Comparative Efficiency of Different Earthworm Species in Vermicompost Production and Nutrient Recovery

Abstract

Earthworms are recognized as key biological agents in organic waste stabilization and nutrient
cycling. Among epigeic species used in vermicomposting, Eisenia fetida, Eudrilus eugeniae, and
Perionyx excavatus are widely adopted due to their rapid feeding behavior and adaptability to
decomposing organic substrates. However, species-specific variations in biomass accumulation,
reproductive output, decomposition efficiency, nutrient enrichment, and microbial enhancement
remain insufficiently quantified under controlled experimental conditions.