Addition Of Vermicompost Research Articles

Assessment of genotoxic effects of pesticide and vermicompost treated soil with Allium cepa test

Abstract Soil forms a huge reservoir of nutrients that sustains life on earth. Anthropogenic and natural impacts have led to degradation of land which declines the overall quality of soil, water or vegetation. The present study involves comparison of genotoxicity of soil procured from two different agricultural sites, pesticide treated soil (PTS) and vermicompost treated soil (VTS). The soil was physico-chemically characterized and showed significant differences in terms of cytotoxicity (root length; mitotic index) and genotoxicity (chromosomal aberrations) in Allium cepa test. The mitotic index of the control after 24 and 48 h was found to be 26.1 ± 1.6 and 26.1 ± 1.3 respectively. Mitotic index was reduced to 10.3 ± 0.9 and 9.7 ± 0.6 in 100% PTS and 24.4 ± 1.7 and 25.4 ± 0.8 in 100% VTS after 24 and 48 h of exposure, respectively. Clastogenic aberrations were found to be highest (54.5%) in 100% PTS which was significantly different from VTS extract. The PTS extracts incurred significantly more cytotoxic and genotoxic effects on A. cepa in comparison to VTS. The result indicates that addition of vermicompost in agriculture field acts as soil ameliorator and plays an important role in promotion of cell division and proliferation, hence good for the plant health and crop productivity.

Application of vermicompost improves strawberry growth and quality through increased photosynthesis rate, free radical scavenging and soil enzymatic activity

Abstract Vermicompost (VC) is thought to improve soil quality and plant yield. However, the effect and mechanism of VC on strawberry growth and quality are not well known. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of VC on the morphological and physiological indexes of strawberry and on the microbial properties of soil and to analyze the potential mechanisms of VC on the growth and development of strawberry. A pot experiment was conducted in a randomized design under solar greenhouse conditions. The treatments were six different volumetric ratios of VC to soil: 100% soil (control, CK); 10% VC + 90% soil (VC10); 20% VC + 80% soil (VC20); 30% VC + 70% soil (VC30); 40% VC + 60% soil (VC40); 50% VC + 50% soil (VC50). In this study, VC not only increased growth attributes such as biomass production, plant height and leaf area but also improved fruit yield, mean fruit weight, and the contents of soluble sugar and vitamin C. Notably, chlorophyll content and net photosynthetic rate increased significantly at the white fruit stage. Additionally, 20% and 30% VC addition dramatically improved superoxide dismutase activity and reduced malondialdehyde content. We also found significant improvements in soil microbial and enzyme activity, cation exchange capacity and root activity with the application of VC compared with the control. Overall, VC had a positive effect on strawberry growth and quality, which was attributed to increases in photosynthesis rate, free radical scavenging, and soil enzymatic activity.

Response of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) on Saline Soil amended with Vermicompost and Pulverized Eggshell

Objectives: To evaluate the response of lettuce on salinity, an experiment was carried out to determine its yield, growth components and organoleptic properties. Methods/Statistical analysis: It was laid out in completely randomized design, replicated thrice, and grown in the following treatments: T1 (Control) - 100%garden soil (GS); T2 - 100% strongly saline soil (SS); and T3 –strongly saline soil amended with vermicompost and pulverized eggshell in a 2:1:0.25 ratio (SVE). Findings: No germination occurred in strongly saline soil (8.32 ds/m) while germination and growth was observed in lettuce sown in saline soil amended with 50% vermicompost and 12.5% pulverized eggshell. There was also a decrease in soil salinity for about 77% (from 8.27 to 1.09 ds/m). As expected, profuse growth was observed in lettuce grown in GS (1.53 ds/m). Moreover, crops grown in GS and SVE had high sensory evaluation results since sensory attributes such as texture, succulence, color, taste and aroma were extremely liked by the respondents. Application/Improvements: Generally, the addition of vermicompost and pulverized eggshell in a strongly saline soil could lessen soil salinity, make the seeds germinate and induce lettuce to grow. Keywords: Lettuce, Saline soil, Vermicompost, Pulverized eggshell, Sensory evaluation

Performance of different Vermicomposts on yield and yield components of Mungbean {Vigna radiata L.) in major soils of Bundelkhand region, India

