Vermicomposting in agronomy Research using the leaf litter of Tendu Diospyros

Abstract The vermiculture using Tendu (Diospyros melanoxylon) leaf litter is another way of managing and recycling organic matter with improved yield in agricultural production . The work also assesses the ability of Eudrilus eugeniae in recycling Tendu leaf litter into the form of a humus rich compost through four different periods of 60 and 90 days depending on variations in the moisture content, ash content, pH and the electrical conductivity (EC) of the composting material. They also found out that earthworms make compost quality better through increasing the capacity to retain moisture, concentrating inorganic nutrient value and reducing the pH of compost in an orderly manner, which would make it good for the fertility of the soil. High EC means high soluble salts that are needed in cycling of nutrients, but it should be managed carefully as toxicity may occur. Tendu leaves used in making silkworm leaves, these leaves are thrown away as garbage but here they provide substrate to plants and do not pollute the surfaces of land. The author presents and discusses the two-fold goal of the work in terms of proper composting of organic material and the utilization of the valued final product—vermicompost. Keywords: composting, Tendu leaf, earthworm, soil productivity, eco friendly agricultural practices,