계분의 퇴비화 과정중 이화학적 성상 변화가 지렁이 생존에 미치는 영향

This study was conducted to investigate effects of different ratios of sawdust to poultry manure as an earthworm feed on the change of physico-chemical characteristics and earthworm viability during composting, and further to provide the basic information for an efficient vermicomposting using the manure of livestock. Experimental earthworm used in this study was Eisenia foetida and the ratio of sawdust and poultry was determined to 100:0(A), 80:20(B), 70:30(C), 60:40(D) and 50:50(E) on the basis of volume. The results are summarized as follows. Earthworm appeared after 6 wk of aging period, and it was possible for the earthworm to survive in treatments of C. D and E including 30~50% of sawdust. C/N ratio was significantly higher (P＜0.05) in treatments of sawdust mixture (B, C, D, and E) than poultry manure alone (A treatment). Appropriate CIN ratio for earthworm survival was the range of 16.9 to 20.7. During period of aging, pH value and electrolyticconductivity (EC) were the highest in the treatment of poultry manure alone. However, as the inclusion of sawdust was increased, pH showed decreasing tendency. Appropriate pH and EC for earthworm survival were 7.69 to 7.79, and 2.77 to 2.87mS/㎝, respectively. The results from this study indicated that the mixing of poultry manure with sawdust more improved physico-chemical environment for earthworm growth in comparison with poultry manure alone, and sawdust showed the sufficient possibilityas a bulking agent for an efficient vermicomposting of poultry manure.