Microbial enrichment of vermicompost through earthworm for agricultural waste management and development of useful organic fertilizer

1. Microbial enrichment of vermicompost through
earthworm for agricultural waste management and
development of useful organic fertilizer
A Review Report
Submitted to
UDAYANATH AUTONOMOUS COLLEGE OF SCIENCE &
TECHNOLOGY, ADASPUR, CUTTACK
In partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of the degree of
MASTER OF SCIENCE (ZOOLOGY)
By
NAME OF STUDENT
(ROLL NO)
Department of Zoology
Udayanath Autonomous College Of Science & Technology,
Adaspur, Cuttack 754011, Odisha, India
www.udayanathcollege.ac.in
Sep, 2021

2. DECLARATION
I declare that the review report on “Microbial enrichment of vermicompost
through earthworm for agricultural waste managementand development of
usefulorganic fertilizer” is my ownwork conducted underthe guidance of, Miss
----------, Lecturer in Department of Zoology in Udayanath Autonomous
College OfScience & Technology, Adaspur.
I, further declare that this review report does not contain any part of any work
which has been submitted for the award of any degree either in the University or
in any other University or elsewhere without propercitation.
Place: Signature of the Candidate
Date: (------------------------)

3. CERTIFICATE - I
This is to certify that the review literature on “Microbial enrichment of
vermicompost through earthworm for agricultural waste management and
development of useful organic fertilizer.” submitted to Udayanath
Autonomous College OfScience& Technology, Adaspur is a piece of research
work done by --------(STUDENT)-------- under the supervision of -------(HOD)-
----------, Reader(ss)in Zoology and HOD ofDepartment ofZoology, Udayanath
Auto. College Of Sc.& Tech, Adaspur.
To the best of my knowledge and belief the review
1. Embodies the work of candidate herself.
2. Has duly been completed.
3. Fulfils the requirement of the ordinance relating to the M.Sc. Zoology in Post
Graduate degree of the University.
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Date: __________
Signature Of The head of department of
zoology ,
Udayanath Auto. College Of Sc.& Tech,
Adaspur

4. iv
CERTIFICATE II
This is to certify that the Review literature on “Microbial enrichment of
vermicompost through earthworm for agricultural waste management and
development of useful organic fertilizer” has been prepared and submitted by ---
(STUDENT )--- in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of degree of
Master of Science (Zoology) during the year 2019 to 2021 under the guidance of
Miss ----------------, Lecturer in Department of Zoology in UN Auto college of SC.
& TC. Adaspur for the partial fulfilment of the degree of Master of Science in
Zoology is best on the result of the work caried out by her.
Place: ------------
Date: __________
Signature Of the Project Guide
Ms.-------------
(Lecture in P.G Dept. of Zoology)

5. v
Acknowledgement
With great pleasure, I accept this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude
and respectful respects to Dr. (PRINCIPAL NAME), Principal, U.N (Auto.)
College, of Sc and Tech, Adaspur. Cuttack for his Valuable Support.
I thank to Dr. (HOD NAME), Reader (ss) in Zoology and HOD of Department
of Zoology, Udayanath Auto. College Of Sc.& Tech, Adaspur, for their moving
direction, helpful analysis, and significant ideas during the coursework and beyond,
I lack the words to express my profound gratitude, regard, and sincere gratitude. It
gives me great pleasure to submit this project as a part of my curriculum of M. SC
course.
I also thank to Miss (GUIDE NAME), Lecturer in Department of Zoology, for
his vivacious interest, commendable advice, rousing direction, unmistakable
fascination for planning, constructive ideas, and untiring dedication.
I also outspread my sincere and respect to our Lecturer sir Mr. (LECTURES
NAME) & Lecturer mam Miss(LECTURES NAME).
Last but not the list I extend my sincere thanks to all my friends who have helped
me in the way or other during my work.
Place: Adaspur ---------------
Date-

6. vi
CONTENTS
SL. No. Title Page No.
I INTRODUCTION
 Vermicomposting
 Vermicomposting vs. traditional composting
 Earthworm
 Eisenia foetida
8-12
9
10
11
12
II REVIEW OF LITERATURE 13-15
III MATERIALS AND METHODS
 Dilution method
 ANALYTICAL METHODS
16-18
17
18
IV RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
 Application of vermicompost in soil
 Vermicompost benefits
 Effects of vermicompost on crop growth and
productivity
 Effects of vermicompost on soil properties
 Effects of vermicompost on soil organic matter
19-21
19
19
20
20
21
V CONCLUSIONS 22
VI REFERENCES 23-24

