Eisenia foetida population behavior and physico-chemical quality of humus in different substrates humid tropics

Abstract

In  this  study,  we  evaluated  the  population  behavior  of  Eisenia  foetida  worm,  as  well  as  thephysicochemical quality of humus vermicompost from three substrates (ovine, bovine, cachaza) and combinations thereof, in order to determine the substrate more physicochemical quality. The chemical characteristics of humus were determined according to the NMX-FF-109-SCFI-2008 standard. The best population dynamics (adults and eggs) was found was found in the combination of bovine + ovine+ cachaza. The pH reported in the different substrates indicates that ovine and bovine treatments were found  in  an  acceptable  range,  but  not  other  combinations,  which  showed  high  alkalinity  ranges reflected in the electrical conductivity. Organic Matter of all treatments was located at an acceptable level  (29-33%).  Nitrogen  remained  at  critical  levels  (1.15  to  1.41%),  while  phosphorus,  iron, magnesium and zinc were stored at higher levels. The concentration of potassium was successful in the treatment of bovine, ovine + cachaza, cachaza + bovine, ovine + bovine + cachaza. Conversely, copper was in toxic levels in all treatments, with higher concentrations 20 mg kg-1. Manganese was found only at acceptable levels in the treatment of ovine, ovine + cachaza, ovine + bovine + cachaza; It is located in a toxic range in the other treatments. Given the above, the best substrate in accordance with their physicochemical characteristics was the combination ovine + bovine + cachaza, although it is considered appropriate to investigate in later works, the development of plants.