Vegetos
(An International Journal of Plant Research & Biotechnology)
(eISSN: 2229-4473)
Bioconversion of organic waste into compost using Metaphire nanaoensis
*Article not assigned to an issue yet
Hansepi Hunmily, Bora Sweta Sruti, Bora Pinky, Nirjanta Devi N., Mazumdar Ajanita
Research Articles | Published: 30 March, 2026
First Page: 0
Last Page: 0
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Keywords: Organic waste management, Vermicomposting, Physicochemical characterization, Nutrient profiling, Sustainability
Abstract
This study investigates the bioconversion of lignocellulosic vegetable waste into a nutrient-rich organic amendment using the indigenous earthworm Metaphire nanaoensis. A mixture of vegetable waste and cow dung (1:1 ratio) underwent 20 days of pre-decomposition, followed by 60 days of vermicomposting. The final vermicompost was evaluated against traditional compost (control) based on physicochemical and biological parameters. Results revealed a significant increase in total nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, zinc, magnesium and sulfur in the vermicompost, alongside a reduction in total organic carbon, pH and C/N ratio. Microbial populations, including nitrogen-fixing bacteria, phosphate-solubilizing bacteria and potassium-solubilizing bacteria were elevated by 2.5-fold, threefold and 2.2-fold, respectively, compared to the control. Scanning electron microscopy showed a disorganized, porous and fine-textured structure in the vermicompost. The findings highlight vermicomposting as a sustainable, zero-waste approach for converting organic residues into value-added biofertilizers.
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Author Information
Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Cotton University, Guwahati, India