Different Doses Of Vermicompost Research Articles

Impact of Vermicompost and Different Plant Activators on Yield and Some Quality Parameters in Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L.)

In addition to being used as a snack, pumpkin seeds are an industrial product. It also has the potential to be used in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. Seed yield and quality are traits of economic importance. This study aims to determine the effect of vermicompost and different plant activators on the yield and some parameters of the pumpkin's quality. For this purpose, three plant activators [(ISR-2000 (I), Symbion-Vam (S), and Green-Miracle (G)] together with vermicompost (V) have been used. The experiment was conducted in the field of the Cukurova University Pozantı Agricultural Research and Application Center, Turkey. A total of 8 applications were made. Conventional fertilizer (CF) application was determined as the control group. The results showed that the applications increased the snack pumpkin's fruit, seed yield, and quality. The highest fruit and seed yield was obtained from CF (37.2 t ha-1, 101.42 g-1m2) application, followed by V+I (27.1 t ha -1, 80.09 g-1m2) application. Additionally, CF applications resulted in the highest fruit width (14.82 cm), length (23.31 cm), seed width (10.21 mm), and length (20.66 mm) of internal weight (74.33 %) measurements. Regarding mineral element and phenolic content, higher results were obtained when vermicompost and plant activators were combined. According to the study results, different doses of vermicompost may be recommended as an alternative to conventional fertilizer application in future studies.

Effect of Vermicompost and Inorganic Fertilizer on Physico-chemical Properties of Soil on Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata)

Keeping this in view on experiment is present with the following objective: To evaluate the effect of different doses of vermicompost with NPK on physico-chemical properties of soil. The soil of experimental area falls in order Inceptisol and soil texture was sandy loam (sand % 62.65, silt % 21.09 and clay % 16.26). The design applied for statistical analysis was carried out with randomized block design with three levels of @NPK 0, 50, and 100% ha-1 and three levels of @Vermicopost 0, 50 and 100% ha-1 respectively. The best treatment was effect on physical and chemical property of soil T9 (@100%NPK+ 100% Vermicompost) and yield Attributes T9 (@100%NPK+ 100% Vermicompost) of cowpea. The largest percentages of pore space (%) with depths of 0–15 cm and 15–30 cm, 46.22% and 45.39%, water holding capacity (%) of 42.28% and 43.34%, and organic carbon (%) of 0.40% and 0.38% were found in the post-harvest soil and pre- harvest plant. There were 299.43 kg ha-1 and 293.36 kg ha-1 of available nitrogen, 22.34 kg ha-1 and 21.67 kg ha-1 of available phosphorus, and 179.84 kg ha-1 and 176.43 kg ha-1 of available potassium. The combination of T9-(@100%NPK+100% Vermicompost) demonstrated non-significant differences in particle density (Mg m-3) of 2.45 and 2.47 Mg m-3, pH of 6.89 and 6.91, and EC(dS m- 1) in bulk density (Mg m-3) with depth 0-15 cm and 15-30 cm, which was 1.40 and 1.41 Mg m-3, particle density (Mg m-3) was 2.45 and 2.47 Mg m-3 pH was 6.89 and 6.91 and EC(dS m-1) 0.46 dS m-1 and 0.50 dS m-1.

Vermicompost Supply Enhances Fragrant-Rice Yield by Improving Soil Fertility and Eukaryotic Microbial Community Composition under Environmental Stress Conditions.

Heavy-metal contamination in agricultural soil, particularly of cadmium (Cd), poses serious threats to soil biodiversity, rice production, and food safety. Soil microbes improve soil fertility by regulating soil organic matter production, plant nutrient accumulation, and pollutant transformation. Addressing the impact of Cd toxicity on soil fungal community composition, soil health, and rice yield is urgently required for sustainable rice production. Vermicompost (VC) is an organic fertilizer that alleviates the toxic effects of Cd on soil microbial biodiversity and functionality and improves crop productivity sustainably. In the present study, we examined the effects of different doses of VC (i.e., 0, 3, and 6 tons ha-1) and levels of Cd stress (i.e., 0 and 25 mg Cd kg-1) on soil biochemical attributes, soil fungal community composition, and fragrant-rice grain yield. The results showed that the Cd toxicity significantly reduced soil fertility, eukaryotic microbial community composition and rice grain yield. However, the VC addition alleviated the Cd toxicity and significantly improved the soil fungal community; additionally, it enhanced the relative abundance of Ascomycota, Chlorophyta, Ciliophora, Basidiomycota, and Glomeromycta in Cd-contaminated soils. Moreover, the VC addition enhanced the soil's chemical attributes, including soil pH, soil organic carbon (SOC), available nitrogen (AN), total nitrogen (TN), and microbial biomass C and N, compared to non-VC treated soil under Cd toxicity conditions. Similarly, the VC application significantly increased rice grain yield and decreased the Cd uptake in rice. One possible explanation for the reduced Cd uptake in plants is that VC amendments influence the soil's biological properties, which ultimately reduces soil Cd bioavailability and subsequently influences the Cd uptake and accumulation in rice plants. RDA analysis determined that the leading fungal species were highly related to soil environmental attributes and microbial biomass C and N production. However, the relative abundance levels of Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, and Glomeromycta were strongly associated with soil environmental variables. Thus, the outcomes of this study reveal that the use of VC in Cd-contaminated soils could be useful for sustainable rice production and safe utilization of Cd-polluted soil.

