CULTURE OF EPIGENIC EARTHWORM,
EISENIA FETIDA UNDER SHEEP DROPPINGS WASTE AND
EFFECTS OF SHEEP DROPPINGS VERMICOMPOST ON THE
GROWTH OF RADISH PLANT
A Dissertation submitted to government college for women (Autonomous),
(Affiliated to Bharathidasan University)
In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of
P.G. Degree Course in
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN
ZOOLOGY
Submitted by
R.NANTHINI, M.Sc.,
(Reg. No P14ZOO10)
P.G. AND RESEARCH DEPARTMENT OF ZOOLOGY
GOVERNMENT COLLEGE FOR WOMEN (AUTONOMOUS).
KUMBAKONAM - 612 001.
April-2016
CULTURE OF EPIGENIC EARTHWORM,
EISENIA FETIDA UNDER SHEEP DROPPINGS WASTES AND
EFFECTS OF SHEEP DROPPINGS VERMICOMPOST ON THE
GROWTH OF RADISH PLANT
A Dissertation submitted to government college for women (Autonomous),
(Affiliated to Bharathidasan University)
In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of
P.G. Degree Course in
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ZOOLOGY
Submitted By
R.NANTHINI, M.Sc.,
(Reg. No P14ZOO10)
Under the Guidance of
Dr. M. DEIVANAYAKI., M.Sc., M.Phil., Ph.D.,
P.G. AND RESEARCH DEPARTMENT OF ZOOLOGY
GOVERNMENT COLLEGE FOR WOMEN (AUTONOMOUS),
KUMBAKONAM-612 001.
April-2016
Dr. M. DEIVANAYAKI, M.Sc., M.Phil., Ph.D.,
Lecturer in Zoology,
Government College for Women (Autonomous),
Kumbakonam-612 601.
CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that the project work was done under my guidance
and the dissertation entitled “CULTURE OF EPIGENIC EARTHWORM,
EISENIA FETIDA UNDER SHEEP DROPPINGS WASTES AND
EFFECTS OF SHEEP DROPPINGS VERMICOMPOST ON THE
GROWTH OF RADISH PLANT” Submitted by Miss. R. NANTHINI
(Reg.No.P14ZOO10) in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the M.Sc.,
Degree Course for the academic period 2014-2015 in the subject of Zoology
is the original work of the candidate.
Signature of the HOD Signature of the Guide
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I would like to express my sincere gratitude and I express my special word
of thanks to Dr. M. DEIVANAYAKI, M.Sc., M.Phil., Ph.D., Lecturer in
Zoology, Government College for Women (Autonomous), Kumbakonam for
her research mentor, guidance and constant encouragement throughout the
study.
My sincere thanks to principal Dr. A. JOHNMERINA, M.Sc., M.Phil.,
B.Ed., Ph.D., PGDCA., Government College for Women (Autonomous),
Kumbakonam.
I express my thanks Dr. S. VENKATALAKSHMI, M.Sc., M.Phil.,
Ph.D., Head of the P.G. & Research Department of Zoology, Government
College for Women (Autonomous), Kumbakonam, for her valuable advice and
encouragement throughout my project work.
. I express my sincere thanks to Mr. G. SATTANATHAN, M.Sc.,
B.Ed., Ph.D., for providing his balancer during my project work.
I acknowledge my special thanks to Miss. S. BRINDHA, M.Sc., for her
cooperation and help in the successful completion of my project work.
My sincere and helpful thanks to my FAMILY MEMBERS and for their
encouragement and blessing to complete this project successfully.
(R.NANTHINI)
CONTENTS
S.NO TITLE PAGE
1 INTRODUCTION 1
2 MATERIALS AND METHODS 9
3 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 13
4 TABLES 20
5 SUMMARY 24
6 REFERENCES 29
INTRODUCTION
MATERIALS AND
METHODS
RESULTS AND
DISCUSSION
TABLES
SUMMARY
PHOTOS
REFERENCES
1. INTRODUCTION
Vermicomposting has many benefits for the participants, their
communities, and the environment. In many communities garbage collection
and disposal is a serious problem. In most areas the collected garbage is sent
to a landfill, or simply an area where it is dumped. By diverting organic
material from the waste stream, this amount can be greatly reduced.
The Deccan Development Society in India has reported that nearly 80% of the
waste stream is biodegradable. Much of this material can easily be broken down
in a vermicomposing system. Diverting this waste saves the community
money that would otherwise be spent on it's collection and disposal.
A person or household that utilizes vermicomposting also receives the
benefits of less waste disposal costs. Along with that they receive the end
product of worm castings that are a valuable fertilizer and soil additive. By
using the worm castings and 'worm tea' (liquid that leaches through the
worm bin), they may save money on fertilizers that otherwise would have to
be bought. If the system is large enough, there is the possibility of selling the
worm castings and tea as fertilizer, providing an additional income.
The environment benefits by the reduction of waste in an area, essentially
reducing the ecological footprint of the community present. Usable waste is
"recycled" back into the ecosystem instead of being sent to a landfill or
incinerated.
