Suresh Kumar - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Suresh Kumar
ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY - Interdisciplinary International Science Journal by MKK Publication, 2024
Soil contamination has increased significantly over the last few decades due to anthropogenic act... more Soil contamination has increased significantly over the last few decades due to anthropogenic activities such as industrial waste disposal, agricultural
practices, urbanization, construction, mining and drilling, waste dumping, and lack of regulation and enforcement. These activities cause soil contamina-
tion with pollutants such as heavy metals, pesticides, industrial chemicals, and pathogens. These pollutants disrupt the food chain, contaminate crops and water,
and threaten living beings and the environment. To effectively assess soil pollution, it is essential to establish non-hazardous threshold technologies for
determining the quantity of pollutants in the soil. A bio-monitoring approach that focuses on metal toxicity and its availability in the soil, as well as its impact on unidentified metabolites, is appropriate.
As a major component of soil biota, earthworms play a crucial role in organic matter decomposition and
soil reconstruction in terrestrial ecosystems. Several studies have indicated that earthworms can serve as biological tools for monitoring soil pollutants and exhibit stress responses to contaminants. Their density and biomass are significantly affected by local soil pollution because they are directly exposed to the soil environment. This review article summarizes various research studies on how earthworm species function
as bioindicators or biomonitors and their response to different soil pollutants. Further research is required to identify the species-specific responses of earth-
worms and to understand their biochemical, anatomical, physiological, and genetic changes in particular pollutant-contaminated soils. These efforts are aimed at helping us maintain soil health for sustainability.
https://www.dipterajournal.com, 2023
Biological control of mosquito is an eco-friendly approach for the control of some vector borne d... more Biological control of mosquito is an eco-friendly approach for the control of some vector borne diseases. Numerous tools have been developed and applied to scale down the mosquito population, but the ultimate goal of these different strategies is only to mitigate the menace of mosquito and effectively prevent malaria like diseases. Unfortunately, most of these vectors control measurement the time limited prevention of diseases. For example, they were used as an insecticide, but insecticide resistant mosquito vectors are developed in course of time. Major efforts may be focused on generating eco-friendly alternatives. In current scenario there are many potential alternatives for eradicating and controlling the mosquito vectors biologically. Effective use of aquatic insect predators, larvivorous fishes, symbiotic bacteria, microbial agent and entopathogenic fungi for this purpose are still rather unexplored calling for further research. Biological control of mosquito vectors has been validated for several advantages over insecticides. To resolve the problem of current dependence on insecticidal-based mosquito elimination the option of biological control of this vector is ecofriendly and sustainable. The current knowledge of bio-controlling agents highlighting its significance in the field of public health with respective have been reviewed in this article along with the prospective challenges and opportunities.
Reproductive strategy of earthworm Polypheretima elongata was studied in different wastes under l... more Reproductive strategy of earthworm Polypheretima elongata was studied in different wastes under laboratory conditions with temperature 25±3 o C and humidity 65-85% for span of 91 days (February to May) to understand their growth, reproductive potential and life cycle. Experimental set up was designed within the four different composite waste beddings and one control. Maximum rate of cocoon production and hatchling was recorded in kitchen waste with cow manure bedding (2.82±0.08 no. of cocoon/worm/week, 4.69±0.10 no .of hatchling/cocoon), while minimum score reported in domestic animal mixture manure bedding (1.26±0.06 no. of cocoon/worm/week, 2.85±0.05 no. of hatchling/cocoon). Consequently, lowest (25.12±0.18, 33.00±1.15 day) incubation and maturation period was recorded in kitchen waste with cow manure bedding, while highest (34.72±0.12, 53.67±2.60 day) was observed in bedding containing mixture of domestic animal manure. On the other hand, maize straw with cow manure and wheat straw with cow manure beddings exhibited moderate values. Maximum wet biomass achieved per earthworm (1.07±0.08 g/worms) in composites of kitchen waste with cow manure. These value were significantly (P<0.05) changed in different bedding materials. Therefore, this investigational result showed that bedding containing kitchen waste merged with cow manure is most ideal for its growth and development.
