Vermicomposting of solid textile mill sludge spiked with cow dung and horse dung: a pilot-scale study

This paper reports the vermicomposting of Solid Textile Mill Sludge (STMS) spiked with Cow Dung (CD) and Horse Dung (HD) in a six-month pilot-scale experiment employing Eisenia foetida. Growth and fecundity of Eisenia foetida were significantly affected by temperature variations. The lesser number of cocoons and hatchlings were produced in pilot scale experiments than in controlled temperature experiments. Whereas, the number of earthworms had increased between 1.2-1.4 fold. Vermicomposting resulted in lowering of pH, electrical conductivity, potassium and C : N ratio and increase in nitrogen and phosphorus contents of the feed mixtures. Vermicomposting can be an alternate technology for STMS management under suitable climatic conditions.