Production of Vermicompost from Rose Flower Petal Wastes
Abstract
The flower waste obtained from markets and temples could be effectively utilized for vermicomposting and production of good quality vermicompost. Eudrilus eugeniae species is good for vermicomposting of flower waste at shorter time period. The results obtained proved that 30% inclusion of flower waste along with cow dung gives good yield of vermicompost. Eudrilus eugeniae does not require soil for habitation. Provision of good quality cow dung enhances the water holding and nutrient supplying capacity. Maximum temperature (27.96oC) was recorded in VT6 and pH ranged between 7.58 and 8.76 in all treatments. VT6 treatment also showed the maximum electrical conductivity (3.94 mhos/cm). 42.50% of Organic Carbon was observed in VT2. A high concentration of N (0.59%) was found in VT5 treatment and phosphorous (0.68%) in VT4. The maximum weight of earthworm (3080 mg) was achieved in VT5 with a growth rate of 24 mg/worm/day. High yield of vermicompost (1422gm/2kg of substrate) was also obtained in VT5 treatment. The present study revealed that the temperature at a range of 260C, pH 7.5 to 8 and moisture content of 49 to 50% were the ideal parameters to activate metabolic activity, cocoon production and reproductive action of Eudrillus eugeniae..
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Introduction
Floriculture is an art and science and it has been recognized as an economic activity with the potential for creating employment. In Tamil Nadu flowers like Marigold, Tuber Rose, Jasmine, Mullai, Rose, Crossandra, Chrysanthemum, Arali, etc are cultivated in large numbers. Tamil Nadu takes third place by cultivating the flowers in an area of 32,290 ha. Flowers are marketed regularly in local market and mainly operated in open yards like road sides. The price of flowers mainly depends on the quality, supply, demand and freshness. Heavy rainy season and too hot summer season results in deterrent for selling flowers. Floral waste generation also occurs largely during functions, worships, ceremonies, festivals, etc. This ultimately results in the large amount of flower waste which creates severe environmental pollution and health hazard. Biological processes such as vermicomposting converts floral waste into organic fertilizer would be of great benefit. Vermicomposting is a biological conversion process of organic materials and involves a joint action of earthworm species and microbes, which is being used for solid waste management [1]. Floral waste degradation is a slow process as compared to kitchen waste degradation [2]. Therefore there is a need of proper and eco-friendly method for floral waste degradation. In this the present investigation is aimed to document the stepwise physicochemical changes during floral waste degradation and vermicompost production by using an indigenous species of earthworm
Conclusion
The present study revealed that the flower wastes may be used as potential substrate for vermicomposting. Vermicompost also contains some of the secretions of worm and in association with microbes acts as growth promoters along with other nutrients. The physicochemical parameters such as pH, EC, temperature and moisture content were tested and found that the Eudrilus eugeniae were grown well in the pH of 7.58 ± 0.20 , 2.95 ± 0.13moh of EC, 26.20 ± 0.860C of temperature and 49.66 ± 1.52 % of moisture content. Good yields (1322gm/2kg of substrate) of vermicompost were obtained in VT5 treatment (30% rose flower waste inclusion). This ratio is recommended for vermicompost generating profits. The present study divulge that the temperature at the range of 26 to 27oC, pH 7.5 to 8.0 and moisture content 49-50% were the ideal parameters to activate metabolic activity, cocoon production and reproductive action in Eudrillus eugeniae.
