Abundance and mortality of Eisenia fetida (earthworm) using potato peel as a substrate in vermicomposting process

Earthworm abundance and mortality level are rarely reported during vermicomposting process. The objectives were: 1) to evaluate the effect of pre-composting on the mortality of adult earthworms; 2) to determine the abundance of adult and juvenile earthworms using potato peel. Wooden cells of dimension 0.25 × 0.25 × 0.25 m were designed, where clitelated earthworms of similar size were grown. Three experiments were carried out: 1) vermicomposting with pre-composted vegetable remains, 2) non-pre-composted; 3) non-pre-composted and with the addition of potato peel. The evaluations were made at 30, 60 and 90 days. During the vermicomposting process the temperature, humidity and pH were monitored. Pre-composting of the substrate affected adult mortality, but not the worm reproductive capacity. The addition of potato peel implied a high juvenile production (up to 1,009 juveniles in 90 days of experiment), although the proportion of adults was low. This indicates that the potato peel is useful in promoting the reproduction of earthworms.