7. vii
ABSTRACT
The waste management and crop residues are serious problems in the world.
Major crops like rice, wheat, sugarcane residues burning causes environmental
pollution like smog. The best technique to manage all kind of waste is
vermicomposting that is environment friendly, economically viable and socially
acceptable approach which convert garbage in to black gold that is called vermi-
fertilizer. Compositing process is mainly involved for increased transformation of
organic decay within stable organic compound via the interaction of beneficial
microorganisms under regulate increased temperature 45°C-60°C that permits
sanitation of organic decay by eradication harmful microbes. In preparation of
vermicompost, organic waste products are being oxidized via the mutual activity of
useful microbes and earthworm. Vermi-fertilizer is rich source of all macro and
micro nutrients, i.e., Nitrogen (N), Phosphorous (P), Potassium (K), Iron (Fe), Zinc
(Zn), Copper (Cu), manganese (Mg), growth promoters and regulators hormones
like Auxin, gibberellin, enzymes i.e., protease, lipase, chitinase, beneficial bacterias
i.e., Bacillus subtilis. Almost 3,000 species of earthworms are identified for
vermicomposting, in which Eisenia foetida, Eisenia Andrei, Eudrilus eugeniae and
Perionyn excavates are most suitable for vermicompost preparation.
Key Words: Black-Gold, Garbage, Vermicomposting, Vermi-Fertilizer, Waste Management

8. 8
INTRODUCTION
Vermicomposting is termed as
a procedurewhich involves action of
earthworms tending to change solid
agriculture and kitchen waste into
stable form which is darkish in
colour and provide rich source of
macro and micronutrients. In
conventional agriculture system use
of chemical fertilizers has increased
from green revolution to increase the
productionof crops. (Curry, J. P. et
al., 1987)
There is no doubt chemical fertilizers increased crop productivity in many
ways, but their imbalance and continuous use has also produced harmful effect on
soil health due to that reason from past few years yield of crop reduced. The effect
of chemical fertilizer has been studied under an experiment which shows continuous
use of sole fertilizer produced harmful effect on soil chemical, physical and
biological properties, inducing deficiency of micronutrient in soil and nutrient
imbalance in soil and plants, environmental hazards and decrease in total factor
productivity. Microbial activity and population in soil also badly affected due to
irregular fertilizer application. Moreover, excessive fertilizer applications are also
contaminating surface and underground water bodies especially by nitrate leaching
and causing harmful effects on environment, which also create health problem for
human and animals. Therefore, in presentcontext, there is dire need to follow climate
resilient integrated crop management modules so that soil health and crop
productivity could be sustained for longer time. (Edwards, C. A. et al., 1998)
To reduce the above problem, decrease the use of chemical fertilizers
could be recycling of organic material. Thus, vermicompost is best option
for organic manure management in crop production, soil health
improvement, quality and production enhancement and it also play a
significant role on microbial activity and soil properties.
Vermicomposting is a method of converting agricultural waste into
nutrient-rich compost using earthworms. In agriculture, soil earthworms
play an important role, decomposing dead organic litter by eating it and
releasing it as castings. The earthworms improve the decomposition of
dead plant debris and litter and increase soil fertility by releasing nutrients
and minerals in the form of nitrate and other types for plant uptake.
It contains nutrient in plant available form such as phosphate, soluble potassium,
nitrate and exchangeable calcium. The behavioral activity of earthworms feeding,
casting, and burrowing modify the physical, chemical and biological properties of
Fig – 1 – Vermicomposting Earthworms
(Source – Google)

