vermicomposting of coir pith and coffee...

Chapter - III

VERMICOMPOSTING OF COIR PITH AND COFFEE HUSK

COIR PITH RECYCLING BY FOUR EARTHWORM SPECIES

USING DIFFERENT FEED RATIOS

Coir pith containing large proportions of cellulose and lignin exhibits a low

decompos~ng rate It is a rich source of potash It helps to retain soil moisture for a

longer per~od (Jothimani,l994) Vermicompost is one of the biological methods of

organic solid waste recycling Earthworms, the major so11 macro invertebrates and

w~dely spread globally, are known for their contribution to soil enrichment

(Edwards,l995) The role of earthworms in the breakdown of organlc debris on

so11 surface and in the soil turnover process was first highlighted by Darwin (1881)

He noted the role of earthworm in the breakdown of plant and animal materials

The ev~dence that earthworms in the composting process not only work to

decrease the tlme for stabilization of the waste but also produce an efficient

organic pool wlth energy reserves known as vermicompost was noted by Kale (1998)

Earthwormis a biological indicator of healthy soil (Ismai1,1997) because it is

physically an aerator, mixer, crusher and b~ologically a st~mulator for composting process

Earthworms carry out all theseprocesses while consuming organlc wastes

(Senapati et a1 ,1987) This chapter deals with recycl~ng of coir pith mixed

with fresh cowdung in the ratio of 100% CD, 3 1 CD CP. I 1 CD CP, 1 3 CD CP,

and 100% CP by four earthworm species i e , (1) Lompr/o maurrfrl(2) Eudriluseugenrae

(3) Octochaetona serrata and (4) Perronyx cxcar~arus The setting up of the

vermireactor for coir pith recycling with d~fferent feed ratios is presented in

Plate 3A. Plate 3 8 presents pure coir p ~ t h ( a ) before it is recycled, colr

pith vermicasts(CPVC) (c) obtained after recycl~ng by earthworms Plate 3B also

Plate 3

A The settlng up ofverm~reactors for colr p~th recycl~ng w ~ t h different feed ratios

B (a) Pure colr p~th, (b ) Cowdungverm~casts, I C ) Colr p~th vermlcasts

CD=Cou dung. C'P=Colr p~th. VC=Vermicasts

presents coudung verm~casts(CDVC) (b) after the recycling of 100% cowdung

Table 4 to 7 depicts the results of bermlcast ( g ) production, remalnlng feed ( g )

initial weight and numher ofearthworms and alier 90 days ofexper~ment obta~ned w~th

all five types of feed ratlos. 90 days of experiment Includes S I X runs, each of fifteen

days durat~on. The product~on of verm~cast ( g ) bq the earthworm Lamprto maur~rrr

(Plate I a ) ut~lizing five types of feed comb~nations I S presented In Table.4

The we~ght of verm~cast was relat~vely higher In cowdung ( 100%) fed reactor, than

in the other four vermlreactors 1.e , with 3.1, CD CP, 1 I CD CP. I 3 CD:CP and

100% CP From the product~on of vermlcasts and remaining feed In different

feed ratios, it is obvious that the quantity of cowdung has influenced both

the production of vennicasts and remaining feed However the rate of digestion in

1 ICD CP appears to be optimum where 50% of coir pith material

gets recycled resulting in vermicast production There is an increase in biomass

of earthworms as well The rate of decomposition~varies not only due to

earthworm activity but also due to combined microbial and earthworm action

(Cortez and Bouche,1997) C N ratio of litters on which earthworms habitually

feed is relatively lower Similarly since the C N ratio of cowdung IS lower, the feeding

rate of the earthworms was h~gher resulting in higher production of vermicast with

less amount of feed remaining (Cortez, 1998) The biomass of earthworms was

noted In Initial stage and after every fifteen days It IS presented in Table-4

Table 4: Production of verm~casts and biomass by Lamprto maurrtrr m the recycling ofcoir pith after 90 days durat~on

CD-cowdung, CPzo~r p~th, VC-vemcast. and RF-mmau~% feed

Table 5: Production of vermicasts and biomass by Eudrrlus eugenrae in the recycling of coir pith after 90 days duration

CD-wwdung, CP-wlr plth, VC-vemucast, RF-rernanmng feed

Table-5 presents the production of vermicasts and biomass obtained In

the recycling of coir p~th by the earthworm Eudrrlus eugenrae (Plate Ib) after 90 days

duratlon Eudrrlus eugenrae IS an Afncan mght crawler and a voracious feeder (Kale,

