Effect of Drying on Vermicompost Macronutrient Composition

Abstract

Vermicomposting is widely being used for bio-conversion of organic wastes into bio-fertilizers. Vermicompost which was obtained from various food wastes was dried at 105◦C for 5 minutes in a moisture analyzer. The dried vermicompost macronutrient composition was analyzed and quantified over the raw vermicompost. The dried vermicompost total nitrogen content was 31.25% lower as compared to the raw vermicompost whereas , the phosphorous and potassium content were 63.75% and 72.86% higher in the dried vermicompost compared to the raw vermicompost respectively. Vermicompost can be dried for easier packaging, storage and transportation as the drying process in overall enhances nutritional value to the vermicompost