Vermicomposting of distillation waste of citronella plant (Cymbopogon winterianus Jowitt.) employing Eudrilus eugeniae

Laboratory experiment on vermicomposting of distillation waste of java citronella (Cymbopogon winterianus Jowitt.) was carried out employing Eudrilus eugeniae, in two seasonal trials, covering summer and winter periods. Two vermicomposting treatments were conducted in earthen pots, one with citronella plant waste only (CW) and the other, a mixture of citronella waste and cowdung in the proportion 5:1 (CW + CD). Vermicomposting of citronella waste resulted reduction in C/N ratio (83.5–87.7%), enhancement of ash content and a number of macro and micronutrients. The FT-IR spectroscopy of the vermicompost revealed the reduction in aliphatic and aromatic compound as well as increase in amide group after the 105 days stabilization process. The vermicompost output was significantly enhanced in CW + CD treatment than CW treatment. Even, nutrient content of the vermicompost was also higher in CW + CD treatment than CW alone indicating the positive role of cowdung in improvement of quantity and quality.

► Eudrilus eugeniae can convert distillation waste product of citronella plant into vermicompost. ► Vermicomposting process is influenced by seasonal variation and production is higher in summer than winter. ► Cowdung additive improves the quality and increases the quantity of the vermicompost output. ► Earthworm population as well as biomass enhanced significantly after 105 days of vermicomposting.