ENRICHING THE NUTRIENT CONTENT OF VERMICOMPOSTING BY CO-ADMINISTERING PANJAGAVYA WITH THE EARTH WORM EUDRILUS EUGENIAE

*Sujatha D.

ABSTRACT

Vermicomposting is a sustainable method of recycling agricultural and other bio-wastes, transforming them into nutrient-rich vermicompost. This process uses earthworms to decompose organic matter, producing a valuable fertilizer and soil conditioner. Vermicomposting helps reduce landfill waste, improves soil health, and minimizes the need for chemical fertilizers. In the vermiculture operation the exotic earth worm Eudrilus eugeniae is found very effective in the production of quality vermicompost. The vermicomposts can be made nutrient rich by mixing the vermibed with catalysts like panjakavya, jeevamirtha, and other bio fertilizers. Panchagavya is rich in beneficial microorganisms like bacteria and fungi. These microorganisms play a crucial role in breaking down organic matter and releasing nutrients in a form that plants can easily absorb. So the present study is planned to explore the nutrient enhancing effects of Panchakavya combining with the African earthworm, Eudrilus engeniae to prepare nutrient rich vermicompost. The incorporation of panchakavya in the vermicomposting process using the earth worm Eudrilus euginiae and bio wastes showed an enhancement in both major and minor nutrient content. The enriched nutrient content will help to augment both agro and horticulture crops yields.

Keywords: Eudrillus engeniae, bio wastes, Panchagavya, vermicompost nutrient.