1998) The productlon of vermlcasts 1s much hlgher wlth much reduced quantity in

remaining feed In comparison to that of Lamprto maurrrrr The number and weight of

the earthwormhas also considerably increased In all the five types of feed combinations

provlded The biomass production of earthworms body IS mostly dried muscle

Earthworms contain 60-65% protein, 7-10Dhfat, 20% carbohydrate, 2-3% minerals

and a wide range of vitamlns (Neuhauser et a1,1988) Neuhauser et a1.1988,

Edwards and Niederer, 1988 have reported Eudrrlus eugenrae as a good

protein source and waste decomposer, especially in troplcal conditions In 100%

CD fed reactor a very high amount of vermicast productlon is seen to the extent

that there was no feed left remaining In 3.1 CDCP fed reactor the casting production is

nearly equal to that of 100% CD fed reactor Vermicast production was

s~gnificantly decreased in 1 1 CD,CP, 1 3 CD CP, and 100% CP fed reactors

with the remaining feed content increasing gradually by 100% CP fed reactor

The number and weight of the earthworms in all the five feed reactors showed the

following trend 100% CD > 3 1 CD CP> 1 1 CD CP> 1 3 CD CP> 100% CP fed reactor

The increase in the number of earthworms is the same in 100% CD and 3.1 CD CP

reactor Similar is the condition with 1 1 CD CP and 1 3 CD CP fed reactor There is no

change in number ofworms in 100% CP fed reactor

The third species used for the recycling of coir pith IS Octochaetona serrafa

(Gates)(Plate l c ) This species wascollected from coconut field and cultured in the

laboratory Table6 gives the five types of feed used by Octochaetona serrafa in the

conversion of coir pith into verm~casts after 90 days In six runs, each with lSdays

duration From Table-6, ~t is clear that the vermicast product~on is almost the same in

100% CD and 3 1 CD CP fed reactors In 100% CP fed reactor the production of

casts is much less The quantity of feed remaimng in the tubs has shown the following

trend 1 0O0hCP>1 3CD CP>l I CD CP>3 1 CD CP > 100% CD Though the remaining

feed in O serrata IS less in all the five feed ratios In comparison to that of L.maur~trr,

the quantity of vermicasts produced by L.maurrtrr with all five feed ratios 1s much h~gher

than that by 0. serrata Hence 0.scrrata appears on comparison to be less efficient in

the recycling of coir p~th

Table 6: Product~on of verm~casts and h~omass by Octvchae~ona ~ewata In the recycling ofcou p~th after 90 days duratlon

Tnble 6 also presents the biomass of the earthworm Octochaerom serrafa. It presents

the numba of earthworms on the initial day and after 90 days duration The number ofworms

increased in 100% CD>lOOOh CP fed reactor. Similarly the weight of the worms also

relatively increased inall reactors, but significantly increased in 100% CD fed reactor and

less in 100% CP fed reactor

The earthworm species Perionyx excavatus (Plate Id) is considered to

be a potential waste decomposer (Loehr et al , 1984) It is an epigeic species wtuch generally

occurs in organic wastes The I~fe cycle and the rate potential of P excavatus in the

breack down of organic waste under controlled conditions has been documented by

various authors (Kale and Krishnamurthy, 1982, Reinecke et al, 1992, Hallatt et a1 ,

1990. Reinecke and Hallatt.1989) In the recycling of coirp~th by the eplgeic

earthworm, t? excavatus, five types of feed comb~nations as in other three species

was used and the data IS presented in Tnble 7 The vermlcast production was

relatively higher In 100% CD fed vermlreactor and less in the other

Table 7: Production of vernucasts and biomass by Perionp excavahrs in the recycling ofcoir pith after 90 days duratior-

CD-cowdung, CP-cotr pah, VC-vermlcast. RF-remammng feed

four types of feed reactors. Lawer rate of conversion is seen in 100% CP fed

reactor The amount of feed remaining in the reactor showed the following trend:

100% CP > 1 3 CD CP >I 1CD:CP ,3.1CD. CP > 100% CD fed reactors

Table-7 depicts biomass production as well Though the number of earthworms

has not increased in 1.3 CD.CP and 100% CP fed reactors, we~ght of the worms

has considerably increased and is almost the same as that of 1 3 CD CP and 1 1

CD CP reactor Pure coir pith was not conducive for the reproduction of this species.