With earth population recently reaching 7 billion and continuing to rise, a
large problem is feeding all of these people with a limited amount of
agricultural land. Because of this problem, Urban gardening is becoming ever
more important. In Kibera, Nairobi, Urban gardening has been shown to
increase nutrition and also increase family income by money generated
from selling excess produce. Families have been able to increase their
income by 5-6 USD per week. Vermiculture is an easily made fertilizer that
could be used in urban agriculture to boost nutrition and crop yields,
potentially increasing family income. A study done showed that in India and
other locations, vermiculture and vermicompost have the potential of
completely replacing chemical fertilizers. This could have a large impact
because much of today’s synthetic fertilizers are made using large amounts of
fossil fuel.
The Egyptians were one of the first cultures to recognize the soil
amending properties of the earthworm. Under Cleopatra’s rule, the
removal of earthworms from Egypt was a crime that could have one killed.
Worms have been observed by such scholars as Aristotle and Charles Darwin’s
organisms that decompose organic matter into rich humus or compost. It is
believed that the mother of modern day vermiculture is Mary Appelhof .As
Michigan biology teacher, Appelhof wanted to continue composting in winter
months even though she lived in a northern climate. She ordered worms from a
bait shop nearby and set up one of the first indoor composting systems. She
found her composting system to be a great success. Some of the advantages of
vermicomposting over regular composting are that vermicomposting can be
done indoors with relatively no negative effects, it is faster than regular
composting, and it produces an overall better compost.
The world, vermiculture biotechnology implies a modern technique
harnessing the ecosystem for effective utilization of the organic waste with the
help of earthworms, which results into generation of useful organic manure. The
earthworms play an important role in soil biology by serving as versatile natural
bioreactor to harness the beneficial soil microflora and destroy the soil
pathogens, converting the organic waste into useful products such as
biofertilizers and proteinaceous worm biomass and to generate the bacterial
population, which produces the plant growth factors. Earthworm is one of the
living components of soil system and plays a vital role in improving the fertility
of the soil. It ploughs the land and assists in the recycling of organic matter for
the efficient growth of plants. The soil system is loosened, stirred up and
aerated by the actions of earthworm. Earthworms are prominent among soil
fauna and regulate the soil processes (Ismail, 1997). They are found in all types
of soils with sufficient moisture and food (Ghosh, 1993). They act as
decomposers and also a rich protein source (Neuhauser et al., 1979).
The most effective use of earthworms in organic waste management
requires a detailed understanding of biology of all potentially useful species
(Edward, 1998) population dynamics and productivity in earthworms cannot be
fully understood unless the life cycle of each earthworm is known. There are
studies on life cycle and reproductive strategies of earthworms on temperate
species (Lavelle, 1979), Indian species (Julka, 2001) and tropical species (Dash,
1980). Knowledge of reproductive strategies of earthworms comes
predominately from studies on temperate species (Jimenez et al., 1999). Studies
on the life cycles i.e. cocoons production, morphology, hatching pattern and
fecundity of seven tropical earthworm species have been done by (Battacharjee
and Chaudhari, 2002) for effective vermiculture.
Quality of organic waste is one of the factors determining the onset and
rate of reproduction (Domjnguez, 2000). The quantity of food taken by a worm
varies from 100 to 300 mg/g body weight/day (Edwards, 1972). Earthworms
derive their nutrition from organic materials, living microorganisms and by
decomposing animals. Surface living earthworms feed on food material
selectively while deep soil living worms ingest soil as such. The type and
amount of material available influence the size of earthworms, population,
species diversity, growth rate and cocoon production.
Earthworms have been successfully introduced into areas where they are
absent and have found to increase the yield of crops. The long –term benefits of
encouraging earthworms can be translated into dollars. Researchers have
estimated that for every dollar invested in earthworms on New Zealand sheep
farms,the farmer can expect a return of 3.34 and an increase in carrying capacity
of 2.5 stock units/hectare or an increase in productivity of 25-30 per cent
(Crump, 1969). Earthworms are excellent bioindicators of the relative health of
soil ecosystem (Kuhle, 1983). Because of the fact that they are large, numerous,
easy to sample, widely distributed, relatively immobile and are in full contact
with the substrate in which they live and consume large volume of this substrate
they can be used for biomonitoring of terrestrial ecosystem. Most commonly
used species for biomonitoring are Eisenia fetida, E.anderi, Lumbricus rubellus,
L.terrestris, Eudrilus eugeniae, Aporrectodea caliginosa, A. rosea,
Dendrodrilus rubidus and Perionyx excavatus (Eijsackers, 1998 and Spurgeon,
2003).
Mature compost is a brown-black crumbly material with an earthy smell
and a C / N ratio of approximately 10:1. If applied to the soil, microorganisms
continue to degrade the compost through a process called mineralization. This
process takes place slowly in temperate climates and at increased rate under
warm temperatures and moist, but not excessively wet conditions. In tropical
conditions, high radiation loads and high soil temperatures eventually lead to
the total disappearance of the compost leaving only the mineral nutrient behind.
In temperate regions of the world, the mineralization reaction is much slower
and a portion of the organic matter generally becomes stabilized as soil humus.
As a result of the degradation kinetics under the two climatic regimes, annual
applications may be required in tropical soils to achieve optimum benefits of the
compost. In contrast, applications of compost to soils in temperate regions may
result in benefits several years after their application (Dick and MeCoy, 1993).