Ef fect of a Marine Bacterium and Vermicompost on Antioxidant Properties and Fruit Quality of Solanum lycopersicum L.

The present study aimed to evaluate caporal hybrid tomatoes’ antioxidant capacity and fruit quality under greenhouse conditions when applying a combination of a marine bacteria (Stenotrophomonas rhizophila) and dif ferent doses of vermicompost. A random block design was used, with 12 treatments: Inorganic fertilized (IF, control treatment), S. rhizophila (Sr), 60, 150, and 300 g of vermicompost (V), and the combination of Sr+V (Sr+V60, Sr+V150, and Sr+V300), with 20 repetitions each. Plant height, stem diameter, number of flowers, number of fruits, colony-forming units (CFU), polar and equatorial diameter of the fruit, fruit firmness, titratable acidity, total soluble solids (TSS), lycopene, vitamin C, fruit weight and yield per plant were evaluated. These were analysed with the Statistical Package and the Tukey mean test with a significance level of 0.05%. The analysis showed significant dif ferences for all the variables evaluated with Sr+V300 as the best treatment. It is concluded that the use of bacterium isolated from marine environments in combination with vermicompost favors the antioxidant contents and fruit yield being an alternative use in this vegetable.

The effect of vermicompost on the growth and productivity of pepper in Yakutia

The purpose of this paper is to presents the main results on the study of the effect of different doses of vermicompost on the growth and yield of pepper in the conditions of Yakutia. Experiments on testing fertilizers were carried out on peppers of the “Nezhnost” variety. In variant, there were 10 plants. Experimental scheme: 1 variant - was only with soil; variant 2 in addition to this vermicompost - 100 g; variant 3 vermicompost - 300 g; variant 4 vermicompost - 500 g; variant 5 - the biological product “Baikal EM 1” - 100 ml per well with 100 g semi-rotted manure. The optimal rate of application of vermicompost was determined at which plant growth increased by 20.89%, the total leaf area - by 36.55%. All this together affected the yield of pepper. The second best result was obtained when using the biological product “Baikal EM 1”. At the same time, plant growth indicators improved by 12.18%, the total area of the leaf increased by 24.72%. The data obtained complement the scientific base in the field of northern crop production in terms of the use of vermicomposts from local raw materials.

The Effect of the Increasing Doses of Vermicompost Applications to Soil on Some Nutrient Concentrations in Olive (Olea europaea L.) Leaves

This research was conducted on young olive (Olea europaea L.) trees in a private cultivation land located in Bozkoy closed to Geyikli District of Çanakkale Province, Türkiye in the year 2018. The study aimed to investigate the effects of different doses of vermicompost [(control) 0, 2, 4, 6 kg tree-1] on macro and micro nutrient elements of olive trees. Randomized complete block design was established applying four doses with 5 replications. Vermicompost was applied to the soil in a depth of 15-20cm under the crown projection area. During the fruit maturity stage, the leaf samples were collected from annual shoot tip leaves. Macro nutrient element concentrations namely nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) stayed inside the limit values upon applications of increasing doses of vermicompost. While the changes were statistically non-significant. Even though, this research was an annual study comprised on a single year, where N was in an increasing trend and 2 kg tree-1 was found to be the most effective dose of vermicompost on N values (17.13 g kg-1). Among the leaf micro nutrient elements, statistically significant increases were obtained by 2 kg tree-1 on copper (Cu) (31.32 mg kg-1), on manganese (Mn) (50.77 mg kg-1), and 6 kg tree-1, on zinc (Zn) (21 mg kg-1); while a decrease was ob-served on iron (Fe) concentration by 6 kg tree-1 (100.88 mg kg-1). Micro nutrient elements remained under the limit of toxic effect upon all the applications. The dose 2 kg tree-1 was determined to be the most suitable one in terms of both macro and micro element concentrations under such trial circumstances.

