Sustainable treatment and nutrient recovery from leafy waste through vermicomposting (original) (raw)

Bioresource Technology, 2021

Abstract

The present investigation was carried out to determine the potential of two cruciferous vegetables residual biomass in vermicomposting. Cabbage and cauliflower residual biomass spiked with 60% cow dung were vermicomposted for 90 days. Decrease in pH (5.3-9.8%), Total Organic Carbon (36.7- 42.8%); increment in Electrical Conductivity (33-99.4%) and ash content (144.7- 187.8%) were noticed. Significant reduction in C:N ratio (49.5-76.4%) and C:P ratio (62.8-66.04%), increase in Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (49.3-85.3%), Total Available Phosphorus (68.2-98.1%), Total Potassium (91.8-120.3%) were observed. FT-IR analysis has shown reduction in band heights and peak intensities thus evidenced in organic compound decomposition and vermicompost stability. Germination Index values (98-138%) determined phytotoxicity level. Earthworm growth and prolificacy evaluated via biomass gain (646-809 mg), cocoon number (84-108) and growth rate (2.1-2.7 cocoon/worm). It was inferred that cruciferous vegetable biomass can be used for vermicomposting. Cauliflower residual biomass has shown better decomposition efficiency than cabbage residual biomass.

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