Conversión acelerada de retama negra (Cytisus scoparius) en un biofertilizante de calidad mediante vermicompostaje

Abstract

Wild shrubs belonging to Cytisus scoparius are widely distributed throughout the world, and they are
considered a threat to other species in some countries. Cytisus spp. mainly grow in disturbed areas and their presence often favours the rapid spread of fire. Theaim of this study was to evaluate whether such shrubs could be processed by vermicomposting on an industrial scale to yield high-quality organic and polyphenol-free fertiliser. Vermicomposting reduced thebiomass of C. scoparius substantially (by 84%), mainly as a result of the loss of volatile solids. After 6 weeks, the process yielded anutrientrich, microbiologically active and stabilised peat-like material without the polyphenol-associated phytotoxicity. Simultaneously, the initial population of earthworms increases remarkably, up to 350%. The procedure described is effective, simple and economical, and could easily be scaled up for industrial application.