Being rich in macro and micronutrients, the vermicompost, has been
found an ideal organic manure enhancing biomass production of a number of
crops (Pashanasi, et al., 1996; Vasudevan and Sharma, 1997; Hidalgo,
1999).The importance of vermicompost in agriculture, horticulture, waste
management and soil conservation has been reviewed by many workers (Riggle
and Holmes 1994; Edwards, 1995; Kaviraj and Sharma, 2003). (Darwin, 1881)
stated that the earthworms prepare the ground in an excellent manner for the
growth of fibrous-rooted plants and for seedling of all kinds. The beneficial
effect of earthworms on plant growth may be due to several reasons apart from
the presence of macro and micronutrients in vermicasts and in their secretions in
considerable quantities. It is believed that earthworms produce certain
metabolites, vitamins and similar substances into the soil which may be the B or
D group vitamins (Nielson, 1965). The use of earthworm compost in
commercial production of Chrysanthemum morifolium was advocated by
Martinez and Gomez Zambrano, (1995). Fresh castes often contain high
ammonium levels, but rapid nitrification results in stable levels of both nitrogen
forms due to organic matter protection in dry casts (Decaens et al., 1999).
Nutrient in casts are initially physically protected, but this is reduced as the
aggregate structure weakens over time (Mclnerney and Bolger, 2000). In
addition to increased N availability, C, P, K, Ca and Mg availability in the casts
is also greater than in the starting feed material (Orozco et al., 1996).
Earthworm cast amendment has been shown to increase plant dry weight
(Edwards, 1995) and plant N uptake (Tomati, 1994). Cantanazaro et al., (1998)
demonstrated the importance of the synchronization between nutrient release
and plant uptake and showed that slower release of fertilizers can increase plant
yield and reduce nutrient leaching.
All carbon containing compounds underwent essential degradation
process by the action of microbes, vermicompost support plant growth and can
be used as structural additives for fertile soil to provide nutrients (Kale et al.,
1992). Feeding activities of earthworms significantly enhance mineralization of
plant material; provide nutrient availability for the growth of tree seedlings was
reported by (Haimi et al ., 1990, 1992) and (Sharma, 2004). Application of
vermicompost to the agricultural field improves the physical, chemical and
biological properties of soil. Degradation of organic matter through earthworms
and microbes enhance availability of nutrients required for plant growth.
Microbial communities existing within the earthworm casting and
vermicompost play an important role in plant growth.
United states Department of Agriculture experiments have shown that in
some areas earthworm convert 700 pounds of soil per acre per day into
earthworm castings. These castings are generally mixed with the upper few
inches of the soil causing a buildup in topsoil. Other experiments have shown
that earthworms increase the relative rate of water infiltration from zero inches
per minute to 1.5 inches per minute in clay soil, and can increase the water
stability of various types of soil by 3.5 to 27%.
Experiments and reports have shown increases in yields of approximately
250% for corn, 64% for rye, 3% for oats, 135% for potatoes and 300% for field
peas through using earthworm village. Food grown in fertile soil, with plenty of
organic matter, is inherently larger and contains more vitamins and minerals.
The radishes are cultivated throughout the country in various climates on
numerous elevations. Nowadays radishes are consumed throughout the year for
table or salad purpose, rarely with tender leaves and roots for the purpose of
stimulation of bile function (Lugasi et al., 2005), anticarcinogenicity (Chang
et al.,2005a) and antitumor (Chang et al., 2005b).
The pulse plant, Sheep dropping (Vigna radiata) is cultivated in
Cauvery delta region after paddy harvest as a short term crop. A bulk amount of
sheep droppings wastes was dumped along the road sides during its harvests.
Sometime the dumped waste is burnt as a whole as and some of them may be
used as Fuel materials. But nobody knows the utility value of this material as a
rich source of organic content and as a raw material for vermiculture practices
there by a huge production of vermicompost. Having a good knowledge about
the bulk production of sheep droping waste and its utility value in mind, the
presents study was undertaken to utilize the same for the culture practices of
earthworm and for the production of vermicompost to achieve the goal of
replacing the chemical fertilizer by the application of vermicompost in the field
of agriculture in order to promote pollution free crop production for human
welfare and sustainable development. The proposed work plan comprises the
following aspects.
1. Effect of sheep droppings waste on the production of cocoon and
growth of adult earthworm, Eisenia fetida.
2. Analysis of macro and micronutrients present in the vermicompost of
Sheep droppings waste and
3. Effect of sheep droppings vermicompost on the growth and yield of
radish plant.
2. MATERIALS AND METHODS
PROCUREMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF EISENIA FETIDA
Species of adult Eisenia fetida were purchased from Shanmugham
Nursery Gardens), Papanasam.(Thanjavur). The worms were kept in large trays
with substrate medium, containing 50% partly decomposed cowdung and 50%
soil and maintained under the laboratory condition (temperature range, 31-36oc)
for 30 days. The worms with the size, 6-13 cm in length and 0.13-0.92 gm in
weight were used for the present study.
COLLECTION OF SOIL
Dry soil was taken from the Karna kollai agraharam, for the present
study. It was manually powdered using stone mortar.
COLLECTION OF SHEEP DROPINGS WASTE
The waste materials of sheep droppings were collected from
Shanmugham Nursery Gardens, Papanasam. Thanjavur District.
