Combined Application Of Vermicompost Research Articles

Influence of Organic Nitrogen Sources on Aromatic Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Cultivation in the Eastern Plateau and Hill Region of India

The field experiment was conducted at farm of Divyayan Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India during kharif season of 2021 following the three times replicated randomized block design with 7 organic N sources (control, 100% FYM, 100% vermicompost (VC), 100% Karanj cake (KC), 50% FYM +50% VC, 50% VC +50% KC, 50% FYM +50% KC) to study the response of transplanted aromatic rice to various organic N sources. The results expressed that N applied through manures ensured higher plant response over control and specifically, that through 50% VC +50% KC recorded the maximum plant height, tillers/m2 and leaves/plant. Further, this combined application of VC and KC also recorded maximum productive tillers/m2 (199.3), panicle length (24.1 cm), filled grains/panicle (172.8), test weight (22.9 g), grain yield (7.37 t/ha), straw yield (9.08 t/ha) and harvest index (44.8%) resulting in higher gross return (₹4,83,590/ha), net return (₹3,37,079/ha) and B:C (3.30). 100% N applied through KC remained as the second-best alternative in ensuring high growth, yield and profitability in aromatic rice.

Vermicompost and NPSZnB Fertilizer Levels on Maize (Zea mays L.) Growth, Yield Component, and Yield at Guto Gida, Western Ethiopia

The application of organic and inorganic fertilizers together increases crop productivity and soil fertility. However, it is crucial to identify the combined application level. A field experiment was carried out in the Guto Gida district in 2021 to determine the effect of vermicompost levels and chemically mixed NPSZnB fertilizer rates on the growth and yield of maize. Four vermicompost levels (0, 2.5, 5, and 7.5 t·ha−1) combined with four artificial NPSZnB fertilizer rates (0, 50, 100, and 150 kg·ha−1) were used for the study in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 3 replicates. Crop phenology and biomass yield were both significantly influenced by the main effects of vermicompost level and NPSZnB rate. Vermicompost and NPSZnB fertilizer applied together had a large effect on plant height, leaf area index, ear weight, thousand kernel weight, and grain yield. The largest grain yield (8.03 t·ha−1) was produced by the interaction of vermicompost at 7.5 t·ha−1 with 150 kg·ha−1 NPSZnB, followed by all levels of vermicompost at and above 5 t·ha−1 with 100 and 150 kg·ha−1 NPSZnB. Additionally, plots treated with a combined application of vermicompost and NPSZnB fertilizer at rates of 5 t·ha−1 × 100 kg·ha−1 and 5 t·ha−1 × 150 kg·ha−1, respectively, recorded the greatest values of ear weight (276.1 g) and thousand kernel weight (49.79 g). However, the lower yield was obtained from plots that were untreated with both vermicompost and NPSZnB, and the plot treated only with 50–150 kg·ha−1 of NPSZnB. In conclusion, integrated applications of vermicompost at 5 t·ha−1 and NPSZnB fertilizer at 100 kg·ha−1 increased maize yield by about 10.36%, with a net benefit of 140486.00 ETB·ha−1 and a marginal rate of return of 797.98%. As a result, vermicompost application at 5 t·ha−1 rate with synthetic NPSZnB fertilizer at 100 kg·ha−1 is found suitable for the study area.

Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Growth Parameters and Productivity of Maize Cultivar PMH-5

The present study was undertaken to study the effect of INM on growth parameters and productivity of maize cultivar PMH-5. An investigation was taken up during kharif season of 2020-21 at the Instructional Farm, Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Udaipur. The experiment was laid down in factorial randomized block design (FRBD) with three replications. The treatments comprised of three levels of vermicompost, i.e. Control (VC0), Vermicompost @ 2.5 t ha-1 (VC1), Vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1 (VC2), four levels of chemical fertilizers i.e. Control (F0), 50 % RDF(F1), 75 % RDF (F2), 100 % RDF (F3) and two levels of biofertilizer, i.e. Control (B0), Azotobacter + PSB (B1). The results revealed that all plant growth parameters, grain, straw and biological yield of maize were found highest with the combined application of Vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1 (VC2)+ 100% RDF (F2)+ Azotobacter + PSB (B1) Respectively, which is statistically at par with combined application of Vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1 (VC2)+ 100 % RDF (F3) + Azotobacter + PSB (B1).

