• Dr. S.V.AHIRE

In present investigation, earthworm species the Eisenia foetida and Eudrilus eugeniae have been tested for decomposition of water hyacinth ( Eichhornia Sp.) along with soil and cow dung. Group I vermibed containing 25% soil, 25% CW and 50% WH in which maximum numbers 63.10 % of earthworm population was recorded. Similarly Group II vermibed containing 25% soil, 25% CW and 50% WH shown 59.34 % of earthworm population. It was more than double within 90 days of experiment. Among these two vermibed Group I was found to be better than Group II but no much variation observed. Group I of Eisenia foetida shown significant increase in macronutrients like N, P, K i.e. 3.12%, 13.94%, and 33.42% respectively over the control group. Similarly Group II of Eudrilus eugeniae shown increase in macro and micronutrients except Mn and Cu, remaining all other micronutrients like Mg, Fe, Zn, Na, P, Ca and organic carbon were found to be significantly increased in both the group as compare to control. This result suggested that Water hyacinth ( Eichhornia Sp.) could be used to grow and reproduce earthworm species. It can be potentially useful as a raw material in vermicomposting and for getting biofertilizer when mixed with 25% soil and 25% CW

Vermicomposting, Biofertilizer, Earthworm, Eichhornia Sp. CW (Cow dung)

"VERMICOMPOSTING OF EICHHORNIA BY USING EARTHWORM SPECIES", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.7, Issue 3, page no.1326-1329, March-2020, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2003196.pdf

"VERMICOMPOSTING OF EICHHORNIA BY USING EARTHWORM SPECIES", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.7, Issue 3, page no. pp1326-1329, March-2020, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2003196.pdf