PARTIAL DECOMPOSITION OF SHEEP DROPPING WASTE
A rectangular brick work plastic tank with size, 90×35×45cm free from
earthworm invasion was constructed and used for the decomposition of sheep
dropping waste. The tank was filled with dry sheep droppings waste and poured
with sufficient water. The tank was closed with polythene sheets to avoid water
evaporation and a possible release of foul smell during decomposition. Water
was poured regularly in the tank after removing the polythene sheets and the
tank was closed again with the same polythene sheets for proper decomposition.
Once in three days, the decomposing materials were thoroughly mixed by using
a wooden rod to ensure uniform decomposition .Ideal semi decomposed sheep
droppings waste in the form of wet powder can be obtained only after 50 days
of decomposition. About 50 kg of dry semi decomposed sheep droppings can be
obtained during one process.
The sheep droppings powder was sieved separately using a sieve with
size 1mm2 to obtain a medium with a particle size less than 1mm as suggested
by Reinecke and Venter (1985). Reduced particle size of the culture medium
was found to be favorable for raising growing worms and also provides more
surface area per volume of culture medium which facilitates microbial activities
as well as moisture availability (Reinecke and Venter,1985).
PREPARATION OF SUBSTRATES FOR COCOON PRODUCTION
STUDY
Six sets of five media with per cent substrate ratios (PSR), 100,75,50, 25,
and 10 were prepared using powdered sheep droppings waste and dry soil with
volume by volume basis and mixed well. Four liters of substrate in each per
cent ratio was taken in an earthen pot and sufficient volume of water was added
it into it to ensure optimum moisture condition as suggested by Martin (1982).
To assess the rate of cocoon production in the above said media, 10 adult
earthworms were introduced into each pot. Six sets of control (soil alone as
substrate) experiments with 10 adult earthworms in each were also maintained
simultaneously along with these media. Regular watering is a must for this
culture study to provide optimum moisture condition to the earthworms.
Cocoons produced by earthworms were collected and recorded once in seven
days for a period of 35days (01.12.2014 - 04.01.2015). The body weight is
recorded during cocoon collection.
Survival of earthworms were also observed in the above said media
during the course of study. Rate of cocoon production was calculated at daily as
well as at monthly basis. At the end of cocoon production study, the substrate
media used by earthworms as vermicompost were collected separately and
stored in polythene bags for macro and micronutrients analysis for radish plant
growth study.
HATCHINGS GROWTH STUDY
All the media used in the cocoon production study after 35 days were
renewed with fresh partly decomposed sheep dropping waste for incubation
time, hatching success and hatchling growth study. Cocoons collected at 7 days
interval for 35 days from the earthworm, Eisenia fetida exposed to different
PSR media were placed separately in plastic cups containing the same PSR
medium and observed their incubation time and hatching ability daily until all
the cocoons were hatched out into hatchings.
MACRO AND MICRONUTRIENTS ANALYSIS
The levels of pH and electrical conductivity (EC) were measured in the
samples taken from partly decomposed sheep droppings waste (before
vermicomposting), vermicompost (after vermicomposting by Eisenia fetida).
Macronutrients such as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) and
micronutrients such as zinc, iron, copper, and manganese were also estimated in
the above said samples at Soil Testing Laboratory, Soil Research Institute,
Aduthurai. The content of macro and micronutrients were expressed as ppm.
EFFECT OF SHEEP DROPPINGS VERMICOMPOST ON THE
GROWTH OF RADISH PLANT
At the end of 30 days of cocoon production study each substrate medium
used by earthworms was collected as vermicompost and stored in separate
polythene bags. 4 kg of vermicompost collected from each PSR (100, 75, 50,
25, 10 and 0%) was transferred separately into twelve circular pots of 16 to 23
cm diameter and 24 cm height. Another 4 kgs of same sheep droppings
decomposed using earthworms was mixed well in the pots in the different PSR
media and was also transferred and separately into another 12 circular pots.
Control experiments was also carried out in duplicate along with this
experiment using soil alone as culture medium. Radish seeds were purchased
from the Salai Agro Agency, Kumbakonam. Three seeds were placed in each
pot at equal distance at 3 different places at 1 cm depth and sufficient water was
poured in all the pots for proper germination of seeds. The experimental pots
were kept at open terrace for direct sunlight. The pots were regularly poured
with sufficient water to ensure proper growth until the plants get harvested (42
days). Care was taken to see that the plants growing in the pots must be
protected from predation if any. After 5 days of cultivation, all the leaves in the
plants were counted. Similar counting was also made at regular week intervals
is all the plants up to 6 weeks. At the end of 6th week all plants were up rooted
and measured their leaves and root weight of the Radish plant.
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS
The rate of cocoon production by earthworm was calculated and statistical
comparisons were made between control and experimental data. Statistical
comparisons were also made in macro and micronutrient levels between the
samples of partly decomposed sheep droppings waste.
