Production of microbial rich substrate from bio-solid wastes

This study evaluates the potential of municipal solid waste (MSW) as a substrate for vermicomposting when amended with organic supplements such as cow dung (CD) and mango litter (ML). Ten vermibeds were prepared using different substrate ratios (MSW, CD, and ML) and inoculated with the earthworm Eisenia fetida. After 60 days of treatment, the resulting vermicompost showed a marked reduction in organic carbon (OC) content. The maximum loss in OC over the initial levels was 57.31%, accompanied by significant increases in total nitrogen (N) the highest rise in total N content recorded was 26.31%, available phosphorus (P) 72.72% and potassium (K) compared to initial concentrations 60.75%. Microbial populations also exhibited a notable increase across all treatments. The highest bacterial population in the vermicompost obtained was 610.12±1.83 CFU×106 while the highest number of fungal colonies in the end product obtained were 269.14±0.83 CFU×104. The results demonstrate that the addition of CD and ML to MSW enhances the efficiency of vermicomposting and yields a nutrient-rich, value-added biofertilizer.