Parametric Study on Vermicomposting Filter Cake using African Nightcrawlers (Eudrilus euginae) and Field Testing of the Vermicast on Pechay (Brassica rapa) Plants
Author : Atienza, Ina Mari Agustin
Major Adviser : Casiano S. Abrigo, Jr.
Committee Members : Movillon, Jovita L.; Valencia, Jeanne Michelle T.
Year : 2016
Month : July
Type : Thesis
Degree: BS
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Abstract
Filter cake, mixed with carabao manure, was vermicomposted using African Nightcrawlers (Eudrilus euginiae). Eight different ratios of carabao manure and filter cake were investigated to determine the best combination for the vermicast. The mixture with 100% filter cake was rejected by the African Nightcrawlers. The vermicomposting process was monitored for five weeks. The parameters studied were feedstock pH, temperature, weight and height. The feedstock pH, weight and height significantly decreased during the process. The feedstock temperature was affected by weather conditions but significantly increased from week two to week four and slowly decreased from week four to week five. The mixture with 60% carabao manure to 80% filter cake ratio produced the most vermicast (2.283 kg). The Nitrogen-Phosphorus-Potassium (NPK) content of the vermicast was 1.10%N, 0.83%P and 0.51%K. The vermicast had a 2.34% total NPK. Field testing of the vermicasts obtained was conducted on pechay (Brassica rapa) plants. The vermicasts from the 80% carabao manure to 20% filter cake combination performed best based on the growth and characteristics of pechay plants. Pechay was also planted on normal soil. All the vermicast-supplemented plants achieved better results than the plant on soil alone. Based on these results, vermicomposting can be used to utilize filter cake.
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