9. 9
organic matter. They also increase the nutrient of soiland improve plant growth. Due
to large surface area, vermicompost offers several micro sites for nutrient retention,
exchange and microbial activity. Vermicompost is usually rich in microbes and
diversity particularly bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes. (Atiyeh, R. M., Subler et
al., 1999)
Agricultural wastes including food processing wastes are the byproducts of various
food industries that have not been utilized for other purposes. These agri-
horticultural wastes constitute a big problem in municipal landfills due to their high
rate ofbiodegradability. In other words, they are actually the unutilized raw materials
whose industrial applications are less than their costof collection and recovery; and
therefore they are considered as wastes. The major agricultural sources are livestock,
crop residues, tree wastes, aquatic weeds, agro-industrial byproducts,marine wastes
and tank silt. The advancement of agricultural biotechnology has led to the
development of high yielding variety crops and their subsequent crop residues such
as straw, leaves twigs, stubbles along with huge amounts of grasses and weeds.
During vermicomposting, stabilization of organic waste occurs through the joint
activity of earthworms and aerobic micro-organisms. Vermicomposting is
ecofriendly and an economic technique for management of agricultural waste.
Vermicomposting is a method of converting agricultural waste into nutrient-rich
compost using earthworms. In agriculture, soil earthworms play an important role,
decomposing dead organic litter by eating it and releasing it as castings. The
earthworms improve the decomposition of dead plant debris and litter and increase
soil fertility byreleasing nutrients and minerals in the form of nitrate and other types
of plant uptake. As a whole, due to their different production processes,
vermicompost might exhibit different physical, chemical and biological features,
which influenced plant growth and overall morphology in diverse ways. Thus,
applying vermicompost as organic manure to soil organic carbon, improving nutrient
contents, enhancing cation exchange ability, microbial activities, microbial biomass
carbonand enzymatic activities (Domiguez, J. 2006).
Vermicomposting
Vermicomposting is viable and eco-friendly technology which is mainly
integrated to convert waste organic residue into useful organic rich humus under
aerobic condition. Vermicomposting noticeably involve in degradation and
stabilization of solid organic waste frictions into fine organic rich manure derived
from vermicompost processingcan be efficiently reserved, handled and integrated to
agricultural lands without any negative impacts.
Vermicomposting is an integrated interaction of earthworms and mesophilic
microorganisms in ecofriendly environment and stabilized conditions in order to
attain non-thermophilic degradation and stabilization of solid organic waste frictions
growth promoters and regulators, plant immobilized microflora, cellular components
degrading enzymes and these enzymes further degrade the organic substrates even
they are secreted from earthworms.

10. 10
These growth promoters, regulators, proline, glycine betaine, ascorbic acid, salicylic
acid etc. nutrients i.e. nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, iron
etc. are helpful to plants survive under drought stress conditions.
The organic matter, structure, texture, pH, is improved by vermicompost addition. It
also maintain various positive environmental factors like soil temperature and
moisture. The movement offine organic frictions and bacteria- excrements in the gut
of earthworm therefore will lead to the homogenization of organic substrates.
The final product of vermicompost is a fine fractionalized humus like organic
material having high water-retaining capacity and porosity that includes essential
nutrients and minerals such as ammonium and nitrate which are easily accessible to
plants.
Vermicomposting vs. traditional composting
Composting is a process in which organic matter decay with the interaction of
beneficial microorganisms under regulated increased temperature 45°C-60°C, that
allows sanitation of organic decaybyeradication of harmful microbes. Itoccurin two
phases, including thermophilic stage, in which degradation of organic waste occurs
more frequently under specific temperature of 45 to 65 degree Celsius and other stage
is mesophilic stage, in which temperature 20°C-35°C reduce, and the resting not
decomposedsubstancedegradedatmoderaterate.
The period of every decomposing phase majorly depends upon the organic waste’s
nature, aeration and moisture.In preparationof vermicompost, organic wasteproducts
are being oxidized via the mutual activity of useful microbes and earthworm.
Earthworm apparently degrade and intermingle the organic mass by exchange via
amendment of its chemical and physical nature and slowly decreasing the ratio of (C:
N), and enhancing the area of surface to microbe for accelerating their activity and
farther decompositionoforganic matter.
Earthworm populations and species and thecharacteristicsoforganic matter, humidity,
ventilation of the medium have a direct correlation for enhancing decomposition
process.Moreover, it was concluded thatsoil and crop productioncould beimproved
by someearthworm epigeic species ingested organic matters.
Vermicompost technique spreading very quickly while scientific community is not
serious with this method of organic amendment. Earthworms are sexually
hermaphrodite and reproduce generally through cross fertilization and copulation
which resultantly very ofthe copulated species yields cocoonsconsisting fertilized ova

11. 11
of1-20 in number. Theyclassified accordingto theirfeeding and burrowing plans with
environmental groups like anecic, epigeic and endogeic. Anecic and Endogeic group
are presentinbeneathsoiland obtained foodfrombothinorganic and organic minerals,
their excreta also contain organic minerals where as epigeic groups are present on
surface and their food is surface litters and they are known surface litter converters.
Different species of earth worms feed different material. They obtained feeding over
courseorganic matter and utilize undecomposedsurfacelitters.
Earthworm
Earthworms taxonomically
classify into phylum annelida and
are long, cylindrical, narrow,
segmented and symmetrically
bilateral soil inhabiting
invertebrates having a glittering
brownish body encased with
smooth cuticular layer. The weight
of earthworm’s range to 1400-1500
mg after ½ month and are
reproductively hermaphrodite. The
body of earthworm comprises
protein (65%), carbohydrates and
fat (14%) and 3% ash. The life
cycle of earthworm differs within
3-7 years relying on the ecological
conditions.
The earthworm gut is linear tube initiate from mouth part accompanied by
pharyngeal, esophagus, slender walled crop, gizzard, digestive glands and
ultimately terminate with anal cavity. Mucus found in gut of earthworm including
amino acids, minerals, organic matter, polysaccharideand protein as well symbiotic
microbes namely (microfungi, protozoaand bacteria).
Amylase, protease, cellolase, chitinase, protease, lipase and urease like digestive
enzymes have been reported from the food canal of earthworm. It was found that
mannose and cellulose were being carried out through the gut of microbes.
Earthworms break down the raw material and thus increase the surface area of
microbial degrading substrates that starts the active vermicomposting stage.
(Fig – 2- Earthworms)
(Source – Google)

