What are the factors that restricts the the survival of earthworm?
What is the efficiency rate of the conversion from waste to the compost in such restricted condition?
What are the supplementary condition that can be given to avoid the death rate of the earthworms?
@ Neeraj, earthworm need nutrient- rich organic source, such as cow dung beside that they need ideal moisture, pH, temperature, aeration, pH value, ammonia and salt content for their survival. The soil texture also affect the distribution of earthworm. Generally you may expect 54% conversion but it may reduce depends upon the survival of earthworm.
The survival of the Earthworms depends on the many factors like the pH of the composting pit should be optimum and the temperature of the pit also 22 to 30 degree. earthworms used in the vermicomposting are epigeic (surface decaying organic material feeder) so the feeding material also a limiting factor for the earthworms survival in the composting pit. several other factor are also responsible for the earthworm survival like humidity/moisture content of the pit, 50% aeration should be required for the pit. in the composting pit the citrus fruits causing the lowering the pH of the pit so during composting the citrus fruits should be avoid for better earthworm survival.
It also depends on the species of earthworms; exotic species like Eudrilus eugeniae and others have good survival rate and conversion rate than native species.
Adequate food and oxygen are clearly essential, as noted by others. Earthworms can tolerate cold, but not heat. My experience is that 30C is pretty hot for most earthworms. Large vermicomposting facilities have had to mist the surface of the material to cool the bed. Because the compost generates heat, some indoor facilities have even gone to air conditioning/cooling the indoor facility. Clearly, anaerobic material is toxic to earthworms. My work with anaerobically digested manure has indicated that the manure must first be composted aerobically before adding worm to further process the compost.
Thank you Lewis Naylor J. C. Tarafdar D. T. Sanchez
Rajashekhragouda Goudar Amrit Kumar for the contribution.- Badges
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