3. RESULT AND DISCUSSION
COCOON PRODUCTION STUDY
The rate of cocoon production and weight gain / loss of the epigenic
earthworm, Eisenia fetida kept in the substrate medium containing 0, 10, 25,
50, 75, and 100 per cent substrate ratio (PSR) prepared from partly
decomposed
Sheep dropping waste with soil for 5 weeks were given in Table 1. The worms
kept in 10, 25, 50, 75, and 100 PSR media showed a gradual increase in their
body weight until the termination of this study except 10 PSR, where a gradual
decline after third week was noticed. However the worms kept in the same
media (10, 25, 50, 75, and 100 PSR) showed an increased value in their body
weight over their respective initial weight and the respective body gain values
were 42, 255, 294,389, and 358%. On the contrary, all the worms kept is 0 PSR
(soil alone) medium showed a gradual decline in their body weight from II
week onwards and the per cent weight loss value after V week was 35 (Table
1).
The worms kept in soil alone for 35 days though showed 100% survival
value, only 26 cocoons were laid during the course of study due to less organic
matters present in the medium. Though the worms kept in other PSR media (10,
25, 50, 75, and 100) for 35 days produced relatively more cocoons than the
control, but the worms in 100 PSR media produced relatively more cocoons (0.3
cocoon /day/worm) than the worms kept in 10,25, 50, and 75 PSR media (0.079
to 0.259 cocoon /day /worm) (Table 1).
The values of incubation time and hatching success of cocoons collected
from the earthworm, Eisenia fetida exposed to 10, 25, 50, 75, and 100 PSR
media of partly decomposed sheep dropping waste were given in Table 2.
Among the five sheep dropping waste media studied, the worms kept in 100
PSR produced a maximum of 630 cocoons and were hatched out into a
maximum of 597 youngones with the hatching rate of 0.9 hatchling / cocoon
and hatching success of 91.7% after a period of 29 to 32 days incubation time.
The hatchling obtained from (0.5 to 0.9 hatchling / cocoon) the above
studies (all PSR media ) did not follow the findings of Dash and Senapati
(1980) and Bakthavathsalam and Ramakrishnan (2004), where they observed
usually one or very rarely two juveniles from each cocoon on hatching. Further
the hatchling obtained from the present study were found to be very less (0.5-
0.9) when compared to other species such as Perionyx excavatus
with 1.1 and
Pheritima hawayana with 1.2 (Loehr et al., 1985), Eisenia fetida with 2.7
(Venter and Reinecke, 1988) and Eudrilus eugeniae with 2.63 hatchling /
cocoon (Ramalingam, 1997). However the present study follows the findings of
Bakthavathsalam and Geetha (2004a), where they found 0.9 to 1.0 and 0.7 to
1.0 hatchling /cocoon on hatching while using the earthworm, Lampito mauritii
exposed to decomposed paddy chaff and weed plants material respectively. But
a contradictory observation was noted in the current study with regard to cocoon
incubation period as observed by Dash and Sanapati (1980),Reinecke et
al.,(1992), Ramalingam (1997) and Bakthavathsalam and Geetha (2004a),
where they found 28-30 days, + 23 days, 27.33+ 0.42 days and 26-54 days
respectively for tropical earthworms, Eisenia fetida, and Lampito mauritii. In
spite of good health condition and 100% survival value observed in the adult
earthworms kept under different media, it is important to note here that the
production of cocoons from lower PSR to higher PSR showed an increasing
trend, but it was relatively very lesswhen compared to the studies made by
Ramalingam (1997) in the earthworm,
Lampito mauritii cultured under press mud medium where he found + 0.4
cocoon /worm/ day. The earthworm culture study made by Subramaniyan
(2008) using paddy straw waste showed relatively very low cocoon production
value (0.126 cocoon/ worm/day) over our present study with blackgram waste.
The current results proved beyond any doubt that the culture medium containing
blackgram waste was the best one as far as cocoon production and growth of
earthworm are concerned.
The reduction in the earthworm body weight observed in the current
reproductive study with 0 PSR medium may be due to low level of nitrogen and
carbon (presence of poor organic content) present in the above medium as
reported by jena et al., (2002) since the earthworms need nitrogen for their
cellular protein synthesis and is also essential for cocoon production.
ANALYSIS OF MACRO AND MICRONUTRIENT IN SHEEP
DROPPINGS WASTES
The levels of soil parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity, macro
nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) and micronutrients (iorn,
manganese, zinc and copper) present in the samples of partly decomposed
(before vermicomposting), vermicompost (after vermicomposting by Eisenia
fetida for 35 days) of sheep dropping waste were given in Table 3. The pH
values measured in the samples of partly decomposed sheep droppings (before
vermicomposting practice) of sheep droppings waste showed no change but are
basic in nature with pH, 7.8. But the sample of vermicompost obtained
after 35 days of vermicomposting by
Eisenia fetida showed a lesser pH (7.6) than that of raw decomposed ofsheep
droppings . The levels of electrical conductivity (as a measure of soluble salts
level) measured in the samples of partly decomposed sheep droppings waste
showed relatively more value (1.5) than the samples of vermicompost which
indicate that the soluble salts level was reduced during vermicomposting as
revealed by its lower pH level in the vermicompost sample. The availability for
several plant nutrients and levels of other elements present in any soil depend
upon the pH value of the organic manure. The pH value at neutral level should be
considered important in retaining nitrogen since it is lost as volatile ammonia at
high pH (Haimi and Huhta, 1987) and the pH range 6-7 seems to promote the
availability of plant nutrients (Brady, 1988). In the present analysis though there
are changes in pH during vermicomposting but their pH level was somewhat high
(>7) according to Brady (1988). Hence it could be concluded that the observed
pH in the samples of partly decomposed, vermicompost of sheep dropping waste
is not an optimum level for the plants to get available free nutrients for their
better growth. However the culture study with radish plants and vermicompost
revealed better results over control plants due to the presence of higher amount
of nitrogen in the medium. The high pH value 7.8 observed in the decomposed
sheep droppings waste supported the views that the nitrogen level in the sample
is lost during the course of storing since the sample has high pH as suggested by
Haimi and Huhta (1987).
