The suitability of Eudrilus eugeniae, Perionyx excavatus and Eisenia fetida (Oligochaeta) for vermicomposting in southern Africa in terms of their temperature requirements

Abstract Since the epigeic species Eudrilus eugeniae, Perionyx excavatus and Eisenia fetida have a potential as waste decomposers or as possible sources of protein, knowledge of their temperature requirements are required in order to cultivate them in large numbers under different environmental conditions. A study was undertaken outdoors as well as indoors of earthworm populations in artificial containers in order to access the influence of high, as well as low, temperatures on the different species. The results were compared with that obtained for control populations kept at a presumably favourable temperature of 25°C. The results showed that Eisenia fetida has a wider tolerance for temperatures than E. eudrilus eugeniae and P. excavatus which allows this species to be cultivated in areas with higher temperatures (often as high as 43°C) as well as areas with lower soil temperatures (often below 5°C). The other two species will have limited outdoor application in vermiculture systems. The winter temperatures in the southern subregion of Africa and not the summer temperatures seem to be the limiting factor in applying Eudrilus eugeniae and P. excavatus in outdoor vermiculture. The incubation period, development and cocoon production of the species at various temperature simulations were also investigated. Regions in southern Africa were identified, based on prevailing temperature conditions, where E. eugeniae and P. excavatus could be utilized in vermiculture systems.