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pp.369-383
This experiment was carried out to investigate the optimal stocking rate of earthworm populations grown under different stocking rates. The stocking rate in terms of ratio of biomass of earthworms to biomass of feeds(organic resources) is an important factors for biomass productivity of earthworms and vermicast production. The different stocking rates were 1:16(S-1), 1:32(S-2), 1:48(S-3) and 1:64(S-4), as the ratios of biomass of earthworm to biomass of organic dairy cow manure, respectively. The stocking rate of 1:32(S-2) and 1:46(S-3) were obtained a higher values on increasing rates and conversion efficiency of organic matter to earthworm biomass than other stocking rates. Thus, a stocking rates of 1:32 and 1:46 estimated an optimal stocking rates for maximum biomass productivity of earthworms. A stocking rate of 1:16(S-1) showed a significantly highest values of vermicast production and ratios of vermicasts during the rearing periods.(P≦0.05) A stocking rate of 1:48(S-3) showed a highest values of the number of cocoons and vermicasts production per earthworm biomass among the treatment (P≦0.05) The contents of nitrogen, available phosphorus, cation exchange capacity and exchangeable cations of vermicasts tended to increase with stocking rate and rearing progressed. Vermicasts have a great deal of potential for crop production and protection in sustainable organic cropping systems.
