Potential of Perionyx excavatus for utilizing organic wastes

The biology of earthworms and their functional role as components of ecosystems are known in detail for the majority of species intemperate soils but little is known of their role as decomposers in tropical and sub-tropical regions. The present study concerns the establishment of Perionyx excavatus populations on organic wastes such as cow, sheep and horse dung, poultry manure and sludge from a biogas plant. Their growth rate, reproduction and survival was recorded. Quality of food seems to be responsible for regulating the growth and maintenance of P. excavatus which can be maintained well on different organic waste materials. Only poultry manure was found toxic for this species.