Properties of Vermicomposts Derived from Cameroon Sheep Dung

Abstract

Due to a need for sustainability in agriculture, waste products ought to be utilized in the most appropriate way. A study was undertaken relating to the vermicomposting of Cameroon sheep dung (CSD) by the earthworm Dendrobaena veneta. Processing of this waste was investigated using unadulterated CSD and in a 1:1 mixture with unpalatable (waste) hay (CSDH). Results demonstrated that these materials were actively processed by D. veneta with vermicomposts obtained which can be characterized by a higher amount of total nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (average, respectively, 17.0, 10.5, 13.2 g kg−1 d.m.), as well as lower total carbon and magnesium content (respectively, 340 and 3.2 g kg−1 d.m.), compared with the initial waste material. No significant differences were found between CSD and CSDH vermicomposts with respect to chemistry. Levels of selected trace elements (average: Cu 17.5–18.8, Cr 5.7–5.8, Pb 13.5–14.4, Ni < 3, Cd < 0.4 mg kg−1 d.m.) in both vermicomposts did not exclude their application to agricultural soil as a fertilizer.

Sustainable faecal sludge management in Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) settlements in tropical climate: A review

“…Mengistu et al [79] found that combining window composting and vermicomposting effectively reduced pathogens in municipal solid organic waste and dried faecal sludge. Amouei et al [90] demonstrated the agricultural value of vermicompost from wastewater sludge and household solid waste, resulting in increased plant nutrient concentrations and reduced heavy metals. Nsiah-Gyambibi et al [19] enriched the substrate with organic soils and coconut coir during faecal sludge vermicomposting, creating a more suitable microclimate for earthworm development and improving the end product's quality.…”

Agronomic Efficiency of Animal-Derived Organic Fertilizers and Their Effects on Biology and Fertility of Soil: A Review

“…Atiyeh et al [64] cultivated marigolds using pig manure vermicompost. Yadav et al [61] assessed around 2.8% N, 1% P and 0.9% K from earthwormprocessed cow waste, while Garczyńska et al [65] showed that vermicompost derived from Cameroon sheep dung had an organic C content of 34%, total N of 1.7%, P of 1% and K of 1.3%. Previously, Borges et al [66] reported that the mixture of cow and swine manure (in 50:50 ratio) provided greater mineral composition in final vermi-produce.…”

Utilization of sheep dung and rice straw with indigenous microbial agent to optimize vermicompost production and quality

“…The sheep dung was first air dried and mashed to reduce ammonium levels and inhibit the decomposition or vermicompost process. The rice straws were shredded into small pieces of 5-10 cm to allow an optimum decomposition (Garczyńska et al 2020). Organic carbon was determined using the Walkley and black methods (Gelman et al 2012) and total nitrogen concentration by Kjeldahl method (Abrams et al 2014).…”

“…After that, Eisenia fetida (Savigny 1826) earthworms (7-10% of the total mixture) were put into the box. The vermicomposting process was carried out for at least 14 days, then the earthworms were separated from the mixture and weighed while, the vermicompost was tested further (Garczyńska et al 2020).…”