Bioconversion of Lignocellulosic Organic Wastes into Nutrient Rich Vermicompost by Eudrilus Eugeniae

The lignocellulosic wastes viz.; paddy straw, maize stover, leaf litter, vegetable waste, and temple waste flowers were subjected to vermicomposting by using Eudrilus eugeniae. The recovery of compost varied widely between 62% from leaf litter and 76% from temple waste flower. The C:N ratio in all cases was 15:1, the desired level. The C:P and C:S ratios were within the mineralizable range <200:1, indicating the ready release of these nutrients. The mature vermicomposts maintained cation exchange capacity (CEC) ranging from 27.8 to 55.7 cmol (p+) kg−1. The produced vermicomposts were very much microbiologically active in terms of microbial population with relative abundance in enzyme activities. The scanning electron microscope and Fourier transmission infrared images revealed the maturity of the compost.