European Journal of Biotechnology and Bioscience

Authors
Sakthivel Vellaikkannu, Malathi Chidhampharam, Jayashri Selvakumar, Saralabai Viswanathan Chathlingathe

Abstract
Vermicomposting is a simple biotechnological process of composting, in which earthworms are used to enhance the process of waste conversion and produce a better end product. In this present study, the role of earthworm in converting tea leaves waste into a valuable product is assessed. The tea leaves waste was mixed with cow dung and earthworm Eudrillus eugeniae and left for vermicomposting for 30 days. The vermibeds are properly maintained throughout the research. After 30 days, the vermicompost was collected and the physico-chemical parameters were analyzed. The reduction in pH and organic carbon were noticed at different time intervals. The result indicated that vermicomposting with Eudrillus eugeniae is better for changing tea leaves wastes into nutrient rich vermicasting in a short period of time. i.e. 30 days. Thus, the recycling of wastes through vermitechnology reduces the problem of non-utilization of agro wastes. Vermicompost provide a slow, balanced nutritional release pattern to plants in particular, releases of available N, Soluble K, Exchangeable Ca, Mg and P.