J. Exp. Zool. India, 2020
The vermicomposting potential of Eisenia fetida and Perionyx sansibaricus was evaluated in beddin... more The vermicomposting potential of Eisenia fetida and Perionyx sansibaricus was evaluated in bedding of different compositions like leaf litter and kitchen waste plus goat dung substrate under laboratory condition. Their physical parameters namely pH and electric conductivity were also recorded. The decomposition efficacy of both species was indicated as significant increase in electrical conductivity, total N, available phosphorus and potassium, while decreases in pH, organic C and C/N ratio in duration of 0 to 15, 30, 45, 60, 75 and 90 days. The data reveals that in vermicomposting technology for decomposition of organic waste (viz., leaf litter and kitchen waste plus goat dung) into value added material, E. fetida executed better output than P. sansibaricus. Finally, the organic wastes were successfully transferred into nutrient rich vermicompost. Therefore, vermicomposting is the pinnacle approach for soil rehabilitation by using of different organic wastes.
© Triveni Enterprises, Lucknow (India), 2009
Larvicidal efficacy of the aqueous and methanol extracts from green unripe and yellow ripe fruits... more Larvicidal efficacy of the aqueous and methanol extracts from green unripe and yellow ripe fruits, seeds, leaves and roots of the plant Solanum xanthocarpum was evaluated against Anopheles culicifacies, Anopheles stephensi, Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus, the important mosquito vectors prevalent in the arid region. Studies were carried out on late 3 rd or early 4 th instar larvae of these species using standard WHO technique. Based on concentration mortality data LC 50 and LC 90 values along with their fiducial limits, regression equation, chisquare (λ 2)/ heterogeneity of the response have been determined by log probit regression analysis. The 24 hr LC 50 values as observed for aqueous extracts for green unripe and yellow ripe fruits were 112.7, 498.2 and 846.3 mgl-1 and 104.7, 267.7 and 832.2 mg l-1 for Anopheles stephensi, Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus respectively. However, the 24 hr LC 50 values for methanol extracts of yellow ripe fruits and seeds were 51.6, 52.2, 118.3 and 157.1 mg l-1 and 66.9, 73.7, 123.8 and 154.9 mg l-1 for the above four vector species respectively. The results showed that larvae of anophelines were much more susceptible as compared to culicines to both the aqueous and methanol extracts from fruits and seeds of the plant tested. The methanol extracts were found 2-5 times more effective as compared to the aqueous extracts. The chi-square values calculated during the analysis did not show any heterogeneity of the response. Experiments conducted with aqueous and methanol extracts from leaves and roots of this plant species didn't show any larvicidal activity against any of the mosquito species tested. The study would be of great importance while formulating vector control strategy based on alternative plant based insecticides.
J. Exp. Zool. , 2017
Quantitative sampling for earthworms by hand sorting was carried out in different habitats of Sir... more Quantitative sampling for earthworms by hand sorting was carried out in different habitats of Sirohi district of Rajasthan. Seasonal changes in population of earthworm species viz. Pontoscolex corethrurus and Octochaetona beatrix were studies in different fields. Population of the earthworm Pontoscolex corethrurus varied in different seasons in agricultural, forest and grasslands. Similarly, the population of Octonochaetona beatrix changed in agricultural, garden and orchard lands. Highest population of Pontoscolex corethrurus was recorded in agricultural land in July, whereas its population was lowest in forest land. The earthworm Octochaetona beatrix was abundant in garden but poor in agricultural land. The highest population of both species was observed in the rainy season but it was meagre in the summer and winter seasons. Both the species of earthworms (Pontoscolex corethrurus, Octochaetona beatrix) showed their population peak twice i.e. one in July-August and another in February-March. Our aim was to understand the effect of seasonal changes on population density of these two earthworms.
