INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

The problems in proper waste management due to rapid urbanization compromises the

availability of land to be used in landfills coupled with its high-cost maintenance and the potential

greenhouse effects of incinerators have led for society to react and search for viable solutions to

solve these issues. One of the most important and easiest method to address this concern is through

worm composting, otherwise known as vermicomposting, a biological and an environmentally

sound process that converts wastes effectively and much less expensive compared to other wastes

disposal routes. Furthermore, this method of waste management utilizes two categories of worm

species such as red worms and earthworms though, earthworms are much of a great importance

when it comes to degradation as it was considered to be a natural bioreactor and nature’s ultimate

recyclers. Earthworms are capable of breaking down waste products that is limited to organic

matter and feed as much as their body weight. Their degrading ability has long been fully

established since 1881 according to the publications of Charles Darwin and Sir Albert Howard in

2006.

African Nightcrawlers (Eudrilus eugeniae sp.), a common composting worm that is most

suitable to utilize in a country like the Philippines as it grows in sub-tropical and tropical climates.

This type of composting embodies the main concept of biotechnology by employing the African

Nightcrawlers’ (Eudrilus eugeniae sp.) natural ability in breaking down organic wastes. Another

great characteristic of this species is that it is capable of doubling-up their biomass in at least two

months provided the optimum condition for its local environmental niche. With these abilities, the

African Night Crawlers seems to be of great use for vermicomposting.

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 Vermicomposting requires a more controlled process but not necessarily as extensive and

sophisticated as landfill technology and waste incineration design though it needs to take note of

some considerations such as bed compost design, which have to be wide enough to serve as the

compost surface area, a neutral pH level of 7 to produce castings efficiently, and most importantly,

its moisture content must be closely monitored at 60% to enhanced aeration and for composting

worms to perform effectively and prevent unwanted odor from occurring.

The method of vermicomposting aside from its aid in organic waste management can also

be integrated for agricultural use in terms of its end-product that can be utilized as a nutrient

additive for plant growth which significantly resulted in the increase of crop and posture yield

while producing compost as by-product that can help in soil formation by increasing the level of

essential microbial activity in soil simultaneously. Farmers can save more money by utilizing

worm castings as an additional fertilizer. The end product produced in this recycling method

through mineralization can be readily taken up by plants in the form of nitrogen, phosphorus, and

potassium - having said that, this gives support to another reason as to why worm-based

composting system is better than conventional method of waste management because unlike in

landfill and waste incineration technology, the by-product were gases that can be harmful for both

human health and the environment. This includes the production of methane gas, acid gases and

carbon dioxide that mainly contribute to the warming of the atmosphere along with other pollutants

such as leachates, dioxins, heavy metals and particulates. The former technologies also need

expensive input and preparations for choosing a site accompanied by more restriction and

protocols to consider.

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 In this study African nightcrawlers (E.eugeniae) will be observed in terms of their growth

(length and weight), biomass increase and the different waste such as food, paper, garden waste

will be also monitor and the weight will be measure prior to thirty (30) days of degradation.

Statement of the Problem

Proper disposal of wastes such as food and garden scraps as well as papers have been one

of the main challenges in the proper waste management especially that these wastes are commonly

found in many households. Most of these have been considered as the biggest sources of wastes in

the world. With these, the use of annelid worm species has been tested and proven its effectiveness

for using in waste conversion.

As per this study, it will be conducted with one specific type of composting worm known

as the African Nightcrawlers (Eudrilus eugeniae sp.) in order to see its suitability for degrading

various types of waste such as food waste, paper waste and lastly, garden wastes.

Objectives of the Study

This study aims to identify African Nightcrawlers (Eudrilus eugeniae sp.) as a vector in

degradation of different waste in a specific time and to see the change in the total earthworm

biomass and vermicompost recovery. Also, to conserve good worm-based composting systems

with the goal of improving and achieving proper waste management, Specifically, this study also

aims to:

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 1. To use African Nightcrawlers (Eudrilus eugeniae sp.) to degrade different wastes such as

food, paper and garden wastes.

2. To observe the total biomass of the waste that is degraded by the African Nightcrawlers

(Eudrilus eugeniae sp.)

3. To observe the growth of the African Nightcrawlers (Eudrilus eugeniae sp.) by measuring

the length and weight.

