Biomass production and reproduction of tropical epigeic earthworms (Eisenia fetida, Perionyx excavatus, and Dicogaster bolaui) were studied using in-situ vermicomposts to assess the suitability of different forest litters, i.e., Tectona grandis(teak), Madhuca indica(mahua), and Butea monosperma (palas) and crop residues, i.e., Triticum aestivum L. (wheat), Glycine max Merri. L. (soybean), and Brasica juncea L. (mustard) as food materials. The leaf litter of T. grandis and the wheat crop residue (T. aestivum L.) were found to be the most suitable food material for these earthworms. Comparisons of the survival and reproduction rate of three epigeic earthworms revealed that the higher reproduction rate was maintained in case of E. fetida compared to P. excavatus and D. bolaui in these vermicomposts. The progressive decrease in total organic carbon, C/N ratios, water-soluble carbohydrates, and biodegradability index was observed irrespective of treatments in the progressive stage of decomposition. The total organic carbon decreased significantly and C/N ratios narrowed down about 17 percent to 45 percent and water-soluble carbohydrates decreased to about 11 percent to 25 percent by the application of earthworms compared to control. Application of earthworms accelerated the decomposition of forest litters and crop residues, which ultimately resulted in larger cation exchange capacity/total organic carbon (CEC/TOC) ratios than their respective control values. The use of earthworm application accelerated the compost maturity in the order: T. grandis litter compost > wheat straw > Madhuca indica> B. monosperma > soybean straw > mustard straw compost. The lignin content of decomposed organic waste increased with maturation, and concomitant decrease of cellulose giving rise to higher lignin/cellulose ratios. Irrespective of earthworms inoculation, levels of available nutrient such as NH 4 -N, NO3-N and available P were increased significantly (p = < 0.05).