PRIYANKA JAMWAL AND SIBY JOHN
Abstract
Earthworm species Eisenth foetida was subjected to different organic loadings viz. 0.5:1, 0.75:1, 1:1 and 1.5:1 of the substrate to the wet body weight of the earthworms. The growth rate and the cocoon production of E. foetida for these organic loadings were studied. The results showed that the optimum organic loading for the efficient working of the organism was in the ratio of 1:1. The regression models were proposed for the growth kinetics of E. foetida. The growth rate at organic loading equivalent to the body weight was found to be in confirmity with the available model and the maximum growth rate observed was 9.90 x 10-3 mg/mg/day.