Of the three macronutrients(N, P, and K) and four micronutrients (Fe,
Mn, Zn, and Cu )analysed in the samples of partly decomposed, vermicompost
of sheep droppings waste, the levels of potassium in macronutrients and iron in
micronutrients were relatively very high when compared to other macro and
micronutrients. It is important to note here that the present study with partly
decomposed waste of sheep droppings, while vermicomposting, the
earthworm,Eisenia fetida slightly increased the level of N, P, Fe, Zn and Cu
drastically decreased the levels of K and Mn both in vermicompost over the
levels of observed in the partly decomposed sample.This results was not in
conformation with the reported results of increased level of K and Mg
(Edwards et al., 1985), K (Kale, 1988) K, Ca and Mg (Ramalingam, 1997), K,
Ca, Mg, and Mn (Uthayakumar, 2006) and P and Zn (Subramaniyan, 2008) due
to the effective action of earthworms through enhanced microbial activity on
waste material during vermicomposting.
From the chemical analysis of sheep droppings waste before and after
exposure to earthworm, it could be inferred without any doubt that the above
waste is fully processed by earthworms as it was revealed by drastic change in
its macro and micronutrients level. Macro and micronutrients present in the
sheep dropping waste may be utilized by the earthworms, Eisenia fetida while
ingesting partly decomposed greengram waste during vermicomposting and it
was revealed by improved weight gain of adult earthworms kept under sheep
dropping waste for cocoon production study.
EFFECT OF VERMICOMPOST ON THE GROWTH OF RADISH
PLANT
Mean values of total leaves, leaves weight, tap root of weight, total plant
weight, tap root length and tap root perimeter of radish plant cultivated in the
pots using different per cent substrate ratios (0, 10, 25, 50, 75, and 100) of
partly decomposed (not exposed to earthworm) and vermicompost of sheep
droppings waste obtained from the earthworm used culture medium of sheep
dropping waste were separately given in Table 4. The radish plants raised in soil
alone showed poor growth over other doses of partly decomposed and
vermicompost. The results presented in Table 4 revealed that plants raised on 0,
10, 25, 50, 75, and 100 PSR media showed relatively lesser values of total
leaves, leaves weight, tap root weight, tap root length and tap root perimeter
than the plants raised in vermicompost. Of the weight measurements of leaves
and roots studied, the values of root weight obtained were relatively very high
when compared to leaves weight. But the leaves weight in 0 PSR was relatively
higher than the roots weight of plants cultivated in partly decomposed and
vermicompost of sheep droppings waste.
One important observation noted in the growth study of radish plant using
vermicompost obtained from sheep dropping waste was more for the plants
raised in higher PSR (100) produced relatively higher weight of roots over other
PSR. The results given in Table 4 undoubtedly proved that the application of
vermicompost has a positive role on the total leaves, leaves weight, tap root
weight, plant weight, tap root length and tap root perimeter of radish plants.
This observation falls in line with many reports already made on these lines in
others plants with vermicomposts obtained from different sources. There have
been numerous experiments in which plants have been grown in pots with
earthworms or their casts or vermicompost, where an increase in plant growth
has occurred. Kale and Bano (1986) found that the vegetative growth of plants
was influenced by Eudrilus eugeniae worm cast in a better than chemical
fertilizers. Line (1994) reported that vermicomposted mixture of wood and sea
star waste showed an excellent growth tomatoes and lettuces. Kale (1994) has
recorded an excellent effect of vermicompost on the growth and yield of cereals,
pulses, oil seeds, spices, vegetables, fruits, ornamental plants, cash crops and
plantation crops. Arulmurugan (1996) has studied the effect of vermicompost
on the growth, yield, protein and oil content of soyabeans and recorded an
increase in plant height, root length, root volumes, number of seeds per plant,
protein and oil content of seeds together with increased uptake of NPK by
plants. Vadiraj et al., (1996) noticed pronounced influence of vermicompost on
the growth and yield of turmeric plant. Uthayakumar (2006) has also noticed an
excellent improvement in the production of black gram cultivated in
vermicompost obtained from vegetable market waste over the plants cultivated
in ordinary soil. Vermicompost plays a major role in improving growth and
yield of different field crops, vegetables, flowers and fruit crops. The
application of vermicompost gave higher germination (93%) of mung bean
(Vigna radiata) compared to the control (84%). Further, the growth and yield of
mung bean was also significantly higher with vermicompost application.
Likewise, in another pot experiment, the fresh and dry matter yields of cowpea
(Vigna unguiculata) were higher when soil was amended with vermicompost
than with biodigested slurry (Karmegam et al., 1999, Karmegam and Daniel
2000).