Hypothesis

This study attempts to test the hypothesis as follows:

1. H0: The African Nightcrawlers (E.eugeniae) has no significant increase in length and

weight using the different types of wastes (food waste, paper waste, and garden waste) after

thirty (30) days degradation period.

Ha: The African Nightcrawlers (E.eugeniae) has significant increase in length and weight

using the different types of wastes (food waste, paper waste, and garden waste) after thirty

(30) days degradation period.

2. H0: The African Nightcrawlers (E.eugeniae) has no significant increase in number using

the different types of wastes (food waste, paper waste, and garden waste) after thirty (30)

days degradation period.

Ha: The African Nightcrawlers (E.eugeniae) has significant increase in number using the

different types of wastes (food waste, paper waste, and garden waste) after thirty (30) days

degradation period.

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 3. H0: The different types of wastes (food waste, paper waste, and garden waste) has no

significant effect on African Nightcrawlers (E.eugeniae) degradation ability after thirty

(30) days degradation period.

Ha: The different types wastes (food waste, paper waste, and garden waste) has significant

effect on African Nightcrawlers (E.eugeniae) degradation ability after thirty (30) days

degradation period.

4. H0: The different types of wastes (food waste, paper waste, and garden waste) has no

significant decrease in weight using African Nightcrawlers (E.eugeniae) after thirty (30)

days degradation period.

Ha: The different types wastes (food waste, paper waste, and garden waste) has significant

decrease in weight using African Nightcrawlers (E.eugeniae) after thirty (30) days

degradation period.

Assumptions

Using African Nightcrawlers (E.eugeniae) in degradation of different waste such as food

waste, paper waste, and garden waste have an effects on their length, weight, biomass and

degradation rate of the wastes.

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Significance of the Study

The nature of African Nightcrawlers (Eudrilus eugeniae sp.) as a composting earthworm

effectively converts waste into another high value organic matter within a short period of time;

which makes it ideal for use in degradation because worm castings stands as its end-product in

which it recycles the nutrient value of the bio-waste to be treated that is beneficial for both the

plant and soil. Also, this is done to prove that vermicomposting is one viable solution addressing

the world’s most pressing challenges related to waste management while other methods of waste

disposal remained costly and restricted.

In addition, vermicomposting renders great significance in agriculture on the maintenance

of soil health ever since over-dependence on synthetic fertilizers have caused deterioration in soil

fertility. Vermicomposting gives emphasis to the production of humus in which prevent plant

pathogens from attacking the plants while the reuse of organic wastes in the aid of different

microorganisms used as composting worm have contribute to increase nitrogen and phosphorus

availability that helps improve the physiobiological properties of soil as well as its productivity.

This biotechnology of waste management can also be used to market high-quality organic manure

to aid on the large-scale availability of conventional manure to increase agricultural productivity

Scope and Limitations

The assessment of the efficacy of African Nightcrawlers (Eudrilus eugeniae sp.) as a vector

for the degradation of food wastes, paper wastes, and garden wastes will only be the focus of this

study. There is still a strong need to further strengthen research about the utilization of African

Nightcrawlers (Eudrilus eugeniae sp.) as a composting earthworm

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Definition of Terms

African Nightcrawlers – this is the earthworm species that will be used as a vector of degradation

for the different types of waste to show which type of waste is suitable in worm-based composting.

Biomass – the amount African Nightcrawler population in each type of waste used as the basis of

effectiveness of vermicomposting in different types of wastes.

Vermicomposting – a biotechnological method used for breaking down organic waste with the

incorporation of African Nightcrawlers

Waste – in this study, there are three types of waste namely – food waste, paper waste, and garden

wastes that will be used to test the capability of African Nightcrawlers in degrading this material.

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Research Paradigm

Vermicomposting

Collection of Wastes

African Nightcrawler (E.eugeniae)

Preparation of Compost bin

Care and Maintenance

Data Gathering

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 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Composting

Composting is a natural process of rotting or decomposition of organic matter by using a

microorganism that is under controlled conditions, it is also product of the controlled biological

decomposition of organic materials, it is more stable, humus-like product from the biological

decomposition of organic waste (Chen and Haro, 2009). Raw organic materials such as crop

residues, animal wastes, food garbage, some municipal wastes and suitable industrial wastes,

enhance their suitability for application to the soil as a fertilizing resource, after having undergone

composting.

