NUTRIENT POTENTIAL FROM VERMICOMPOST OF TWO CONTRASTING ORGANIC WASTES USING TROPICAL EARTHWORM AND MOSQUITO NET AS CULTURE MATERIAL

Abstract

The biochemical break down of plant litters by earthworm and the associated micro-organisms are the main process of humus development. Nutrient potential from vermicompost of two contrasting organic wastes using tropical earthworm (Eudrilus eugeniae) and mosquito net as culture material was studied. The organic wastes diet is fruit wastes (FRW) and vegetable wastes (VGW). Ten earthworms were inoculated to each of the eight (8) sacks. The result of the experiment after three (3) months and three (3) weeks inoculation showed that the Eudrilus eugeniae can be cultured in sack made from old window mosquito net and the vermicompost produced in each waste are of high-quality humus. The nutrient content of the vermicompost varied among the wastes. The pH level of the wastes was found to be alkaline of which VGW recorded higher value (9.15) compared to FRW. The OC content and electrical conductivity (EC) were significantly different among the treatments. Higher values of Na, OC, K, and P were recorded in FRW, while VGW recorded higher values in Ca, Mg and EC. The highest dry matter weight of 115.75gkg ^-1 of vermicompost was recorded in VGW as against 109.5gkg^-1 recorded in FRW. Earthworm production measured by the number survived, number of cocoons, and biomass weight at the end of the study showed VGW as best culture for earthworm production. FRW did not record any cocoon at harvest. Findings of the study confirm that tropical earthworm - Eudrilus eugeniae can be easily used for high quality vermicompost production which is socioeconomically very beneficial for soil fertility improvement and sustainable crop production. The wastes and the earthworm are in abundance in the study area and within the reach of the farmer. The farmers are therefore encouraged to harness this technology for their soil and crop production.