How the Composition of Substrates for Seedling Production Affects Earthworm Behavior

Sandra Ečimović, Mirna Velki (), Alma Mikuška, Jelena Bažon, Lucija Sara Kovačić, Suzana Kristek, Jurica Jović, Franjo Nemet, Katarina Perić and Zdenko Lončarić
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Sandra Ečimović: Department of Biology, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Cara Hadrijana 8/A, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
Mirna Velki: Department of Biology, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Cara Hadrijana 8/A, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
Alma Mikuška: Department of Biology, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Cara Hadrijana 8/A, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
Jelena Bažon: Department of Biology, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Cara Hadrijana 8/A, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
Lucija Sara Kovačić: Department of Biology, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Cara Hadrijana 8/A, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
Suzana Kristek: Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Vladimira Preloga 1, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
Jurica Jović: Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Vladimira Preloga 1, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
Franjo Nemet: Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Vladimira Preloga 1, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
Katarina Perić: Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Vladimira Preloga 1, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
Zdenko Lončarić: Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Vladimira Preloga 1, 31000 Osijek, Croatia

Agriculture, 2022, vol. 12, issue 12, 1-14

Abstract: The constant increase in the intensity of agricultural production simultaneously increases the risk of negative effects of long-term agricultural practices. By-products of agricultural, forestry, and food production, as well as other types of organic waste, can be used as raw materials in the production of organic fertilizers and substrates for seedling cultivation through various processes of biological stabilization. In this way, the amount of waste is reduced, which contributes to the preservation of soil fertility and the sustainable use of resources. During waste processing and the stabilization of organic matter can be improved by using earthworms (vermicomposting). The aim of this study was to determine how different substrates, composed of different components and their mixtures, affect the earthworm Eisenia andrei . The effects of investigated substrates on the survival and behavior of earthworms were monitored. In addition, the effect of tested substrates on acetylcholinesterase (AChE), carboxylesterase (CES), and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity was also assessed. The results showed that the most suitable substrates were leaves with horse manure and grape pomace alone and in combination with rock wool and sawdust. The obtained results provide important information on components and mixtures that have the greatest potential in the production of organic fertilizers and substrates for growing seedlings.

Keywords: organic waste; organic fertilizers; earthworms; vermicomposting; seedlings (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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