Very recently, Bakthavathsalam and Deivanayaki (2006) have also
noticed a significant influence of vermicompost with or without Rhizobium on
the growth and yield of black gram cultivated through pot culture studies. The
present improved results are not in conformation with the reported results of
Bakthavathsalam and Geetha (2004b) and Subramaniyan (2008) using the same
plant but cultivated with different organic wastes such as paddy chaff, weed
plant material and paddy straw wastes.
TABLE-1
Values showing the body weight (gm) and cocoon production by the
earthworm, Eisenia fetida fed with different per cent ratio (PSR) of partly
decomposed sheep droppings waste for 5 weeks.
Period PSR
0 10 25 50 75 100
Initial 0 0 0 0 0 0
25.9 25.5 26 25.9 25.6 25.2
I-week 0 0 6 5 6 10
26.5 32.3 37.7 41.3 62.6 50.7
II-week 3 6 12 19 25 30
22.5 39.8 45.4 53.2 93.2 72.5
III-week 6 31 89 112 124 147
20.1 46.4 61.2 70.2 113.2 102.7
IV-week 9 71 113 137 182 213
19.8 40.3 71.2 80.3 120.4 107.8
V-week 8 59 97 123 208 230
10.5 36.4 92.3 102.3 125.2 115.6
Total cocoon
produced
26
(0.012)
167
(0.079)
317
(0.150)
396
(0.188)
545
(0.259)
630
(0.3)
Per cent
weight change
over initial
-59
+42
+255
+294
+389
+358
Upper row values indicate the total number of cocoon produced by 60
earthworms ; Lower row values indicate the total weight of 60 earthworms.
Values in parenthesis indicate the production of cocoon/ worm/day.
TABLE-2
Values showing the incubation time and hatching success of cocoons
collected from the earthworm, Eisenia fetida fed with different PSR of partly
decomposed sheep droppings waste under laboratory condition.
PSR
Total cocoon
produced by
60 earthworm
Incubation
time (days)
Total
hatchlings
obtained
Hatchling/
cocoon
Hatching
success (%)
0
26
18-21
14
0.5
53.8
10
167
21-25
121
0.7
72.4
25
317
25-29
270
0.8
85.1
50
396
29-32
345
0.8
87.1
75
545
29-32
493
0.9
90.4
100
630
29-32
578
0.9
91.7
TABLE-3
Values showing the levels of pH, electrical conductivity (EC) (dsm-1),
macro and micronutrients obtained from the samples of partly decomposed,
vermicompost of sheep droppings wastes after using them by Eisenia fetida
under laboratory condition.
Parameters
Partly decomposed sheep
droppings waste
Vermicompost
Sample nature
PH 7.8 7.6
EC 1.5 1.1
Macronutrients (ppm)
N 142.8
P 59.8 63.1
K 662.5 383.0
Micronutrients (ppm)
Fe 28.1 29.2
Mn 14.2 12.5
Zn 1.5 1.9
Cu 1.8 2.4
TABLE-4
Values showing total leaves, leaves weight, tap root weight, total plants
weight, tap root length and tap root perimeter of radish plant cultivated in pots
using different per cent substrate ratios of partly decomposed and vermicompost
of sheep droppings waste after 42 days.
PSR
Total
leaves
Leaves
weight
(gm)
Tap root weight
(gm)
Total Plant
weight
(cm)
Tap root
length (cm)
Tap root
perimeter
(cm)
*0 5 + 2.2 12 + 3.4 35 + 5.9 47 + 6.8 6.8 + 2.6 1.4 + 1.2
7 + 2.6 15 + 3.9 40 + 4.3 55 + 7.5 10.3 + 3.2 2.0 + 1.4
10 8 + 2.7 28 + 5.3 43 + 3.1 57 + 3.6 8.2 + 2.7 2.1 + 1.4
9 + 2.8 29 + 0.6 46 + 9.7 60 + 3.9 11.2 + 1.9 5.6 + 1.8
25 8 + 2.9 28 + 5.3 56 + 7.5 84 + 9.2 7.2 + 2.7 2.1 + 1.4
13 + 3.6 37 + 6.0 58 + 7.6 95 + 9.8 11.2 + 3.3 2.6 + 1.6
50 12 + 3.5 37 + 6.1 60 + 7.7 97 + 9.8 11.0 + 3.3 2.2 + 1.4
15 + 3.9 45 + 6.7 70 + 8.3 135 + 11.6 15.6 + 3.9 3.3 + 1.8
75 14 + 3.7 44 + 6.6 60 + 7.7 104 + 10.2 11.2 + 3.3 2.4 + 1.5
17 + 4.1 50 + 7.1 90 + 9.4 156 + 12.5 17.4 + 4.2 3.4 + 1.8
100 15 + 3.8 55 + 7.4 63 + 7.9 118 + 10.9 16.7 + 4.1 3.3 + 1.8
18 + 4.2 62 + 7.8 123 + 11.0 123 + 11.1 18.2 + 4.3 4.8 + 2.2
Values are mean + S.D of one plants ; Upper and lower row values in
0,10, 25,50,75,and 100 PSR indicate the plants cultivated in partly decomposed
and vermicompost of sheep droppings waste respectively.
*Upper and lower values indicate earthworm unexposed soil and
earthworm exposed soil respectively.