Composting have two categories in terms of the decomposition process; in anaerobic

composting, the decomposition occurs where oxygen (O) is limited supply or absent. This method

an anerobic micro-organisms dominate and develop intermediate compounds that included

methane, organic acids, hydrogen sulphide and other substance, it is also a low temperature process

that leaves weed seeds and pathogens intact, thus the process usually takes longer than aerobic

composting. In aerobic composting, it processes by the presence of oxygen. In this process aerobic

microorganism break down organic matter and produce carbon dioxide (CO2), ammonia, water,

heat, and humus although it may produce intermediate compounds like organic acids, the aerobic

microorganism decompose them further, the compost, may be unstable form of organic matter and

have a little risk of phytotoxicity (Misra,2003). The heat generated and accelerates the breakdown

of proteins, fats and complex carbohydrates such as cellulose and hemi-cellulose, hence the

processing time is shorter. This process destroys many micro-organisms that are human or plant

pathogens and weed seeds, they undergo sufficiently high temperatures, although it is still

considered more efficient and useful than anaerobic composting for agricultural production.

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 The process of composting is the degradation of organic wastes is a natural and begins as

soon the wastes are generated. In natural conditions, earthworms, nematodes and some soil insects

such as sow bugs, mites, springtails, beetles and ants help the initial breakdown of the organic

waste (Mishra,1989).Composting is a microbial-driven process, like other living organism,

microbes need to have the right environment in order to survive and thrive, for them survive in a

composting process, the microbes needs a nutritious food, a suitable moisture, pH, temperature

and oxygen. During the composting, the microbe’s breakdown organic compounds to obtain

energy to sustain their life processes and to acquire nutrients like phosphorous, and potassium in

order to maintain their populations. For aerobic composting during the presence of oxygen, the

maximum moisture content should be kept at a level that allows the whole composting process to

be aerobic. The material usually used are those contain more fiber such as straw and wood chips,

they contain a higher moisture content (over 60%) without causing anaerobic conditions, materials

like paper, grass clippings, soil, and manure with a little structural strength contain less total

moisture to prevent anaerobic conditions from developing. Ideal moisture content of a compost

pile they vary with a pile material, the optimal moisture content for on- farm composting is

between 50-60 % by weight. Materials with different moisture contents can blended to achieve an

ideal moisture content, by adding waster during the blending process thus it only happens if the

materials are too dry. The pH, which is the measure of acidity or alkalinity of the compost pile

materials, it affects the growth and activities of microorganism. The optimal pH range is between

6.0 to 7.5 for bacteria and 5.5 to 8.0 for fungi. When the compost pH exceeds 7.5, gaseous losses

of ammonia are more likely occur. Materials like dairy manure and paper processing wastes can

raise the pH, the food processing waste lower the pH, by controlling the pH within the optimal

range is difficult and usually not attempted. Temperatures within the compost piles affect the

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microbial growth and activities, the rate of the raw materials decompose. The higher the

temperatures results in faster breakdown of organic materials, that may destroy weed seeds, and

kill pathogens, thus excessively high temperatures (>160º F) can inhibit microbial activity, the

most effective and efficient for composting is thermophilic temperatures (105º to 160º F) and the

optimal temperature range is 130º to 150º F). Aerobic and anaerobic environments can both occur

in composting, aerobic composting is the most efficient, and the atmosphere contains 21% O2, and

aerobic microbes can survive at O2 concentration as low as 5% while the O2 concentration of

more than 10% are considered optimal in compost pile. The compost must be aerated either

passively or actively to maintain the aerobic organism active. Turning the materials is one of the

common methods of aeration for on farm composting, a compost pile is not odor-free, but a distinct

foul odor such as rotten eggs usually means anaerobic conditions have developed.

Vermicomposting

Worm compost or also known as vermicompost is consider a high grade and nutrient rich

fertilizer, the soil conditioning properties and plant strengthening effect to encourage the growth

and yield of the plants. It is also an excellent technique for recycling food waste or some organic

waste. Various studies shown that vermicomposting of organic waste accelerates organic

stabilization and gives phytohormonal elements and have a high content of microbial matter and

stabilized humid substances. Neuhauser (1988) and Frederickson (1997) stated that

vermicomposting of organic waste accelerates organic matter stabilization, and combining

vermicomposting with composting also accelerated the composting process thus reducing the time

required for composting. Using some epigeic earthworm species require in pre- decomposed waste

it is desirable to decrease the pre- decomposed time period of the waste to be vermicompost by

some selected earthworm species. (Butt, 1993; Elvira et al., 1995; Gratelly et al., 1996)

