The Utilization of Mushroom Waste Substrate in Producing Vermicompost: The Decomposer Capacity of Lumbricus rubellus, Eisenia fetida and Eudrilus eugeniae

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the capacity of Lumbricus rubellus, Eisenia fetida and Eudrilus eugeniae earthworms in vermicompost production utilizing mushroom waste substrate based on weight; number and weight loss of earthworms; temperature; pH; moisture content of media; and C/N ratio. The results showed that, by using 42 g of E. eugeniae, E. fetida and L. rubellus earthworms, there was an increase in weight of earthworms and vermicompost by more than 300% and 75%, respectively. In general, these three species of earthworms were able to produce vermicompost in compliance with quality standards, showing C/N ratio lower than 20.

Keywords

• earthworms
• mushroom waste substrate
• vermicompost