Effect of vermiwash and vermicompost on soil parameters and productivity of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) in Guyana

Abstract

Present investigations were carried out during the year 2006 - 2007 at University of Guyana, Georgetown focusing on recycling organic waste using vermitechnology and use of vermicompost and vermiwash obtained from the vermitech in varied combinations for exploring the effect on soil and productivity of Okro (Abelmoschus esculentus) in Guyana. The soil quality was monitored during the experiment along with plant growth parameters of Okra. The study revealed that combination organic fertilizers vermicompost and vermiwash combination compared with control and chemical fertilizers had great influence on plant growth parameters. The average yield of Okro (A. esculentus) during trial showed a significantly greater response in comparison with the control by 64.27%. The fruits were found to have a greater percentage of fats and protein content when compared with those grown with chemical fertilizers by 23.86 and 19.86% respectively. The combination treatment vermiwash and vermicompost combination was also found to have a significant influence on the biochemical characteristics of the soil with marked improvement in soil micronutrients. The combination treatment was the found to be better suggesting qualitative improvement in the physical and chemical properties of the soil, which is substantiated by composite, index {Rank 1 for vermicompost and vermiwash combination with composite index of 9}. This biological method of crop cultivation is sustainable and improves soil health rather than conventional methods based on the earlier observations. Key words: Organic waste, vermicompost, vermiwash, soil fertility, okra, Guyana.