Optimization of Engineering and Process Parameters for Vermicomposting

Rajesh Babu Katiyar, Suresh Sundaramurthy (), Anil Kumar Sharma, Suresh Arisutha, Moonis Ali Khan () and Mika Sillanpää
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Rajesh Babu Katiyar: Department of Chemical Engineering, Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology, Bhopal 462003, India
Suresh Sundaramurthy: Department of Chemical Engineering, Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology, Bhopal 462003, India
Anil Kumar Sharma: Department of Civil Engineering, Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology, Bhopal 462003, India
Suresh Arisutha: Eco Science and Technology, Bhopal 462003, India
Moonis Ali Khan: Chemistry Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
Mika Sillanpää: Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Aarhus University, Nørrebrogade 44, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 10, 1-24

Abstract: Urbanization and population rise considerably increase the generation of solid wastes. The recycling of solid wastes through vermicomposting is a sustainable approach. The current study aimed to investigate the effect of earthworm ( Eisenia fetida and Eugilius euganiae )-processed/mixed solid waste manure (vermicompost) on the development, productivity, and chemical characteristics of chili and brinjal in different wooden reactors (R). A mixture of palash leaf litter, biogas slurry, food wastes from a hostel kitchen and households, and municipal solid waste (MSW) were used during the study. The effects of different reactors; process parameters; earthworm cultures, such as R1–R9 with different widths and lengths at a constant height (30 cm); pH, salt, and moisture content; temperature; C:N ratios; N, P, K, and pathogen content; and the type of mono/-polyculture on vermicompost were tested with respect to chili and brinjal production. The average net increase in the worms’ zoomass in reactor R1 at different mixed worm densities ( E. fetida + E. eugeniae ) under optimum conditions was observed. Compared to a monoculture reactor, the yield of both chili and brinjal were significantly greater in the polyculture reactor with vermicompost soil.

Keywords: biogas slurry; reactors; manure; vermicompost; soil supplement (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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