Centre for Advanced Research in Agricultural Sciences, 2021
A large amount of castor straw production in arid and semi-arid environment warranted a need for ... more A large amount of castor straw production in arid and semi-arid environment warranted a need for its management through vermicomposting. Hence a comparative efficacy of the epigeic earthworm species Eisenia fetida and Perionyx sansibaricus in castor straw recycling was analyzed. The earthworm species E. fetida and P. sansibaricus were employed in bedding material containing a mixture of castor straw and cow dung in equal proportions (1:1 w/w). Vermicomposting was carried out for 90 days and changes in physicochemical parameters of beddings were observed at an interval of 15 days. The process of vermicomposting showed a significant increase in electrical conductivity (1.25 to 2.60 dsm-1), total nitrogen (7.03 to 15.31 g kg-1), available phosphorus (3.13 to 6.76 g kg-1) and potassium (2.34 to 6.94 g kg-1) but a decrease in pH (8.25 to 7.27), organic carbon (342 to 195 g kg-1) and C/N ratio (48.62 to 12.75) in worm worked bedding substrates from 0 day to 90 th day. The E. fetida performed better than P. sansibaricus in decomposition of agrowaste (castor straw) and production of nutrient rich vermifertilizer. The earthworm E. fetida and P. sansibaricus can be employed for stabilization of castor waste and production of vermifertilizer and in turn socioeconomic upliftment of farmers in rural areas.
National Journal of Life Sciences, 2015
The impact of different seasons on the population of earthworm species viz. Lampito mauritii, Amy... more The impact of different seasons on the population of earthworm species viz. Lampito mauritii, Amynthasmorrisi and Dichogaster bolaui were studied in three different habitats (i.e., agricultural, garden and waste lands) of Sirohi district of Rajasthan. Highest population of Dichogaster bolaui was recorded in garden in August, whereas its population was low in waste land. The earthworm Amynthas morrisi was abundant in garden but poor in waste land. Maximum population of Lampito mauritii was in agricultural land and but its minimum population was found in waste land. The highest numbers of all three species (viz. Lampito mauritii, Amynthas morrisi, Dichogaster bolaui) were observed in the rainy season (July-Aug.). The populations of the earthworm species were meager in the months of summer (May) and winter (December-January). Earthworms showed their peak population during July-August and the second population peak was observed in February-March. The results suggested that these earthworm species breed twice in a year indicating two population peaks in different habitats of Sirohi district of Rajasthan.
The Scientific temper, 2018
Agro-waste like fennel straw blended with cow dung was recycled to analyze biochemical changes du... more Agro-waste like fennel straw blended with cow dung was recycled to analyze biochemical changes during composting process treated with earthworms Eisenia fetida and Perionyx sansibaricus. Both the species of earthworms were separately inoculated in composting substrate bedding for a period of 90 days. Fennel straw mixed with dry cow dung in 1:1 ratio was prepared as bedding substrate for earthworms in vermicomposting experiment. The changes in physical and biochemical parameters of vermicompost samples during decomposition progression were recorded at specific interval of time. At different level of vermicomposting significant raise in electrical conductivity, total N, available phosphorus and potassium, along with drop in pH, organic C and C/N ratio was recorded from experimental vermibeds. The result showed that vermicomposting of fennel straw plus cow dung amended into nutrient rich material known as organic fertilizer. In this vermicomposting experiment E. fetida shows better functional activity than P. sansibaricus. The results suggested that enriched compost obtained from decomposition of wastes (agro and livestock waste) through vermicomposting with efficient worms will be utilized to enhance physico-chemical and biological properties of soil; leading to better plant growth and production of crop.
