Biotechnology approach of various biorefinery substrates for Thai native earthworm cultivation

• Published in: Biomass conversion and biorefinery 2024-09, Vol.14 (18), p.23151-23161
• Main Authors: Wasunan, Pimphan, Maneewong, Chutamas, Daengprok, Wichittra, Thirabunyanon, Mongkol
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biotechnology; Energy; Original Article; Renewable and Green Energy
• ISSN: 2190-6815; 2190-6823
• DOI: 10.1007/s13399-023-04314-6

This study aimed to identify the optimal biomass substrate from natural waste materials for Amynthas arenulus earthworm cultivation and examine its impact on growth and survival factors. Earthworms were raised in a cement pond, with their diet consisting of thirteen formulations derived from sources including cow dung, organic fertilizer, vegetable waste, and chopped banana plant trunk. The earthworm bedding was controlled with pH values of 8.0 and 6–8% of the moisture content. Thirteen formula trials were conducted on earthworm cultivation for 30 days. The results found that F8 which contained cow dung + organic fertilizer + vegetable scrap was the best substrate for A. arenulus earthworm cultivation. Survival and growth rates were presented at 93.33% and 127.67%, respectively. An increase in earthworm weight was significantly found at 425.55 mg/worm/day. It was found that the reproductive capacity of four juvenile earthworms was 0.3, following their discovery after a period of 30 days. This study reveals that substrate F8 is the optimal choice for earthworm cultivation, leading to increased productivity and promoting ecological sustainability through circular production between earthworms and soil. Moreover, F8 enhances the earthworms' ability to convert agricultural waste and serves as a fundamental basis for soil ecological remediation systems and sustainable utilization of agricultural waste. These findings hold significant implications for the utilization of F8 in earthworm cultivation and these obtained earthworms could be used in functional food and medical applications.