CONCLUSIONS

In the recycling of coir pith, while screening all the four specles ut~lized in this

study, ~t is found that among the epige~c earthworms, E. eugenrae is very effective

followed by the aneclc earthworm L.maurztlr to be followed by P excavaius

The contribution of 0 serrata In both vermicast product~on and biomass

production is sign~ficantly very less (Figure 10) Hence this species may not be a

suitable option for recycl~ng colr pith Because though by number, O.serrata has

shown an increase but relat~vely with L.mauritrr and E eugenrae, the weight

gained by 0.serraia after 90 days is not much especially when considered m relation

to the increase tn the number of worms

Similarly in biomass production also, the feed comb~nations of 1 1CD.CP

and 1 3CD CP are to be preferred Because with these combinations (feed), large

quantities of coir pith is gettlng recycled, biomass production is also considerably

better, so that it becomes a good source of proteins wh~ch is useful in the area of

poultry and fish culture etc Figure 10 depicts the percentage of biomass

production by all the four earthworm species utilized in this study

Figure 9: A -c e o n of the percentage of vmicest production in coir pith recycled by four earthworm species

I l r r p . ~ mamni IErdr!h .rp.l.. IOS*OhI.* ma.. m u mP- .,.. r.*.f..

100% CD VC 3 I CDCPVC 1 ICDCPVC I J C D C P V C :Om CPVC

\ P..l ",lo.

& CD = Cowdung, CP = Coir pith, VC = Vermicasts

Figure 10: A diagnunabc representation of the percentage of biomass production in coir pith recycled by four earthworm species

\ U q l o m u n u EudrOu. e u b n u e

O O c l o c b & ~ t ~ n ~ ~ ~ m t s O P ~ I D ~ Y X ~ D S Y . ~ V I

100% CD VC 3 1 CDCP VC l l CD CP VC 1 3 CDCP VC l O m CP VC

\ P r l ..iI,

CD = Cowdung, CP = Coir pith, VC = Vermicests

In all the four specles in the production of vermicasts the common

trend was 100%CD>3,1CD:CP>l .lCD:CP>l .3CDDCP>100%CP Figure 9

presents the percentage of vennicasts production by the four specles of earthworms

used. In the recycling of coir pith, ~t is preferable to use wwdung to aid for the

faster breakdown of wir pith. However, among all the combinations 1: lO:CP and

1:3CD:CP is a better feed combination for the recycling of coir pith. This is for two

reasons with the objective being not only the recycling of coir pith but also bulk

management of coir pith (generated). Large quanbties of coir pith can be converted into

vcnnicasts with these two feed combinations (I: 1 and 1:3O:CP). These vetmicasts sm

e s t h b a t o r g s n i c ~ * m g ~ c a l ~ .

64

NUTRIENT STATUS OF COIR PITH VERMICASTS OBTAINED

WITH THE FOUR EARTHWORM SPECIES USING

DIFFERENT FEED COMBINATIONS

The samples of coir pith vermicasts are analysed and the results are presented

in Tables 8 to 11 The parameters EC, pH, C N ratio, TOC(%), TON(%) are

presented through Figures 11,13,15, and 17 relating to the four species of

earthworms uslng different feed ratios Simrlarly the available N, P and K is

presented through a histogram (Figures 12,14,16 and 18) From Table-8

and Figure-11 and 12 it IS made clear that the EC was 430 (mmohms) with

Lamprto maurrtrr in 100% cowdung (CD) vermicasts Similarly In other feed

combinat~ons used In coir pith recycl~ng, like 3 ICD CP, 1 1 CD CP,

1 3 CD CP and 100% CP vermlcasts, the electr~cal conduct~vtty s~gn~ficantly

Increased In 100% CP vermlcast ~t was at 2700 mm ohms S~mllarly there

was a gradual increase in pH from 100% cowdung vermicast to 100% coir pith

vermicasts It IS near neutral in 1 ICD CPVC This Increase In pH w~th an Increase

of colr pith content in the feed ratio Indicates that cations get added as the percentage

of cowdung decreased resulting in an Increase In pH (Cortez and Bouche, 1997)

However there is a decrease In total organlc nltrogen(T0N) as well as

In TOC(%) from 100% cowdung vermicasts to 100% coir pith vermicasts

which makes the CM ratlo to be higher in 100% coir p~th vermicasts but low in

cow dung vermicasts Though initially percentage of TOC is higher as the feed passes

through earthworm gut during digestion the physiological condit~on in

earthworms help to balance the C/N ratio (Edwards et al , 1984)

Table 8: Physico-chemical status of vennicasts obtained from coir pith recycled by Lamprto mauntrr.

CD = Cowdung, CP = Coir pith, VC = Vermicast

Table 9: Physico-chemical status ofverm~casts obtained from coif pith recycled by Eudrllus eugenzae.


