ABSTRACT
The potential of E. fetida to degrade wastes into vermicompost and to produce vermiprotein in the form of worm-biomass during different seasons was evaluated. Results revealed that the environmental factors prevailing during different seasons did influence directly the life activities of the worm and indirectly the compostability of the wastes. Feeding activities of E. fetida reduced the time of production of an efficient organic pool with energy reserves as vermicompost. Further, the amount of vermicompost produced by the worm activity depended primarily on the environmental factors and secondarily on the nature of organic wastes.
Subject(s)
Animals , Biodegradation, Environmental , Environment , Oligochaeta/physiology , Organic Chemicals/metabolism , Proteins/analysis , Refuse Disposal , SeasonsABSTRACT
Influence of temperature on growth and reproduction of Eudrilus eugeniae has been investigated by laboratory culturing at regulated 25.0 degrees C, 30.0 degrees C, 37.5 degrees C and 40.0 degrees C and in fluctuating (22.7-27.3 degrees C) room temperature of prevailing (winter) season over 16 weeks. All worms died during first and tenth week at 40.0 degrees C and 37.5 degrees C respectively. Weight (biomass) and growth of worms cultured at different temperature varied significantly (P<0.01). The mean growth (mg/g live weight/day) at 25.0 degrees C., 30.0 degrees C, 35.0 degrees C, 37.5 degrees C and in fluctuating temperatures was 1,074.04 +/- 6.07, 1,554.01 degrees 192.37, 148.1 +/- 15.28, 192.83 +/- 25.8 and 1450.4 +/- 162.1 respectively. Growth declined after maturity drastically with coccon production. At 25.0 degrees C though worms are sexually mature, they failed to produce cocoons within 16 weeks whereas, at 35.0 degrees C and 37.5 degrees C they did not sexually mature. Worms attained sexual maturity at a mean weight of about 1000 mg/worm. The mean per cent maturity was higher and earlier in fluctuating temperatures and at 30.0 degrees C than at 25.0 degrees C. Cocoon production was observed only at 30.0 degrees C and in fluctuating temperatures with a mean of 0.9 and 1.5 cocoons/ wom/week and the cumulative cocoon number of 10.8 and 14.7/worm over 16th week respectively. The fluctuating temperature of uncontrolled room environment and 30.0 degrees C were favorable for various life activities of the worms. Eudrilus eugeniae appears to have range of temperature optima more than 25.0 degrees C and less than 28 degrees C. The climatic conditions prevailing in whole of the peninsular India during winter season are favourable for employing this worm in intensive field scale vermiculturing practices.
Subject(s)
Adaptation, Physiological , Animals , Biomass , Female , Male , Oligochaeta/growth & development , Population Dynamics , Reproduction , Seasons , TemperatureABSTRACT
For understanding the potential utility in field scale production of vermicompost and vermiprotein economically, Eisenia fetida was cultured to establish the influence of (i) prevailing tropical semiarid (North-East region of Karnataka, India) environmental factors and (ii) different animal manures (cattle, horse and 1:1 mixture of cattle and horse) (on its growth, reproduction and life span. In three forms of diet, growth (mg/d/g live weight of worm) was almost similar, but the biomass in cattle manure (565.7 +/- 15.3) was significantly more than horse manure (494.9 +/- 22.8) and 1:1 mixture (470.3 +/- 22.0). Mean cocoon production (per worm/week) in horse manure (0.16) was significantly (P<0.001) lower than that in cattle manure (1.6) and in 1:1 mixed manure (1.4). Cattle favoured biomass, growth and cocoon production. Horse manure inhibited cocoon production and the conserved energy in this process might have been added to the body weight almost equal to that in cattle manure. In 1:1 mixed manure, the biomass was less due to moderate cocoon production (presumably due to the stimulatory influence of 50% cattle manure) under semifavorable nutrients and environmental conditions. Fecundity of the worms declined with aging, despite favourable nutrients and environmental conditions. Worms survived up to 92, 68 and 66 weeks in cattle manure, 1:1 mixed manure and horse manure respectively.