Vermicomposting Production Supplying Water With Effluents From Anaerobic Biodigestor.

The global climate change has reduced the water available, it requires production processes be more efficient in managing this vital liquid. In addition, find alternatives to replace fossil fuel use are required due to availability problems and pollution that results from its use. However, some processes produce byproducts that may become an environmental issue because the amount of effluent generated. Therefore, we are working to find alternatives that allow re-using these byproducts, particularly the anaerobic biodigester effluent and applying those to agricultural processes such as vermicomposting production. A 2² experimental design with two central points was established at semi-pilot scale, with the variables: effluent concentration (67, 73 and 100%) and the aeration of the experimental plots (without aeration, once or twice a week). It was found that vermicompost with effluent achieves a quality comparable to controls without effluents, using a 67% effluent concentration and aeration of twice weekly. It also established the conditions for the worms can tolerate even 100% concentrations of the effluent with an acceptable quality vermicompost. The system has been implemented by a producer with excellent results for vermicomposting and beans production. Results show is possible to replace the water by the effluent to produce vermicompost.