Table 10: Physico-chemical status ofvermicasts obtained from coir pith recycled by Octochaetom serrata.

CD = Cowdung. CP = Coir pith, VC = Vermicast

Table 11: Phys~co-chemical status ofvermicasts obtaned from coir pith recycled by Perronyx excavatus.

CD = Cowdung, CP = Coir pith, VC = Vennicast

11: Chemiul chrrsneriaiccl of the five type8 of vermicuta of coir pith recycled with h p i r o m r t t t i ,

CD = Cowdung, CP = Coir pith, VC = Vmnicast

Figure 12: A diagramtic representation of the available NPK content in five type8 of vmnicaste of coir pith recycled with Lumpifo mount11


Mrt 1% Chemical ch&eristicr of the five types of v m c u t r of coir pith recycled with Evdrilus eugenrae

CD - Cowdung, CP = Colr pith, VC = Vermicast

Figure 14: A diagramtic repremtation of the available NPK content in five types of vemcasts of cotr pith recycled wth Eudnlus eugenroc

CD - Cowdung, CP = Coir pith, VC = Vermicast

-re 15: Chomiul characteristics of the five types of vennicaata of coir p~th recycled with Octochetona strrata

CD = Cowdung, CP = Coir pith, VC = Vennicast

Figure 16: A &agramatic represeomon of the available NPK conteat in five typm of vemcasts of coir pith recycled wth Octochaetona serrata

CD Cowdung, CP - Coir pith, VC = Vermicast

F'i$wv 17: Cbemicrl characteristics of the five typos of vennicutcr of coir pith recycled with Perionyx excawrus.

CD = Cowdung, CP = Cou pith, VC = Vrrrmcastcast

Qnn 1& A diagramat~c representabon of the awlable NPK content in five type6 of vetmicasts of coir pith recycled with Perronyx excawhts

CD - Cowdung, CP = Coir pith, VC = Vermicest

The available nitrogen, phosphourus, and potassium contents of

vermicasts which are obtained from the vermireactor of Lamprto maurrtrr are

presented in Figure 12. N~trogen (239 7 mgtkg) in 3 1CD CPVC and phosphate

(630 00 mglkg) content was higher in 1 3 CD CP vermicasts However the

presence of higher content of potassium (396 3 (mgikg)) in 100% coir p~ th

vermlcasts is because coir p ~ t h by itself is an excellent source for potash

(Jothlmanl, 1994) Table-9 and Figures-13 and 14 depict the nutrient status and

other physico-chemical properties of vermlcasts obtalned in coir pith recycled

by Eudrrlus eugenrae. Electrical conductlvity shows sign~ficant Increase from

100% cowdung to 100% coir plth vermicasts pH 1s neutral in 1 1 CD CP vermicasts

The C N ratro is relatively more balanced than that obta~ned In the vermlcasts

of 1,amprtu maurrtrr Available phosphates was hlgher (238 88 mglkg) In

3 1 CD CP vermicasts but available potassium and rutrogen content was higher In

1 3 CD CP vermlcasts The Figure 14 presents the available nitrogen, potassium

and phosphate contents In five types of vermlcasts obtalned with the same earthworm

Table-10 deplcts the physico-chemical characterist~cs of the vermicasts

obtalned in the recycl~ng of colr p~th with Octochaefona serrara The Figure 15

presents electrical conductivity (1 760) and pH (7 3) higher in 100% CP vermicast

But pH and electrical conductlvity increased from I00 % CD vermicasts to 100 % CP

vermrcasts as the cowdung ratio decreased The TON (%) was higher In 0 28 In

1 1 CD CP vermicast In 100% CP vermicast TOC% was higher The C N ratio 1s

lower in 100% CD vermicasts but it has significantly increased In other

vermicasts reachlng maximum in 100 % CP vermicasts Figure 16 presents

the available nitrogen, potassium and phophate contents in the five types of

vermicasts obtained with 0.serrata Available nitrogen (492 4mglkg) and

phosphate (380 Omglkg) contents were higher In the vermicast obtained from the

1 1 CD CP feed combination but with a relatively less potassium content

Pertonyx excavatus is another earthworm used for the recycling of colr p ~ t h

The same feed ratios were maintained as used with other three

earthworms Physico-chemical characterstics of vermicasts obtained in the

recycling of colr pith by P excavatus with all five feed ratios is presented in

Table-11 Figure 17 depicts the Electrical conduct~vity (1950) and pH (7 5) as

h~gher m vermlcasts obtained w~th 100% coir pith The total organic nitrogen (%) was

