The objective of this work was to evaluate the production of organic amendment from home residues by integration of composting and vermicomposting processes with and without bovine manure. Two experimental steps were adopted: in the first one, thermal stabilization of the residues and adequate conditions were set up for earthworm introduction; in the second step, at 27 days of thermal stabilization, residues remained from the first step were placed in a 9-dm³ container, with and without earthworms, in a completed randomized experimental design of four replicates. Evaluations were made at 19, 55, 69-day period for reproduction and survival rate of adult worms, and chemical attributes of the compost with and without earthworms. Earthworms survived and reproduced in the substrates, and manure gave the highest reproduction rate. The utilization of organic home residues for production of amendment is technically viable by means of composting or vermicomposting. Addition of doses of manure did not decreased the time for compost maturation. Except for the alteration in the levels of K and Mg, the integration of composting and vermicomposting processes yielded products with similar chemical composition.
earthworm; organic composting; reproduction
