Performance and productivity assessment of some vermicomposting worm species under Qassim conditions, KSA

Abstract

The ability of vermicomposting for the ecosystem can be a source of recycling organic waste for ecosystem protection by recycling or by making the soil productive for arid or arid zones, but the earthworm can provide greatly different performance depending on the seasons and species. Seasonal growth, reproduction, compost production, and compost quality of earthworm vermicomposting species (Eisenia fetida or Red Wiggler (RW), Eudrilus eugeniae or African creeper (AC), and Perionyx excavatus or Malaysian blue (MB)) are tested in arid conditions in the Qassim region of Saudi Arabia. The trial period for seven treatments was 70 days in winter and 70 days in summer, in outdoor shaded boxes prepared with plant residue and cow dung. Vermicompost production, worm biomass, reproduction, and compost characteristics (including total N, available P, exchangeable K, organic carbon, C:N ratio, and pH) were measured. The highest amount of vermicompost was produced by AC during summer, and RW was relatively more successful in winter, producing the largest populations for the colder seasons, while MB produced the least amount at any time of year. Each treatment yield was comparable in C:N content and nutrient-rich compost, indicating maturity state. As such, these observations suggest season-matched species selection and, ultimately, the benefits of moisture care and shading as key management strategies to maintain vermicompost productivity in arid environments. This is among the few studies investigating their species-specific performance in Saudi Arabia. The main contribution of the paper is the empirical revelation that Eisenia fetida has an advantage in waste conversion performance over other species.