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 Vermicomposting is considered as a low-cost technology system for processing or

treatments of organic wastes, it also consists mostly worm casts and some decayed organic matter,

in an ideal conditions worms can eat at least their own weight of organic matter in a day (Hand et

al., 1988). Worm casts also contain five times more nitrogen, seven times more phosphorous and

eleven times more potassium than ordinary soil, the casts are also rich in humid acids, which have

a well balance pH. It produces a fertilizer and soil conditioner which have a high porosity, water

holding capacity, and nutrient status they have a low C:N ratio. As an organic fertilizer, it is

comparable effectiveness to mineral fertilizer and improved physical characteristic in soil amended

in a vermicompost, the secondary effect is that the process also transformed by enzymatic process,

that acts to recycle important nutrient into form which readily available for plant uptake. Also, it

increases the microbial activity, and suppressing soil borne diseases allowing plants to grow

compared to regular soil or compost (Mitchell, 1997)

In degrading waste vermicomposting is an easy but fairly slow way of turning vegetable

and food scraps as well as garden waste into high-quality compost and soil conditioner for use by

the gardener. Using worms, are abundant (20 to 50 per square foot), odorless, free from disease

and work all year-round given the right conditions (Nedgwa and Thompson,2001). Then,

vermicomposting results in the bio-conversion of the waste stream into two useful products,

earthworm biomass and vermicompost. It uses specially bred worms to aerate the soil and convert

organic matter into compost. Worms are eating machines that feed on the bacteria growing on the

waste organic matter and pass it through their digestive system, producing worm castings, it is

considered as important as they can be much higher in organic matter containing phosphates,

nitrogen, potash and other such nutrients than plain soil which has not been processed by the

worms. Also, vermicastings produced by the worms add structure to the soil improving aeration

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and water retention as the tunnels formed by the burrowing worms aid in the storage and passage

of water, which also wash nutrients to the roots of the plants that extend quite rapidly along these

horizontal tunnels. Worms are powerful eating machines providing many benefits to the average

soil, but not all worms are suitable for vermicomposting as some live only on the surface or in

water, some prefer different soil conditions, while others live deep below the surface of the soil.

So what types of “earthworms” are suitable for vermicomposting or for use in a wormery.

In vermicomposting, to create a fertile soil the right composting worms are required. Most

earthworms are terrestrial organism, which live in the soil and are often divided into different

groups such as edaphologists and pedologists according to their function in the soil with the most

suitable for vermicompost being the anecic, endogeic and epigeic species of worms (Mitchell et

al., 1980; Chan and Griffiths, 1988). Anecic earthworms are capable of both organic waste

consumption as well modifying the structure of the soil, they are a burrowing species they are

widely used in soil management as well as helping in compost production. Lumbricus terrestris,

called the nightcrawler is a large anecic worm with a flattened tail that is great for the soil, but will

not survive in an enclosed vermicomposting bin so are not considered suitable for producing

vermicompost. Endogeic earthworms they spend most of their time below the surface in the

mineral layers of soil burrowing constantly and rarely come to the surface. Endogeic worms live

near the roots of plants feeding on the decaying roots, fungi and bacteria that is found there. They

are a geophagous species of worm that ingests large quantities of organically rich soil turning it

into vermicompost. Endogeic species, such as Aporrectodea calignosa, feed on large quantities of

soil and as they burrow they produce stable earthworm casts which help to improve the soil

structure by mixing and aerating the soil as they move through it creating long tunnels and cracks

in the soil and they require deep subsoils and survive best in undisturbed areas where their burrows

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can remain intact making them unsuitable for composting heaps due to the constant turning over

of the pile to aerate it. Lastly epigeic earthworms are surface dwellers and feed on the decayed

organic materials found on the soil surface and not in the soil itself. Epigeics used in

vermicomposting are called red earthworms (Eisenia foetida), also known as red wiggler’s,

manure worms, red hybrid or tiger worms due to their relatively high tolerance of environmental

variations. They are excellent for vermicomposting. These detritivorous earthworm’s species also

thrive in compost bins and enclosed wormeries. Epigeic worms reproduce quickly and in one day

can eat their own weight in food making them ideal to produce vermicompost (Buchanam et al.,

1988).

