Arya P. and Sheeja V.U.
Abstract
This study aimed to analyze milli compost produced by three millipede species Trigoniulus corallinus (MTC), Archispirostreptus spp. (MAsp.), and Harpaphe haydeniana (MHH) commonly found in Kollam district of Kerala, and to compare the results with a control. Physicochemical parameters, including pH, electrical conductivity, organic carbon, nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, water-holding capacity, volumetric density, and total porosity were analysed. The highest pH was recorded in the control sample (7.48 ± 0.13), while the maximum mean electrical conductivity was observed in MTC (0.97 ± 0.48). The highest mean values of organic carbon (2.33 ± 1.25), nitrogen (0.89 ±0.15), potassium (208.56 ± 58.79), phosphorus (20.67 ± 6.81) and water-holding capacity (56.8%) were observed in MTC, whereas maximum total porosity (58 g cm-³) was recorded in MAsp. The growth of Solanum melongena cultivated in mill compost derived from the three test species was monitored for 34 days and compared with a control. Plants grown in MTC exhibited the highest mean total growth (0.45 ± 0.03). One- way ANOVA indicated a statistically significant difference in growth rates among plants grown in the three different mill compost treatments.