Sustainable agriculture is one in which the goal is permanence, achieved through the utilization of renewable resources. This leads to development of concept of organic natural farming. Vermicomposting is one of the important aspects of organic farming. Vermicompost plays a major role in improving growth and yield of different field crops, vegetables, flower and fruit crops. Present study was carried out in major soil group (black soil and red soil) of Bundelkhand region with addition of different vermicompost and their effects on performances of Vigna radiata L. GonA/th and yield parameters were measured 30 days and 60 days after sowing. Significant performances were found in cowdung based vermicompost in black soil in compare to red soil. The result of our experiment showed the application of vermicompost had significant positive effects on growth performances and yield of plant as compare to control

Vermicompost and Vermiwash Minimized the Influence of Salinity Stress on Growth Parameters in Potato Plants

ABSTRACTPotato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is the fourth major crop worldwide after cereals. Some producers use irrigation water with high salinity, which consequently decreases the agronomic yield and potato quality. The aim of this investigation was to determine the effect of vermicompost and vermiwash on plant growth and tuber yield and characteristic traits in Solanum tuberosum L. plants and tubers subjected to salinity stress. A surface response experimental design with three replicates using a central point and 15 treatments was used with vermicompost at 300, 580, and 860 g plant−1; vermiwash at 5, 10, and 15 ml plant−1; and salinity stress with 15, 20, and 25 mM of NaCl levels. Plant physiological measurements included plant height (cm), stem diameter (mm), and plant fresh and plant dry weight (g). Six months after planting, measurements on tuber fresh weight, pH, electric conductivity, and °Brix were carried out. The addition of vermicompost and vermiwash minimized the influence of salinity stress on growth parameters and tuber characteristics in potato plants. Vermicompost (580 g plant−1) plus vermiwash (15 ml plant−1) induced a greater plant height and stem diameter. Plants amended with vermicompost (860 g plant−1), vermiwash (15 ml plant−1), and salinity stress (15 mM) had higher pH values, whereas electrical conductivity value in potato tubers decreased.

Soil Contaminated with Glyphosate: Can Vermicompost Be Considered a Bioremediation Agent?

The efficiency of the addition of vermicompost in relation to the decontamination of red latosol was evaluated against acute toxicity, biomass gain and reproduction of Eisenia foetida (earthworms) incubated in the contaminated soil. The soil was spiked to different concentrations of glyphosate from 96 mg kg-1 (recommended by the manufacturer) to 10000 mg kg-1 to simulate contamination by shedding of the herbicide. To evaluate the effect of vermicompost in the soil contaminated with 10000 mg kg-1 glyphosate, 15 g of vermicompost, totaling 3%, was added to the soil. The incorporation of vermicompost to the soil inhibited earthworm mortality. However, even the dose of 96 mg kg-1 presented deleterious effects on the reproduction of E. foetida. It can be concluded that the addition of vermicompost to soil contaminated with glyphosate attenuates the deleterious action of the herbicide on E. foetida.

Effect of Biochar, Green Compost, and Vermicompost on the Quality of a Calcareous Soil

Changes in the chemical and biological characteristics of a calcareous soil by the addition of green compost (GC), vermicompost (VC), biochar, biochar + GC, and biochar + VC were evaluated during a 360-day laboratory incubation. The GC and the VC treatments lowered the soil pH and increased the total and dissolved organic C, microbial biomass C, microbial quotient, alkaline phosphatase (AP-ase) and specific AP-ase, dehydrogenase (DH-ase) and specific DH-ase, and metabolic potential. The improvement in the biological activity of the soil was more notable and permanent with VC than GC. The biochar treatment temporarily increased the pH of the calcareous soil (pH 8.2) up to a maximum of 8.57, showed the greatest increase of total organic C, did not change dissolved organic C and microbial biomass C, and induced small effects on soil biological activities. When mixed with biochar (biochar + GC and biochar + VC), composts led to higher organic C mineralization; dissolved organic C, biomass C, and DH-ase activity; and did not change the metabolic quotient, specific AP-ase, and specific DH-ase activities. The AP-ase activity of biochar was enhanced only by the addition of VC, although in a nonadditive way. Metabolic potential was more than halved by the GC and was not changed by the VC. Overall, our study shows that the incorporation of both composts, particularly VC, into calcareous soils may improve soil quality, whereas biochar could have benefits for C sequestration. In addition, the mixing of GC, and especially VC with biochar, increased some soil quality parameters compared with the biochar-only treatment.

