Study of some biological parameters of the red Californian earthworm Eisenia Foetida (Savigny, 1826) in vermicompost following the application of wood vinegar

Abstract

This study was carried out with the purpose to assess some biological parameters of the red Californian worm (Eisenia foetida) in vermicompost, to which two types of wood vinegar, manufactured from poultry manure (A) and nutshell (B), have been applied. The study was implemented under laboratory conditions with Coincidence Parcels Trial Layout and 5 repetitions in 2018. Profile Analysis Technique was used in the in the investigation of wood vinegar types and the effect of various doses on the weight gain and number of worms on a weekly basis, while Factorial ANOVA was used in the investigation of their effects on cocoon numbers. The Profile Analysis proved that the interaction between Week × Dose × Vinegar type was important in regards to both the weight and number of worms (P = 0.00). The Factorial ANOVA carried out to investigate the effects of the vinegar type and doses on the cocoon number showed that the Dose × Vinegar type interaction was important (P = 0.00). Therefore, the effects of the vinegar type on the number and weight of worms differed depending on the dosage. In general, it was noted that 3%- and 5% dosages of vinegars had positive effects on Eisenia foetida, while the dosage of 100% had toxic effects. Based on the findings, it is possible that wood vinegars have a potential use with various purposes including bio-pesticides or worm manure.