h~gher in 1 1 CD CP vermicasts and TOC (%) was h~gher In 100% CP vermicasts

The C N ratlo was significantly Increased from 100% CD to 100°h CP vermicasts,

depending on the increase in cowdung ratio Figure 18 indicates that the ava~lable

nltrogen (291 9mglkg) and phosphate (280 Omglkg) are relat~vely h~gher in 1 1 CD CP

vermlcasts but potasslum content (467 mdkg) has been high In 100% CPVC

CONCLUSIONS

Verm~casts are effective In vegetable cultlvatton and act as good carrler

med~a for b~o-fert~lizers (lsmai1.1997) The electrical conductivity and pH was

near neutral In the vermicasts obtained w ~ t h 1 ICD CP comb~nation than those

obtained from the other four feed ratios I e 100%CD.3 1CD CP,l 3CD CP

and 100%CP The carbon and nitrogen (C N) ratio projects the rate of digestion

of organic waste by the earthworms (Kale et al , 1994) It was observed that the

C N ratio obta~ned with the vermicasts of 1 1 CD CP 1s more favorable for germination

as well as for plant growth in our experiments given in the next chapters

C N ratio was less balanced in 100% CP vermlcasts of I:'vdrrlus sp and

Ochchae~ona sp , than the other two earthworm species It IS ~nd~cative of the

digestion rate of organic waste by earthworm sps Available nitrogen content

was higher in 1 1 CD CP vermicasts obtained with 0.serrata. The ava~lable

phosphate content was higher in 1 3 CD CP vermicasts of L. maurrtrr though

relatively potassium content was more in 1 3 CD CP vermicasts obtained with

E,euger~rae earthworm Cowdung appears to act as a nutrient base In coir pith

recycling by earthworms Comparatively1 1CD CP and 1 3 CD CP feed ratios are

preferable for coir pith recycling because vermicast production and biomass w~th

these ratios is higher considering the quantity of coir pith getting recycled with

these two feed combinations

COFFEE HUSK RECYCLjNG BY FOUR EARTHWORM SPECIES

USING DIFFERENT FEED RATIOS

Coffee pulp is the main byproduct of coffee industry Coffee pulp

represents approximately 40% of the fresh fruit weight The chemical characteristics

of this byproduct causes both water and soil pol lut~on (Lavelle, 1999)

Usually the coffee pulp is dumped in large open piles in gorges or near rivers,

causlng both water and soil pollution (Barois and Aranda. 1995) In t h ~ s study the

coffee husk was m~xed w~th fresh cowdung In different ratios 100% CD, 3 1 CD CH,

1 1 CD CH 1 3 CD CH, and 100% CH feed ratlos were used for recycling of coffee

husk in the vermireactors s~milar to those used In coir pith recycling

The set up of the vermireactor for coffee husk recycling w ~ t h different feed

ratlos is presented in Plate 4A Plate 4B presents pure coffee husk(a), coffee

husk vermicast along with remain~ng feed when ~t is being recycled(b) and

coffee husk vermicasts(c) Same earthworm species were used for this study,

I e , l m p r t o mourrhr, Eudrrlus eugeruae, Ocrochaetom serrata, and Perronyx eu'avatu.7

Table-12 presents the results of the analysed parameters on ,he recycling of coffee husk

by the earthworm Lamprto maurrtrr uslng five ratlos of feed The vermicast

production was higher in 100% CD fed reactor Later ~ t s product~on was relatively

decreased in 3 1 CD CH, 1 1 CD CH, 1 3 CD CH, and 100% CH fed vemreactors

W~th reduction In cowdung cotent, reduction In vermlcast production is seen,

with least production in 100%CH This is because coffee husk contains caffe~ne,

polyphenols, tannins, clonogenic, ferulic and c o f e ~ c a c ~ d s (Roussos et a1 ,

1994) which delay recycling by the earthworms In accordance the remaining feed

content is higher in 100% CH, 1 3 CD CH, 1 1 CD CH, 3 1 CD CH It is also to be

noted that the number of womls have increased in 100% CD at the end of 90 days

Plate 4A Setting up of vermireactors w ~ t h different feed ratios for coffee husk recycling

CD=Cowdung, CI1 =Coffee husk

Plate4B. (a) pure cotiee husk, ( b ) coffee husk vermlcasts along w~th remaining feed, ( c ) pure coffee husk vermlcasls

