author(s)
Poonam Bhardwaj, R.K. Sharma

abstract
Vermicomposting has gained momentum in recent years due to its manifold benefits. Earthworms are known to degrade organic matter, but all species are not having the same potential to degrade organic matter. So selecting a suitable earthworm species is the first important step of vermicomposting activity. Therefore, for selecting local or native species of Eastern Haryana for vermicomposting a thorough study was conducted to explore the diversity of earthworms. During the present survey earthworm species such as Metaphire posthuma, Perionyx simlaensis, Octocheatona beatrix, Dichogaster bolaui and Drawida nepalensis were recorded and inoculated to see their efficiency in reduction of organic waste materials. Vermicomposting of 60 days resulted both in large population size as well as higher decomposition of waste material. On the basis of C/N ratio it may be concluded that Dichogaster bolaui and Perionyx simlaensis species will be utilized in vermi-technology as one of the important components of organic farming and sustainable agriculture in Haryana.