Abstract
The vermicomposting potential of waste biomass of potato crops that are generated at the time of harvesting was studied employing Eisenia fetida. The experiment was carried out in pots, and two treatments were applied during the study. In the first treatment, only potato plant biomass (PPB) was taken as the raw materials; whereas in the second treatment, a mixture of PPB with cow dung was engaged in the proportion of 5:1. The vermicomposted materials showed a reduction in C/N ratio, humification index, enhancement in nutrients profiles, ash contents, nitrogen-fixing, phosphate, and potassium solubilizing bacterial population. The macronutrient enhancement in the vermicompost samples was recorded 3.8–4.4-fold for total N, 5–5.6-fold in available P, 1.6-fold in total K, 5.2–6.2-fold in total Ca, and 1.6-fold in total Mg contents. The reduction in C/N was found in the range of 92.5–94.4% in the vermicompost samples. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) images showed higher disintegration in the vermicompost products when compared with initial raw material and compost samples. The addition of cow dung significantly enhanced the quality and quantity of vermicompost final products besides positively affecting the earthworm population and biomass by the end of 60 days of experimental trials.
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The authors are grateful to the authorities of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Guwahati, Assam, India, for providing the experimental earthworm species. The authors offer their sincere thanks to authorities of Gauhati University, Guwahati, Assam, India, for providing the laboratory facilities to carry out the research work.
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H.D. developed the concept of this experiment works, provided the lab facilities, and guided D.D. Both D.D. and H.D. wrote the main manuscript. D.D. carried out the experimental woks and statistical analysis.
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Das, D., Deka, H. Vermicomposting of harvested waste biomass of potato crop employing Eisenia fetida: changes in nutrient profile and assessment of the maturity of the end products. Environ Sci Pollut Res 28, 35717–35727 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-021-13214-z
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-021-13214-z