Browsing by Author "Sharma, K."

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Comparative analysis of vermicompost quality produced from rice straw and paper waste employing earthworm Eisenia fetida (Sav.)
(Elsevier Ltd, 2018) Sharma, K.; Garg, V.K.
Present study was undertaken to investigate the vermicomposting of two different organic wastes (rice straw and paper waste) employing, Eisenia fetida. Nine feedstocks were prepared with different ratios of wastes using cow dung as bulking substrate. After pre-composting, worms were allowed to feed on different feedstocks for 105 days under laboratory conditions. The results showed that NPK content was higher in the vermicompost. Heavy metal content was also higher in the vermicomposts. Whereas total organic carbon and C:N ratio were lower after vermicomposting, by 17.38?58.04% and 19?102% respectively. SEM images revealed changes in the morphology of vermicompost. Earthworm growth and reproduction was significant in different feedstocks except one containing 50% rice straw depicting that this ratio is not suitable for the earthworms. Results further demonstrated that proportion of bulking substrate affect the earthworm growth and reproduction. ? 2017 Elsevier Ltd
Management of food and vegetable processing waste spiked with buffalo waste using earthworms (Eisenia fetida)
(Springer Verlag, 2017) Sharma, K.; Garg, V.K.
The present investigation was focused on the vermicomposting of food and vegetable processing waste (VW) mixed with buffalo dung (BW) under laboratory condition employing Eisenia fetida earthworm species. Four different proportions of VW and BW were prepared and subjected to vermicomposting after 3?weeks of pre-composting. After vermicomposting, nitrogen (7.82?20.73?g/kg), total available phosphate (4.80?11.74?g/kg) and total potassium (7.43?12.75?g/kg) content increased significantly as compared to initial feed stocks. Significant reduction was observed in pH (7.56 to 6.55), total organic carbon (48.25?23.54%) and organic matter (83.18?40.68%). Metal content (Fe, Cu, Zn and Ni) was higher in all the vermicomposts than feedstocks. Data on growth and reproduction of earthworm revealed that the highest biomass gain and fecundity of worms were attained in 100% BW followed by [BW75%?+?VW25%]?>?[BW50%?+?VW50%]?>?[BW25%?+?VW75%] feedstocks. Results evidenced the suitability of VW (up to 50%) spiked with BW for increasing earthworm population and in providing potent organic manure for agricultural applications. ? 2017, Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.
Vermi-modification of ruminant excreta using Eisenia fetida
(Springer Verlag, 2017) Sharma, K.; Garg, V.K.
Present investigation aims on the vermicomposting of the excreta of different ruminants to convert it into manure employing earthworm species, Eisenia fetida. A total of 11 feedstocks (FS1?FS11) with different ratios were prepared from the excreta of different ruminants, viz., sheep, cow, buffalo, and goat. Semi-composted feedstocks were fed to E. fetida for 90?days under laboratory conditions. Vermicomposting enhanced the nutrient contents of ruminant excreta and converted it into odor-free and homogenous vermicompost. The growth of E. fetida was significant in all the feedstocks, but largest biomass gain was achieved in buffalo excreta followed by [sheep?+?buffalo]?>?[goat?+?buffalo] and [cow?+?buffalo] feedstocks. Highest fecundity (782???23.3) was also recorded in buffalo excreta followed by [goat?+?buffalo] excreta feedstock (484.6???15.7). In vermicomposted feedstocks, total organic carbon and organic matter was lesser, while NPK and heavy metals were higher as compared to raw feedstocks. C/N ratios of vermicomposts ranged from 15.37 to 38.56, which indicate a good level of maturity and stabilization of feedstocks. ? 2017, Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany.