Vermicomposting of citronella bagasse and paper mill sludge mixture employing Eisenia fetida.

The vermicomposting potential of Eisenia fetida on citronella bagasse and paper mill sludge mixture was studied. The experiment was carried out in pots by taking a mixture of citronella bagasse and paper mill sludge in 3:2 ratios. The physico-chemical properties such as pH, conductivity, total organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, trace elements and heavy metals were studied in the end products. The ash content, humification index, C/N ratio and scanning electron microscopic analysis were done to understand the maturity of the vermicompost. Results revealed that bioconversion of citronella bagasse and paper mill sludge mixture is accompanied with reduction of C/N ratio and humification index; enhancement of nutrients profile, nitrogen fixing, phosphate and potassium solubilizing bacterial population. SEM analysis showed that there was more disintegration in vermicompost samples than the initial raw materials and compost. Further, earthworm population and biomass has significantly increased by the end of the experimental trials.

Vermicomposting potentiality of Perionyx excavatus for recycling of waste biomass of Java citronella--an aromatic oil yielding plant.

Laboratory investigation on vermicomposting efficacy of Perionyx excavatus for recycling of distillation waste biomass of java citronella (Cymbopogon winterianus Jowitt) was carried out in two seasonal trials i.e. summer and winter periods. The experiment was conducted in earthen pots using a mixture of citronella waste material and cowdung in the proportion of 5:1. A control treatment without earthworms was setup for comparison of the results. The vermicompost had shown 5.8 folds reduction in C/N ratio and 5.6 folds enhancement in ash content. The nutrient contents (N, P, K, Ca and Mg) in the vermicompost had increase in the range of 1.2 - 4.1 fold than the initial level. The FT-IR spectra of the vermicompost confirmed increase in nitrogen rich compounds and decrease in aliphatic/aromatic compounds as compared to the initial level of the biowaste materials. The vermicomposting process is influenced by seasonal variation and summer was more productive than winter.

Vermicomposting of distillation waste of citronella plant (Cymbopogon winterianus Jowitt.) employing Eudrilus eugeniae.

Laboratory experiment on vermicomposting of distillation waste of java citronella (Cymbopogon winterianus Jowitt.) was carried out employing Eudrilus eugeniae, in two seasonal trials, covering summer and winter periods. Two vermicomposting treatments were conducted in earthen pots, one with citronella plant waste only (CW) and the other, a mixture of citronella waste and cowdung in the proportion 5:1 (CW+CD). Vermicomposting of citronella waste resulted reduction in C/N ratio (83.5-87.7%), enhancement of ash content and a number of macro and micronutrients. The FT-IR spectroscopy of the vermicompost revealed the reduction in aliphatic and aromatic compound as well as increase in amide group after the 105 days stabilization process. The vermicompost output was significantly enhanced in CW+CD treatment than CW treatment. Even, nutrient content of the vermicompost was also higher in CW+CD treatment than CW alone indicating the positive role of cowdung in improvement of quantity and quality.