12. 12
And therefore earthworms digested the various groups ofmicroorganisms as dietary
source. These microbes contain protozoa, few yeasts and certain species of fungus
as Fusarium oxysporum, Alternaria solani, Drawida calebi. Bacillus cereus var
mycoides were digested by the species of earthworm Lumbricus terrestris and
Eisenia foetida whereas Serratia marcessens and Escherichia coli are not included
in passage through intestine of earthworm.
Eisenia foetida
Eisenia foetida is a type of surface-born waste-born and fertilizer-maker, and its
inhabitants are mass manure, horticultural land with large quantities of organic
material, forest and areas with a lot of wood and leaves waste, and it can serve as a
suitable degrading in soil.
It can live in a wide range of environment types and is active in all seasons. The
intake and reproduction rate of food in these worms is high and they are rich in
organic matter and have life, nutrition and reproduction potential in environments
so that these worms use the daily equivalent of half their weight of organic waste.
SystematicpositionofEiseniafoetida
Kingdom – Animalia
Phylum – Annelida
Class - Oligochaeta
Order- Haplotaxia
Family- Lumbricidae
Genus - Eisenia
Species– Foetida
(Fig – 3- Eisenia Foetida & Eisenia hotnesis)
(Source – Google)

13. 13
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
In this chapter, a review of pastresearchworks in the field has been compiled
to enable betterunderstanding of the researchin various regions, method of analysis
on the researchsubject.
Vermicomposting is termed as a procedure which involves action of
earthworms tending to change solid agriculture and kitchen waste into stable form
which is darkish in colour and provide rich source of macro and micronutrients .
Humification of raw material is done through a non-thermophilic process, and stable
form of organic matter is formed through vermicomposting (Ahmad et al., 2021).
The process of vermicomposting is termed as a stumpy charge knowledge
schemefor treating ormanagement of agriculture or kitchen waste material (Hand et
al.,2020;Aslametal., 2020).
An enormous amount of decomposable agriculture waste that produced
regularly in urban areas causing difficulties in waste storage and transportation
particularly in less settled countries like Pakistan. Thoseenormous quantities ofwaste
material could bea cradlefornumerous agricultural and industrial sectors.InPakistan,
there exist approximately 72 million cows and buffaloes,around 81 million tons yearly
crop residues, and around 785 million poultry or birds. They all yield about 158.3
million tons waste in a year mutually (GOP, 2013).
The waste formed by animal excreta and dung is significant replacement to use
as an organic fertilizer for crop fields. Though, if not used appropriately, it becomes
lethal to environment and human. Eutrophication overflow is also a key source of
noxious microorganisms like P fiesteria piscicida. Ifwe do notusethe waste of animal
properly, we are misplacing the impending cause of nutrients. Odour problem is
another distress fromwaste of animal (Reineckeetal., 1992).
The earthworms have no harmful effects through sludge, while progression
percentage was reduced. The intensity of nitrogen (0.5%) was low reflected as
restraining influence. It was shown that mill paper and sludge vermicomposting
utilizing Eisenia foetida under field and laboratory condition. (Elvira etal. (1998).
Gupta and Garg (2008) under laboratory conditions found that
vermicompostingofvineyard waste using E. foetida. Thespecies ofearthworms differ
in procedurehowtheyacquirefood,and livediverseportionofthesoil, and has slightly
diverse impacts on the soil media. They drop into the 3 different biological sets
founded onnourishing and burrowing routines.
The basic to somewhat neutral pH of feeding material is favorable for
earthworm’s health. Liming in vermicompostboxusually improve bacterial populace
along earthworm actions. Hence, it could be an exciting studies that variations in