5. SUMMARY
1) The rate of cocoon production and weight gain / loss of the
epigenic earthworm, Eisenia fetida kept
in the substrate medium containing 0, 10, 25, 50, 75, and 100 per
cent substrate ratios (PSR) prepared from partly decomposed sheep
dropping waste with soil for 35 days were determined.
2) The worms kept in 10, 25, 50, 75, and 100 PSR media for 35 days
showed a gradual increase in their body weight until termination
of this study except 10 PSR, where a gradual decline after third
week was noticed.
3) However, the worms kept in the same media ( 10, 25, 50, 75, and
100 PSR) for 35 days showed an increased value in their body
weight over their respective initial weight and the respective body
gain values were 42, 255, 294,389, and 358%.
4) On the contrary, all the worms kept is 0 PSR medium showed a
gradual decline in their body weight from II week onwards and
their per cent weight loss value after V week was 35.
5) The worms kept is soil alone for 35 days though showed 100%
survival value, only 26 cocoons were laid during the course of
study due to less organic matters present in the medium.
6) The worms kept in other PSR media (10, 25, 50, 75, and 100) for
35 days produced relatively more cocoons than the control, but the
worms in 100 PSR medium produced relatively more cocoon (0.3
cocoon /day /worm) than the worms kept in other 10, 25, 50 and
75 PSR media (0.079 to 0.259 cocoon / day / worm).
7) Among the five sheep droppings waste media 10, 25, 50, 75, and
100 PSR studied, the worms kept in 100 PSR medium produced a
630 cocoons and were hatched out into a 578 young ones with the
hatching rate of 0.9 hatchling / cocoon and hatching success of
91.7% after a period of 29 to 32 days of incubation time.
8) The results proved beyond any doubt that the culture medium
containing sheep droppings waste was the best one as for as cocoon
production and growth of earthworm are concerned.
9) The levels of soil parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity,
macronutrients (N, P and K) and micronutrients ( Fe, Mn, Zn and
Cu) present in the samples of partly decomposed compost,
vermicompost of sheep dropping waste.
10) The pH values measured in the samples of partly decomposed
compost sheep droppings showed no change but are basic in
nature with pH 7.8.
11) But the sample of vermicompost obtained after 35 days of
composting by Eisenia fetida showed lesser pH (7.6) than that raw
decomposed compost.
12) The levels of electrical conductivity measured in the samples of
partly decomposed waste showed sheep droppings relatively more
value 1.5 that the samples of vermicompost which indicate that the
soluble salt level was reduced during vermicomposting as revealed
by its lower pH level in the vermicompost sample.
13) Hence it could be concluded that the observed pH in the samples of
partly decomposed, vermicompost of sheep droppings waste is not
an optimum level for the plants to get available free nutrients for
their better growth.
14) However the culture study with radish plants and vermicompost
revealed a better results over control plants due to the presents of
higher amount of nitrogen.
15) Of the three macronutrients (N, P and K) and four micronutrients
(Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu) analyzed in the samples of partly
decomposed compost, vermicompost of sheep droppings waste, the
level of potassium in macronutrients and iron in micronutrients
were relatively very high when compared to other macro and
micronutrients.
16) It is important to note here that the present study with partly
decomposed waste of sheep dropping while vermicomposting, the
earthworm, Eisenia fetida slightly increased the levels of N, P, Fe,
Zn and Cu and drastically decreased the levels of K and Mn both in
vermicompost over the levels of prevailed in the partly
decomposed sample.
17) From the chemical analysis of sheep droppings waste before and
after exposure to earthworm, it could be inferred without any doubt
that the above waste is fully processed by earthworms as it was
revealed by drastic change in its macro and micronutrients level.
18) Macro and micronutrients present in the sheep dropping waste may
be utilized by the earthworm, Eisenia fetida while ingesting partly
decomposed sheep droppings waste during vermicomposting and it
was revealed by improved weight gain of adult earthworm kept and
sheep droppings waste for cocoon production study.
19) The total leaves, leaves weight, tap root weight, total plant
weight,
tap root length, tap root perimeter of radish plants cultivated in
pots using different per cent substrate ratio (0, 10, 25, 50, 75, and
100) of partly decomposed and vermicompost of sheep droppings
waste obtained from the earthworm used culture medium of sheep
droppings waste.
20) The results presented in Table 4 revealed that plants raised on 0,
10, 25, 50, 75 and 100 PSR media showed relatively lesser values
of total leaves, leaves weight, tap root weight, tap root length and
tap root perimeter than the plants raised in vermicompost.
21) Of the weight measurements of leaves and roots studies, the values
of root weight, obtained were relatively very high when compared
to leaves weight.
22) One important observation noted in the growth study of radish
plant using vermicompost obtained from sheep droppings waste
was more for the plant raised in higher PSR (100) produced
relatively higher weights of roots over other PSR.
23) The present result given in undoubtedly proved that the application
of vermicompost has a positive role on the total leaves, leaves
weight, tap root weight, plant weight, tap root length and tap root
perimeter of radish plant.
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PHOTOGRAPHS SHOWING RADISH PLANTS CULTIVATED IN 0, 10, 25, 50, 75, AND 100% OFSHEEP DROPPINGS WASTE AFTER 20 DAYS FIG (1) AND 42 DAYS FIG (2) OF SHOWING. FIG 1.
FIG2.