Ecological features of the vermicomposting process: meta-analysis

  • Viktar A. Lemiasheuski International Sakharov Environmental Institute, Belarusian State University; All-Russian research Institute of Physiology, Biochemistry and Nutrition of animals – branch of the Federal Research Center for Animal Husbandry named after Academy Member L. K. Ernst
  • Li Yan International Sakharov Environmental Institute, Belarusian State University
  • Svetlana L. Maksimova The Scientific and Practical Center of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus for Bioresources

Abstract

In order to comprehensively assess the compost quality and heavy metal transformation patterns of vermicomposting under various control conditions, we reviewed 109 articles. Through meta-analysis, we quantitatively investigated the effects of vermiculture species, pre-composting duration, ventilation methods, initial C/N ratio, initial pH, and initial moisture content on improving compost quality and reducing heavy metal toxicity. The results indicate that all six grouping factors significantly influence compost quality and heavy metal toxicity. After vermicomposting, the following nutrient indicators significantly increased: NO3--N (increased by 116.2%), total nitrogen (increased by 29.1%), total phosphorus (increased by 31.2%), and total potassium (increased by 15.0%). Meanwhile, NH4+-N content (decreased by 14.8%) and C/N ratio (decreased by 36.3%) significantly decreased. Additionally, the total amounts and bioavailability of copper and chromium in the final compost also significantly decreased.
Considering the significant effects of different grouping factors on compost quality and heavy metal impact, if the primary objective of composting is to promote decomposition and nutrient enrichment, it is recommended to adjust the initial moisture content of composting materials to 70%-80%, C/N ratio to 30-85, and pH to 6-7, and conduct pre-composting for 315 days with natural ventilation. If the main goal is to mitigate heavy metal hazards in the materials, it is advisable to adjust the initial moisture content to 50%-60%, C/N ratio below 30, pH to 7-8, skip pre-composting, turn the pile regularly, and employ the Eudrilus eugeniae species for vermicomposting. These recommendations will facilitate the comprehensive utilization of chicken manure, earthworms, and Chinese herbal residue, optimizing the compost-ing process.

Author Biographies

Viktar A. Lemiasheuski, International Sakharov Environmental Institute, Belarusian State University; All-Russian research Institute of Physiology, Biochemistry and Nutrition of animals – branch of the Federal Research Center for Animal Husbandry named after Academy Member L. K. Ernst

PhD (agriculture), docent; associate professor at the department of general biology and genetics; researcher at the laboratory of protein-amino acid nutrition.

Li Yan, International Sakharov Environmental Institute, Belarusian State University

postgaduate student at the department of general biology and genetics.

Svetlana L. Maksimova, The Scientific and Practical Center of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus for Bioresources

PhD (biology), docent; head of the vermitechnology sector.

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Published
2024-01-05
Keywords: earthworm composting, traditional Chinese medicine residue, physical and chemical properties
How to Cite
Lemiasheuski, V., Yan, L., & Maksimova, S. (2024). Ecological features of the vermicomposting process: meta-analysis. Journal of the Belarusian State University. Ecology, 4, 74-86. Retrieved from https://journals.bsu.by/index.php/ecology/article/view/5984
Issue
No 4 (2023): Journal of the Belarusian state university. Ecology
Section
Industrial and Agricultural Ecology