Biomanagement of sago-sludge using an earthworm, Lampito mauritii.

ABSTRACT

In the present study vermicomposting was carried out at three different concentrations of sago-sludge namely 50, 75 and 100% with an indigenous earthworm, Lampito mauritii for a period of 50 days. The fecundity of earthworm Lampito mauritii was found to be high in 50%. At the end of 50 days composting period. There were about 12 cocoons, 5 juveniles and 2 nonclitellates appeared at 50% sago-sludge concentration. The microbial analysis showed that after 40 days of composting their population stabilized and further increase in composting period did not increase their population size. Chemical analysis of Lampito mauritii worked substrates showed there is a step wise increase of nitrogen and phosphorus. The fold increase of phosphorus and nitrogen were found to be high for sago-sludge undergoing vermicomposting than the control. From the initial value of 1.8, 1.4 and 0.5 mg kg(-1) total nitrogen increased in a stepwise manner and reached a value of 5.8, 3.9 and 2.3 mg kg(-1), respectively for vermicomposting at 50, 75 and 100%. During composting the organic carbon decreased from its initial value of 56, 74 and 107 mg kg(-1) to 15, 25 and 58 mg kg(-1) for vermicomposting and 34, 45 and 72 mg kg(-1) for 50, 70 and 100% control, respectively. The results indicate that 50% and 75% concentration of sludge mixed with bedding material was ideal for the vermicomposting.