Management of Rice straw (Oryza sativa) by vermicomposting using epigeic earthworm, Eisenia fetida

Rice straw (Oryza sativa) is the most abundant and nutrition efficient crop residue and it is the major by-product of rice fields in India. Burning or dumping of rice straw is a great loss to nutrient economy in agriculture sector as it affects the physical, chemical and biological properties of soil. The present investigation was initiated to study, ‘Management of Rice straw (Oryza sativa) by vermicomposting using epigeic earthworm, Eisenia fetida’ at Department of Zoology, CT University Ludhiana. Rice straw and cow dung was used as substrate for the preparation of vermicompost. Based on the finding of present investigation, the waste got converted into vermicompost in 45 days at an average temperature, pH and humidity i.e. 25°C, 6-7.8 and 85% respectively. The end product was black colored with granular texture. It could be concluded that vermicomposting is done in order to decrease the need for chemical fertilizers and improve the microbial activity in soil. Vermicompost is eco friendly, nutrient rich fertilizer for agriculture sector.