Efficiency of Organic Fertilizer Production from Swiftlet Faeces Using Earthworms Eudrilus eugeniae

Abstract

The aims of this study were to the utilization of swiftlet faeces and to determine the chemical components of vermicompost from swiftlet faeces and cow dung. The Eudrilus eugeniae was raised in two types of dung mixed with coconut dust in different ratios. Completely randomized design; CRD (2×3 factorial) with 3 replications was considered in this investigation. The first factor consisted of two types of manure as swiftlet faeces and cow dung. The second factor included 3 different levels of manure 40, 60 and 80% and divided into 6 groups. The chemical compounds (total Nitrogen; N, total Phosphorus; P, total Potassium; K, Calcium; Ca, Magnesium; Mg, pH, Organic matter; OM and Electrical conductivity; EC of vermicompost) were analyzed at the end of raising. The results showed that the vermicompost T2 (swiftlet faeces 60%: coconut dust 40%) had the highest values of N and Mg 0.55% and 1.39% respectively (P<0.05). For other nutrients, there is similar to other treatment. Consequently, the swiftlet faeces can be used to feed the earthworms and provide fertilizer with high nutrient content. However, vermicompost from the different organic materials will cause the different of vermicompost and properties.