Vermistabilization of pressmud using Perionyx ceylanensis Mich

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Environmental Science
• Microbiology

Background:

• Sugar industry pressmud is a waste product with potential for nutrient recovery.
• Vermicomposting utilizes earthworms to decompose organic matter, creating valuable soil amendments.
• Perionyx ceylanensis is an earthworm species suitable for composting applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of vermicomposting sugar pressmud with cow dung using Perionyx ceylanensis.
• To analyze the nutrient content and microbial populations of the resulting vermicompost.
• To determine the impact of vermicomposting duration on microbial growth.

Main Methods:

• Mixing sugar pressmud and cow dung in a 1:1 ratio.
• Vermicomposting the mixture with Perionyx ceylanensis earthworms.
• Analyzing the physicochemical properties (pH, EC, NPK, OC, C/N ratio) and microbial populations (bacteria, actinomycetes, fungi) of the compost over time.

Main Results:

• The vermicompost exhibited a neutral pH (7.33) and moderate electrical conductivity (2.32 dS/m).
• Nutrient analysis revealed significant increases in Nitrogen (1.63%), Phosphorus (2.38%), and Potassium (3.13%) compared to worm-free compost.
• Microbial populations (bacteria, actinomycetes, fungi) significantly increased with vermicomposting duration, with peak populations in the earthworm midgut.

Conclusions:

• Pressmud can be effectively transformed into nutrient- and microorganism-rich vermicompost using Perionyx ceylanensis and cow dung.
• Vermicomposting enhances the nutrient profile and microbial diversity of the organic waste.
• The study demonstrates a sustainable method for waste valorization in the sugar industry.