14. 14
enzymatic activity and micro-nutrient contents ofvermicompostdueto lime adding to
biological wastes (Reineckeetal., 1992).
Charles Darwin described earthworms as the ‘unheralded soldiers of mankind’,
and Aristotle called them as the ‘intestine ofearth’, as they could digest a wide variety
of organic materials and Earthworms participate in cellulose degradation, soil
formation and humus accumulation. Due to the biological activity of earthworms, the
physical, chemical and biological proper-ties of soil are adversely affected.
Earthworms feed on organic wastes and are unique as they consume only a small
portionfrom thesewastes fortheir growth and excretea major proportionofwastes in
a partially-digested form (Jambhekar1992).
This is becausetheintestine ofearthworms containanarrayofmicro-organisms,
hydrolytic enzymes and hormones which helps in rapid decomposition of partially-
digested material thereby transforming the complex organic matter into vermi-com-
post in a relatively smaller duration of 1–2months as compared to traditional
composting process which takes the longer duration of nearly 5 months (Sánchez-
Monederoetal. 2001)
The problemin environment management usually arises due to the farmers that
bring their agriculture produceto themarket without grading and cleaning it. Thus the
organic waste in the market area increases, that in turn pressurizes and disturbs the
ecosystem of agricultural-waste management. Most of the uncollected waste starts
decaying at the market site. This in turn creates sanitation problems and hygiene
hazards to the commonpeople (Mane andRasker2012)
Cattle farms are producing a huge amount of manure throughout the world
which mustbemanaged throughproperdisposalpracticesto avoid theadverseimpacts
on environment (Burton & Turner, 2003). This has become a significant management
problem in several countries. The issue of waste management is increasing due to the
current environmental awareness. It has stimulated the researchers to identify
economically feasible and environmental friendly technologies for animal manure to
be used as a source of soil fertilizer. Composting is microbial based aerobic process
considered to be an environmentally sound way to minimize organic waste and
produceorganic fertilizer orsoilconditioner. Theprocessis ableto transformunstable
organic waste (such as sewage sludge, municipal solid waste, tannery waste, animal
manure, poultry manure etc) into stable ones by converting them into a humus like
structure called compost which results into a valuable agronomic by-product
(Kashmanianetal., 2000).
In the view of above, vermicomposting offers an attractive alternative in
environment management. It also generates viable animal feed protein in the form of
worm biomass, while alleviating the negative effects of poor organic waste
management. Vermicompostdevelopsdueto thebiologicalactivity ofearthworms that
consumes mainly organic materials, such as food preparation residuals and leftovers,
scrap paper, animal manure, crop residues, including organic by-products from

15. 15
industries, and yard trimmings. Thus wastes areconverted into a valuable biofertilizers
that can be used in soil amendment for plants and crops. The other advantages of
vermicomposts areit booststhesoilnutrients, increases
the availability of nutrients to plants, improves soil structure and drainage,
increases the plant growth and suppresses plant disease and insect pest attacks
(biocontrol). Thus vermicompost is one of the efficient means to mitigate
-environmental-pollution problems and forits management (Waleed2016).
Vermicomposting noticeably involve in degradation and stabilization of solid
organic waste frictions into fine organic rich manure derived from vermicompost
processing can be efficiently reserved, handled and integrated to agricultural lands
without any negative impacts . Vermicomposting is an integrated interaction of
earthworms and mesophilic microorganisms in ecofriendly environment and stabilized
conditions in order to attain non-thermophilic degradation and stabilization of solid
organic waste frictions. (Aslam and Ahmad, 2020).

16. 16
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Keeping in view above facts, the trial was performed with the following
objectives:
1. To develop Vermi fertilizer by using earthworm species Eisenia foetida
2. To study the bio waste i.e., wheat straw, rice straw and cow dung for
suitability as raw material forvermicompostingand
3. To check the role of certain ecological factors in the production of
vermicompost.
Collection and Crushing of material
Wheat straw, rice straw and cow dung were gathered from Student Research
Farm and Dairy Farm. After collection, Wheat straw and rice straw were dried in
sunlight for 10 days. All the samples were crushed in a big grinder one by one.
Small quantities of materials were carefully added into crushing machine for
better quality (0.1-1.0 cm). The crushed material was collected in polythene bags
carefully. Separate polythene bags were used foreach sample.
Types of Earthworm and Culturing conditions
The most commonly used earthworm for vermicomposting, Eisenia foetida.
These earthworms were collected from a farmer, Malik Ejaz Billu from Kohat. Pre-
mature non-clitellated specimen of E. foetida, weighing 200-250 g were selected
randomly from several stock cultures, maintained in laboratory with different test
materials as culturing material.
Earthworms were best survival at 25°C for breeding and joyful life. The
temperature for vermicompost was maintained at 25 to 35°C (using Air Conditioner)
for growth and action with pH in 6.0-7.5. The 60 to 85% moisture was maintained by
using humidifier. The oxygen was sustained bydecreasing the percentageof wetness,
retrenchment offeed, and rotating the pile through altered hand tools.
To remodify the conditions ofacidic, CaCO3was mixed in the boxes and then
sprinkled water. Wheat straw, rice straw, and farm yard manure (cow dung), were
used in feeding the earthworms.
Making growth medium for functional bacterial growth
4.5g nutrient broth and 11-15g agar were added in beaker container and
added 700 ml distilled water. The nutrients were weighed in aluminum foil.
Distilled water was added in beaker, mixed nutrients in water and stirred it with
magnet on stirrer. Placed it in autoclave for 15 min at 121◦C and took outside.
Sterilized the laminar air flow with ethanol mixture (70% ethanol: 30% water).
After cooling at around 60◦C, then pour the medium into Petri dishes.

