Vermicompost enriched with phosphate–solubilizing bacteria provides plant with enough phosphorus in a sequential cropping under calcareous soil conditions

Abstract

Aim of this study was to determine the direct and residual effects of the vermicompost enriched with the various phosphate–solubilizing bacteria (PSB) on improvement of phosphorus (P) uptake by tomato and wheat plant and consequently the growth of these plants on a low P calcareous soil in a sequential cropping under greenhouse conditions. The vermicompost enriched with effective PSB significantly increased the shoot P concentration of tomato plant (26–53%) and wheat plant (20–39%) treated with the vermicompost to an adequate level (>0.30%) in the range of P–fertilized plants by decreasing soil pH (0.4–0.6 units decrease in pH) and increasing soil available P, soil respiration rate, and activity of soil dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase. The PSB used in enriching the vermicompost had different effects on the measured parameters. Our findings highlight the importance of vermicompost enriched with effective PSB as a natural fertilizer in calcareous soils for vegetable and cereals cultivation, which can supply enough P for maintaining sustainable production without additional P inputs. The information on the availability of P following PSB enriched–vermicompost addition to soil may help in better management of P–fertilization in calcareous soils.