National Journal of Life Sciences, 2020
The present assessment has been designed to study the effect of different organic waste material ... more The present assessment has been designed to study the effect of different organic waste material viz.; leaf litter and kitchen waste plus goat dung (1+1+2), fennel straw plus cow dung (1+1), groundnut straw plus cow dung (1+1) and castor straw plus cow dung (1+1) used as bedding mixture on growth and different life cycle stages of composting epigeic earthworm species (Oligochaeta) : Eisenia fetida and Perionyx sansibaricus under laboratory condition for 90 days. Evaluation of their life stages in a particular bedding mixture may be beneficial for large-scale earthworm production. Rapid maturity rate 29.34±1.45 day and incubation period of cocoon 10.33±0.34 day of Eisenia fetida was observed in groundnut straw plus cow dung bedding, while earlier maturity rate 41.00±3.05 day and incubation period of cocoon 13.00±0.55 day of Perionyx sansibaricus recorded in leaf litter and kitchen waste plus goat dung containing culture. High cocoon production rate was noted in Eisenia fetida (1.88±0.02 worm/week) in the groundnut straw plus cow dung bedding and in Perionyx sansibaricus (1.21±0.25 worm/week) in leaf litter and kitchen waste plus goat dung bedding. Maximum number of cocoon hatchling of Eisenia fetida, 3.69±0.06 no/cocoon was observed in culture containing groundnut straw plus cow dung bedding and in Perionyx sansibaricus highest hatchling success rate was recorded 2.28±0.08 no/cocoon in leaf litter and kitchen waste plus goat dung bedding. The biomass growth of Eisenia fetida and Perionyx sansibaricus also observed and it was higher in groundnut straw plus cow dung and leaf litter and kitchen waste plus goat dung bedding material respectively. Both the species performed poorly in bedding containing castor straw plus cow dung organic material. The present result concludes that the growth and reproductive strategy of worms shows suitability in a particular organic waste material.
http://www.sciepub.com/journal/aees, 2021
Disposal of groundnut waste is a major problem in agriculture sector. So, groundnut husk combined... more Disposal of groundnut waste is a major problem in agriculture sector. So, groundnut husk combined with cow dung was subjected to vermicomposting employing an exotic (Eisenia fetida) and a native (Perionyx sansibaricus) earthworm species. Separate vermibeds were prepared which contained crushed groundnut husk blended with cow dung in equal ratio (1:1). Vermicomposting was allowed for 90 days and different physicochemical parameters of vermibeds were monitored on 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75 and 90 th day. The process of composting at different time intervals indicated significant increase in electrical conductivity, total nitrogen, available phosphorus and potassium, but there was decline in pH, organic carbon and C/N ratio after inoculation of earthworms. The E. fetida was found better than P. sansibaricus in decomposition of agrowaste and production of nutrient rich vermifertilizer. This eco-friendly technology may be used by farmers for agrowaste conversion, income generation and environmental cleaning.
http://www.sciepub.com/journal/aees, 2021
Extensive surveys of earthworm diversity were done in different habitats of plain and hilly areas... more Extensive surveys of earthworm diversity were done in different habitats of plain and hilly areas of Sirohi district of Rajasthan, India. Earthworms differed in their ecomorphological characteristics and relative abundances in different habitats. A total twelve species of earthworms Pontoscolex corethrurus, Amynthas morrisi, Lampito mauritii, Metaphire posthuma, Megascolex konkanensis, Metaphire houlleti, Perionyx sansibaricus, Polypheretima elongata, Ocnerodrilus occidentalis, Dichogaster bolaui, Octochaetona beatrix and Gordiodrilus sp. were recorded from hilly and plain areas. Among these, ten species were found from plain area and nine from hilly area. Five earthworm species (M. konkanensis, M. houlleti, P. elongata, O. beatrix, Gordiodrilus sp.) were recorded for the first-time from Rajasthan. The plain area species P. elongata, O. beatrix and Gordiodrilus sp. were replaced by M. konkanensis and M. houlleti in hilly region. This showed the habitat preferences of earthworm species. Few species were present in a particular habitat of plain area, but they were absent in the same type of habitat in hilly area. The relative density, frequency and species diversity index of earthworm species differed in different habitats and areas. Earthworm diversity exhibited differing species-habitat relationship in hilly and plain areas. These findings may be utilized for eco-restoration of degraded land in similar habitats.
ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY - Interdisciplinary International Science Journal by MKK Publication, 2024
Soil contamination has increased significantly over the last few decades due to anthropogenic act... more Soil contamination has increased significantly over the last few decades due to anthropogenic activities such as industrial waste disposal, agricultural
practices, urbanization, construction, mining and drilling, waste dumping, and lack of regulation and enforcement. These activities cause soil contamina-
tion with pollutants such as heavy metals, pesticides, industrial chemicals, and pathogens. These pollutants disrupt the food chain, contaminate crops and water,
and threaten living beings and the environment. To effectively assess soil pollution, it is essential to establish non-hazardous threshold technologies for
determining the quantity of pollutants in the soil. A bio-monitoring approach that focuses on metal toxicity and its availability in the soil, as well as its impact on unidentified metabolites, is appropriate.
As a major component of soil biota, earthworms play a crucial role in organic matter decomposition and
soil reconstruction in terrestrial ecosystems. Several studies have indicated that earthworms can serve as biological tools for monitoring soil pollutants and exhibit stress responses to contaminants. Their density and biomass are significantly affected by local soil pollution because they are directly exposed to the soil environment. This review article summarizes various research studies on how earthworm species function
as bioindicators or biomonitors and their response to different soil pollutants. Further research is required to identify the species-specific responses of earth-
worms and to understand their biochemical, anatomical, physiological, and genetic changes in particular pollutant-contaminated soils. These efforts are aimed at helping us maintain soil health for sustainability.
https://www.dipterajournal.com, 2023
Biological control of mosquito is an eco-friendly approach for the control of some vector borne d... more Biological control of mosquito is an eco-friendly approach for the control of some vector borne diseases. Numerous tools have been developed and applied to scale down the mosquito population, but the ultimate goal of these different strategies is only to mitigate the menace of mosquito and effectively prevent malaria like diseases. Unfortunately, most of these vectors control measurement the time limited prevention of diseases. For example, they were used as an insecticide, but insecticide resistant mosquito vectors are developed in course of time. Major efforts may be focused on generating eco-friendly alternatives. In current scenario there are many potential alternatives for eradicating and controlling the mosquito vectors biologically. Effective use of aquatic insect predators, larvivorous fishes, symbiotic bacteria, microbial agent and entopathogenic fungi for this purpose are still rather unexplored calling for further research. Biological control of mosquito vectors has been validated for several advantages over insecticides. To resolve the problem of current dependence on insecticidal-based mosquito elimination the option of biological control of this vector is ecofriendly and sustainable. The current knowledge of bio-controlling agents highlighting its significance in the field of public health with respective have been reviewed in this article along with the prospective challenges and opportunities.
Reproductive strategy of earthworm Polypheretima elongata was studied in different wastes under l... more Reproductive strategy of earthworm Polypheretima elongata was studied in different wastes under laboratory conditions with temperature 25±3 o C and humidity 65-85% for span of 91 days (February to May) to understand their growth, reproductive potential and life cycle. Experimental set up was designed within the four different composite waste beddings and one control. Maximum rate of cocoon production and hatchling was recorded in kitchen waste with cow manure bedding (2.82±0.08 no. of cocoon/worm/week, 4.69±0.10 no .of hatchling/cocoon), while minimum score reported in domestic animal mixture manure bedding (1.26±0.06 no. of cocoon/worm/week, 2.85±0.05 no. of hatchling/cocoon). Consequently, lowest (25.12±0.18, 33.00±1.15 day) incubation and maturation period was recorded in kitchen waste with cow manure bedding, while highest (34.72±0.12, 53.67±2.60 day) was observed in bedding containing mixture of domestic animal manure. On the other hand, maize straw with cow manure and wheat straw with cow manure beddings exhibited moderate values. Maximum wet biomass achieved per earthworm (1.07±0.08 g/worms) in composites of kitchen waste with cow manure. These value were significantly (P<0.05) changed in different bedding materials. Therefore, this investigational result showed that bedding containing kitchen waste merged with cow manure is most ideal for its growth and development.