17. 17
Dilution method
The excreta of one earthworm was diluted in 1ml/900 microlitre double
distilled water in test tube. Stirred it at vortex. Took10 microliter from the first tube
and further allowed to dilute it in 1ml/900 microliter double distilled water in other
test tube (named as 2nd test tube). 10µl from second testtube was taken and diluted
it in 3rd test tube with 1ml/900microliter. Then, streaking was done from 2nd and
3rd test tubes by taking 3 plates from each.
Isolation of bacterial strains from gut of earthworm
The central gut of earthworm was opened with dissecting box. Then, 0.5g
earth excreta was taken out and added to 10ml double distilled water. This solution
was vortexed (10−1).1 ml solution from 1st tube was taken and added it in 2nd tube
containing 9ml double distilled water that was also vortexed (10−2). The same
procedurewas repeated to make 10−3, 10−4, 10−5 ofE. foetida species. Totaltubes
were 10. 100 µl solutions were taken from each 10−3 and 10−5 of both tubes and
put on agar medium plates. Two plates were made from each one and streaking was
done afterwards. Zinc solubilizing bacteria were isolated.
Cellulose degrading bacteria:
Sterilized CMC/Carboxy Methyl cellulose agar plates. 1% Congo red (aq).
1M NaCl. Required Components are NaCl (4.0), Ammonium sulphate (1.0 g/l),
KH2PO4 (0.5 g/l), K2HPO4(0.5 g/l), MgSO4(0.1 g/l) CaCl2 (0.1 g/l) CMC (0.1%)
The material in petri dishes. Streaking/spreading of bacteria. Incubated for
72 hours. After incubation, flood the plates with 1% cognate/ Congo red at least 10
minutes. Removed the excess Congo red and washed the plates with 1M NaCl.
After washing observed zone of phydrolysis around the colony which indicates
cellulose degradation by bacteria.
Number of earthworm in different feeding material:
The number of earth worms were counted from different feeding sources which were
replicated and then average was taken. After counting the earth worms from different
feeding sources, the weight of earthworms was calculated in average.
Fig 4- Eisenia foetida earthworm’s
counting
Fig 5- Average weight of earthworms,
Number of cocoons.

18. 18
Harvesting and sieving of vermicompost:
When vermicompost is prepared then stop sprinkling and watering about one
week ago and make heap of the compostfor better earthworm performance. Now,
earthworm starts moving downward and gathered at the bottomofthe heap. Further
process remove material from heap and kept in shadowfor sieving and packing.
Sunlight should not directly expose heaped vermicompost, moisture
percentage of compost kept minimum 40%, light cause reduction in moisture and
ultimately nutrient reduced from compost. Sieving of vermicompost helps to
transfer of earthworm to next new bed because lower portion of vermicompost
contain maximum number of earthworms which help in preparation of
vermicompost again. It can be used for vegetables, fruits and crops. Vermicompost
can be stored for at least one year without any loss of its quality, if the optimum
moisture level (40%) in the vermicompost is maintained (Ahmad et al 2009).
ANALYTICAL METHODS
The pH of earthworm media: For pH determination of vermicompost and raw
material, solution was made using a vermicompost and material to water ratio of
1:2.5 for 30 minutes, the ingredients were permitted to balance and the pH was
determined using a standardized pH metre (Arthur, 1982).
The EC of earthworm media: EC of the vermicompost and material was
concluded by formulation of suspension with 1:2 compost to water ratio.
Equilibrize of contents was done for 40 minutes and the electrical conductivity was
documented (Richards, 1954).
Raw material and vermicompost analysis: Digestion of vermicompost and raw
material for assessment of total P, K, Mg and Ca. Placed 0.6 g vermicompost and
0.5 g raw material in container and moistened with some droplets of H2SO4 and
then putted 1 ml HClO4 and 3 ml HNO3. Vermicompost, raw material and acid
mixture were heated on hot plate until smokes of HClO4 looked and then it was
chilled and put 6 ml of HF. Put the container in bath of sand and enclosed about
9/10 of pottop with a Pt lid until desiccation. Lasting dyes burnt with Meker burner
and oxidized. 5 ml, 6 N HCl and 5 ml of water were added after cooling. Boiled the
solution slightly through heating the container. After fully deposits mixed in HCl
poured this in 100 ml volumetric flask, after washing the filter paper dilute to
volume. Total P, K, Ca and Mg was determined by using this solution (Jackson,
1958).
Standard Preparation: Standardized specifications, in the form of an aqueous
solution (1000 ppm), were set from a readily available stock solution (Applichem
®). All the glass equipment used in the experimental work process were immersed
in 8N HNO3 overnight and cleaned prior to use with de-ionized water many times.
Statistical Analysis: All the experiments were repeated thrice and data was
summarized. The recorded data was statistically analyzed via Fisher’s analysis of
variance (ANOVA) technique (Steel et al., 1997). LSD test was used (p<0.05) to
compare the treatments means using Statistic version 8.1 (Analytical Software ©,
1985-2005).

