Efficiency of the Earthworm, Eisenia fetida (Sav.) in Vermistabilization of Silkworm Litter Mixed with Leaf Litter

Efforts were made in the present study to evaluate the vermistabilization of silkworm litter mixed with pre-decomposed (15 days) leaf litters in various combinations (0+100%, 25+75%, 50+50%, 75+25% and 100+0%) using the earthworm, Eisenia fetida (Sav.). The total content of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, sodium and E.C., were higher in all the worm-worked substrates than in worm-unworked substrates. The organic carbon and C/N ratio have shown reduction in vermicompost i.e., worm-worked organic material than worm-unworked compost. A maximum of 446 cocoons/trough was recorded in vermibed containing 50+50% (1:1) combination of silkworm litter and pre-decomposed leaf litter at the end of experimentation (75 days). The same combination also showed highest total worm biomass (151 g/trough) and worm number (581 worms/trough). The organic wastes like silkworm litter can be used for the production of vermicompost in 1:1 combination with pre-decomposed leaf litters.