author(s)
Vidya G, Sakthivel P, Alice RP Sujeetha and P Madhavan Nair

abstract
Recycling of organic wastes is a challenging problem in India. Vermitechnology can be effectively utilized to convert waste into valuable compost. Therefore, the bio-conversion of banana waste and mango leaf litter through vermicomposting by the two species of earthworm i.e. Eudrilus eugeniae and Eisenia foetida was undertaken at Krishibhavan, Elamkunnapuzha, Ernakulam District, Kerala. The composting duration, biomass and cocoon production of both species were studied in two substrates mixed with cow-dung in 60:40 with the different treatments- T_1:banana waste + cowdung + E.eugeniae (25 Nos./kg of waste);T₂ - Mango leaf litter + cowdung + E eugeniae (25 Nos./kg of waste); T_{3 -} banana waste + cowdung + E.foetida (25 Nos./kg of waste); T₄ - Mango leaf litter + cowdung + E foetida (25 Nos./kg of waste); T₅ - banana waste + cowdung without worms and T_{6 -} Mango leaf litter + cowdung without worms. The physical and chemical parameters, such as, pH, EC, C,N,P,K, Ca, Mg, Zn, Mn, Cu, Cd and Pb of the vermi-composts produced were also quantified. The data collected were subjected to analysis of variance and mean values were compared using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test. Of the two substrates, banana waste was found to be a better substrate as compared to mango leaf litter in terms of time taken for composting, quantity of compost produced and per cent conversion. On the other hand, when progeny production of the earth worm species is considered, mango leaf litter was found to be a better substrate. The nutrient elements were higher in vermicomposts than in control treatments. The present study clearly suggests that E. eugeniae and E. foetida efficient species which can be effectively for recycling of banana and mango wastes and production of vermicompost.