International Journal of Modern Science and Technology, Vol. 2, No. 4, 2017, Pages 138-143. 

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​Bioconversion of predecomposed coirpith and mixed weeds using Eudrilus eugeniae for raising vegetable nursery

V. Pradeepa*,¹, P. Pandian² 
¹Department of Zoology, Seethalakshmi Achi College for Women, Pallathur. India.
²Department of Microbiology, Science Campus, Alagappa University, Karaikudi. India. 

*Corresponding author’s e-mail: vpradeepa25@gmail.com

​Abstract
Investigations were made to recycle agricultural and industrial wastes for the production of vermicompost using earthworms (Eudrilus eugeniae). Vermicompost was prepared from mixture of bioinoculants using predecomposed coirpith (30 days), predecomposed weed mixture (15 days) and cowdung. The vermicompost caused a decrease in organic carbon (16.7%), while increase in total nitrogen (1.20%), phosphorous (0.92%) and potassium (0.89%) contents. An increase of two fold times more CFU×107 g-1 of bacteria in the worm worked substrates than the worm unworked substrates. The effects of vermicompost on the growth of Vigna unguiculata (Cow pea), Lycopersicum esculentum (Tomato), Ablemoschus esculenus (Ladies finger) were investigated in a greenhouse experiment. Triplicate treatments were applied combining vermicompost (50% and 100%) and soil. Growth parameters were measured interval of 7 days after transplanting. The results indicate that the 100% Vermicompost enhanced Ablemoschus esculenus shoot length, root length, number of leaves, chlorophyll content of leaves and total chlorophyll, fresh weight of the plant and dry weight of the plant significantly higher when compared to the other treatments and control.

​​Keywords: Coirpith; Vermicompost; Eudrilus eugeniae; Vigna unguiculata.

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International Journal of Modern Science and Technology

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ISSN 2456-0235