19. 19
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
 Change in vermicompost pH is substrate dependent and dynamic process. So, the
pH shift during the vermicomposting depends upon chemical characteristics of
feedstock. Decrease or increase in pH is result of production of ammonia and
organic acids during vermicomposting.
 In current study, overall minor increase in pH (near to neutral) of materials were
observed in almost all treatments at the end of vermicomposting. The pH ranged
between the 6.84 and 7.95 in mature vermicompost. These results are in range of
bestquality vermicompost as stated by Pandit et al (2012). Whereas, further studies
quantified that pH values of final vermicompost ranged from alkaline to acidic.
 More shift of pH was observed in those treatments in which cowdung was used as
feeding stock while less increase was perceived in wheat straw feeding material.
This pH variation among different treatments was due to the use of different types
of materials which exaggerated the mineralization. All the treatments indicated
adequate pH for earthworm growth (Ndegwa and Thompson, 2000).
 It is clear now that earthworm population increased exponentially higher when they
were fed with the rice straw which were pre-inoculated with active bacterial strains
(consortia of cellulose degrading, Znsolubilizing and phosphorus solubilizing
bacterial strains) at the time of pre-composting. This all data was established in 75
days.
 There are two main points that first we have to select ourobjective of vermicompost
and secondly we have to select biomass type according to our objective. In this
research, it is very clear that if we want good high quality verimicompost, then use
FYM (cow-dung) as VC source and if you want to do vermiculturing (growing
earthworm population) then select rice straw and add selective microbial strains.
Application of vermicompost in soil
In horticultural and field crops application ofvermicompost is done for better
productionbecauseit contains all macro and micro nutrients which are available and
greater than raw material used for its production . It shows good impact on crop
production and also on soil health. Vermicompost application is very simple than
other fertilizers applications. Apply it as a thin layer to soil mixing with the soil and
around the plants. It commonly applied at the time of last ploughing. Its rate of
application depends upon nutritive requirement, quality and crop to which it used.
However, different researchers have got best results at different levels of
vermicompost in their respective experimentations reported that by the application
of vermicompost fertilizer @10 t ha-1, 50% tomato yield increased. Similarly
investigated that by applying vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1 tomato yield also increased.
Another experiment also gives same results in which rice crop yield increase by
applying compost@2.5 t ha-1.
Vermicompost benefits
Vermicompost is a good quality manure containing a variety of essential
nutrients required by crops such as (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium,

