Research Journal of Engineering and Technology

The sub-lethal exposure (20% and 60%) of LC₅₀ of herbicide butachlor of different feed materials of buffalo dung with agro-wastes of different exposure periods was observed in the laboratory. There was time and dose dependent Sub-lethal (20% and 60%) of LC₅₀ of different exposure periods were observed after treatment of different combination of buffalo dung with agro-wastes. The prolong duration in clitellum development (days), significant reduction in cocoon production/worm and hatchlings/cocoon as well as survival of hatchlings were observed. The sub lethal effect of herbicide butachlor on the earthworm Eutyphoeus waltoni was both time and dose dependent. The prolong duration of clitellum development was observed in 60% LC₅₀ of all exposure periods in buffalo dung. Maximum per cenatage of cocoon production, hatchling/cocoon and survival of hatchling was observed in 20% LC₅₀ of all exposure periods in buffalo dung, wheat straw and gram bran combination. There was no mortality observed in control. There was no significant (P< 0.05, t-test) difference between control and 20% of LC₅₀ of BD+Ws+Gb of all exposure periods shows that the vermicompost of feed material of this combination was more potential for use in agricultural fields because it enhance the tolerance power of earthworm Eutyphoeus waltoni against herbicide butachlor.