Vermicompost Enhances the Effectiveness of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi, Cowpea Development and Nutrient Uptake

Background: Optimum plant nutrition with various organic and inorganic fertilizers such as synthetic fertilizer, compost, mycorrhiza and bacterial isolations have a pivotal role in agricultural production. This study was laid out to observe the combined impact of mycorrhiza and vermicompost treatments on plant growth and nutrient uptake of cowpea. Methods: The experiment was laid out under controlled greenhouse conditions at Tokat Gaziosmanpaþa University in 2021. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and vermicompost treatments were used in the experiment. The experiment was laid out in split-plot randomized complete design with three replications. Result: Individual performance of vermicompost amendment was more effective on nutrient uptake and seedling growth compared with alone mycorrhizal treatment and control. However, the combined application of mycorrhiza and vermicompost exhibited a remarkable synergistic impact on each other. In particular, combined application of vermicompost and mycorrhizal fungi induced leaf phosphorus content up to 72% over control seedlings. In conclusion, vermicompost both increased effectiveness of mycorrhizal fungi and also promoted nutrient uptake, dry matter accumulation and seedling growth in cowpea.

Biochar and vermicompost improve growth and physiological traits of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) under deficit irrigation

BackgroundDrought is one of the most important environmental stresses that can adversely influence soil properties, plant growth, and productivity of agricultural crops including eggplant as an important vegetable crop. In recent years, the use of agricultural wastes has been reported as a beneficial and sustainable measure in soil water retention and fertility enhancement. In this study, the effect of date palm and pistachio biochar, vermicompost and a combination of biochar and vermicompost was evaluated on eggplant growth, yield and water use efficiency under deficit irrigation.Materials and methodsThe experiment was done in a split-split plot based on randomized complete block design with three replications and under open field conditions. The main plot was deficit irrigation in three levels of 100, 75 and 50% of plant water requirement (PWR), and the sub-plots were vermicompost in two levels of 0, 1500 g m−2, and biochar in three levels of 0, 500 g m−2 of the pistachio biochar and 500 g m−2 of the date palm biochar.ResultsThe results showed that soil amendment with vermicompost and pistachio biochar and 100% PWR showed the best plant growth and performance. The early crop yield was highest under pistachio biochar and 50% PWR, while the total plant yield was highest under combined application of vermicompost and pistachio biochar at 100% PWR. The plant water use efficiency was maximum under mixed application of vermicompost and pistachio biochar at 50% PWR. Application of both pistachio biochar and vermicompost at 100% PWR resulted in the highest leaf concentrations of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, iron and manganese. The highest levels of physiologically important stress metabolites, including malondialdehyde, guaiacol peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase enzymes were found in treatments without amendments or only with vermicompost and 50% PWR.ConclusionThe results indicate that under normal and particularly water deficit conditions, vermicompost and biochar increased eggplant vegetative growth, yield and water use efficiency.

Nitrogen Uptake and Use Efficiency of Wheat (<i>Triticum aestivum </i>L.) Varieties as Influenced by Combined Application of Vermicompost and Nitrogen Fertilizer Rate

