<![CDATA[This study examined the effect of adding mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) frass to cow manure media on the productivity of Lumbricus rubellus and the quality of the vermicompost. A completely randomized design was employed with six treatments (T0–T5), consisting of increasing proportions of frass: T0 (100% cow manure), T1 (95:5), T2 (90:10), T3 (85:15), T4 (80:20), and T5 (75:25). The T2 treatment yielded the highest earthworm biomass gain (4.95 g), cocoon production (87.94 cocoons), and media reduction (198.83 g), all statistically significant (p<0.05). Vermicompost from each treatment was assessed through a growth trial using Ipomoea reptans (water spinach) under eight media combinations (U0–U7): U0 (100% soil), U1 (soil + NPK), and U2–U7 (soil + vermicompost from T0–T5, respectively). Among these, U7 (incorporating vermicompost from T5) demonstrated the highest nutrient content (C-organic 41.51%, N 1.99%, P₂O₅ 1.99%, K₂O 1.47%) and significantly enhanced plant growth (p < 0.05). These findings indicate that moderate frass supplementation (10%) optimizes earthworm productivity, while higher inclusion levels (25%) improve vermicompost agronomic value. Thus, moderate frass addition is recommended to optimize vermicompost production and worm performance.]]>
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