Influence of Autumn Leaves on Growth and Reproductive Performance of Earthworms (Eisenia foetida)

Abstract

The present study evaluated the effect of autumn leaves as a food source on the growth and reproductive performance of Eisenia foetida. Three treatments, A, B, and C, each having five replicates, were designed in a total of 15 pots. For bedding soil, manure and autumn leaves were used in different ratios. The soil-to-leaf ratio in Treatment (A) was 3:1, the soil-to-manure-to-leaf ratio in Treatment (B) was 1:2:1, and the manure-to-leaf ratio in Treatment (C) was 3:1. Treatment C showed the most growth (Specific Growth Rate %, live weight gain, % gain in body weight and survivability) and was followed by Treatment B. All these parameters were recorded, with minimal in Treatment A, where soil and autumn leaves are mainly used in bedding. Also, high reproductive potential was recorded in treatments C and B as compared to A. Hence, the autumn leaves are good for the growth and reproduction of E. foetida provided the bedding has all the other nutritional requirements like manure and nutritive soil.