Vermicomposting of rice straw compost and farm yard manure with two epigeic earthworm species

The biotransformation potential of two-epigeic earthworm species (Eisenia fetida and Eudrilus eugeniae) was assessed in terms of growth, substrate composition and total biomass produced under controlled conditions in a greenhouse experiment. The E. fetida earthworm species was a more efficient producer of vermicompost biomass than eugeniae. The weight and number of earthworms of E. fetida after the study period of 60 days were 5-times and 2-times greater, respectively than E. eugeniae. The nutrient composition of the vermicompost revealed a changed total N content; P content was significantly higher than in pure rice straw compost (RSC). Total C content was significantly less in the substrate mixture of RSC: FYM::1:1. The concentration of total K, S and micronutrients differed non-significantly. The results revealed that vermicomposting of RSC: FYM::1:1 substrate ratio for mixture with E. fetida species was the more suitable option.