Musaida M. M. Manyuchi and Anthony Phiri and Ngoni Chirinda and Perkins Muredzi and Joseph Govhaand and Thamary Sengudzwa
Vermicomposting of Waste Corn Pulp Blended with Cow Dung Manure using Eisenia Fetida
759 - 762
2012
6
8
International Journal of Chemical and Molecular Engineering
https://publications.waset.org/pdf/488
https://publications.waset.org/vol/68
World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology
Waste corn pulp was investigated as a potential feedstock during vermicomposting using Eisenia fetida. Corn pulp is the major staple food in Southern Africa and constitutes about 25 of the total organic waste. Wastecooked corn pulp was blended with cow dung in the ratio 61 respectively to optimize the vermicomposting process. The feedstock was allowed to vermicompost for 30 days. The vermicomposting took place in a 3 tray plastic worm bin. Moisture content, temperature, pH, and electrical conductivity were monitoreddaily. The NPK content was determined at day 30. During vermicomposting, moisture content increased from 27.68 to 52.41, temperature ranged between 19 25C, pH increased from 5.5 to 7.7, and electrical conductivity decreased from 80000μScm to 60000μScm. The ash content increased from 11.40 to 28.15; additionally the volatile matter increased from 1.45 to 10.02. An odorless, dark brown vermicompost was obtained. The vermicompost NPK content was 4.19, 1.15, and 6.18 respectively.
Open Science Index 68, 2012