@inproceedings{01GSQ4T79RR8G3HZGCR4XMQ29W,
  abstract     = {{Vermicomposting converts organic wastes into high-quality nutrient-rich compost and has 
been considered as a suitable technology for developing countries, especially at the 
household and community level as it is a simple and natural technology that does not require 
sophisticated machinery and frequent process monitoring. In addition, attempts to address 
SOM and nutrient losses in a sustainable manner in sub Saharan Africa countries require 
careful optimization of use of organic amendments such as through vermicomposting. We 
performed a vermicomposting experiment using three-earthworm species, exotic (Eisenia 
fetida and Eisenia andrei) and indigenous (Eudrilus eugeniae), fed on six different substrates 
made from agricultural wastes (cow and donkey manure separately spiked with three types 
of equally mixed crop residues (maize with soybean (MS), maize with banana (MB) and 
soybean with banana (SB)) to assess the nutrient stabilization in the resulting compost; and 
performed an incubation experiment using a selection of these vermicomposts to study the 
net N mineralization of the composts, and how they affected soil microbial properties such 
as microbial biomass C, dehydrogenase and β-glucosidase activities, in Nitisols. Earthworm 
activities during vermicomposting of agricultural wastes accelerated the rapid decomposition 
of mixed substrates and resulted with a significant reduction of TOC (C mass loss > 65%) and 
C:N ratios (twofold compared to the control without earthworm) and an increase in N 
mineralization and the total concentration of P, K and S. The effect of vermicompost on N 
availability and soil microbial quality significantly varied depending on vermicompost 
sources. The vermicompost made from cow manure mixed with soybean and banana 
residues using Eudrilus eugeniae had the highest net N mineralization (32.4 µgNg-1 soil, 75% 
of N added). Regardless of vermicompost type, amended soils had significantly higher 
microbial and enzymatic activities than unamended control. Our results suggest that
vermicompost sources tested could reliably use for long-term improvement of soil nutrient 
mineralization and microbial activity under Nitisols of Ethiopia due to their greatest microbial 
activities and nutrient dynamics during vermicomposting.}},
  author       = {{Getachew Gebrehana, Zerihun and Gebremikael, Mesfin Tsegaye and Beyene, Sheleme and Sleutel, Steven and Wesemael, Wim and De Neve, Stefaan}},
  booktitle    = {{Proceedings of the XXI International Nitrogen Workshop : Halving nitrogen waste by 2030}},
  isbn         = {{9788412211467}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  location     = {{Madrid, Spain}},
  pages        = {{118--118}},
  title        = {{Vermicomposting for improved N availability and the potential of vermicompost sources  on N mineralization and soil biological properties on Nitisols}},
  url          = {{https://nworkshop.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Abstract_Book_N_workshop_v221116_DEF-1.pdf}},
  year         = {{2022}},
}