Integrated system of managing and utilizing lignocellulosic wastes: composting and vermicomposting with microbial inoculants

Abstract

Integrated system of composting and vermicomposting bring the advantages of both the processes and microbial inoculation additionally improve the properties of final product. Also, this technology is time reducing and environment-friendly method and maximum biotransformation of organic matter can be achieved. In our integrated system of vermicomposting study, the lignocellulosic wastes (50:50%) – cashew leaf litter, cowdung and pressmud have been subjected to microbial inoculant [lignolytic fungi-Pleurotus platypus and cellulolytic fungi-Trichoderma viridae in alone (500 mg) or combine (250 mg)] followed by composting and vermicomposting for 60 days. The combined inoculation of microbial consortium reduces the pH, organic carbon, C:N ratio, C:P ratio, lignin, cellulose, hemicellulose and phenol and increases nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, microbial population and activity and humic acid content in the vermicompost than alone and non-inoculated compost and vermicompost. Also better earthworms (L.mauritii and P.excavatus) activities—biomass, cocoon production, hatchling number and vermicompost recovery were found in the combine inoculated lignocellulosic wastes than alone or non-inoculated. This indicates the efficient role of lignocellulosic microbes in rapid biodegradation of lignocellulosic waste materials and produce agronomic value vermicompost and support earthworm activities.