Vermicompost and Gypsum Amendments Improve Aggregate Formation in Bauxite Residue

AbstractImproving aggregate formation and stability of bauxite residue is essential for the development of a soil on the residue. Effects of gypsum and vermicompost on related chemical and physical conditions of bauxite residue were studied in a laboratory incubation experiment. The addition of gypsum at 2% and 4% w/w reduced pH and exchangeable sodium percentage while increasing exchangeable calcium content. The addition of vermicompost reduced bulk density while significantly increasing porosity and total organic carbon. Vermicompost had a positive effect on the formation and stabilization of water‐stable aggregates in the residue, while gypsum was more beneficial to silt‐sized microaggregate flocculation. Amendments also enhanced the erosion resistance of bauxite residue. Furthermore, wet sieving using the modified Le Bissonnais' method revealed that in comparison with differential clay swelling and mechanical breakdown, slaking was the major disaggregation mechanism of residue aggregates. The combination of gypsum and vermicompost converted the residue from a sheet‐like structure to a granular macroaggregated structure while converting microaggregates from a grain to a granular or prismatic structure. The findings of this work suggest that application of gypsum and vermicompost to bauxite residue may directly influence aggregate size distribution and its micromorphology, resulting in the improvement of both aggregate stability and structure. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Peach seedling growth with mycorrhiza and vermicompost

Sterilization of nursery substrate materials decreases the beneficial microorganisms in the surrounding root media and may result in poor seedling growth; compost and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) may improve the plantlet development. This experiment aimed to analyze the effect of both AMF inoculation and vermicompost for the initial peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch.] seedling growth in sterilized substrate. Peach seedlings germinated in sterilized perlite were distributed into four resulting treatments from the combination of two factors and two levels each: with/without vermicompost in the growing media and with/without AMF inoculation at the transplanting time. Seedlings were arranged completely randomized inside a glasshouse throughout the study. Utilization of vermicompost in the growing media and AMF inoculation, and their combination, resulted in less total chlorophyll (p < 0.05) measured at 108 days after planting (DAP). At the end of the experiment (180 DAP), AMF inoculation resulted in root colonization greater than 70 % of the total root length; however, this effect was eclipsed by adding vermicompost to the substrate. Root and shoot dry weights and also stem diameter were superior (p < 0.01) by adding vermicompost to the growing substrate, but AMF inoculation had no effect on these variables. It is concluded that vermicompost addition to the substrate is preferable to AMF inoculation in order to stimulate peach seedling growth during the initial six months in sterilized substrates. DOI: https://doi.org/10.54167/tch.v11i2.157

Vermicompost Incorporation into Soil Contaminated with Deltamethrin as an Attempt to Reduce the Toxicity Caused by this Pyrethroid: A Structural Study of Soil

The use of vermicompost for remediating soil contaminated with the commercial formulation containing deltamethrin was proposed. Biotoxicity tests with the goal of evaluating the potential remediation degree of the vermicompost after its addition to contaminated soils were performed. The tests lasted 56 days and involved Eisenia foetida earthworms. Possible structural changes in humic acids from these soils were evaluated by means of FTIR spectroscopy. The soil contaminated with deltamethrin offers toxicity to the earthworms. However, the vermicompost addition caused great positive impact on soil contamination level, which became quite similar to the reference soil. The vermicompost remedial effect depends on the source material. In this study the vermicompost were from filter cake and orange peel. The results obtained by FTIR pointed out for a weak interaction such as van der Waals type between the pyretroid and humic acids.

Nitrogen Dynamics of Strawberry Cultivation in Vermicompost-Amended Systems

ABSTRACTThe use of vermicompost as a soil amendment is suggested as a method to reduce nitrogen (N) losses in crop production; however, it is unclear whether and how vermicompost can affect water quality after a significant irrigation or rainfall event. Bare-root strawberry plugs were grown in 1-gallon plastic pots. The treatments consisted of two media: (1) a peat:perlite soil-less mix and (2) a fine sand soil. Each media was amended with three levels of dairy manure vermicompost: 0, 10, and 25% by weight, and a biweekly synthetic fertilizer treatment of 150 mg N-P-K L−1 evaluated in a full factorial randomized block design. Drainage water from each plant was collected each week for 18 weeks and analyzed for NO3− concentration. In the first 2 weeks, high (1000–5000 mg L−1) amounts of NO3− leaching occurred in all vermicompost-amended media relative to non vermicompost-amended media, but this leaching significantly (p < 0.01) decreased over time across all vermicompost treatments. Strawberry growth response to 10% vermicompost was similar to synthetic fertilizer only treatments. Plants grown with vermicompost at 25% with synthetic fertilizer had the highest above-ground vegetative biomass (15.3 g) relative to plants with synthetic fertilizer only (5.3 g). These data suggest vermicompost addition rates of 10 and 25% by weight promote high vegetative biomass in greenhouse strawberry but may facilitate high initial nitrate leaching, which can negatively affect water quality and environmental health.

