Growth and Reproduction of Earthworm (Eisenia fetida) in Different Organic Media

The study was designed to evaluate the growth and reproduction of Eisenia fetida on different locally available organic manures, i.e ., cow manure, sheep/ goat manure and dry leaves. The growth and reproduction of Eisenia fetida was measured by studying parameters, such as, gain in body weight, number of cocoons produced and number of hatchlings emerged. These worms were grown in these organic manure for about six months. The growth rate of Eisenia fetida was significantly higher (P<0.05) in cow manure as compared to dry leaves, sheep/goat manure and simple soil. Sheep/goat manure showed mortality after about tenth week of inoculation. The cocoon production was significantly greater (P<0.05) in cow manure than in dry leaves. Cocoon production was not observed in sheep/goat manure and simple soil. Hatchlings production was also significantly higher (P<0.05) in cow manure i.e., 120 hatchlings as compared to dry leaves with 73 hatchlings produced during this experiment. It has been concluded that cow manure is a better medium for growth and reproduction of Eisenia fetida.