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Vermicomposting: Production of Humus and Biol

Abstract:

This research was carried out in the city of Quito during the health emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with the aim of exploring the vermicompost process that involves different stages, such as the construction of a vermicompost station, using a compost worm (Eisenia foetida); and the production of the final product (humus and biol), using dry leaves, dry material (cardboard) and organic waste. Californian red worms (E. foetida) can be used to treat solid organic waste. Many studies have reported the effect of temperature, humidity, and pH value on the growth, reproduction and survival of worms. This paper analyzes the influence of these parameters on the growth and development of earthworms in household organic residues for 6 weeks, monitoring pH values, moisture percentage, and C:N ratio. Each value was recorded one day a week, except for the C:N ratio, which is related to worm feeding. Worms were fed every 15 days. The control of these parameters had allowed the reproduction of worms, initially with a weight of 1 kg of worm, and after 6 weeks, 1.24 kg of Californian red worms and 400 mL of biol were recorded. For that purpose, 9.98 kg of organic waste were processed.