VERMICOMPOSTING DIFFERENT ORGANIC WASTES TO DETERMINE SUITABILITY FOR USE IN ORGANIC FARMING

This research studied the quality of compost developed with three base organic wastes: water hyacinth scraps, food wastes, and corncobs using earthworms to enhance the process (vermicompost). One kilogram of local Thai earthworms, Pheretima peguana, were introduced into wastes of three different organicbased materials (either water hyacinth scraps, food wastes, or corncobs) in a vermibin chamber with a constant ratio of rice bran and cow dung. Each organic waste was tested at a high, medium or low ratio by weight with rice bran, and cow dung. These materials were vermicomposted for 45 days. Physico-chemical parameters and phytotoxicity assessed by germination index of the compost were analyzed on the final day of composting. Values of pH, electrical conductivity, moisture content, total nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, organic carbon, and C/N ratio and germination index were determined. The vermicompost from all ratios of water hyacinth scraps and food wastes with rice bran and cow dung had acceptable nutrient levels (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) as specified by the Thai agricultural standards, National Committee on Agricultural Commodity and Food Standards, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperative. Results suggest that these organic wastes are suitable for large scale vermicomposting to produce a nutrient-rich fertilizer for organic farming.