No abstract

Before the start of vermicomposting, the large quantity of organic waste generated in the zoo was sold to the public at the rate of Rs. 500 per truck amount Rs. 9500 annually. However, the large profusion of waste was frequently left within the zoo premises imparting an ugly and unhygienic environment for the zoo. To make the park more attractive, self‐sustained (sold high‐quality vermicompost) and keep premises clean, a vermicomposting process was set up on a pilot basis. Vermicomposting of organic waste could have dual beneficial effects by generating an economically viable animal feed protein in the form of worm biomass while alleviating the negative effects of poor organic waste management. The aim of the study was the management of different organic wastes generated in the zoo by using exotic worms and makes the premises financially‐self dependent. The most dung‐producing animals in the zoo are herbivores and droppings of exotic birds are also included, on average below 200 kg or more waste is collected every week in the zoo. Analysis of different physico‐chemical properties of zoo vermicompost showed vermidegraded organic waste is a nutrient rich and eco‐friendly approach. Data were analyzed by using mean ± error.

Zoo waste is a common problem in urban areas, as it overloads municipalities. To enhance the park's appeal, sustainability, and cleanliness, a pilot vermicomposting process was implemented as an alternative for organic waste disposal. It aimed to address the negative effects of poor organic waste management. Three types of pond water, namely hippopotamus, crocodile, and gharial, were recycled. Additionally, ostrich droppings and the nitrogenous compounds abundant in carnivore feces were utilized. The study sought to improve organic waste management and recycle pond water using exotic worms. Chemical and physical analyses were conducted on pond water and vermicompost obtained from Gandhi Zoological Park, revealing their high nutrient content. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was employed to study the functional groups present in the compost and vermicompost, allowing the detection of vermicompost maturity. The biomass of exotic earthworms, as well as the count of cocoons, juveniles, and adults, was assessed during different seasons of the year. This approach facilitated the recycling of pond water and the reduction of organic waste within the zoo premises. It involved the symbiotic cooperation of earthworms and bacterial colonies, transforming the waste into a high‐quality product with balanced macro nutrients. The novelty of the study lies in its focus on nutrient recycling in pond water, ostrich droppings, and vermicomposting of organic waste from carnivores.

Vermin biotechnology is an eco-friendly technique and economically beneficent process to mitigate organic waste. India’s agro-industrial sector contributes colossal wealth of plant materials in the form of compost. The present study aims to publicize soil healthiness and its plant growth supplying possessions further corroborating the use of organic amendments instead of fertilizers. Plastic replicates investigation is an exercise in eighteen replicates in which fifteen were soil amendment treatments: one triplicate-control, 0% vermicompost, 50%, 25%, 12.5%, 6.25%, and 3.125% vermicompost of soil. Containers contained 2 kg soil each, in which seeds are sown, and the measurement of studied traits (length of shoot, length of internodes, flowers, leaves number and number of branches, and rate of germination) was noticed. The earthworms (Eudrilus eugeniae and Aporrectodea caliginosa) feed on waste like broiler droppings, the dung of sheep and cow, leaves, and decomposed wood and convert it into vermicompost, which required 72 days to extenuate the waste. Each setup was conducted on plastic containers, and there would be control and the test at respective experiments. Vermicompost was prepared; obviously, it contains better farming nutrients analyzed by different scientific methods and is very efficient for plant growth and other features. The main objective of the study was the effect of quality vermicompost produced by A. caliginosa on the exomorphology and rate of germination of Phaseolus vulgaris. Different ratios of vermicompost in respective replicates affect plant growth and external morphology, which is directly linked with nutrients present in treated and untreated soil. The outcomes suggested that vermicompost can be overworked as an efficacious biofertilizer.