GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF EISENIA FETIDA SAV. WHEN CULTIVATED ON A MIXTURE OF POPLAR LEAVES AND PEAT

Urban leaf litter is a potential source of vermicompost, but its possible contamination with heavy metals raises safety concerns for its use. We assessed the growth and reproduction of Eisenia fetida Sav. when cultivated on mixtures containing poplar leaves collected from five locations in the city of Tomsk  (Russia) with varying anthropogenic loads (train station, Mikhailovsky park, river port, University park, and suburban control). After two months, the greatest biomass increase was observed in the mixture with leaves collected from the control point (8.87 g, 78.5%) and University park (8.74 g, 70.5%), while the smallest increase was in mixtures with leaves from the river port (5.70 g, 39.9%) and Mikhailovsky park (5.50 g, 43.0%).

 Cocoon production was highest in mixtures containing leaves from the control point (+138%) and University park (+94.8%), but decreased in mixtures containing leaves from the railway station (-40.9%). Juvenile growth was highest in mixtures containing leaves from Mikhailovsky park (+33.4 individuals). Overall, substrate quality in less polluted areas promotes better earthworm development. The data obtained will serve as a basis for rational leaf litter management in cities and for ensuring the safety of vermicompost production.

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