Substation of vermicompost mitigates Cd toxicity, improves rice yields and restores bacterial community in a Cd-contaminated soil in Southern China

Cadmium (Cd) contamination in agricultural soil is a global concern for soil health and food sustainability because it can cause Cd accumulation in cereal grains. An in-situ stabilizing technology (using organic amendments) has been widely used for Cd remediation in arable lands. Therefore, the current study examined the influence of vermicompost (VC) on soil biochemical traits, bacterial community diversity and composition, Cd uptake and accumulation in rice plants and grain yield in a Cd-contaminated soil during the late growing season in 2022. Different doses of VC (i.e., V1 = 0 t ha−1, V2 = 3 t ha−1 and V3 = 6 t ha−1) and two concentrations of Cd (i.e., Cd1 = 0 and Cd2 = 50 mg Cd Kg−1 were used. We performed high-throughput sequencing of 16S ribosomal RNA gene amplicons to characterize soil bacterial communities. The addition of VC considerably affected the diversity and composition of the soil bacterial community; and increased the relative abundance of phyla Chloroflexi, Proteobacteria, Acidobacteriota, Plantomycetota, Gemmatimonadota, Patescibacteria and Firmicute. In addition, VC application, particularly High VC treatment, exhibited the highest bacterial diversity and richness (i.e., Simpson, Shannon, ACE, and Chao 1 indexes) of all treatments. Similarly, the VC application increased the soil chemical traits, including soil pH, soil organic carbon (SOC), available nitrogen (AN), total nitrogen (TN), total potassium (TK), total phosphorous (TP) and enzyme activities (i.e., acid phosphatase, catalase, urease and invertase) compared to non-VC treated soil under Cd stress. The average increase in SOC, TN, AN, TK and TP were 5.75%, 41.15%, 18.51%, 12.31%, 25.45% and 29.67%, respectively, in the High VC treatment (Pos-Cd + VC3) compared with Cd stressed soil. Redundancy analysis revealed that the leading bacterial phyla were associated with SOC, AN, TN, TP and pH, although the relative abundance of Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidata, and Acidobacteria on a phylum basis and Actinobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria and Myxococcia on a class basis, were highly correlated with soil environmental factors. Moreover, the VC application counteracted the adverse effects of Cd on plants and significantly reduced the Cd uptake and accumulation in rice organs, such as roots, stem + leaves and grain under Cd stress conditions. Similarly, applying VC significantly increased the fragrant rice grain yield and yield traits under Cd toxicity. The correlation analysis showed that the increased soil quantities traits were crucial in obtaining high rice grain yield. Generally, the findings of this research demonstrate that the application of VC in paddy fields could be useful for growers in Southern China by sustainably enhancing soil functionality and crop production.

Enhancing Nutrient Uptake and Economics of Black Gram through Vermicompost and Vermiwash Application

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of vermicompost and vermiwash on the nutrient uptake and economics of black gram (Vigna mungo L.) at Agronomy farm, S.K.N. College of Agriculture, Jobner (Rajasthan) during Kharif, 2020. The treatments comprised different doses of vermicompost and vermiwash totaling 20 treatments. It was replicated 3 times in FRBD (factorial randomised block design). Results revealed that application of vermicompost 6.0 t/ha significantly enhanced the nutrient content (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) in seed and straw, protein content in seed, the nutrient uptake by seed, straw and total uptake. It also recorded significantly higher gross returns over lower levels. However, higher net returns were observed under vermicompost 4.5 t/ha application. Results further showed that application of vermiwash 15 % foliar spray at the time of flower initiation stage also resulted in significant increase in nutrient content in seed and straw, protein content in seed, nutrient uptake by seed and straw with highest total uptake, gross and net returns of black gram.

