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Gupta, Alka
- A Sci-Fi Film about a Mars Survivor Calls our Attention to the Importance of Microbiome in Agriculture
Abstract Views :339 |
PDF Views:79
Authors
Murali Gopal
1,
Alka Gupta
1
Affiliations
1 Microbiology Section, ICAR-Central Plantation Crops Research Institute, Kasaragod 671 124, IN
1 Microbiology Section, ICAR-Central Plantation Crops Research Institute, Kasaragod 671 124, IN
Source
Current Science, Vol 110, No 1 (2016), Pagination: 15-16Abstract
No Abstract.Full Text
- A Simple Push–Pull Strategy to Harvest Earthworms from Coconut Leaf Vermicompost Produced in Tanks
Abstract Views :307 |
PDF Views:79
Authors
Murali Gopal
1,
Alka Gupta
1
Affiliations
1 Division of Crop Production, ICAR-Central Plantation Crops Research Institute, Kasaragod 671 124, IN
1 Division of Crop Production, ICAR-Central Plantation Crops Research Institute, Kasaragod 671 124, IN
Source
Current Science, Vol 117, No 1 (2019), Pagination: 138-144Abstract
The process to recycle lignin-rich coconut leaves, produced in abundance from coconut gardens, to vermicompost, using a local isolate of Eudrilus sp. is an important value-addition technology from ICARCentral Plantation Crops Research Institute helping coconut farmers and entrepreneurs to enhance their economic returns. Vermicompost is produced in cement tanks and at the end of the composting period, earthworms are hand-sorted from the mature and partially composted materials by employed workers. The scarcity of labour for earthworm sorting and nonavailability of earthworms at the required time for further vermicomposting had become an impediment in sustained production of vermicompost leading to abandonment of the technology by many adopters. To overcome this situation, a simple push–pull/pull–pull strategy was developed for harvesting the earthworms, wherein freshly ground mustard solution was used as repellant (push agent) and cow dung (with or without bagasse/banana wastes) was used as an attractant (‘pull’ agent). The strategy is simple, efficient and saves on labour, eliminates drudgery, reduces production cost and time. It will pave way for sustained adoption of vermicomposting technology by coconut farmers and entrepreneurs.Keywords
Coconut Leaf Vermicompost, Cow Dung, Earthworm Harvesting, Mustard Solution, Push–Pull Strategy.Full Text
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