The Biochemical Properties and Microbial Profiles of Vermicomposts Affected by the Age Groups of Earthworms

The aim of this work was to assess the effect of age groups of earthworms on the quality of vermicomposts. For this Eisenia foetida grouped into hatchlings juveniles and adults were used for vermicomposting of food wastes spiked with vermicomposted materials. Compared to control treatment (without earthworms) vermicomposting treatment caused the significant reductions of TOC and C/N while increases of pH and inorganic ions after 60 days. Vermicomposts by E. foetida showed the lowest TOC content and microbial activity and population in hatchlings the largest increase of nitrogen in adults and the maximum enrichment of inorganic ions in juveniles respectively. PCR-DGGE analysis revealed vermicomposts displayed the analogous microbial community structures. Overall results indicated that age-specific E. foetida did significantly affect the biochemical properties of their vermicomposts but they could not effect on the microbial community profiles of the vermicomposts.