Howe~er increase In the number of worms In 3 1 CD CH, 1 1 CD CH, 1.3 CD CH

and 100% CH fed kermlreactors IS h~ghe r than that obta~ned with L rnurrr~rri

in coir plth recycling The order of Increase I S 100% CD > 3.1 CD: CH

1. I CD. CH > 1.3 CD CH > 100% CH

Eudrilw eugeniae

Table I 3 presents the results of analysed paramters of cotTee husk recjcled

by the Afr~can earthworm Eudrrlu~ rugen~ar, wh~ch IS one of the most common

earthworm species in Wesl African s o ~ l s (Edwards and Lof1).1977. Mab,1993)

I n this study, the recycl~ng rate of Eudr~lu.\ eugrnrur w ~ t h fwe d~fferent feed

Mle 12: Pmduetiw ofvermicuts and bioanug by Lamphnrartritii in the reeyclimg of coffee hudt after 90 days duration,

CD = Cowdung, CH = Coffee husk, VC = Vermicast, RF = Rernalmng Feed

Table 13: Prnduction of vermicasts and biomass by EudriIrcseugenwe in the mycling of coffee huskafter 90 days duration

CD = Cowdung, CH = Coffee husk, VC = Verrmcast, RF = Rernruning Feed

combinations is tested for coffee husk materlal It is clear that in 100% CD

fed reactor, the d~gestion was high converting all the feed into vermicasts

In 1 3CD:CH and 100%CHVC, the remaining feed is higher because substance

present in coffee husk determines the feeding rate of the earthworms

and thereby the recycling of the materials. Table-13 also presents the biomass

production, where it is seen that in 100% CD fed reactor both the number and weight

of the earthworms have increased more than that obtained by L.maurrtrr

The feed was fully digested in this vennireactor However the number of worms

after 90days of experiment In 1 1 CD CH , 1 3 CD CH. 100% CH is the same

as that observed in I, maurrlrr but the weight of the worms 15 higher in all the

reactors than those found with L.maurrtrr for all the feed combinations

Octochaetona serrata

Table 14 dep~cts the results of coffee husk recycling by Octochaetona serrala

w ~ t h the same five feed ratios used as w ~ t h L.maurr/rr and E.eugcnrae

earthworms The verrmcasts production In all the five feed ratlos used i e , 100%

CD, 3 1 CD CH, 1 1 CD CH, 1 3 CD CH ,and 100% CH IS relatively much less

than that obtained with L.maurrtrr and E eugcnrae and the variation in

vermicast product~on between 1 ICD CH and 1 3CD CH IS much less The weight and

number of earthworms is also presented in Table 14 The number of worms

in 1 ICD CH.1 3CD CH and 100%CH remaln the same as the Initial number (20)

started wlth However there is a marginal increase in the welght of the wonns in these

reactors It is noted that though similar feed combinations are provided as in other

earthworms, from the production of vermicasts or biomass, 0.serrala is not as efficient

in the recycl~ng of w&e husk and even coir pith

Table 14: Production of vermicasts and bio-mas by Octoclureionaserrata in the recycling of coNee husk after 90 days duration.

CD = Cowdung, CH = Coffee husk, VC = Vemucast, RF = Remaining Feed

Table IS: Production ofvermicasts and bio-mass by Perionyxwcavatus in the recycling of coffee husk after 90 days duration.

CD = Cowdung, CH = Coffee husk, VC = Vermicast, RF = Remuning Feed

Figure 19: A diagrrmatic reprmentation of the percentage of vernicart production in coffee husk recycled by four earthworm rpeciea

-

CD = Cowdung CH = Coffee husk, VC = Vemicast

Fire2O: A diagramatic representation of the percentage of biomass production in coffee husk recycled by four earthworm species

CD = Cowdung, CH = Coffee husk, VC = Vemicast

Penonyx mavatus

Perronyx excavatus is a Tropical earthworm specles and is a common

species In Asia and Australia (Guerrero, 1983) Perronyx excmarus is reported as

the first species to invade the coffee pulp piles in the field Since n can survive field

conditions and high temperatures characterized by the initla1 decomposition of the

coffee pulp, it has been used satisfactorily in open field conditions (Aranda and

Barois, 2000) Perronyx excavatus is often used for vermicomposting

because it is a tolerant species for the temperature and pH variations and has a higher

capaclty t o Invade the organic matter at an early decomposition stage itself

(Aranda et al, 1999) In the present study, the rate potential of I? exccavatus in the

recycling of coffee husk w ~ t h five different feed ratios IS tested The results obtalned

are presented in Table15 Comparatively vermicast production In all the feed ratios,

is lesser than that obtained with L maurrtrr and Geugenrae but it is much higher

than that obtained with 0 serrala (Figure 19).

