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

The growth and fecundity of Eisenia fetida, in separated cattle solids, that had been composted for 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 weeks, was followed in laboratory microcosms. These were 12x12x6 cm plastic boxes with perforated lids, each containing 150 g (wet weight) of manure inoculated with five earthworms, replicated three times. There was no clear pattern of the effect of pre-composting on the growth of earthworms, although limited pre-composting appeared to favor earthworm growth. There was a consistent trend for fewer cocoons to be produced with increasing times of pre-composting, but there was no clear pattern of effect of pre-composting on the numbers of earthworm hatchlings produced. The C/N ratio of the bedding fell from a range of 29.0-51.5 to 14.8-17.9 during the six months of the experiment. Changes in NH4 and NO3 during vermicomposting were very variable.