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Managing Problematic Aquatic Macrophytes through Vermitechnology- Composting and Pelleting

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Abstract

Purpose

The present investigation was carried out with the assumption that aquatic weed, mostly macrophytes, that is considered as problematic aquatic component can be turned to a money gyrostat through its commercial exploitation that includes composting and pelleting.

Methods

So in present investigation the aquatic problematic macrophytes (APM) were biologically converted to vermicompost and ‘enriched dispersible multipurpose vermipellets’ through vermitechnology.

Results

The ratio (37.5:1) of aquatic problematic weed/macrophytes and pure vermiculture (PVC) for getting higher return (416% for vermipellets and 414% for vermicompost) on investment was standardized. Quality aspects and economic returns from both vermicompost and vermipellets were worked out.

Conclusion

Bioconversion of APM to vermipellets gave more return on per unit investment. The quality (that includes- C/N ratio, weed and disease resistant, nutrient composition and dispersible nature) of the vermipellets were better in comparison to vermicompost. The empirical models for predicting C/N ratio on the basis of quantity of APM for both vermicompost and vermipellets have been developed exclusively.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. ICAR-CITH, Srinagar, JK, India

    Anil Sharma, Sarvendra Kumar, Nazeer Ahmed, Sajad Un Nabi, Desh Beer Singh & Shahid Ali Akbar

Authors
  1. Anil Sharma
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  2. Sarvendra Kumar
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  3. Nazeer Ahmed
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  4. Sajad Un Nabi
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  5. Desh Beer Singh
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  6. Shahid Ali Akbar
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Contributions

AS, SK and NA designed and carried out the study, AS and SK did the analysis, SUN and DBS carried out microbial analysis and interpretations, SAA carried out microscopic and dispersion studies.

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Correspondence to Anil Sharma.

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The auhors declare that they have no conflict of interest to disclose.

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Sharma, A., Kumar, S., Ahmed, N. et al. Managing Problematic Aquatic Macrophytes through Vermitechnology- Composting and Pelleting. Waste Biomass Valor 12, 5561–5571 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12649-021-01380-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12649-021-01380-7

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