J. Exp. Zool. India, 2020
The vermicomposting potential of Eisenia fetida and Perionyx sansibaricus was evaluated in beddin... more The vermicomposting potential of Eisenia fetida and Perionyx sansibaricus was evaluated in bedding of different compositions like leaf litter and kitchen waste plus goat dung substrate under laboratory condition. Their physical parameters namely pH and electric conductivity were also recorded. The decomposition efficacy of both species was indicated as significant increase in electrical conductivity, total N, available phosphorus and potassium, while decreases in pH, organic C and C/N ratio in duration of 0 to 15, 30, 45, 60, 75 and 90 days. The data reveals that in vermicomposting technology for decomposition of organic waste (viz., leaf litter and kitchen waste plus goat dung) into value added material, E. fetida executed better output than P. sansibaricus. Finally, the organic wastes were successfully transferred into nutrient rich vermicompost. Therefore, vermicomposting is the pinnacle approach for soil rehabilitation by using of different organic wastes.
© Triveni Enterprises, Lucknow (India), 2009
Larvicidal efficacy of the aqueous and methanol extracts from green unripe and yellow ripe fruits... more Larvicidal efficacy of the aqueous and methanol extracts from green unripe and yellow ripe fruits, seeds, leaves and roots of the plant Solanum xanthocarpum was evaluated against Anopheles culicifacies, Anopheles stephensi, Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus, the important mosquito vectors prevalent in the arid region. Studies were carried out on late 3 rd or early 4 th instar larvae of these species using standard WHO technique. Based on concentration mortality data LC 50 and LC 90 values along with their fiducial limits, regression equation, chisquare (λ 2)/ heterogeneity of the response have been determined by log probit regression analysis. The 24 hr LC 50 values as observed for aqueous extracts for green unripe and yellow ripe fruits were 112.7, 498.2 and 846.3 mgl-1 and 104.7, 267.7 and 832.2 mg l-1 for Anopheles stephensi, Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus respectively. However, the 24 hr LC 50 values for methanol extracts of yellow ripe fruits and seeds were 51.6, 52.2, 118.3 and 157.1 mg l-1 and 66.9, 73.7, 123.8 and 154.9 mg l-1 for the above four vector species respectively. The results showed that larvae of anophelines were much more susceptible as compared to culicines to both the aqueous and methanol extracts from fruits and seeds of the plant tested. The methanol extracts were found 2-5 times more effective as compared to the aqueous extracts. The chi-square values calculated during the analysis did not show any heterogeneity of the response. Experiments conducted with aqueous and methanol extracts from leaves and roots of this plant species didn't show any larvicidal activity against any of the mosquito species tested. The study would be of great importance while formulating vector control strategy based on alternative plant based insecticides.
J. Exp. Zool. , 2017
Quantitative sampling for earthworms by hand sorting was carried out in different habitats of Sir... more Quantitative sampling for earthworms by hand sorting was carried out in different habitats of Sirohi district of Rajasthan. Seasonal changes in population of earthworm species viz. Pontoscolex corethrurus and Octochaetona beatrix were studies in different fields. Population of the earthworm Pontoscolex corethrurus varied in different seasons in agricultural, forest and grasslands. Similarly, the population of Octonochaetona beatrix changed in agricultural, garden and orchard lands. Highest population of Pontoscolex corethrurus was recorded in agricultural land in July, whereas its population was lowest in forest land. The earthworm Octochaetona beatrix was abundant in garden but poor in agricultural land. The highest population of both species was observed in the rainy season but it was meagre in the summer and winter seasons. Both the species of earthworms (Pontoscolex corethrurus, Octochaetona beatrix) showed their population peak twice i.e. one in July-August and another in February-March. Our aim was to understand the effect of seasonal changes on population density of these two earthworms.
