Benzyl Monteiro1, Manoj and A. Ramesh
Abstract
Leaf wastes of three banana varieties namely red, kadali and nendran are used for vermicomposting. Leaf wastes generated per hectare of red, kadali and nendran banana varieties were found to be 1980±88, 1814±23 and 840±34kgs respectively. Though the conversion rate from leaves to vermicompost were same among three varieties of banana, the total quantity of vermicompost harvested was directly correlated with the amount of leaf waste generated. The vermicompost harvested in red banana variety recorded 1544±62kg/ ha, followed by kadali variety 1433±50kg/ha and nendran variety 630±32kg/ha. The physico-chemical analysis namely pH, electrical conductivity, organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, copper and zinc in vermicompost of three banana varieties indicated values were consistent with F. C. O specifications. In the present study, revenue generated from vermicompost in the establishment year@ Rs. 800/50kg were found to be Rs. 14160/- for red, Rs. 12849/- for kadali and Rs. 4728/- for nendran banana varieties leaf wastes per hectare. In addition, further revenue can be generated through the sale of earthworms in subsequent years