Crop management strategies that improve nitrogen use efficiency and increase profits while reducing the detrimental effects on the environment due to loss of nitrogen fertilizer. A study was conducted in 2019 cropping season to evaluate effectiveness of vermicompost, N fertilizer and their combinations in improving nitrogen uptake and nitrogen use efficiency at Holeta Agricultural Research Center. The experiment was designed in a split- split-plot combination with wheat varieties (Wane and Danda’a) as main plots, four vermicompost rates (0, 2.5, 5 and 7.5 t ha^-1) as sub-plot and four N fertilizer rates (0, 23, 46 and 69 kg N ha^-1) as sub-sub plot with three replications. Synergistic nutrient interaction effect sourced from vermicompost and urea fertilizer brought positive influence on wheat nitrogen uptake and use efficiency. The highest (154.33 kgha^-1) total nitrogen uptake was obtained from combined application of Wane variety together with 5 t ha^-1 vermicompost and 46 kgha^-1 of nitrogen fertilizer while the lowest value (33.21kgha^-1) was obtained from control plot. Maximum grain nitrogen use efficiency (93.45 kg kg^-1) was recorded from plot that received Wane variety with 23 kg N ha^-1 and the value decreased as vermicompost and N fertilizer level increased while the lowest (29.63 kg kg^-1) value was obtained when Danda’a variety used with vermicompost at 7.5t ha^-1 and 69 kg ha^-1nitrogen fertilizer. Similarly, the highest nitrogen apparent recovery efficiency (111.42%) and agronomic efficiency (42.59 kg kg^-1) were observed in treatment that received Wane variety with combined application of vermicompost at 5 t ha^-1 and nitrogen at 46 kg ha^-1 while the lowest value was respectively obtained from Danda’a variety with nitrogen at 69 kg ha^-1 and Danda’a variety with vermicompost at 2.5t ha^-1. The maximum (72.64%) N harvest index was recorded from variety Wane when applied with combination of vermicompost at 2.5t V ha^-1 and nitrogen at 46kgha^-1, but the minimum (61.98%) value was recorded from application of vermicompost at 7.5tha^-1. Therefore, integrated use of variety, vermicompost and nitrogen fertilizer is found to be better in enhancing nitrogen fertilizer efficiency and reducing environment problems.

Potential of Vermicompost Drippings and Other Vermicomposting Products on the Growth and Yield of Lettuce

Vermicompost drippings (VD), one of the by-products of vermicomposting, have been largely ignored in the Philippines as an organic fertilizer for economically important vegetable crops. Several reports mention that using vermicompost drippings/leachates have significantly improved crop growth, which had been attributed to its large amounts of plant nutrients, growth hormones, and presence of beneficial organisms. This study aims to look into the potential of vermicompost drippings as a possible foliar fertilizer for lettuce. The application of vermicompost drippings, vermitea, and vermicompost significantly improved growth, yield and nutrient uptake of lettuce grown in acidic soil conditions, which is comparable with those fertilized by synthetic fertilizers. Further improvement in yield was recorded when vermicompost was supplemented with a foliar application of vermicompost drippings. In terms of nutrient uptake, a tripled increase from plants treated with at least two vermicomposting products was recorded while highest phosphorus uptake was manifested by the application of vermicompost drippings. The same trend exists in potassium plant uptake, where there was an observed increase of about four times potassium content in tissue compared to the control. This increased nutrient resulted in taller and heavier plants with bigger and more developed leaves, dramatically increasing yield. Hence, lettuce could be grown organically using vermitea, vermicompost, and vermicompost drippings, but further improvement of growth and yield could be done using a combined application of vermicompost and drippings.

Effect of Vermicompost Supplemented by Foliar Application of Silicate on Marjoram Plants Grown in Saline Soil

This study aimed to reduce the negative effects of soil salinity on marjoram plants by adding vermicompost to the saline soil complemented by foliar application of silicate (Si +2 ) to their leaves. To achieve this purpose in field, the experiment was arranged as a factorial experiment. (Two way) Based on randomized complete block design with four replications. The first factor was vermicompost which was added at four rates (0, 3, 4 and 5 ton fed -1 ). The second factor was silicon which was used at four rates (0, 2.5, 3.75 and 5 mM). Results revealed that the single application of either vermicompost or silicon reduced Na and proline concentration in plant shoot and enhanced plant growth, nutrient content, carbohydrate percentage and essential oil yield in plant shoots. This increase remained constant and not correlated with the rates of application. The combined application of vermicompost and foliar spraying of silicon resulted in noticeable increase in plant growth, nutrient content (N, P, K and Ca), carbohydrate percentage and essential oil yield in marjoram plants; the highest values of all parameters were recorded by using vermicompost at rate 3 or 4-ton fed -1 coupled with spraying 3.75 mM of silicon solution on plant leaves. These results proved that amendment of saline soil by adding vermicompost and spraying silicon solution on plant leaves directly is a good strategy for the reclamation of saline soil and mitigation of salt stress within plant tissues.

