The influence of different moisture levels on the growth, fecundity and survival of Eisenia fetida (Savigny) in cattle and pig manure solids

doi:10.1016/S1164-5563(02)00005-5

European Journal of Soil Biology

Volume 39, Issue 1, January–March 2003, Pages 19-24

https://doi.org/10.1016/S1164-5563(02)00005-5 Get rights and content

Abstract

The growth, fecundity and mortality of the epigeic earthworm Eisenia fetida in cattle manure solids and pig manure solids with different moisture contents (70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%) were studied for 30 weeks in the laboratory. The maximum weight of E. fetida in the pig manure solids, which had a moisture content of 75%, was 1100 mg after 13 weeks with a highest growth rate of 12.8 mg d^–1. The total number of cocoons and hatchlings produced was lower, compared to those in all the other moisture levels. Generally, earthworms grew bigger and faster in pig manure solids than in separated cattle manure solids but the mortality at all moisture levels in pig manure solids was high, ranging from 20% to 100%. The C/N ratio, NH₄ and NO₃ contents in the cattle manure solids and pig manure solids were variable both at the beginning of the experiment and in the earthworm casts or vermicomposts.

Introduction

The moisture content of organic wastes used in vermicomposting is an important parameter influencing the growth of the surface-feeding (epigeic) earthworm species Eisenia fetida (Savigny) (Lumbricidae) since the earthworm's body contains about 80% water. The growth of E. fetida in organic matter substrates with different moisture contents and temperatures has been studied by various authors in the laboratory. This species gained weight maximally and survived best at temperatures between 20 and 29 °C and moisture content between 70% and 85% in horse manure and activated sludge [9]. Loehr et al. [10] reported slightly higher optimum moisture contents for the growth of E. fetida in activated sludge of 85% and 90%. According to Edwards [3], the optimum growth of E. fetida in different animal and vegetable wastes was at temperatures of 25–30 °C and at a moisture content range of 75–90%, but these units could vary in different substrates.

The moisture content preferences of juvenile and clitellate cocoon-producing (adult) E. fetida in separated cow manure have been investigated [12]. This ranged from 50% to 80% for adults, but juvenile earthworms had a narrower range of suitable moisture levels from 65% to 70%. Clitellum development occurred in earthworms at a moisture content from 60% to 70% but occurred later at a moisture content from 55% to 60%. The tolerance limit for low moisture conditions on the growth of E. fetida was reported to be below 50% for up to 1 month [11].

Studies on the growth and survival of E. fetida, in relation to temperature, moisture and the presence in the substrate of Enchytraeus albidus (Enchytraeidae), were conducted by Haukka [8]. The earthworms thrived in bedding with 80% moisture content at 25 °C. It was reported that the addition of fresh pig manure solids could kill E. fetida. By maintaining the moisture content at 80% without the addition of a new substrate, they could survive for more than 60 weeks [7].

The experiment reported here had two main objectives. The first was a 30 week assessment of the rates of growth, fecundity and mortality of E. fetida in cattle manure solids and pig manure solids over a range of different moisture contents (70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%) to establish the optimal moisture content, for each animal waste, which could promote the highest growth and reproduction rates. The second objective was to assess the C/N ratio, NH₄ and NO₃ contents in the cattle manure solids and pig manure solids at the beginning of the experiment and follow changes in these parameters in the final earthworm casts or vermicomposts produced at different moisture contents.

Section snippets

Preparation of substrates

Separated cattle manure solids and non-separated adult sow pig manure solids were collected from the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center (OARDC) at Wooster. The separated cattle manure solids were obtained from the OARDC dairy cattle facility, through the use of a large-scale livestock manure separator, which utilized a large auger and screen-mesh cylinder dewatering technology. Non-separated (fresh) adult sow pig manure solids were collected directly from the OARDC swine breeding

Growth patterns of Eisenia fetida

The growth of E. fetida in the cattle manure solids and pig manure solids with moisture contents ranging through 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90% followed a logistic growth pattern over the first 5 or 6 weeks (Fig. 1, Fig. 2). The earthworm growth rate was fastest in the separated cattle manure solids with a moisture content of 90% with a maximum mean weight of earthworms of 600 mg after 12 weeks. The slowest growth rate of E. fetida was in the separated cattle manure solids at a moisture content of 70%

Discussion

The earthworms attained their highest growth rates in the first 2 months in cattle manure solids at a moisture content of 90% (8.7 ± 0.1 mg d^–1), and in pig manure solids at a moisture content of 75% (12.8 ± 0.1 mg d^–1). Afterwards, they lost weight. The mean individual earthworm growth rate was higher than that reported by Gunadi et al. [6], where the growth rate of E. fetida after different pre-composting times of cattle manure solids (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 weeks) ranged from 5.1 to 7.9 mg d^–1. It

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank students: Jennifer Gross, Jennifer Seymour, Jeremy Klosimski, Megan Fetzer and Susan Stanford for their help in culturing the earthworms and preparing the samples for C/N ratio, NH₄ and NO₃ measurements.

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¹: Present address: United-Tech, Inc., 5460 South Garnett, Tulsa, OK 74146, USA.

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European Journal of Soil Biology

Abstract

Introduction

Section snippets

Preparation of substrates

Growth patterns of Eisenia fetida

Discussion

Acknowledgments

References (13)

Effects of stocking rate and moisture content on the growth and maturation of Eisenia andrei (Oligochaeta) in pig manure

Soil Biol. Biochem.

The growth and fecundity of Eisenia fetida (Savigny) in cattle solids pre-composted for different periods

Pedobiologia

Physicochemical requirements in the environment of the earthworm Eisenia foetida

Soil Biol. Biochem.

Factor affecting the vermistabilization process temperature, moisture content and polyculture

Water Res.

Chemical characterization and nitrogen mineralization potentials of vermicomposts derived from differing organic wastes

Breakdown of animal, vegetable and industrial organic wastes by earthworms

Cited by (30)

Pollutant control and nutrient recovery of organic solid waste by earthworms: Mechanism and agricultural benefits of vermicomposting

Olive mill wastewater-evaporation ponds long term stored: Integrated assessment of in situ bioremediation strategies based on composting and vermicomposting

Selenium accumulation, speciation and bioaccessibility in selenium-enriched earthworm (Eisenia fetida)

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Growth and reproductive potential of Eisenia foetida (Sav) on various zoo animal dungs after two methods of pre-composting followed by vermicomposting

Weed management systems and other factors affecting the earthworm population in a banana plantation

Original articleThe influence of different moisture levels on the growth, fecundity and survival of Eisenia fetida (Savigny) in cattle and pig manure solids

Abstract

Introduction

Section snippets

Preparation of substrates

Growth patterns of Eisenia fetida

Discussion

Acknowledgments

Soil Biol. Biochem.

Pedobiologia

Soil Biol. Biochem.

Water Res.

Chemical characterization and nitrogen mineralization potentials of vermicomposts derived from differing organic wastes

Breakdown of animal, vegetable and industrial organic wastes by earthworms

Original article
The influence of different moisture levels on the growth, fecundity and survival of Eisenia fetida (Savigny) in cattle and pig manure solids