African Nightcrawlers or Eudrilus eugeniae

The role of earthworms in the process of vermicomposting of a waste is consider as

physical and biochemical, thus physical process includes substrate aeration, mixing it as actual

grinding while the biochemical process is influenced by microbial decomposition of substrate in

the intestine of earthworms according to Hand (1998). Earthworms have been extensively used is

stabilizing the urban, industrial and agricultural wastes besides it also acts an organic fertilizer.

They feed on organic matter and utilized a small amount of their body to synthesizes and excrete

a large part of consumed materials in a digested form as worm cast. The action of earthworms

during vermicomposting include not only digestion and release assimilable substances, but also,

they transport and dispersal of microorganism through casting. Earthworm casts play an important

role in decomposition, they have different nutrient and micro biodata composition to the material

prior to ingestion, that makes a better exploitation of resources.

The introduction of worms into a compost heap has been found to mix the materials, they

aerated the heap and hasten the decomposition. Some example of worms that are usually used in

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composting are Lumbricus rubellus (red worm) and Eisenia foetida are thermo-tolerant and so

particularly useful. Field worms (Allolobophora caliginosa) and night crawlers (Lumbricus

terrestris) attack organic matter from below but the latter do not thrive during active composting,

being killed more easily than the others at high temperature. European night crawlers

(Dendrabaena veneta or Eisenia hortensis) are produced commercially and have been used

successfully in most climates. These night crawlers grow to about 10–20 cm. The African

Nightcrawlers (Eudrilus eugeniae), is a large, tropical worm species. It tolerates higher

temperatures than Eisenia foetida does, provided there is ample humidity.

An African Nightcrawlers (Eudrilus eugenia) is a detritus feeder and be a reared in a large

organic waste, they are possibility of recovering waste protein if these worms used as protein

source in animal feeds (Kinberg, 1867), and according to Neuhauser, Kaplan & Hartenstein (1979)

this species of worms also been given to be a waste decomposer. African Nightcrawlers was

introduced in the Philippines by Dr.Rafael D.Guerrero III in 1982, the cocoons courtesy of Dr.

Otto Graff, it was originated from West Africa and it is now widely distributed in both tropical

and subtropical countries of the world stated by Graff (1981). Moreover, this worm is an aerobic

organism same to other earthworms and do have moisture content of 70-90% with optimum at 80-

85%; are highly sensitive to ammonia such as occurs in fresh poultry litter; very sensitive to high

inorganic salts with high conductivity; and have wide tolerance to varying pH ranges but prefers

acidic conditions with optimum pH of 5.0. A young ANC matures in one month, and grows to a

length of about 30cm, weighs 3 grams each, and continues to live for more than one month under

favorable conditions. African nightcrawler usually feed with non-citrus fruits, coffee, teabags, and

crushed eggs shells. The manures from animals such as horse, cows, cattle and rabbits are also fed

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as long they are composted. A vermicast using ANC usually have a waste such as paper products,

food waste or some grass clippings.

Waste

Disposal and management of organic solid wastes has become a problem over the last few

years, it becomes more rigorous because of the rapidly increasing population, intensive agriculture

and industrialization. Edwards and Bater (1992) stated that the production of large quantities of

organic waste all over the word the world becomes a major environmental problem in terms of the

offensive odors, contamination of ground water and soil and the improper disposal. Organic

manure and other agriculture organic waste is an important source for maintenance of soil organic

matter and to sustain soil productivity. A proper utilization of wastes improves soil physical

conditions and environmental quality and provide nutrients for plant.

Food waste is considered one of the biggest sources of waste in world, the uneaten food rot

in the landfills and contributing significantly to our methane emission. Food waste refer to the

decrease of food in subsequent stages of the food supply chain intended for human consumption. In

the Philippines, the lack of modern agricultural technologies, resources and skills, infrastructure

like irrigation systems and farm-to-market roads, land tenure, support for research, innovation, and

agricultural workers contribute to food loss.

From our newspapers to our paper wrappings, paper is still everywhere and end up in

landfills that creating amount of paper waste, to produce a paper it takes twice energy used to

produce a plastic bag and 14% of all global harvest is used to make paper. Usually paper waste is

burnt off leading to air pollution. The process of waste paper recycling involves mixing used paper

with water and chemicals to break it down. The share of ink in a wastepaper stock is up to about

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2% of the total weight. The fundamental specifications of the experiment are re-cycle of paper,

food wastes, environmental wastes, vermin-compost, enormous power of reproduction, rapid rate

of multiplication and production of bio-mass.

