Isolation and Characterization of an Anaerobic Nitrogen Fixing Xylanolytic Bacterial Consortium from Vermicompost and Its Application in Improving the Process of Vermicomposting

A stable anaerobic nitrogen fixing xylanolytic bacterial consortium was isolated from 45th day pressmud: bagasse: trash (8:1:1) vermicompost. It was designated as NBX-1 and consisted of Gram positive rods and cocci. The members of the consortium were inseparable from each other and therefore represent a stable symbiotic entity. It showed xylanase (8.4 µmols/ml/min) and nitrogenase (5024 nmols/hr/mg cell protein) activities. The individual functions of the partners could not be determined due to the inability to purify them. Combined inoculation of NBX-1 & earthworms (Eudrilus eugeniea) decreased the C/N ratio almost two weeks ahead of natural composting and thus improved the composting rate. 13C CPMAS NMR data highlights the distinct changes in the occurrence of various functional groups like olefinic, methylene and carbonyl groups in the compost on earthworm & NBX-1 inoculation.