Crescimento e desempenho de minhocas vermelhas californianas (Eisenia andrei) quando submetidas a doses crescentes de remineralizador

Abstract

The high dependence of Brazilian agriculture on soluble chemical fertilizers has driven the adoption of sustainable alternatives for the management of soil fertility, such as soil remineralizers, whose efficiency can be enhanced by the biological activity of earthworms. In this context, the present study aimed to evaluate the growth and performance of Californian red earthworms (Eisenia andrei) when subjected to increasing doses of remineralizer. The experiment was conducted under laboratory conditions, at the Biology Laboratory of the Federal Institute of Piauí (IFPI), Cocal Campus, between April and June 2025, totaling 52 days. The experimental design was a completely randomized block, consisting of six treatments with three replications each, respectively, T0, T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5. The different doses of remineralizer evaluated corresponded to 0%; 2,5%; 5%; 7,5%; 10% and 20% in terms of mass/mass of the substrate of each treatment (500 g), applied in five equal plots. The variables observed were: pH, electrical conductivity (EC) and leachate temperature, earthworm biomass, number of cocoons and juveniles, and weight of experimental units (PTC). The results obtained indicated pH stability in the slightly alkaline range and significant variations in electrical conductivity over time. Intermediate doses favored the growth of earthworms, while higher doses promoted greater reproductive performance, with emphasis on the influence of calcium. It is concluded that the association between remineralizer and vermicomposting has potential for the sustainable management of soil fertility, as long as the doses are properly adjusted.