Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the changes in chemical and microbial properties and enzymatic activity of soil enriched with vermicompost derived from household waste. The vermicompost was tested in the rhizosphere of Larix decidua seedlings cultivated in 10-L pots in: (i) nursery soil (as the control), (ii) soil with 10% v/v vermicompost, and (iii) with 20% v/v vermicompost. The impact of vermicompost was assessed in terms of soil C/N ratio; bacterial, fungal, and nematode counts; and enzymatic activity. It was found that vermicompost increased the C/N ratio from 21 to 32, as well as the content of nitrate from 78 to 134 mg kg−1, of ammonium from 14 to 139 mg kg−1, of phosphorus from 92 to 521 mg kg−1, and of potassium from 142 to 1912 mg kg−1, compared with the control soil. The abundance of beneficial bacteria was increased (from 8.61 × 107 to 37.9 × 107), along with decreases in microbiological ratios of fungi and bacteria (e.g. fungi/Bacillus from 0.18818 to 0.00425). A significant 2- to 4-fold increase was observed compared with the control in the number of beneficial nematodes belonging to bacterivorous, fungivorous, and predatory groups with no change in the abundance of plant-parasitic nematodes. Addition of vermicompost brought about a change in soil enzyme activity. Vermicompost reduced the activity of alkaline phosphatase only. Both doses of vermicompost led to an increase in the activity of acid phosphatase, inorganic pyrophosphatase, dehydrogenases, β-glucosidase, and urease. Only the higher dose had an effect on increasing the activity of o-diphenol oxidase and proteases. No significant change was observed for nitrate reductase. Also, the presence of antibiotics produced by bacteria was detected depending on the dose of vermicompost, e.g. iturin (ituC) and bacillomycin (bmyB) were found in soil with a dose of 20% v/v vermicompost. Overall, vermicompost produced from household waste can be an excellent organic fertilizer for larch forest nurseries.
Highlights
Vermicomposting is a sustainable technology for utilizing organic waste as a result of which natural fertilizer applied to soil improves its yielding properties
Microorganisms are responsible for the stabilization of biological processes in soil solution, and soil enzymes produced by microorganisms participate in the circulation of organic and inorganic matter
An enzymatic activity indicates that vermicompost additives did not affect the denitrification process (Table 5)
Summary
Vermicomposting is a sustainable technology for utilizing organic waste as a result of which natural fertilizer applied to soil improves its yielding properties. Rapid biodegradation of organic waste during vermicomposting is a result of the interaction between earthworms and microorganisms. Epigeic earthworms (sensu Bouché 1977) are the most suitable for producing vermicompost as they live in organic horizons, feed primarily on decaying organic matter, and are the most efficient in biodegrading organic waste and releasing nutrients into the soil (Lim et al 2016). In addition to rapidly fragmenting and processing the biodegradable fraction (6–18 h), earthworms cause the secretion of enzymes, eliminate harmful microorganisms, and contribute to the development of beneficial microorganisms (actinides, fungi) in the soil (Flegel and Schrader 2000; Pathma and Sakthivel 2012). In a state of equilibrium of the environment (homeostasis), in addition to naturally occurring plant defence mechanisms, soil microorganisms play a key role in supporting these mechanisms, providing nutrients, and producing growth stimulants
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
