Paper Key : IRJ************149
Author: Claire Danes Z. Dayuha,Michelle Erica A. Dulay,Jackie Mae Baludo,Franz Viktor E. Branzuela,Kevin Client B. Matutes,Manly N. Acain,Thomas Ivan J. Balaba,Ashley Jane O. Mejia
Date Published: 02 Jul 2024
Abstract
This study evaluated the amount of vermicast production from earthworms (Eudrilus eugeniae) and the primary macronutrient composition using different worm foods. Six treatments were examined, containing various combinations of topsoil, cow manure, goat manure, and banana pseudostem. The study was conducted over 57 days. Each treatment had three replicates, each containing 5 kilograms of worm food and approximately 250 grams of earthworms. The results revealed that topsoil with cow and goat manure yielded more vermicast, with 3.97 kg dry weight produced. All other treatments possessed essential primary macronutrients for plant growth, with variations based on concentrations. Notably, the mixture of topsoil and goat manure exhibited the highest nitrogen content (1.71%), meeting the standard nutrient range of 1.5% to 2.5%. Moreover, a mixture of topsoil and goat manure (1.99%), a mixture of topsoil with goat manure and banana pseudostem (1.62%), a mixture of topsoil with cow manure and goat manure (1.35%), and a mixture of topsoil with cow manure and banana pseudostem (1.12%) also met the standard potassium range of 1% to 2%. Hence, these worm food combinations provide sufficient nutrients for plant growth and development and promote sustainable farming methods.