Vermitransformation of monogastric Elephas maximus and ruminant Bos taurus excrements into vermicompost using Eudrilus eugeniae

Biotransformation of monogastric (Elephas maximus) and ruminant (Bos taurus) excrements with Eudrilus eugeniae was assessed by establishing five different treatments in triplicate: 100% elephant dung (T1), 50% elephant dung + 50% garden soil (T2), 50% elephant dung + 50% cow dung (T3), 100% cow dung (T4) and 50% cow dung + 50% garden soil (T5) and maintained for 90 days under experimental conditions. An increment of macronutrients and reduction of C/N ratio (<20) in the vermicomposts was recorded, where T3 presented higher NPK contents with the relative nutrient recovery efficiency of 1.65, 2.94 and 1.76, respectively. Cycle I (45 days) endorsed cocoons and juveniles, while Cycle II (90 days) supported sub-adults and adults. Seed germination and 28 days growth studies with Vigna unguiculata signified that the vermicomposts were phytotoxicity-free. The binary ratio in T3 (1:1) is suitable for the biotransformation of elephant dung into advantageous vermicompost with Eudrilus eugeniae.

Automated summary

This study investigated the biotransformation of elephant and cow dung using the earthworm Eudrilus eugeniae. It was found that the treatment with a 1:1 ratio of elephant and cow dung (T3) had the highest NPK content and nutrient recovery efficiency. The vermicompost produced was found to be free of phytotoxicity and supported plant growth effectively after two cycles.