Yield and physicochemical properties of inulin obtained from Iranian chicory roots under vermicompost and humic acid treatments

Chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) is a valuable medicinal plant and belongs to the family Asteraceae. Both chicory and Jerusalem artichoke are used in the production of inulin at industrial levels. Meanwhile, the extraction of inulin from chicory is more commonly considered. In this research, different levels of vermicompost and humic acid were used in order to study the effects on Iranian chicory roots, their growth and the physicochemical properties of their inulin. Treatments were vermicompost (0, 5, 7.5 and 10 tons/ha) and commercial humic acid (0, 0.3, 0.6 and 0.9 kg/ha). In this study, the growth parameters of roots were measured, including their fresh and dry weights, the depth of the root network and root volume. Furthermore, several phytochemical parameters were measured, including total sugars, reducing sugars, percent of inulin and the average degree of polymerization (DPn). Results showed that the combined application of vermicompost 7.5 tons/ha + humic acid 0.9 kg/ha significantly increased the fresh weight of roots (by 50.7%), the dry weight of roots (by 51.47%), depth of the root network and root volume compared to the control. In the same manner, the combination of vermicompost 10 tons/ha + humic acid 0.9 kg/ha significantly increased the fresh weight of roots (by 45%), the dry weight of roots (by 48.5%), depth of the root network and root volume compared to the control. All of the three concentrations of humic acid significantly increased the yield of inulin. The highest level of vermicompost (10 tons/ha) caused the highest amount of inulin (71.87%) which was 8.99% more than the control. The reducing sugars were not influenced by humic acid and vermicompost. However, all concentrations of humic acid as well as the highest level of vermicompost (10 tons/ha), significantly increased the total sugar content compared to the control. The application of 10 tons/ha vermicompost caused the highest value of Dpn (28.67).

Direct and Residual Effect of Organic Manure on Buckwheat (Fagopyrum Esculentum Moench) – Fodder Ricebean (Vigna Umbellata) Cropping System

The research programme was carried out during early summer seasons of 2012 and 2013 at the experimental farm of Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Pundibari, Cooch Behar to study the direct and left over effect of organics on Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) – fodder Rice bean (Vigna umbellata) cropping system. The trial was carried out in Randomized block design with 14 treatments and replicated thrice. Results demonstrate that combined application of vermicompost, poultry manures, mustard cake and farmyard manure improved seed yield of buck wheat by 0.51 and 0.53 t ha-1 over 100 % RDF in 2012 and 2013, respectively. Among the sole application of organic manures, application of poultry manure at 5 t ha-1 proved its superiority in terms of stem and seed yield of buck wheat. Collective application of vermicompost at 2.5 t ha-1 + mustard Cake at 2.5 t ha-1 + poultry manure at 2.5 t ha-1 + Farmyard manure at 4 t ha-1 to the preceding buckwheat crop produced 18.67 and 17.20% more fodder yield of ricebean than 100 % chemically treated plot during both the years. Application of vermicompost at 2.5 t ha-1 + mustard Cake at 2.5 t ha-1 + poultry manure at 2.5 t ha-1 + Farmyard manure at 4 t ha-1 also leave highest amount of available N, P and K in the soil. Economic analysis revelaed that treatment producing highest yield of buck wheat and ricebean fetched lower B: C ratio (0.63 and 0.74 during 2012 and 2013, respectively) as compared to other treatemnts.

Yield and Nutrient Content of Tomato as Influenced by the Application of Vermicompost and Chemical Fertilizers

A pot experiment was conducted to investigate the yield and nutrient content of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) as influenced by the application of vermicompost and chemical fertilizers. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD) with 3 replications and comprised of 8 treatments viz., T1 - control, T2 - recommended dose of NPK fertilizers (CF), T3 - vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1 (VC1), T4 - vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1 (VC2), T5 - VC1 + 50% CF, T6 - VC1 + 75% CF, T7 - VC2 + 50% CF and T8 - VC2 + 75% CF. Application of vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1 along with 50% chemical fertilizers showed the best performance for plant height, number of leaves plant-1, number of flowers branch-1, number of fruits branch-1, number of fruits plant-1, fruit size and yield of tomato. Vermicompost treated soils significantly contributed the highest contents of sugar, pH, N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Zn & B in tomato, influenced nutrient status of the postharvest soil and conserved more organic C, N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Zn & B contents over control. However, soluble solids and vitamin C content in tomato were not significantly influenced by the application of vermicompost and chemical fertilizers. Results of the study demonstrate that the combined application of vermicompost and chemical fertilizers would help to maintain the long-term soil productivity for sustainable tomato cultivation.J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 8(2): 115-122 2015

