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A Comparative Study of Assessing Organic Matter Decomposition Between Composting and Vermicomposting Process

MZ Rahman
Department of Animal Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh- 2202, Bangladesh

AKMA Kabir
Department of Animal Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh- 2202, Bangladesh

MA Hashem
Department of Animal Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh- 2202, Bangladesh

SMA Islam
Department of Animal Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh- 2202, Bangladesh

MR Haque
Adjunct Professor
Department of Animal Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh- 2202, Bangladesh

MM Rahman
Department of Animal Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh- 2202, Bangladesh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

The aim of the study was to compare the efficiency of organic matter degradation between composting and vermicomposting as well as the possibility of making compost and vermicompost using cattle manure. The experiment was conducted with two treatments, where one was conventional composting (T₁) and another was vermicomposting (T₂) from cattle manure. The sample from composted materials was collected at 0, 20, 40 and 60^th day of experiment. Parameter studied were dry matter (DM), crude fiber (CF), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), ash content of the samples as well as pH and temperature change during the experimental period. Results found that a significant higher DM (P<0.01) was found in T₁ compared to T₂. The CF degradation rate was significantly higher (P<0.01) in T₂ compared to T₁ group. The CP content also found significantly higher (P<0.05) in T₂ compared to T₁ group. There were no significant differences in EE and ash content as well as pH between the treatment groups. A typical temperature curve was found in T₁ during active composting phase but the temperature was more or less same in T₂ during the whole experimental period. From the experiment, it was found that crude fiber degradation rate is faster and CP content was higher in the T₂ compared to T₁ that might be indicated that vermicomposting is more beneficial than composting.

Keywords: Vermicompost; Compost; Cattle manure; Biological degradation; Soil fertility

Location: Department of Animal Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh

Start Date: 00-00-2018

End Date: 00-00-2018

Program Area: Crop-Soil-Water Management

Commodity: Vermicompost and vermiculture

Objectives:

To compare the organic matter degradation pattern in cattle manure through composting and vermicomposting.

Methodology:

Two different experiments such as composting and vermicomposting were conducted at the same time and same environmental condition. Both the experiments were done in the field laboratory of Department of Animal Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh during the period from January 21^st to 22^nd March, 2018. Composting operation was done in the composting shed and the vermicomposting operation was done in the vermicomposting shed. The laboratory Analysis was carried out at laboratory in the Department of Animal Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh. There were two treatments in this experiment such as composting (T₁) and vermicomposting (T₂) with three replications. Three replications were taken in each treatment to minimize the experimental errors. Cattle manure was used both for composting and vermicomposting in this experiment. A total of three composting pits were used to prepare compost from cattle manure with saw dust and three pits (locally called chari) were used for vermicomposting to fulfill the objectives of the study. The samples were collected both from composting and vermicomposting pits at 0, 20, 40 and 60 days for proximate analysis. Field Laboratory of Animal Science Department has nine concrete-made compost pits. Among them three pits were used for composting operation as T₁. The pits were well built with an altitude of 3 feet, length of 2 feet, and width of 1.5 feet providing with sufficient environment for composting. About 60 kg of cattle manure and necessary amounts of saw dust were mixed together that contains 60% moisture. After mixing, the said amount of compost mix was put in each composting pit. The ambient temperature was 22°C at the beginning of composting process. Periodic temperature of the composting pit was measured by a foot long clinical thermometer. Turning of composting materials was performed manually after every 10 days to maintain the oxygen level for microbial growth. A total of 3 concrete pits, locally called chari was used to prepare vermicompost (T₂). The chari/pits were semicircular in shape having a diameter of 0.5 meter and a height of 0.3 meter. Approximately 30 kg manure was put in each chari/pit and a total of 90 kg cowdung was needed for this vermicomposting operation. There is a rich breeding stock of red worms in the farm section of waste recycle and renewable energy laboratory of Department of Animal Science, BAU. Red worm was collected and stored in appropriate breeding condition previously before setting the vermicomposting operation. All 3 pits were cleaned and 30 kg raw cow dung was added in each chari. About 100 g red worm was put on the surface of each chari and then covered the chari with straw after disappearing the worms. The initial ambient temperature was 25°C and the approximate moisture was 75% for easy movement of the worms.

Source of Information: Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. 2020, 6 (4), 768-776

Article Link (Online Journal): doi: 10.3329/ajmbr.v6i4.51245

Funding Source:

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

From the above discussion, it can be concluded that organic matter (CF) degradation rate is faster in vermicomposting than that in composting for cattle manure. Crude protein or N content also higher the final vermicompost compared to compost. Ash and pH was more or less similar in both the treatments. Therefore, it might be concluded that vermicomposting of cattle manure is more effective compared to composting in terms of CF degradation and nutrient content.

Knowledge Management: Journal