Eisenia fetida (Oligochaeta, Lumbricidae) Activates Fungal Growth, Triggering Cellulose Decomposition During Vermicomposting

摘要: Cellulose is the most abundant polymer in nature and constitutes a large pool of carbon for microorganisms, main agents responsible soil organic matter decomposition. Cellulolysis occurs as result combined action fungi bacteria with different requirements. Earthworms influence decomposition indirectly by affecting microbial population structure dynamics also directly because guts some species possess cellulolytic activity. Here we assess whether earthworm Eisenia fetida (Savigny 1826) digests cellulose (i.e., its associated gut microbiota) effects E. on biomass activity lead to change equilibrium between bacteria. By enhancing fungal communities, would presumably trigger more efficient To evaluate role decomposition, carried out an experiment which pig slurry, microbial-rich substrate, was treated small-scale vermireactors without earthworms. The presence earthworms significantly increased rate (0.43 0.26% loss day(-1), earthworms, respectively). However, direct contribution degradation not significant, although (C(mic)) enzyme (cellulase beta-glucosidase). Surprisingly, may be part diet triggered growth during vermicomposting. We suggest that this activation key step leading intense cellulolysis vermicomposting wastes.