CONCLUSIONS

I n identifying and determln~ng the rate potentla1 of Lamprro maurrtrr,

Eudrrrlus eugenrae. Ocrochaetona serrata, and Perronyx excavatus In the

recycling of coffee husk, five different feed combinations are used to identify the

difference in the production of both vermicasts and b~omass The trend observed w t h

all the four earthworms was 100%CD>3 ICD CH>I ICD CH>1 3CD CH>lOOCH

(Figure 19 and 20) indicating that the feed combinations have similar impact on

recycling in different species Though Perrier (1872) reported Perronyx excmatus to be

well suited for coffee husk recycling, from the results of the present study

E. eugenrae followed by L.maurrtrr is found to have recycled coffee husk with

better (output) quantities o f vermicasts a s well a s biomass production

NUTRIENT STATUS OF COFFEE HUSK VERMICASTS OBTAINED

WITH THE FOUR EARTHWORM SPECIES USING DIFFERENT

FEED COMBINATIONS

Samples of coffee husk vermlcasts were analysed and the results

were presented in Tables 16, 17, 18 and 19. The results of the analysed parameters

EC, pH, TOC(%), TON(%) and C N ratlos are presented through diagrams

In Figures 21, 23, 25 and 27 and the available N, P & K content IS presented

In Figure 22, 24, 26 and 28 of the four earthworm species with five different

feed combinations

Table 16 and Figure 21 depict the results of physicochem~cal parameters

obta~ned from coffee husk recycling wlth the earthworm specles Iamp~ro maurrtn.

Both the electrical conductivity and pH were relatively higher In 100% CH vermicast

(920 mm ohms and pH 7 3 ) than that In the other'four ratios of vermicasts

Similarly both TON (%) and TOC(%) is relat~vely higher In 100% CH (0 620%)

and 38 49% respectively But the C N ratio was more balanced in 1 3 CD CH vermicasts

bes~des that in 100WD vermicasts

Figure 22 depicts available nitrogen, phosphate and potasslum content

In coffee husk vermicasts obtained w ~ t h L maurrtrr In five different

feed ratios The higher quantities of avalable nltrogen was In 100% CH vermlcasts

Phosphate (240 45mgkg) and potassium (179 20mgkg) content was in 1 1 CD CH

vermicasts However NPK put together among the four feed combinations involving

coffee husk, 1 1CD CH vermicasts have a relatively good N, P and K content

Tablel6: Phyaico-chmical status of vermicasts obtained from coffee huak recycled by Lampilo mauritii

CD = Cowdung, CH = Coffee husk, VC = Vermicast

Table 17: Physico-chemical status of vermicasts obtained from coffee husk recycled by Eudn'lus eugeniae


Table 18: Phyrico-chemical status of vermicasts obtained from coffee husk recycled by Octochaetona serrata


Table 19: Physico-chemical status of vermicasts obtained from coffee husk recycled by Perionyx excavatus


-re 21 Chemial cluncteristica of tbe flve type^ of vermiersb of W* husL recycled with Lampito mawWI.

f +SC -+-pH +TON &TOC +CN 'r

100% CD VC 3 I CI) CW YC l l CD CW VC l l CDCW YC IOOX CW VC r-,,.f,o.

CD = Cowdung, CH = Coffee husk, VC =Vermicast

F i r e 22: A diagramatic representation of tbeavlilable NPK content in five typcs of vermhbl of coffee bwk recycled with lomplto d

Fire 23 Chemical chancterbtia of the f i e t y p of vermicmta of coffee hwk recycled with Evdrlhs cvgnJlrc.

CD = Cowdung, CH = Coffee husk, VC = Vennicast

Fignn 24: A dlrgnmatic represeatation of the available NPK content in five t y p of vermimts of coffec husk recycled with EuMIus aylaJcK.


Figan25 Chemical chrmcterbticr of tbc five typa ofvennkasta of coffee hwk recycled with &tocheuoaa smotcr.

CD = Cowdung, CH- Coffee husk, VC = Vnmicast

F b r e M. A dhgnmatic npraeatntion of the avaihbk NPK c o t in five types of vermierdr of coffee hunk recycled with

&tochUOlU St?-

CD = Cowdun& CH = Co&e husk, VC = Vermicast

Figure 27 Cbemierl chrraeterLti0 of the five typtm of vendcute of coffee hwk recycled with Prrlorryx m m .


Fin UI: A diignmatic represe.ntrtbn of the aviilrbk NPK content in five types of vermica8ts of coffee hwk recycled with Perlonpx mmbu.

