Comparative evaluation of epigeic earthworm species suggests better nutrient mineralization efficiency of vegetable market solid waste by Eisenia fetida

The current study was carried out for the purpose of comparative evaluation of vegetable market waste degradation potential of three earthworm species (Eisenia fetida, Perionyx excavatus and Eudrilus eugeniae). The vegetable waste used as substrate in this study was collected from Mission Chariali vegetable market in Tezpur, Assam, India. Non-biodegradable materials such as polythenes, plastic etc. were segregated and organic waste was sun-dried. Cow dung was mixed with the substrate in 1:3 proportion and subjected to vermicomposting with three earthworms species separately. The data on physicochemical properties of the compost bed along with earthworm activity were collected every 10 days interval. The experiment was continued until 70 days. Analysis of the data indicated that E. fetida posed maximal nutrient mineralization and reduction in C:N ratio when compared with the data of day 0 with of day 70. Also, the values of vermicomposting coefficient were maximum for E. fetida. Moreover, the mean individual weight of E. fetida was also maximum during the decomposition period. Although Eu. eugeniae increased in total biomass much more rapidly than E. fetida, nevertheless, the cocoon production rate was greatest (78.67) in case of E. fetida, indicating the differential resource allocation with trade-off between sex alloca-tion and growth by Eu. eugeniae in a non-conducive environment during its life cycle. Overall, the results indicate suitability of E. fetida for vegetable waste degradation.