Evaluation of phytotoxic effect of plant dry leaf based vermicompost on seed germination, growth and yield of fenugreek (Trigonella Foenum Graecum)

Abstract

Phytotoxicity is one of the most critical factors for determining whether any type of compost is suitable for agricultural use and in avoiding environmental hazards until it is recycled back to agricultural land. Composting is one of the best economic and environmentally sustainable means of managing different kind of wastes from different origins. The present study involves plant bioassay test conducted by using different amounts of soil and vermicompost. The treatments prepared are 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% including one control. For each trail, three replicates were maintained in order to get the accurate results. The seeds used for the study are fenugreek seeds. The mean values were calculated and used for interpretation of the results. From the plant bioassay experiments, various parameters like total seeds germinated, number of leaves, number of flowers, pods, seeds in pods, length of roots and shoots were counted and measured. From the experimental results, it was found that overall growth of plants was observed in 25% and 50% treatments compared to the other treatments and control. The plant bioassay tests clearly showed that soil with 25% to 50% of vermicompost mixing will be found beneficial for the growth and development of fenugreek plants.