Garden waste such as fallen leaves, grass clippings, sod stripped for a garden, weeds,

squash vines, watermelon rinds can be composted. Grass clippings are the largest single

component of landscape waste in most yards. Yet it is actually healthier for the lawn to leave the

clippings on the lawn than to remove them, also in vermicomposting the crop wastes from annual

vegetable and flower gardens can be chopped or tilled into the soil. This returns nutrients and

organic material to soil. Spring crops will decompose quickly if cut when they are still succulent,

or nitrogen fertilizer can be added to speed decomposition. (Hutchison et al., 2005).

By sustainable agriculture can be defined as a set of practices that conserve resources and

the environment without compromising human needs, and the use of organic fertilizers such as

animal manure or food, paper and garden was has been indicated as one of its main pillars (Tilman

et al., 2002). Composted materials are therefore gaining acceptance as organic fertilizers in

sustainable agriculture, and there has been a considerable increase in research dedicated to the

study of the effects of compost-like materials on soil properties and plant growth.

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 METHODOLOGY

The experiment will be conducted with one specific type of decomposting worm, African

Night Crawlers (Eudrilus eugeniae sp.). The decomposition of food waste, paper, and garden

wastes are still possible by providing nutrients that the organism can use as food. This study will

show the degradation rate in three different waste material mentioned above in vermicomposting.

Preparation of Materials

All materials needed for vermicomposting should be prepared before proceeding into the

process. Three recycled plastic boxes with a size of 20 cm x 11 cm will be used as compost bed.

Food and paper wastes and garden wastes are the decomposing materials in this study. Different

substrates will also be used.

Preparation of Compost Bed

Three plastic boxes will be use as a worm bin in this study. Ventilation for the African

Nightcrawlers should be provided through making a hole on the cover of the boxes and on the

bottom for drainage. The design of the compost bed will include the soil which weighs 500 g and

150 individuals of ANC.

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Collection of Soil and Composting Worm

The soil that will be used is collected in Angono, Rizal and the common composting worm

for sub-tropical and tropical climates, African Night Crawlers (Eudrilus eugeniae sp.) will be

bought in Libertad St., Pasay, City.

Collection of Wastes

Three different types of wastes will be used as decomposed wastes. Food wastes such as

fruits and vegetables scraps of eggplant, bitter gourd (ampalaya), sponge gourd (patola), cucumber

and rambutan fruit will be used and will be collected from different households as well as the paper

wastes. For the garden wastes, stem of eggplant and bark of jackfruit will be used.

Preparation of Vermicompost

A 20 cm x 11 cm of bin or box will be used in vermicomposting. The container has holes

for air flow on the top portion and holes on the bottom for drainage. Old newspapers will be used

as a bedding. Tear the newspaper into long, wide strips. The shredded materials should fill enough

the bin to be used. Soak the bedding to keep the moisture needed by the worms to live.

The materials to be decomposed will be finely chopped into pieces for about 5 cm and will

be allowed to decompose aerobically for a week in a plastic container. After drying out of egg

shells to make sure no egg residue is left, the shells will be then crushed into smaller pieces. Dried

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leaves and egg shells will be included as an added material for the worm bin beddings. All

materials will be mixed and then, 150 individuals of Eudrilus eugeniae sp. or African Night

Crawlers will be introduced individually in the pre-decomposed biowastes. The compost bed will

be watered every three days to keep the substrate moisturized at 60%. The total earthworm biomass

and vermicompost recovery will be observed and recorded after 30 days.

The length and weight of African Night Crawlers, weight of compost, reproduction rate of

worms will be determined before and after the process.

Care and Maintenance

The compost will be observed and watered every 3 days and will be maintained for thirty

(30) days.

Statistical Analysis

Paired sample T-test will be used in measuring the growth by their length, weight and

biomass of the African Nightcrawlers (E. eugeniae) and the compost will be also measured.

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 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Growth and Biomass of African Nightcrawlers (Eudrilus eugeniae) in the laboratory-scale

experiment.

Compost Type Weight of Worms (g)

Initial Final
Food 30 42.3
Paper 30 50.7
Garden 30 43.5
Table 1. Average Weight of Worms after thirty (30) days.

Table 1 shows the initial and final weight of worms. On day 1, 30g is the initial weight of

the worms subjected to the composts (Food, paper and garden waste).

