JOURNAL of Soil Biology and Ecology 

Biotechnological approaches in earthworm research 

Authors: RADHA D. KALE 

Abstract:

 Technological applications involving earthworms were for their contribution to the production of vermicompost using all organic degradable solid wastes, including hospitals. This is at the organismic level to identify the ecological group best suited for managing degradable organic materials. The vermiculture and vermicompost technology has reached a great height worldwide in the last three decades. In temperate countries, Eisenia fetida is the most commonly considered earthworm species for culturing and vermicompost production. It has been established to be a hardy species that can adapt to wide ranges of moisture levels, temperatures, and organic substrates. This high species rate of reproductive potential contributes to good biomass production. The rich diversity of earthworms and ideal climatic conditions in tropical countries have provided scope to look for different species that can be considered for this purpose. In India, apart from E. fetida, other species such as Eudrilus  eugeniae, Perionyx excavatus, P.sansibaricus, P.cealonensis are also considered for vermicomposting. With a rich source of organic substrates for developing earthworm cultures and the availability of different efficient species, the country can be the forerunner in developing this technology. Government organizations like the Department of Biotechnology and the Department of Science and Technology, both at the National and State levels, have encouraged scientists and other non-government organizations to promote vermicompost technology as part of the rural development program.