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Qualitative Evaluation and Economic Assessment of Dal-Lake Aquatic Weed Vermicompost Prepared in Conventional Vermi Bed and Smart Vermicomposting Bin

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Abstract

The study emphasized in understanding the dynamics of vermicomposting in conventional vermi-bed and smart vermicomposting bin using Dal Lake aquatic weed as substrate with turning frequency of 10 days and 20 days and 20, 40 and 60 days degradation period. In vermi-bed method, the materials were turned manually and a spiral mixer was used in smart vermicomposting bin. The results showed that pH, organic carbon and C:N ratio dwindled by 3.28%, 16.36% and 5.57% and there was an increase in EC by 22.39%, N 14.03%, P 37.78% and K 5.85% with 10 days turning frequency in vermi-bed vermicomposting system. In 20 days turning frequency, the values were 3.02, 22.58, 13.96, 42.86, 6.92 and 11.81%, respectively. When the Dal Lake aquatic weed was degraded in smart vermicomposting bin, it was observed that pH, organic carbon and C:N ratio shrunk by 5.63%, 14.94% and 24.88% with an increase in 11.23% N, 26% P, 10.4% K in 10 days turning frequency and 60 days degradation period. In 20 days turning interval, the values recorded were 6.23, 14.29, 24.56, 10.99, 20 and 16.77%, respectively. The cost of preparation of 1 kg of vermicompost was 20 and 13 Indian Rupees in vermi-bed and smart vermicomposting bin. The benefit cost ratio of smart vermicomposting bin was higher (1.78) than vermi-bed process in the second year. The study can help to shift from conventional to smart vermicomposting system to automate the system, reduce the dependence on manual labour and achieve the dream of organic agriculture.

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Acknowledgements

The authors sincerely acknowledge the help rendered by the staff members of college of agricultural engineering and technology, SKUAST-K that led to the completion of this research activity.

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The research was a part of academic programme. The authors declare that no funds, grant or other support were received during the preparation of this manuscript or study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Farm Machinery and Power Engineering, KCAET, Kerala Agricultural University, Tavanur, India

    Amit Kumar

  2. Division of Farm Machinery and Power Engineering, College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, SKUAST-K, Shalimar, India

    Mohammad Muzamil, Saqib Rashid & Rizwan Ul Zama Banday

  3. College of Temperate Sericulture, SKUAST-K, Mirgund, India

    Sehreen Rasool

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Kumar, A., Muzamil, M., Rashid, S. et al. Qualitative Evaluation and Economic Assessment of Dal-Lake Aquatic Weed Vermicompost Prepared in Conventional Vermi Bed and Smart Vermicomposting Bin. Waste Biomass Valor 15, 3187–3197 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12649-023-02335-w

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