Centre for Advanced Research in Agricultural Sciences, 2021
A large amount of castor straw production in arid and semi-arid environment warranted a need for ... more A large amount of castor straw production in arid and semi-arid environment warranted a need for its management through vermicomposting. Hence a comparative efficacy of the epigeic earthworm species Eisenia fetida and Perionyx sansibaricus in castor straw recycling was analyzed. The earthworm species E. fetida and P. sansibaricus were employed in bedding material containing a mixture of castor straw and cow dung in equal proportions (1:1 w/w). Vermicomposting was carried out for 90 days and changes in physicochemical parameters of beddings were observed at an interval of 15 days. The process of vermicomposting showed a significant increase in electrical conductivity (1.25 to 2.60 dsm-1), total nitrogen (7.03 to 15.31 g kg-1), available phosphorus (3.13 to 6.76 g kg-1) and potassium (2.34 to 6.94 g kg-1) but a decrease in pH (8.25 to 7.27), organic carbon (342 to 195 g kg-1) and C/N ratio (48.62 to 12.75) in worm worked bedding substrates from 0 day to 90 th day. The E. fetida performed better than P. sansibaricus in decomposition of agrowaste (castor straw) and production of nutrient rich vermifertilizer. The earthworm E. fetida and P. sansibaricus can be employed for stabilization of castor waste and production of vermifertilizer and in turn socioeconomic upliftment of farmers in rural areas.
National Journal of Life Sciences, 2015
The impact of different seasons on the population of earthworm species viz. Lampito mauritii, Amy... more The impact of different seasons on the population of earthworm species viz. Lampito mauritii, Amynthasmorrisi and Dichogaster bolaui were studied in three different habitats (i.e., agricultural, garden and waste lands) of Sirohi district of Rajasthan. Highest population of Dichogaster bolaui was recorded in garden in August, whereas its population was low in waste land. The earthworm Amynthas morrisi was abundant in garden but poor in waste land. Maximum population of Lampito mauritii was in agricultural land and but its minimum population was found in waste land. The highest numbers of all three species (viz. Lampito mauritii, Amynthas morrisi, Dichogaster bolaui) were observed in the rainy season (July-Aug.). The populations of the earthworm species were meager in the months of summer (May) and winter (December-January). Earthworms showed their peak population during July-August and the second population peak was observed in February-March. The results suggested that these earthworm species breed twice in a year indicating two population peaks in different habitats of Sirohi district of Rajasthan.
The Scientific temper, 2018
Agro-waste like fennel straw blended with cow dung was recycled to analyze biochemical changes du... more Agro-waste like fennel straw blended with cow dung was recycled to analyze biochemical changes during composting process treated with earthworms Eisenia fetida and Perionyx sansibaricus. Both the species of earthworms were separately inoculated in composting substrate bedding for a period of 90 days. Fennel straw mixed with dry cow dung in 1:1 ratio was prepared as bedding substrate for earthworms in vermicomposting experiment. The changes in physical and biochemical parameters of vermicompost samples during decomposition progression were recorded at specific interval of time. At different level of vermicomposting significant raise in electrical conductivity, total N, available phosphorus and potassium, along with drop in pH, organic C and C/N ratio was recorded from experimental vermibeds. The result showed that vermicomposting of fennel straw plus cow dung amended into nutrient rich material known as organic fertilizer. In this vermicomposting experiment E. fetida shows better functional activity than P. sansibaricus. The results suggested that enriched compost obtained from decomposition of wastes (agro and livestock waste) through vermicomposting with efficient worms will be utilized to enhance physico-chemical and biological properties of soil; leading to better plant growth and production of crop.
