Production and analytical profiling of Azolla-augmented vermicompost derived from banana leaf biomass

In southern India, the widespread cultivation of bananas results in substantial agrowaste, particularly banana leaves, posing significant disposal challenges. Vermicomposting these banana leaves offers an efficient solution, transforming organic
waste into nutrient-rich fertilizer and promoting sustainable solid waste management. This study examined 16 compositions of banana leaf biomass (BLB) and cow dung (CD) at ratios of 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, and 4:1, with Azolla amendments of 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30%. Vermicomposting was performed for 75 days using Eudrilus eugeniae. Growth and biomass
production of E. eugeniae were high in the compositions amended with Azolla in a 1:1 ratio of BLB: CD with 30%
Azolla. Whereas, peak changes in electrical conductivity (1.64 dS/m), organic carbon (29.75%), total Kjeldahl nitrogen
(2.27%), and total phosphorus (1.17%) were observed in the vermicompost of 1:1 BLB: CD substrate enriched with 20%
Azolla, surpassing the nutrient levels recorded in all other treatments. A lower C/N ratio (13.12) and C/P ratio (24.37) was observed in BLB: CD (1:1)+30% Azolla and BLB: CD (3:1)+30% Azolla, respectively. The introduction of a 20% −30% Azolla supplement to a banana leaf biomass and cow dung vermicompost formulation facilitated substantial enhancements, leading to an amplified nutrient density and an optimized composting procedure.