Optimal preparation time in the vermicompost production process

Abstract

Today, the vermicompost production process is considered one of the most economically, hygienically, and environmentally friendly methods for the stabilization of organic waste. The aim of this paper was to investigate the effect of food waste preparation time without initial modification and without continuous aeration on the vermicompost process before feeding the worms with organic waste material in order to pass the calorific stage of decomposition of organic matter and not to damage the worms that are sensitive to high temperatures, and the process of fertilizer production is faster, organic matter is composted for a while without the presence of worms. In this paper, four periods, including 0, 7, 14, and 21 days of waste preparation, were examined. The results showed that the difference in ratio between different preparation times was significant 7-14 days the most suitable time for waste preparation without initial modification was obtained.

Keywords:
vermicompost; food waste; yield ratio; Eisenia foetida