Effects of Co-Application of Zeolites and Vermicompost on Speciation and Phytoavailability of Cadmium, Lead, and Zinc in a Contaminated Soil

ABSTRACTIn this study, we investigated, with pot experiments, whether combined application of zeolites and vermicompost is more effective than single application on plant growth and heavy metals’ uptake in a heavy metal contaminated soil. The results showed that co-application of these amendments decreased zinc (Zn) and cadmium (Cd) availability by their redistribution from plant available forms to organic matter and metal oxide associated fractions. While, the addition of vermicompost and zeolites increased the lead (Pb) concentration significantly in the soluble/exchangeable form as compared with the control. Applying vermicompost individually or in combination with zeolites markedly increased plant biomass. Single zeolites and vermicompost reduced Zn and Pb contents of corn roots and shoots compared to un-treated soil, but less compared to the combined zeolite and vermicompost treatments. The results obtained suggest that co-application of zeolites and vermicompost could be an option for immobilizing Cd, Pb, and Zn in heavy metal contaminated soils.

Addition of Vermicompost to Heavy Metal-Contaminated Soil Increases the Ability of Black Oat (Avena strigosa Schreb) Plants to Remove Cd, Cr, and Pb

The contamination of soil with heavy metals is a serious agricultural issue. The presence of foods contaminated with heavy metals in the human diet can cause health damages. Metal phytoextraction processes remove soil contaminants through plant absorption; however, plants display different responses to the metal contamination of the soil. Thus, the purposes of this paper were to determine cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), and lead (Pb) immobilization in soil mixed with different amounts of stabilized vermicompost (obtained by earthworm composting) and verify if this vermicompost helps in the removal of heavy metal through the phytoextraction technique with black oat (Avena strigosa Schreb cv IAPAR 61) plants. The addition of a high quantity of vermicompost (50, 75, and 100%) to the soil presents similar results to the immobilization of Cd, Cr, and Pb, and a similar trend was observed in lower quantities (0 and 25%) of vermicompost. The addition of vermicompost improves the growth of black oat plants, but only the treatment with 25% of vermicompost showed promising results in the absorption of Cr and Pb, and the treatment with 50% in the absorption of Cd. Finally, we suggest that “IAPAR 61” black oat cultivar is efficient Cd, Cr, and Pb accumulators. However, heavy metal remained mostly in the root, indicating that root-to-shoot translocation was not efficient, hindering its application for phytoremediation strategies.

English

The objective was to evaluate the effect of tannery sludge vermicompost in the chemical properties of soil cultivated with tomato and irrigated with wastewater. The experimental design was completely randomized in a factorial 6 &times; 2, totaling twelve treatments with three replications. The treatments were: four tannery sludge vermicompost (25% Sludge tannery(LC) + manure - T1, 25% Sludge tannery(LC) + rice husk - T2; 50% Sludge tannery(LC) + manure - T3 and 50% Sludge tannery(LC) + cane gray - T4), conventional fertilization (T5) and control (without fertilization - T6) and two types of irrigation water (domestic sewage and class 2 water). The physico-chemical characteristics and chemical soil and vermicompost (fertilizers) were determined before the culture of the installation vessels and after ninety days of driving the tomato crop. The data were submitted to analysis of variance by F test and comparisons between treatment means were performed by 5% Tukey test. In general, concentrations of chemical parameters in the soil after addition of vermicompost have increased, particularly in the addition of T2 = 25% LC + 75% of rice husk and T4 = 50% LC + 50% cane gray. The treated soil demonstrated pH, CEC, organic matter and saturation enhanced base increased, sodium and potential acidity decreased. Thus it can be concluded that vermicompost used can be added to soil conditioners changing the soil chemical attributes positively. Key words: vermicomposting, chemical attributes, reuse.

