Bacterial Diversity in Earthworm Castings and Vermicompost Derived from Sericulture Residues and Cattle Manure

This study investigated the bacterial diversity in earthworm castings and vermicompost derived from two different substrates: sericulture residues (silkworm frass) and cattle manure. Earthworms were used to process these organic wastes, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing was employed to characterize the bacterial communities in the initial substrates, the earthworm castings, and the final vermicompost products. The results provide insights into how earthworm-mediated decomposition influences the structure and composition of the bacterial microbiome during the vermicomposting process. This information contributes to a better understanding of the microbial ecology dynamics involved in the conversion of agricultural and livestock wastes into value-added, nutrient-rich vermicompost through vermiculture.