Different Substrate on the reproduction rate of earthworms (Eudrilus eugeniae) and NPK content of its Castings

In response to concerns over chemically produced crops using synthetic fertilizers, organic farming has turned to earthworm composting as an alternative. This study evaluates the effects of locally available substrates on earthworm reproduction rates and the NPK content of their castings. Conducted in a Completely Randomized Design with seven treatments replicated three times, the substrates included 75% goat manure combined with 25% of banana leaves, grass clippings, rice straw, legume leaves, cassava leaves, banana bracts, and sawdust. After 45 days, castings were collected, weighed, and analyzed. Treatments with sawdust and legume leaves showed the highest reproduction rates, while banana bracts and legume leaves yielded higher Nitrogen and Phosphorous levels. Sawdust and legume leaves produced castings with elevated Potassium. Using goat manure with legume leaves and sawdust is recommended for increased vermicomposting efficiency and enriched NPK content.针对化学种植作物依赖合成化肥所引发的诸多顾虑，有机农业已将蚯蚓堆肥（earthworm composting）作为替代方案。本研究旨在评估当地可获取的基质对蚯蚓繁殖率及其蚯蚓粪（castings）氮磷钾（NPK）含量的影响。试验采用完全随机设计（Completely Randomized Design），设置7个处理组并重复3次，供试基质为75%山羊粪分别与25%香蕉叶、草屑、稻草、豆科叶片、木薯叶、香蕉苞片及锯末混合的组合。培养45天后，收集蚯蚓粪并开展称重与成分分析。结果显示，添加锯末与豆科叶片的处理组蚯蚓繁殖率最高；添加香蕉苞片与豆科叶片的处理组所得蚯蚓粪的氮、磷含量更为突出；而添加锯末与豆科叶片的处理组可获得钾含量显著提升的蚯蚓粪。综上，推荐采用山羊粪搭配豆科叶片与锯末的组合，以提升蚯蚓堆肥（vermicomposting）效率并富集蚯蚓粪的氮磷钾含量。