20. 20
magnesium and micronutrients, i.e. iron, zinc, copper and manganese) in adequate
quantities to increase the quality and quantity of crops . It improves biological,
chemical and physical characteristics of soil. It also improves the soil structure due
to that soil permeability and porosity increased. Vermicompost contain excessive
amount of antibiotics, vitamins, hormones, enzymes and amino acids that are helpful
in growth and development of plants. It provides resistance and nutrient to plants. It
also decreases the costof productionand overall cultivation by reducing application
ofchemical fertilizer. Many harmful weeds like Lantana, Ageratum, Parthenium, and
Eupatorium could be used in vermicompost preparation.
Effects of vermicompost on crop growth and productivity
In sustainable agriculture, vermicompost is a potential input which create
beneficial effects on soil. It contains high level of humic acid and hormones that
create a useful effect on plant health. Vermicompost also has a beneficial impact on
vegetative development and stimulating the development of shoot and root. Its
application increase morphology of crop plants such as leaf areas and stimulated
flowering, increase in the number and biomass offlowers and overall increase in fruit
yield. Integration of vermicompost enhances seed germination, seedling growth and
increase plant production. It also increases germination percentage and yield of
mungbean as compared to control. Similarly, investigated that germination increased
with the application of vermicompost than other amendments. Application of
vermicompost 10 t ha-1 together with recommended chemical nutrient doses gave
maximum pea yield compared with sole use ofchemical nutrients . Same results have
also been reported while working on tomato. Other scientists also reported that
vermicompost contain less heavy metals , some growth promoting hormones which
are released from earthworms. Addition of hormones in vermicompost shows better
result in growth and development of plants and makes the soil rich in nutrients. It
increase root length, biomass, plant growth and also overall plant physiology .
Positive results of vermicompost addition to soil in tomato crop have also been
registered by. Vegetative growth of paddy like shoot weight, root weight, root and
shootlength influenced significantly bythe addition ofvermicompost in comparison
with sole application of chemical fertilizers.
Several studies have witnessed increased biomass and grain yield in different
crops following judicious application of vermicompost and chemical fertilizers.
Positive changes in the quality of wheat flour because of increased gluten content
were reported by in vermicompost imbedded treatments. Beside above presented
results, there are several examples in the literature that documented enhanced growth
of a wide range of plant species following vermicompost incorporation as it is an
instant source of nutrients supply.
Effects of vermicompost on soil properties
Earthworm presencein soil makes compactsoil porous and improves its water
penetration. The behavioral activity of earthworms that eat, burrow and caste,
changes the physical, chemical and biological properties of organic matter and soil.
As discussed earlier, vermicompost nutrient profile is typically higher than

21. 21
conventional compost. In fact, vermicompost can physically, chemically and
biologically improve the soil fertility.
Earthworms’ casting contains a high percentage of humus. Humus helps in
aggregation of soil particles resulting into better porosity, which in turn improve
aeration and water holding capacity of the soils. In addition, humic acid in humus
provides binding sites for a variety of plant nutrients, i.e., potassium, iron, calcium,
sulphur and phosphorus. These nutrients are stored in humic acid in the form of
readily available nutrients and released when needed by plants.
Earthworm casts ingested soil might create even more favourable environment to
plant growth because of higher moisture content and nutrient availability in fresh
casts. Jeyabal and Kuppuswamy have reported increased growth of rice stalks and
improvement in soil fertility status following vermicompost application. Earthworm
casts are commonly considered to be responsible for better soilstructure and enhance
soil physical properties, i.e., water retention, resistance to erosion and infiltration.
Thus, soils amended with vermicompost have ability to improve soil structure and
retain higher moisture content.
Lee stated that microorganisms in the worm casts could fix atmospheric N in
amounts that are important for the metabolism of earthworms and as a source of
nitrogen for plant growth. The findings of supported above results as they have also
been reported five folds’ higher infiltration rate in soil following fertilization of
vermicompost.
Effects of vermicompost on soil organic matter
Vermicompost added soil contains maximum content of organic carbon and
nutrient availability as compared to their surrounding soils. The studies undertaken
byconcluded that vermicompost addition in soil increase organic carbon status,
decreased bulk density, enhanced soil porosity and water holding capacities,
increased dehydrogenase activity and soil microbes. Organic matter content in worm
casts has been reported to be around four times higher than in surface soil, with
average values of48.2 and 11.9 g kg-1 soil, respectively. In addition, the contribution
of earthworms to N turnover in cultivated soils ranged from 3 to 60 kg ha-1 year-1,
increasing the supply of N to plants.

22. 22
CONCLUSION
 It can be concluded from this study that Eisenia foetida is the most appropriate
decomposerforagricultural wastes. Vermicompost was prepared through organic
material like FYM and other farm waste like rice and wheat straw and evaluated
for constancy, early maturity, and acceptable palatability. Vermicompost egested
from earthworms containing cellulose degrading, phosphateand zinc solubilizing
bacteria in its gut supplies enormous amount of nutrients compared to VC
produced only from earthworms.
 Overall, the nutrient profile of vermicompostis typically higher than conventional
compost. Vermicompost application in soil not only improves structure and
aggregation but also enhance the amount of organic matter, nutrient status,
potential for cation exchange, microbial activities, and carbon microbial biomass
and enzyme activities. Thereby, help in promoting plant growth and sustain soil
health. Hence, this input is proven as boonto the farmers. To take full advantage
of vermicompost, plough it well in the soil at the time of sowing. The expenditure
on costly chemical fertilizer input may be reduced to some extent by applying
vermicompost in crops.
 This kind of research also established a view that which organic waste source is
the best for vermicomposting and its utilization for different crop deficiencies.
Among many agricultural waste materials, the FYM (cow dung) is a best source
to increase the availability of both macro and micro nutrients. While rice straw
assumed to be a good feed for earthworms for their higher production. However,
wheat straw is a poorsource for VC and also it is not easily available.

23. 23
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