2015 Vol. 21 No. 2 PP 195-­198

IMPACT ON GROWTH AND REPRODUCTION OF E. FOETIDA IN VEGETABLE WASTE DURING VERMICOMPOSTING

RUCHI AGRAWAL, JYOTI SHARMA AND PRAVEEN KUMAR^*

Department of Zoology,
B.S.A.(PG) College,
MATHURA (UP)­ INDIA
* Author for correspondence –
179, Manas Nagar, Maholi Road,
MATHURA (UP)
pk_sharma75@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

Earthworm as one of the best means of abating organic population and also to minimize indiscriminate use of inorganic fertilizers. Earthworms have important functions by virtue of their feeding and general behavioural activities like burrowing, digesting, excreting with micro­organisms and supporting further decomposition of biodegradable matters. The growth and reproductive efficiency of locally available earthworm species, Eisenia foetida was accessed in various urban wastes such as vegetable wastes found in market. Maximum weight and length of Eisenia foetida was noted in 90 days. Similarly the maximum biomass of 1234 (±0.04) g of earthworm in the VMW was also noted in 90 days. the worms when introduced into wastes thus showed an increased growth rate and reproduction activities.

Key words :Eisenia foetida, Vegetable market waste, Vermicompost biomass