Effect of moisture content variation over kinetic reaction rate during vermicomposting process

Abstract

Even though vermicomposting is an age old process, due to rapid changes in technology in present scenario it is essential to change such process with application of advanced technique available. The same attempt is made by authors during series of their experiments of bioconversion over solid waste containing substrates cellulose into useful biofertilizer. In the present study the substrate sugarcane bagasse taken as carbon source is bio-converted with species of earthworm Eudrilus eugeniae. The role of moisture content in the process is studied by varying moisture content from 45 ± 5%, 55 ± 5%, 65 ± 5%, 75 ± 5% to 85 ± 5%. It is observed that the moisture content 75 ± 5% is the optimal at which the vermicomposting is fastest. Other relative parameters observed varied with maximum changes in range of 75 ± 5% of moisture content. The maximum kinetic reaction rate is recorded at the same level of moisture content. © 2008, Penkala Bt.