Effects of Cover Crops, Compost, and Vermicompost on Strawberry Yields and Nitrogen Availability in North Carolina

Summer cover crop rotations, compost, and vermicompost additions can be important strategies for transition to organic production that can provide various benefits to crop yields, nitrogen (N) availability, and overall soil health, yet are underused in strawberry (Fragaria ×ananassa) production in North Carolina. This study was aimed at evaluating six summer cover crop treatments including pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum), soybean (Glycine max), cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), pearl millet/soybean combination, pearl millet/cowpea combination, and a no cover crop control, with and without vermicompost additions for their effects on strawberry growth, yields, nutrient uptake, weeds, and soil inorganic nitrate-nitrogen and ammonium-nitrogen in a 2-year field experiment. Compost was additionally applied before seeding cover crops and preplant N fertilizer was reduced by 67% to account for organic N additions. Although all cover crops (with compost) increased soil N levels during strawberry growth compared with the no cover crop treatment, cover crops did not impact strawberry yields in the first year of the study. In the 2nd year, pearl millet cover crop treatments reduced total and marketable strawberry yields, and soybean treatments reduced marketable strawberry yields when compared with the no cover crop treatment, whereas vermicompost additions increased strawberry biomass and yields. Results from this study suggest that vermicompost additions can be important sustainable soil management strategies for transitional and certified organic strawberry production. Summer cover crops integrated with composts can provide considerable soil N, reducing fertilizer needs, but have variable responses on strawberry depending on the specific cover crop species or combination. Moreover, these practices are suitable for both organic and conventional strawberry growers and will benefit from longer-term studies that assess these practices individually and in combination and other benefits in addition to yields.

Effects of Vermicompost and Vermiwash on Plant, Phenolic Content, and Anti-oxidant Activity of Mexican Pepperleaf (Piper auritum Kunth) Cultivated in Phosphate Rock Potting Media

ABSTRACTThe aim of this investigation was to determine the effect of vermicompost, vermiwash, and phosphate rock on plant, total phenols, flavonoids, and anti-oxidant activity in Piper auritum Kunth leaves. P. auritum plants were obtained from cuttings and were planted according to the Box-Behnken experimental design with three repetitions at the central point. The factors and levels were vermicompost (10, 20, and 30 g plant−1), vermiwash (5, 10, and 15 mL plant−1), and phosphate rock (1, 2, and 3 g plant−1). Plant growth parameters (plant height, stem diameter, leaves number) and chlorophyll content were measured 1 month after treatment applications. Total phenols, total flavonoids, and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl radical scavenging activity was measured after 4 months. Vermicompost, vermiwash, and phosphate rock had no statistically significant effect on plant growth. Plant height, stem diameter, leaves number, chlorophyll, innermost number, fresh weight stem, fresh weight leaves, fresh weight root, dry weight stem, dry weight leaves, and dry weight root were not different among treatments. Total phenolic compounds were statistically affected for both vermiwash and phosphoric rock (p < 0.05) and the anti-oxidant activity decreased by vermicompost addition. The application of 15 mL plant−1 vermiwash, 1 g phosphate rock, and 20 g vermicompost plant−1 increased the total phenol content.

Vplyv vermikompostu na zmeny bakteri�lneho spolocenstva v rizosf�re kukurice

The aim of the study was to observe changes in the diversity of bacterial community in maize rhizosphere influenced by organic and mineral fertilization. Four variants of fertilization were tested - vermicompost (VC) at recommended annual dose 40t*ha-1, doubled annual dose of VC, recommended dose of ammonium saltpeter with dolomite (LAD 27) and combination of VC and LAD 27. Experiment was conducted with potted maize plants in controlled conditions of greenhouse during 74 days. Using PCR-DGGE method, we investigated differences in total bacteria community as well as in community of ammonia oxidizing bacteria. Based on occurrence of operative taxonomic units (OTU) we found differences in bacterial species spectra among fertilization variants. The highest Shannon´s biodiversity index was observed in variant with VC addition in dose 80 t*ha-1.The fertilizers effect on diversity of ammonia oxidizing bacteria was not significant however in each variant with vermicompost addition was the occurrence of new specific OTU observed. This OTU was identified as Nitrosospira sp. It was proven that some bacterial species introduced to soil with vermicompost addition can survive for at least 74 days and these bacteria can influence basic functions of soil microbiocenosis in nitrogen cycle.

