Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
6354750 | Waste Management | 2006 | 7 Pages |
Abstract
Vermitechnology is gaining recognition as an environmental friendly waste management strategy. Its successful implementation requires that the key operational parameters like earthworm stocking density be established for each target waste/waste mixture. One target waste mixture in South Africa is waste paper mixed with cow dung and rock phosphate (RP) for P enrichment. This study sought to establish optimal Eisenia fetida stocking density for maximum P release and rapid bioconversion of RP enriched cow dung-paper waste mixtures. E. fetida stocking densities of 0, 7.5, 12.5, 17.5 and 22.5Â g-worms kgâ1 dry weight of cow dung-waste paper mixtures were evaluated. The stocking density of 12.5Â g-worms kgâ1 resulted in the highest earthworm growth rate and humification of the RP enriched waste mixture as reflected by a C:N ratio of <12 and a humic acid/fulvic acid ratio of >1.9 in final vermicomposts. A germination test revealed that the resultant vermicompost had no inhibitory effect on the germination of tomato, carrot, and radish. Extractable P increased with stocking density up to 22.5Â g-worm kgâ1 feedstock suggesting that for maximum P release from RP enriched wastes a high stocking density should be considered.
Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering
Earth and Planetary Sciences
Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
Authors
F.O. Unuofin, P.N.S. Mnkeni,