The influence of anisopary on a population of Eisenia fetida in a bed and flow-through system

Many commercial practices for vermiculture have been developed. The convers ion rate of organic material through the worms is directly inline with the number of worms in the system. Beds and continuous flow systems are widely used commercially in many countries. In South Africa both systems are used with varying results and for different applications. A difference in the po pulation reproductive capacity of beds and containers (flow-through) have b een noticed and were studied. In this study both systems were fed with the same organic material before the experimental period and during the experim ental period. Eighty-four clitellate individuals from each system (bed - an d a container systems) were used in the study. The hatchlings were counted and removed over a 90 day period. The experiment was conducted outdoors in commercial conditions. The earthworms from the bed system reproduced at nor mal levels, Anisopary was observed as follows: 38 % hypoparous and 62 % hyp erparous. The earthworms from the containers hardly kept the population number stable . Anisopary was observed as follows; 91 % hypoparous and 9 hyperparous. Hyp opary worms (male functioning) were dominant in the container population. T his was probably due to population stress in the containers. This factor ma y influence the life span of container populations and vermicompost product ion in the long run. The conversion rate of organic material was not affect ed during the study period. The question arises whether such populations ca n be sustainable for long periods or should be supplemented to keep up conv ersion rates in commercial projects.