Effect of Eisenia fetida on Nutrient Composition of Vermicompost Produced from Barberry Waste

This study tested vermicomposting of seedless barberry pruning residues in South Khorasan, Iran, using the earthworm Eisenia fetida. Three feedstocks—leaves, a ۱:۱ leaf-branch mix, and branches alone—were composted for ۵۰ days and analyzed for pH, conductivity, and macro-/micronutrients. Results showed substrate strongly influenced nutrient enrichment. Leaf vermicompost contained the highest macronutrients (N ۲.۷۶ %, K ۲.۹۹ %, Ca ۱.۸۷ %, S ۰.۰۵ %) and micronutrients (Fe ۳۰.۷ mg kg⁻¹, Zn ۱.۹۱ mg kg⁻¹, Na ۶,۶۰۰ mg kg⁻¹, B ۱۸.۹ mg kg⁻¹), exceeding typical garden-waste values. The leaf-branch mix was intermediate, and branches alone lowest. Phosphorus (۱,۱۳۵–۱,۶۴۵ mg kg⁻¹) varied less. Although chloride was high (>۱۰,۰۰۰ mg kg⁻¹), the findings confirm E.fetida accelerates mineralization and produces nutrient-rich vermicompost. Barberry leaves are thus an exceptional feedstock, turning pruning waste into a high-value organic fertilizer that can improve the soil fertility, reduce chemical fertilizer use, and support sustainable, circular agriculture in arid regions.

کلیدواژه ها:

Barberry leaves ، Drought ، Sustainable Agriculture ، waste management