Growth and Yield of Urdbean Influenced by Vermicompost and Vermiwash

The field experiment was conducted at Agronomy farm, S.K.N. College of Agriculture, Jobner (Rajasthan) to evaluate the Growth and yield of urdbean [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper] influenced by vermicompost and vermiwash. The field experiment was carried out during the Kharif season, 2020 on loamy sand soil. The experiment comprising 20 treatment combinations with different doses of vermicompost (control, vermicompost 1.5 t/ha, vermicompost 3.0 t/ha, vermicompost 4.5 t/ha and vermicompost 6.0 t/ha,) and foliar spray of vermiwash (control, vermiwash 5%, vermiwash 10% and vermiwash 15%) was carried out in a 3 times replicated factorial randomised block design. The research explored the effect of various doses of vermicompost and vermiwash on different growth parameters and yield of urdbean on various stages. Results revealed that application of vermicompost 4.5 t/ha significantly enhanced the growth attributes of urdbean viz., plant height, number of branches/plant, dry matter accumulation at 50 DAS and at harvest, CGR (Crop Growth Rate), LAI (Leaf Area Index), chlorophyll content, number of total and effective root nodules, fresh and dry weight of nodules. It also recorded significantly higher seed, stover and biological yields (940, 1920 and 2860 kg/ha) over lower levels. However, it was seen to be at par with vermicompost 6.0 t/ha. Results further showed that application of vermiwash 15% foliar spray at the time of flower initiation stage also resulted in significant increase in the above all mentioned growth parameters as well as recorded highest yield.

Response of Long Bean Vegetative Growth Due to Different Types of Mulch and Doses of Vermicompost

Long beans are plants of the Leguminoceae family that grow on vines. Long bean growth rate is influenced by various factors. Some of the external factors that determine the growth rate of long beans are the availability of nutrients and the application of mulch on agricultural land. Research on the vegetative growth response of long bean due to different types of mulch and doses of vermicompost fertilizer has been carried out in Mertak Umbak Village, Central Lombok. This study aims to analyze: (1) the vegetative growth response of long bean due to different types of mulch, (2) the vegetative growth response of long bean due to different doses of vermicompost, (3) the effect of a combination of types of mulch and vermicompost dosage on long bean growth. Research data were analyzed using Anova. The research results show that: (1) the vermicompost treatment significantly affected the increase in total leaf and plant height, but did not have a significant effect on the length and width of long bean leaves, (2) the application of mulch had a significant effect on all observed growth parameters, the highest growth parameters were observed in the application of plastic mulch black silver, (3) the interaction of mulch type and vermicompost dosage had a significant effect on plant height but did not have a significant effect on other growth parameters.

Physiological, biochemical and structural changes in tomato plants by vermicompost application in different exposure periods under glass house conditions

In modern era, various inorganic fertilizers and pesticides are used as plant growth supplements in a variety of crop in order to gain maximum output and also reported as hazardous to mankind as well as environment. In addition, some of the plants died in initial phase of the growth after germination due to poor nutrient content of the soil or exposure to biotic stresses. In the beginning of sustainable agriculture, these chemical fertilizers were replaced with some alternative growth boosters such as organic fertilizers. In the present study, vermicompost was prepared using garden waste and cattle dung followed by analysis of various physico-chemical properties. Then tomato seeds were allowed to germinate in soil and supplemented with different doses of vermicompost (0–100%). The plants were harvested after 10 and 45 days of their germination and tissues were subjected to analysis of various morphological and biochemical parameters. Morphological parameters included root length, shoot length, root fresh weight, shoot fresh weight and number of leaves. Whereas biochemical parameters such as protein content, antioxidative enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase), non-enzymatic antioxidants (ascorbic acid, glutathione, tocopherol), osmolytes (proline, carbohydrate), photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll, carotenoid) and secondary metabolites (phenol, flavonoid, anthocyanin) were estimated on UV–visible spectrophotometer using standard protocols. Further, structural analysis of plant tissue was done using fourier transform infrared spectroscopy spectra (FTIR) and carbon hydrogen nitrogen (CHN) elemental analyzer. Results obtained from the present study revealed significant difference in all morphological and biochemical markers at both 10 and 45 days intervals of time. Further, growth of all plants was found to be directly proportional to the concentration of vermicompost and exposure duration. FTIR spectra and CHN analyses reveal the breakdown of various complex compounds and their transformation from Vcom amended soil to roots of plants. This is the first study in which significant changes were observed in growth, physiology and structural composition of tomato plants at two different exposure periods (10 and 45 days) under glass house conditions which further concluded that vermicompost has a significant potential for increasing plant growth.