CONCENTRACIÓN DE NITRATOS EN DOS TIPOS COMERCIALES DE LECHUGA (Lactuca sativa L.) CULTIVADAS CON DISTINTAS FUENTES NITROGENADAS

Nitrate (NO3 -) can transform into nitrite (NO2 -) in the human body and nitrites can change normal hemoglobin to methemoglobin, contributing to the formation of carcinogenic nitrosamines. Lettuce is one of the vegetables with a high capacity to accumulate nitrates. The objective of this study was to evaluate the response of lettuce to increasing doses of nitrogen applied as urea and the addition of vermicompost on the nitrate leaf content of two commercial types of lettuce: cv. Daguan (butterhead) and cv. Brisa (loose-leaf). Two field trials were conducted simultaneously in two growing seasons: autumn-winter and spring. One trial consisted of compost 24 t ha-1 vermicompost-(L1) added and a control treatment (L0) with no amendment, while the other treatment consisted of 75 kg N ha-1 (N1) and 150 kg N ha-1 (N2) applied as urea, also with a control treatment without fertilization (N0). The experimental design was a randomized complete block, split-plot design with four replications. Nitrate concentration was measured by colorimetry during growth and harvest. A decreasing level of nitrate concentration was observed in both trials during the winter period. Nitrate concentration was influenced by genotype, fertilization treatments and seasons. A higher level of nitrates was observed in the vermicompost treatment with ‘Brisa’ in both seasons. In the autumn-winter season, ‘Brisa’ presented a higher response to urea application, recording higher levels of nitrates at harvest compared to ‘Daguan’. No response to fertilization was observed in the spring and only the treatment consisting of 150 kg N ha-1 (N2) in ‘Brisa’ resulted in higher leaf nitrate content at harvest.

English

Application of Nitrogen (N) at 150 mg kg-1 soil significantly increased the grain and straw yield of wheat from 2.70 to 8.24 and 4.97 to 9.44 g pot-1, respectively over control. Addition of vermicompost at 1% alone increased the grain and straw yield of wheat from 2.70 to 4.81 and 4.97 to 6.60 g pot-1 respectively over control and in combination with N at 150 mg kg-1 soil further improved from 4.81 to 10.73 and 6.60 to 11.89 g pot-1, respectively. Use of Clodinafop propargyl at 60 and 90 g a.i. ha-1 significantly decreased the grain yield of wheat from 4.74 to 3.60 and to 2.93 g pot-1, respectively and that of straw yield from 7.16 to 5.87 and to 4.31 g pot-1, respectively over control (without C. propargyl). The grain and straw yield of wheat also decreased significantly with the application of C. propargyl (60 to 90 g a.i./ha) in presence of both vermicompost and N. Nitrogen, Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K) uptake by grain and straw increased significantly with the increase in each successive dose of N up to the level of 200 mg kg-1 soil and highest uptake of NPK by grain were 149.56, 57.59 and 40.87 mg pot-1, respectively and that of by straw the highest value recorded were 54.72, 18.24 and 143.78 mg pot-1, respectively. Application of vermicompost at 1% significantly increased NPK uptake in both grain and straw over control. Use of C. propargyl at 60 and 90 g a.i. ha-1 significantly decreased the NPK uptake by grain and straw. Key words: Clodinafop propargyl, Nitrogen, nutrient uptake, pot study, vermicompost and wheat yield.

Interaction between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and vermicompost on copper phytoremediation in a sandy soil

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and vermicompost may decrease the deleterious effects of copper on plants. The goal of the present study was to evaluate the effect of inoculation with the fungus Rhizophagus clarus and the addition of grape bagasse vermicompost on phytoremediation by Canavalia ensiformis of a sandy soil with high Cu concentration. Soil was contaminated with 100mg Cukg−1, fertilized with vermicompost at levels equivalent to 0, 10, 20, 40 and 80mg Pkg−1, and cultivated with C. ensiformis with and without inoculation with R. clarus. Availability of Cu and other nutrients in the soil and in the soil solution, shoot and root accumulation of Cu and other nutrients, plant growth, and Cu phytotoxicity—using photochemical efficiency, concentration of photosynthetic pigments, and oxidative stress enzyme activities as indicators of Cu phytotoxicity—were evaluated. Phytostabilization showed better performance with the addition of the vermicompost level equivalent to 20mgPkg−1 and in the presence of R. clarus. Phytoextraction was higher with the addition of the vermicompost level equivalent to 40mgPkg−1 and without R. clarus inoculation. However, C. ensiformis was not a good phytoextractor because less than 100mg Cukg−1 accumulated in the shoot. The system C. ensiformis–vermicompost–R. clarus exhibited potential for Cu phytostabilization in sandy soils.