Life Cycle Patterns of Epigeic Earthworm Species (Eisenia fetida, Eisenia andrei, and Dendrobaena veneta) in a Blend of Brewery Sludge and Cow Dung

Abstract

Comprehending the growth and reproductive capabilities of vermicomposting worm species across diverse wastes from various sources is crucial for the effective utilization of earthworms in sustainable waste management systems. This study evaluated the growth and reproductive potential of three epigeic earthworm species in a substrate comprising brewery sludge mixed with cow dung. Following the introduction of sexually matured earthworm species into the experimental substrate, E. fetida released 165 ± 0.88 cocoons at a reproduction rate of 32.8 ± 0.67 cocoons/worm, E. andrei released 164 ± 1.48 cocoons at a cocoon production rate of 32.19 ± 1.38 cocoons/worm, and D. veneta released 110.25 ± 1.2 cocoons at a cocoon production rate of 22.7 ± 1.5 cocoons/worm. The incubation period for E. fetida and E. andrei ranged between 3 and 4 weeks, while D. veneta required a relatively longer period of 5 to 7 weeks. After the introduction of newly hatched hatchlings into the test substrate, a similar pattern of biomass increment was observed between E. fetida and E. andrei, with both species exhibiting progressive growth up to the 5th week. In D. veneta, successive biomass increments were recorded up to the 7th week, after which the biomass of each experimental species gradually declined. The current study demonstrated that all experimental earthworm species exhibited robust growth and reproductive performance in brewery waste mixed with cow dung.