After thirty (30) days, there is 12.3 grams increase in the weight of the food compost which

has the final weight of 42.3g, while paper compost has an increase of 20.7g with the final weight

is 50.7g and in the garden compost it increases 13.5g with the final weight of 43.5g. The increase

in the weight of the worms might be due to the degradation of wastes in its respective bins. This

might contribute to the increase of its total weight after the degradation period since the worms

obtained nutrients from the wastes. According to Viljoen and Reinecke (1994) an African

nightcrawler can weigh about 56 g and can increase depends on feeding material that will be used.

Table 1.1 Paired samples test for the weight of worms before and after the degradation period.

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 Based on the table 1.1, there is a significant difference (0.027) between the weight of the

worms on day 1 and after the thirty (30) days degradation period. The mean difference was

computed by subtracting the mean of the final weight from the mean of the initial weight (final

minus initial).

This indicates that there is an increase in the weight of the worms before and after the

vermicomposting process.

Compost Type Average Length of Worms (cm)

Initial Final
Food 6.2 7.95
Paper 6.2 8.28
Garden 6.2 7.16
Table 2. Average Length of Worms after thirty (30) days.

Table 2 show the results in the change of worms in terms of the length. The initial length

of worms in the following compost (Food, paper and garden waste) is 6.2cm. It shows that in food

compost the final length of worms increases by 1.75cm with final of 7.95 cm. The paper compost

also shows an increase of 2.08 cm with the final of 8.28 cm, while in the garden waste it shows

increase in length by 0.96 cm with final length of 7.16cm.

The increase in length of the worms might be due to the nutrients obtained from the wastes

after the vermicomposting process. The study conducted by Afidchao et al. (2007) also revealed a

significant difference in their length it shows that it can grow about 25-30 cm on using different

types of waste as a feeding material to African Nightcrawler .

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Table 2.1. Paired samples test for the length of worms before and after the degradation period.

Based on the table 2.1, there is a significant difference (0.041) between the length of the

worms on day 1 and after the thirty (30) days degradation period. The mean difference was

computed by subtracting the mean of the final length from the mean of the initial length (final

minus initial).

This result signifies the increase of worms in terms of length in all the composts before and

after the vermicomposting process.

Compost Type Total Biomass

Initial Final
Food 150 175
Paper 150 183
Garden 150 165
Table 3. Total Biomass of Worms after thirty (30) days.

Table 3 shows the reproduction rate of the E. eugeniae in each of the compost type (food,

paper, garden waste); the initial number of worms subjected in the different composts is 150.

During the one month of degradation of the wastes, it shows that paper wastes had produce large

biomass with a number of 183 worms. The worms in the food compost have a total increase of 175

and 165 total biomass in the garden compost. This increase might be due to the environment and

nutrients obtained by the worms through the degraded wastes. The reproduction rate or potential

of the African nightcrawler was based on the study of Balbuena (2016), “Reproduction and

Vermicast Production Of African Nightcrawler (Eudrilus Eugeniae) Using Various Substrates.

23
 In terms of cocoons, the paper waste compost has a presence of cocoons and have

approximately 20 cocoons that have been counted. There is also a presence of cocoons in food and

garden compost of approximately 15 for both.

Table 3.1. Paired samples test for the worm biomass before and after the degradation period.

Based on the table 3.1, there is a significant difference (0.043) between the worm biomass

on day 1 and after the thirty (30) days degradation period. The mean difference was computed by

subtracting the mean of the final biomass from the mean of the initial biomass (final minus initial).

The result above has shown that there is a significant increase in the biomass of worms

before and after the degradation period of 30 days.

Weight of the Compost in Thirty Days of Degradation

Compost Type Compost Weight (g)

Initial Final

Food 600 402

Paper 600 400

Garden 600 500

Table 4. Compost weight after thirty (30) days.

Table 4 shows the weight of the compost during the thirty (30) day degradation period of

the compost such as food, paper and garden wastes using African Nightcrawlers (E. eugeniae).

24
 During degradation period using the E.eugeniae worms, it shows that it has a decrease in

different waste that have initial of 100g and the total weight compost is 600g. In food waste it

consists of different food such as fruits and vegetables scraps of eggplant, bitter gourd (ampalaya),

sponge gourd (patola), cucumber and rambutan fruit, the compost final weight is 402g and the

compost decrease at 198g and by observing the food waste compost it shows that almost all the

waste has been eaten or degraded by the worms and the only left are the paper waste for the source

of nitrogen and egg shells as an alternative manure and food of the worms, while in the paper waste

compost it also shows a decrease of 200g over the total final weight of 400g. Lastly the garden

waste show a little decrease in the final weight with a value of 500g. Only half of the wastes was

able to be eaten by the worms.

