattle dung. In this study, three varieties of earthworms were used, such as Eisenia fetida, Eudrilus eugeniae and Perionyx excavatus in the vermicomposting. As waste paper, cattle dung and crop residues are rich in carbon, while deficient in nitrogen. Naturally usage of cow dung suits well for easy survival of earthworms. A mixture of waste paper, crop residues and cow dung mixed in the ratio of 1: 1: 1 was found to be the best. In 60 days time, excellent quality and quantity of compost were produced by three earthworms. Physical and biochemical parameters were analyzed during this period of 60 days. Pre-decomposition of 10 days and subsequent vermicomposting of 60 days indicated the role of this species in vermibiotechnology.