ChileanJAR

The purpose of this experiment was the chemical and physical characterization of some vermicomposts and their most suitable mixture in yield and quality. The experiment design used was complete randomized block with five treatment and five replications: T1 (100% cattle feedlot manure E); T2 (100% kitchen wastes DC); T3 (75% E and 25% DC); T4 (50% E and 50% DC); T5 (25% E and 75% DC). These organic wastes were composted during 90 days and digested by earthworms (Eisenia foetida Savigny, 1826). Vermicompost determinations were sieve yield, loss weight percentage, potentially available nitrogen, available phosphorus, extractable potassium, organic matter and pH. Significant differences were found among mixed wastes compared with the pure materials. Vermicompost produced from 100% cattle feedlot manure had the highest N and P content; highest pH and P levels were found in T2 and T5. Best sieve yield was for T1 and less loss weight was for T3.