Abstract

Utilization of Streptomyces microorganisms in the vermicompost process is an alternative to improve the quality of vermicast. The objective of the present study was to investigate the improvement in the quality of vermicompost due to use of Streptomyces in the worm feed. The experiment was designed using a complete factorial randomized design with destructive sampling at each weekly observation. The treatment had two factors. The first factor was the use of Streptomyces (S) with two levels: S0, no Streptomyces added and S1, Streptomyces added. The second factor was the addition of various organic materials (M) with three levels: M1-Plant compost, M2-Fermented cow manure and M3-A 1: 1 mixed ratio of crop compost and cow dung. The treatment was carried out by a combination of the two factors with as many as six treatments. The experiment was repeated in triplicate, with 18 total experimental pots. The results demonstrated that the addition of Streptomyces microorganisms in the vermicompost process had a significant effect on the first week. Addition of Streptomyces had no significant effect on total C-organic and N-total in the vermicast, while various organic media had significant effects on vermicast C-organic levels. The SEM results indicated that addition of Streptomyces in the vermicompost process provided a increase in rough surface area in the vermicompost organic media. The need for a microorganism in large-scale applications of organic plant fertilizers as an alternative to current methods should prompt continuation of research into the effects of microorganisms on the vermicompost process.