Análise da eficiência de produção de húmus por Minhocas vermelhas (Eisenia fetida) e gigantes africanas (Eudrilus eugeniae)

Abstract

2.044 The valorization of livestock waste through sustainable biological processes, such as vermicomposting, represents a promising alternative for agricultural production and the reduction of environmental impacts. This study evaluated the production of humus from bovine and laying hen waste with two species of earthworms (Eisenia fetida and Eudrilus eugeniae) and the effect of this humus on the growth of Lactuca sativa. The experimental design was a 2×2 factorial, with four repetitions per treatment. The results demonstrated that laying hen excrement provided a greater quantity of humus, reaching 1.135 kg with Eisenia fetida and 1.068 kg with Eudrilus eugeniae. However, the humus derived from bovine excrement showed better agronomic performance, promoting greater lettuce growth. The species Eudrilus eugeniae stood out as the most efficient in terms of humus quality, with an average height of 23.88 cm at 49 days in the treatment with bovine excrement, compared to 22.53 cm when fed with laying hen excrement. For Eisenia fetida, the recorded heights were 18.08 cm and 13.60 cm, respectively. Statistical analysis revealed a significant effect of the earthworm species (p < 0.05; Eta2p ≥ 0.594), demonstrating a strong influence on the culture response. The type of residue also showed a relevant impact (Eta2p = 0.259–0.418), although less expressive. No significant interaction was observed between the factors, indicating that the effect of each variable acted independently. Thus, the absence of interaction does not invalidate the identification of the most efficient combination, but confirms that the superior performance of Eudrilus eugeniae and bovine excrement is consistent under different conditions. The results show that the combination of Eudrilus eugeniae with bovine excrement is the most efficient alternative for the use of livestock waste and biofertilizer production, reinforcing vermicomposting as a sustainable practice for integrated agricultural systems.(TRADUÇÃO NOSSA)