Farklı Vermikompost Dozlarının Kıvırcuk Marulda (Lactuca sativa L. var. crispa) Büyüme, Kalite ve Element İçerikleri Üzerine Etkisi

This study was conducted to determine the effects of different vermicompost doses on plant growth, quality properties and element contents in curly lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. var. crispa). The research was carried out in pots under plastic greenhouse conditions in Karabük province. In the study, 6 applications as 4 different doses of vermicompost (V), chemical fertilizer (CF) and control were examined. The applications were as follows: 1) Control (100% soil), 2) V1 (97.5% soil + 2.5% vermicompost, w/w), 3) V2 (95% soil + 5% vermicompost, w/w), 4) V3 (90% soil + 10% vermicompost, w/w), 5) V4 (80% soil + 20% vermicompost, w/w) and 6) CF (100% soil + chemical fertilizer). The experiment was established in completely randomized design with 3 replications. According to the research findings, vermicompost applications significantly increased plant height, plant fresh weight, plant dry weight, number of marketable leaves, chlorophyll, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, calcium, sodium, iron, copper, and zinc contents of the plant compared with the control. When compared to the control, V1 application increased plant fresh weight by 13.25% and phosphorus content by 44.07%; V2 application increased potassium content by 24.29%; V3 application increased plant height by 13.77%, chlorophyll content by 22.30% and nitrogen content by 53.23%; V4 application increased magnesium content by 48.46%, calcium content by 14.36% and zinc content by 16.19%. It was detected that vermicompost had positive effects on plant growth, quality properties and element contents in curly lettuce. As a result, vermicompost can be used successfully as an alternative organic fertilizer for sustainable agriculture in curly lettuce cultivation.

Management of chromium(VI)-contaminated soils through synergistic application of vermicompost, chromate reducing rhizobacteria and Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) reduced plant toxicity and improved yield attributes in Ocimum basilicum L.

An integrated approach involving vermicompost, chromate reducing bacteria and AMF was tested to manage the toxic impacts of Cr(VI) on Ocimum basilicum as a model plant. Pot experiments were conducted on O. basilicum plants in an artificially Cr(VI)-contaminated soil in two phases of experiment as bioinoculants experiment and vermicompost experiment. In the first phase of the bioinoculants experiment the series of gradient concentrations of Cr(VI) (0, 25, 50 and 100 mg kg–1 in soil) were evaluated with previously isolated four efficient Cr(VI)-reducing rhizo-bacterial strains (Bacillus Cereus strain SUCR 44, BC; Microbacterium sp. strain SUCR 140, MB; Bacillus thuringiensis strain SUCR186, BT; and Bacillus subtilis strain SUCR188; BS) along with Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungus—Glomus fasciculatum (GF) in alone and in co-inoculation form. In the second experiment (vermicompost) the best performing strain (MB) was tested alone or in combination with GF along with different doses of vermicompost. It was observed that vermicompost by itself could be useful in decreasing the bioavailable Cr(VI), uptake of Cr besides improving the nutritional status of plants. The vermicompost also played an important and indirect role and improved herb yield by supporting the multiplication of MB (Microbacterium sp.), an efficient chromate reducing rhizobacteria, that further decreased the bioavailable and toxic form of Cr and improved population and colonization of GF too. The translocation of Cr(VI) was averted through improved colonization of GF, also prevented higher accumulation of Cr in aerial parts (leafy herb) of O. basilicum.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00203-022-03230-z.

Analysis of Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) Growth Due to Treatment of Vermicompost and Different Types of Mulch

Beans are vegetables that are widely cultivated in Indonesia. The growth of beans is determined by internal and external factors. The external factor that affects the growth of beans is the availability of nutrients. Vermicompost is an organic fertilizer that can be used to increase beans growth. Research has been carried out on Analysis of Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) Growth Due to Treatment of Vermicompost and Different Types of Mulch. This study aims to determine: (1) the effect of the type of mulch on the growth of beans, (2) the effect of different doses of vermicompost on the growth of beans, (3) the effect of the combination of different types of mulch and the dose of vermicompost on the growth of beans. In this study, a 2-factor design with 4 replications was used. Bean growth parameters include number of leaves, leaf length, leaf width and plant height. Data were analyzed by Anova. The results of the study were: (1) the application of vermicompost significantly increased the number of leaves and plant height, but could not increase the length and width of the beans leaves. (2) the use of mulch can increase the number of leaves, stem height, number of leaves and leaf width of beans, black silver plastic mulch gives better results than rice straw mulch, (3) the interaction of mulch type and dose of vermicompost has no significant effect on all growth parameters measured.