National Journal of Life Sciences, 2020
The present assessment has been designed to study the effect of different organic waste material ... more The present assessment has been designed to study the effect of different organic waste material viz.; leaf litter and kitchen waste plus goat dung (1+1+2), fennel straw plus cow dung (1+1), groundnut straw plus cow dung (1+1) and castor straw plus cow dung (1+1) used as bedding mixture on growth and different life cycle stages of composting epigeic earthworm species (Oligochaeta) : Eisenia fetida and Perionyx sansibaricus under laboratory condition for 90 days. Evaluation of their life stages in a particular bedding mixture may be beneficial for large-scale earthworm production. Rapid maturity rate 29.34±1.45 day and incubation period of cocoon 10.33±0.34 day of Eisenia fetida was observed in groundnut straw plus cow dung bedding, while earlier maturity rate 41.00±3.05 day and incubation period of cocoon 13.00±0.55 day of Perionyx sansibaricus recorded in leaf litter and kitchen waste plus goat dung containing culture. High cocoon production rate was noted in Eisenia fetida (1.88±0.02 worm/week) in the groundnut straw plus cow dung bedding and in Perionyx sansibaricus (1.21±0.25 worm/week) in leaf litter and kitchen waste plus goat dung bedding. Maximum number of cocoon hatchling of Eisenia fetida, 3.69±0.06 no/cocoon was observed in culture containing groundnut straw plus cow dung bedding and in Perionyx sansibaricus highest hatchling success rate was recorded 2.28±0.08 no/cocoon in leaf litter and kitchen waste plus goat dung bedding. The biomass growth of Eisenia fetida and Perionyx sansibaricus also observed and it was higher in groundnut straw plus cow dung and leaf litter and kitchen waste plus goat dung bedding material respectively. Both the species performed poorly in bedding containing castor straw plus cow dung organic material. The present result concludes that the growth and reproductive strategy of worms shows suitability in a particular organic waste material.
http://www.sciepub.com/journal/aees, 2021
Disposal of groundnut waste is a major problem in agriculture sector. So, groundnut husk combined... more Disposal of groundnut waste is a major problem in agriculture sector. So, groundnut husk combined with cow dung was subjected to vermicomposting employing an exotic (Eisenia fetida) and a native (Perionyx sansibaricus) earthworm species. Separate vermibeds were prepared which contained crushed groundnut husk blended with cow dung in equal ratio (1:1). Vermicomposting was allowed for 90 days and different physicochemical parameters of vermibeds were monitored on 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75 and 90 th day. The process of composting at different time intervals indicated significant increase in electrical conductivity, total nitrogen, available phosphorus and potassium, but there was decline in pH, organic carbon and C/N ratio after inoculation of earthworms. The E. fetida was found better than P. sansibaricus in decomposition of agrowaste and production of nutrient rich vermifertilizer. This eco-friendly technology may be used by farmers for agrowaste conversion, income generation and environmental cleaning.
http://www.sciepub.com/journal/aees, 2021
Extensive surveys of earthworm diversity were done in different habitats of plain and hilly areas... more Extensive surveys of earthworm diversity were done in different habitats of plain and hilly areas of Sirohi district of Rajasthan, India. Earthworms differed in their ecomorphological characteristics and relative abundances in different habitats. A total twelve species of earthworms Pontoscolex corethrurus, Amynthas morrisi, Lampito mauritii, Metaphire posthuma, Megascolex konkanensis, Metaphire houlleti, Perionyx sansibaricus, Polypheretima elongata, Ocnerodrilus occidentalis, Dichogaster bolaui, Octochaetona beatrix and Gordiodrilus sp. were recorded from hilly and plain areas. Among these, ten species were found from plain area and nine from hilly area. Five earthworm species (M. konkanensis, M. houlleti, P. elongata, O. beatrix, Gordiodrilus sp.) were recorded for the first-time from Rajasthan. The plain area species P. elongata, O. beatrix and Gordiodrilus sp. were replaced by M. konkanensis and M. houlleti in hilly region. This showed the habitat preferences of earthworm species. Few species were present in a particular habitat of plain area, but they were absent in the same type of habitat in hilly area. The relative density, frequency and species diversity index of earthworm species differed in different habitats and areas. Earthworm diversity exhibited differing species-habitat relationship in hilly and plain areas. These findings may be utilized for eco-restoration of degraded land in similar habitats.