This suggests the use of African Nightcrawlers (Eudirlus eugeniae) in degrading wastes

such as food and paper wastes that are commonly found in many households. This can be an

alternative in disposing wastes in the landfill areas.

Table 4.1. Paired samples test for the compost weight before and after the degradation period.

Based on the table 4.1, there is a significant difference (0.037) between the compost weight

on day 1 and after the thirty (30) days degradation period. The mean difference was computed by

subtracting the mean of the final compost weight from the mean of the initial compost weight (final

minus initial). Since there is a decrease in the weight of the compost due to the degradation of

wastes, this results in the negative mean.

25
 Growth and Reproduction Rate of Eudrilus eugeniae
200
183
180 175
165
160

140

120

100

80

60 50.7
42.3 43.5
40

20 7.95 8.28 7.16

0
Final Final Final
Average Weight of worms (g) Average Length of worms (cm) Total Biomass

Food Paper Garden

Figure 1. Summary of Growth and Reproduction Rate of Eudrilus eugeniae.

Figure 1 shows the overall result on the growth and reproduction rate of Eudrilus eugeniae

or the African Nightcrawlers on different type of composts. Compost containing paper wastes have

shown great results in terms of weight, length, biomass of worms and weight of compost after the

thirty (30) days degradation period.

26
 Compost Weight after 30 days
600

500
500

402 400
400

300

200

100

0
Compost Weight

Food Waste Paper Wastes Garden Wastes

Figure 2. Final Compost weight after thirty (30) days.

Figure 2 shows the final weight of the composts after the degradation period. Compost with

paper wastes and food wastes have shown significant decrease in weight which clearly states that

the worms have consumed all the wastes. The compost with garden wastes have shown a little

decrease in weight compare to the first two composts. It was concluded that due to the materials

used in this compost, the worms have not fully consumed the wastes.

27
 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Conclusion

Vermicomposting in this study simply means making of compost while utilizing the innate

behavior of African Nightcrawler. It can be made from either of the following; kitchen waste, also

termed as food waste which is mainly consist of fruit and vegetable scraps, paper wastes which

accounts third for the world's municipal waste, and lastly, garden waste which refers to all rejected

farm products including twigs and wood chips. The experiment was done in all various types of

wastes to prove the effectivity of the use of African Nightcrawlers in vermicomposting.

The initial population of worms is 150 with an average length of 6.2cm and average weight

of 30g respectively; after the duration of one month for the degradation of wastes, according to the

data the African Nightcrawlers grew, reproduced and degraded wastes most effectively in paper

wastes and the least is in garden wastes due to the lignin component of plant material which makes

it difficult to degrade. The ones subjected to food wastes closely follows the results of the ones

that were subjected to the degradation of paper wastes. Due to these results, it is concluded that

the use of African Nightcrawlers for vermicomposting is most suitable for paper wastes- having

the best results among the three wastes that were subjected in this experiment.

In relation, it can also be concluded that vermicomposting is a biotechnology that results

in sustainable agriculture while it maintains and improve soil health quality through earthworm's

activity. It is not only efficient in degrading paper and food waste but it can also be used as a

supplement for chemical fertilizers as nutrient additive for plants. This method of organic waste

management is beneficial for both farmers and the community.

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Recommendations

For the recommendation of this study a larger compost bin can be used to degrade more

waste and to see the capability of African Nightcrawlers (E.eugeniae), also waste should be cut

into smaller pieces so that the worms can easily and fully consumed it, the degradation time can

be much longer to have better results in both the waste and worms.

Observing and maintaining the pH, temperature and moisture content can be also be done.

These factors might have contributed in the degradation of wastes during the vermicomposting

process.

Further studies can be conducted to know the nutrient content of the compost produced by

the worms.

29
 REFERENCES

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Sophie A. Viljoen & A.J. Reinecke (1990) Moisture preferences, growth and reproduction of the African

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31
 Appendices

Paired Sample T-Test

Table 1. Mean of Weight of Worms

Table 2. Mean of Length of Worms

Table 3. Mean of Biomass of Worms

Table 4. Mean of Compost Weight

32