Rapid Vermicomposting of Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Wastes Using Earthworm Eisenia Foetida

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of rapid vermicomposting of different fresh fruit and vegetable wastes (FVWs) including banana peels, cabbage, lettuce, potato and watermelon peels using earthworm Eisenia foetida. For this, the changes of physicochemical properties, microbial profiles and earthworm biology were comprehensively evaluated after vermicomposting for 4 weeks. Compared to controls (without earthworms), vermicomposting caused reductions of the total carbon content by 42.7-52.4% and the carbon to nitrogen ratios by 46.5-61.1%, and increases of the electrical conductivity by 6.7-69.4% and the total phosphorous content by 4.0-52.0%. Vermicomposting revealed a higher microbial activity, density and diversity in end products than controls. The vermicomposting treatment for FVWs allowed a high growth rate of earthworms and an increased number of cocoons. Similar microbial community structures were observed in all vermicomposts, indicating a high degree of bio-stabilization and maturity. The results suggest that rapid vermicomposting is a feasible technology for converting fresh FVWs into valuable products and that the quality of vermicomposts is strongly associated with the properties of initial substrates.

Vermistabilization of mango tree pruning waste with five earthworm species: A biochemical and heavy metal assessment

“…In this study, the C/N ratio of all substrates dropped significantly from the beginning value to less than 20, and the C/N ratio of all vermireactors was less than 15 except for (WUC). When the C/N ratio is < 20, it indicates that the finished product is mature enough, and a number of the <15 is considered to be optimum for the agricultural utility of the finished products as fertilisers [ 39 ] Secondly, lower C/N ratio obtained in vermicompost because of the loss of organic carbon in the form of CO 2 and an increase in TKN content in vermicompost, composting by different earthworm species treatments gradually lowered the C/N ratio. Significantly lowest C/N ratio (5.58) was found in EF vermireactor in the current investigation.…”

Optimization of watermelon waste as a bulking agent for sustainable co-composting of livestock manures using response surface methodology

“…The co-composting of CM and HM offers complementary benefits, particularly in achieving a balanced C/N, given that CM is rich in nitrogen while HM is high in carbon. Additionally, WW as a bulking agent could further enhance the decomposition process and final compost quality, owing to its reportedly high moisture and nutrient levels (Huang et al, 2012;Rob, 2021).…”