CD = Cowdung, CH = Coffee husk, VC = Vermicest

Table 17 gives physicochemical status of vermicasts obtained from coffee

husk recycling by the earthworm species Eudrrlus eugenlae. Figure 23 presents the

results of EC, pH, TON (%), TOC (%) and C.N ratio of the vermicasts obtained by

Eeugeniae alter the recycling of coffee husk pH and electrical conductivity was

significantly high in 100% CH vermicasts than in other four feed ratios of vermicasts

pH in 1 1 CD CH vermicast was neutral TOC (%) was relatively higher in 100%

CH vermicasts and TON% was h~gher in 1 3 CD CH vermicasts Figure 24 gives

the available nitrogen, phosphate and potassium contents in all five feed ratios of

vermicasts of coffee husk recycled by Eudrllus eugenrae The quantity of

available nitrogen, phosphate and potasslum content is relatively higher In 3 ICD CH

ratio of vermicasts

The results of physlco-chemical parameters of vermlcasts of coffee husk

recycled by the earthworm Oc~ochaetona serrata are presented in Table 18

The results of EC, pH, TON (YO), TOC (%) and C N ratlos are also presented

through Figure 25. pH In the vermicasts of all the feed ratios was less han neutral

Both TON (%) and TOC (%) was relatively high in 100% CH vermicasts

Figure 26 depicts the available nitrogen, phosphate and potassium contents of

vermicasts in all five feed ratlos obtained from coffee husk recycl~ng by the earthworm

species 0.serrara The available nitrogen and phosphate content was relatively

hlgher in 1 ICD,CH vermicasts There appears to be a decrease in potassium content

with an increase in coffee husk content

Table-19 presents the results of vermicasts of coffee husk recycled

by the earthworm,Perronyx excavatus. The results are also presented through

Figures 27 and 28, where Fig 27 presents EC, pH, TOC (%) TON (%) and

C N ratios In 100% CH vermicasts the electrical conduct~vity 1s hlgher and pH in

all the feed ratios is slightly beow neutral W ~ t h TON(%) and TOC(%) relatively

hlgher in 100% CH vermicasts, the C N ratios (49 29 1 ) was relatively more

balanced The Figure 28 depicts available N, P and K Phosphate (260 62 mgtkg)

and potassium (155 5 &kg) contents were relatively higher in 1 ICD.CH vermicasts

but less in nitrogen content Available nitrogen (260 7 mgkg) content was higher in

100% CH vermicasts However the amount of organic matter in the vermicasts

depends on the earthworm's feedtng ecology which is reported to be h~gher in

detrit~vorous and lower in geophagous (Buck et al , 1989) Seasonally the total

nltrogen content In vermlcasts is higher In summer than in other seasons but

ammonical nitrogen showed no seasonal d~fferences (Matsumoto and Kasai,

1989) Earthworm actlvity 1s of Importance In arable lands not only for altering the

soil structure, aeration but also for providing channels for root growth, and drainage

These a c t i v ~ t ~ e s help to reduce the tlllage and the use of heavy machinery In

conventionally tilled sotls ( Lal, 1988, Bostrom, 1986)

CONCLUSIONS

The available nitrogen, phosphates and potassium content observed in

the coffee husk recycled by the four species of earthworms, serves as a good

plant nutrient, a good subst~tute for the synthet~c nutrcents under use Back et al ,

1992 also repor t that the plant nutrients a r e generally concentrated In

vermicasts along with h ~ g h mic rob~a l population, which help fur ther in

rna~ntaining soil fertility In the present observat~on. In the recycling of coffee

husk C N ratio has been found to be varying not only by species but also by

feed comb~nations C N ratio I S relatively low In 1 3 CD CH feed ratlo for

both L.maurrrlr and O.serrala, it is so In 3 1 CD CH feed ratlo for E.eugenrae

and 100% CHVC In the case for P excai~arus Though Fledget et a1 (1998) have

stated that earthworms prefer to feed in low C N ratio, In the present study from the

biomass observation (after 90days of experiment) it is apparent that L.rnaurrtrr ,

E. eugenrae and P. excavatus were able t o feed and multlply better than

0. serrara, through comparat~vely C N ratio (for feed combination of 3 1

CD CH) was low in 0.serrafa than in the other three earthworm species

The overal l e a r t h w o r m s a c t i v ~ t y con t r ibu te s t o nutr ient cycl ing in

ayroecosystem and its contribution to so11 fertility is enhanced as the organic

residues are returned to the so11 decreasing the intensity of cultivation

vermicomposting of coir pith and coffee...

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