Preliminary studies on vermicomposting of wastes of topinambur (Helianthus tuberosus L.)

Abstract

An interest in renewable energy sources is increasing. This is mainly for environmental reasons, anxiety about exhaustion of fossil fuel resources, as well as Polish and EU legal conditions. An example of plant grown for biomass is Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.), commonly known as topinambur. Apart from its energetic values, it has a wide range of other applications, on using which, some organic waste may appear in the environment. The objective of the work was to determine the selected properties of vermicomposting process of topinambur. Topinambur residues, as well as topinambur residues mixed with cattle manure were vermicomposted together with the participation of Dendrobaena veneta earthworms. The characteristics of the obtained vermicomposts were determined.