Effect of Vermicompost and Chemical Fertilizer on Growth, Herb, Oil Yield, Nutrient Uptake, Soil Fertility, and Oil Quality of Rosemary

Essential oil of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) possesses good olfactory properties and is suitable for use in perfumes, soaps, and fragrances. Field experiments were conducted for 2 years (2003−2005) in an area experiencing a semi-arid tropical climate to study the influence of vermicompost and chemical fertilizer on growth, herb, oil yield, nutrient uptake, soil fertility, and oil quality of rosemary. Results from the experiment revealed that among the seven treatments, the application of vermicompost (8 t ha−1) + fertilizer nitrogen (N)−phosphorus (P)− potassium (K) (150:25:25 kg ha−1) produced optimum herbage and oil yield of rosemary compared with control (no fertilizer) and was found to be on par with application of fertilizer NPK 300:50:50 kg ha−1. Content and quality of oil were not influenced by vermicompost and chemical fertilizers. Furthermore, it was noticed that available N and P were greater in postharvest soils that received vermicompost alone or in combination with inorganic fertilizers than control (no fertilizer) and inorganic fertilizer−treated soil. This study indicates that combined application of vermicompost and chemical fertilizer helps to increase crop productivity and sustain the soil fertility.

Effect of organic and inorganic fertilizers on root yield and nutrient uptake pattern inAsparagus racemosusWilld. in a semi-arid tropical climate

A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of organic (vermicompost) and inorganic fertilizers (NPK) on growth, root yield and nutrient uptake pattern in satavari in semi-arid tropical climate. Results revealed that combined application of vermicompost (5 t ha−1) + inorganic fertilizers NPK (50:25:25 kg ha−1) significantly increased the height of the plant, root yield and nutrient uptake and soil microbial load as compared to control. The root yield increased by 68.19% with which clearly indicated that 50% inorganic fertilizer can be supplemented with organic fertilizer without any yield loss of satavari. Similarly nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) contents of the plant except phosphorus (P) have also increased.

Nutrient Management on Soil Health, Nutrient Uptake and Yield of Maize under Temporary Submerged Condition in Mollisol

A field experiment was conducted during Kharif 2010 with a view to find out the effect of different integrated nutrient management practices on soil quality parameters, growth, yields and yield attributes and nutrient uptake by maize (PEHM-5) under managed temporary excess soil moisture stress at knee high stage in mollisol. Results showed an improvement in soil quality parameters in plots supplied with organic sources either individually or combination of all with 100% NPK fertilizers to that grown with inorganics alone or no fertilizers. Bulk density was lowest under combined application of vermicompost, zinc, PSB and Azospirillum with 100% NPK but applied ZnSO4 increased bulk density to a maximum of 1.38 Mg m-3 . Inoculation of biofertilizers along with vermicompost enhanced organic carbon by 0.02 - 0.14 per cent over other treatments. Availability of N, P, K and Zn was significantly influenced by applied organic sources with chemical fertilizers. Treatments received 100% NPK along with zinc, Azospirillum, PSB and vermicompost significantly recorded higher values of 187.32, 31.96, 178.35 and 2.71 kg ha -1 available N, P, K and Zn, respectively, but individual application of Azospirillum, PSB and zinc responded to least availability of zinc, N and P, respectively. Higher total uptake of N, P, K and Zn was recorded with combined application of organic and inorganic inputs with 100% NPK followed by 100% NPK+ vermicompost. Nutrient management practices had significant effect on growth, yields and yield attributing parameters; however nodes with brace roots and ASI were not significantly affected. Different organic and inorganic combinations produced 144-917 kg ha -1 more grain yield over 100% NPK whereas reduced by 1237-2154 kg ha -1 to the treatment subjected to no submergence. Inclusion of Azospirillum and PSB with 100% NPK gave statistically on par grain yields. Maize plants grown with vermicompost, 125% NPK and combination of all inputs showed in general, lower net photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate and leaf temperature, respectively, while higher leaf diffusive resistance to that of normal condition. Integrated use of biofertilizers and vermicompost with 100% NPK was found to be the best for maize production under excess soil moisture stress.