Prabhas C. Thakur, Prem Apurva and Shailendra. K. Sinha
Plant wastes can be degraded by millipedes (Arthropods of class Diplopoda) to produce compost called Milli-compost similar to Vermi-compost. A comparative study of composts produced with the help of millipedes (Harpaphe haydeniana) / earthworm (Eudrilus eugeniae) / without millipede and earthworm was undertaken. Physico-chemical parameters of composts were evaluated. It was found that contents of available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium were more in Milli-compost and Vermi-compost as compared to ordinary compost. Contents of nutrients in Milli-compost were more than Vermi-compost. Increase in water holding capacity and pore space between particles of Milli-compost and Veri-compost and decrease in bulk density were also observed. Milli-compost production technology may prove to be beneficial for agriculture in near future.
