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Title Optimization of animal manure vermicomposting based on biomass production of earthworms and higher plants
ID_Doc 20778
Authors Borges, YV; Alves, L; Bianchi, I; Espíndola, JC; Oliveira, JM; Radetski, CM; Somensi, CA
Title Optimization of animal manure vermicomposting based on biomass production of earthworms and higher plants
Year 2017
Published Journal Of Environmental Science And Health Part B-Pesticides Food Contaminants And Agricultural Wastes, 52, 11
DOI 10.1080/03601234.2017.1356162
Abstract The goal of this study was to optimize the mixture of swine manure (SM) and cattle manure (CM) used in the vermicomposting process, seeking to increase the manure biodegradation rate and enhance the biomass production of both earthworms and higher plants. To achieve this goal, physico-chemical parameters were determined to assess the final compost quality after 50days of vermicomposting. The different manure ratios used to produce the composts (C) were as follows (SM:CM, % m/m basis): C1 100:0, C2 (75:25), C3 (50:50), C4 (25:75), and C5 (0:100). In addition, the earthworm biomass and the phytoproductivity of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) plants grown in mixtures (1:1) of natural soil and the most viable vermicomposts were investigated. The C1 and C2 compost compositions were associated with high earthworm mortality rates. The C3 compost provided the highest mineral concentrations and C5 showed the highest lettuce yield (wet biomass). The results verify that stabilized cattle manure is an excellent substrate for the vermicomposting process and that fresh swine manure must be mixed with pre-stabilized cattle manure to ensure an optimized vermicomposting process, which must be controlled in terms of temperature and ammonia levels. It is concluded that small livestock farmers could add value to swine manure by applying the vermicomposting process, without the need for high investments and with a minimal requirement for management of the biodegradation process. These are important technical aspects to be considered when circular economy principles are applied to small farms.
Author Keywords Circular economy; animal manure valorization; vermicomposting; phytoproductivity
Index Keywords Index Keywords
Document Type Other
Open Access Open Access
Source Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED)
EID WOS:000415952500001
WoS Category Environmental Sciences; Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Research Area Environmental Sciences & Ecology; Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
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