Effect of different doses of vermicompost on growth, yield and quality of radish (Raphanus sativus L. cv. Mino Early)

A field experiment was conducted at Horticulture farm of Nepal Polytechnic Institute (NPI) Bharatpur-11, Chitwan to study the effects of different doses of vermicompost on growth, yield and quality of radish (Raphanus sativus L. cv. Mino Early) from January 2020 to March 2020. Five different doses (0 ton, 5 ton, 10 ton, 15 ton, and 20 ton per hectare) of vermicompost were taken as treatments and the experiment was replicated four times. The experiment was set up in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). The result of the study showed that there was a significant effect of different doses of vermicompost on plant height, the number of leaves per plant, spreading of the plant, root length, root weight per plant, root diameter, and root yield at harvesting. The maximum plant height, the maximum number of leaves per plant and maximum plant spreading in radish plant on vermicompost application was recorded every 30, 45 and 60 days after sowing (DAS). The maximum root length (29.60 cm), maximum root diameter (36.27 mm), maximum root weight (191.8 g), maximum biomass weight (241.6 g/plant), maximum root yield (47.9 ton/ha), were recorded on applying 15 ton/ha vermicompost at 60 DAS. The control treatment showed the minimum vegetative growth and yield. Among the different doses of vermicompost, the overall performance of radish was found better in 15 ton/ha of vermicompost. Statistical analysis showed no differences among (5 ton, 10 ton, 15 ton, 20 ton per hectare of vermicompost) applications. Hence, 5 ton per hectare of vermicompost application will be best for radish production in Chitwan.

Growth and yield performance of strawberry (Fragaria ananassa) under various doses of vermicompost and NPK fertilizers grown at rooftop of Charfasson area in the southern parts of Bangladesh

A pot experiment was carried out on the rooftop of a building at Charfasson town Bhola to evaluate the growth and yield performance of strawberry (Fragaria ananassa) as influenced by different doses of vermicompost and inorganic fertilizers in the winter season of 2020-2021. Each pot was filled with ten kg soil and arranged in a completely randomized design having seven treatments with three replications. Treatments were T1: Control (-VC), T2: 5 t VC/ha, T3: 10 t VC/ha, T4: 15 t VC/ha, T5: 20 t VC/ha, T6: 25 t VC/ha, and T7: 50% RDF NPK (40 - 15-25 kg/ha). Different agronomic parameters were measured at the intervals of 30, 60, 90, and 120 days after sowing of seeds. All the treatments of vermicompost showed better responses in agronomic parameters than the control treatment. Among them, T5 treatment tends to show significantly (p<0.05) higher plant height (18.5 cm), number of the leaf (54/plant), root length (15.50 cm), first flowering (at 61 days), fruit length (5.75 cm), fruit diameter (13.75 cm), number of fruits (15/plant), the average weight of fruit (14.50 g), the fresh yield of fruits (13.59 t/ha), fresh weight of root (10.41 g/plant), fresh weight of reproductive structure (3.12 g/plant), weight of the dry reproductive structure (3.12 g/plant) and benefit-cost ratio (9.37). T6 treatment showed significantly (p<0.05) higher leaf area (49.00 cm2), fresh weight of petiole (4,61 g/plant), the weight of dry root (2.20 g/plant), weight of dry leaf (5.87 g/plant), weight of dry petiole (1.42 g/plant) and weight of dry biomass (12.48 g/plant). T2, T3 and T4 treatments showed significantly (p<0.05) higher growth than T7 treatment. The overall findings revealed that the application of vermicompost (20 t/ha) in the strawberry plant might be a suitable method in rooftop gardening to achieve its better agronomic and yield parameters in the southern parts of Bangladesh.
 Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 30(2): 283-292, 2021 (July)

Parameters of radish phytomass (Raphanus sativus L.) determined by vermicompost and earthworms (Eisenia fetida)

Abstract In 2-year outdoor pots experiment, which was realised in the vegetation cage situated in the campus of Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, both the impact of different doses of vermicompost (Vc) (0%, 10%, 20%, 25% and 50%) and the number of earthworms (EW) (0, 10 and 20 individuals/pot) in the soil substrate were studied on the quantitative and qualitative parameters of radish yield. The achieved results show that along with the increasing quantity of Vc, the total chlorophyll content also increased proportionally. The content of vitamin C declined and the content of nitrates increased in both the aboveground and underground biomass. The weight of the roots and leaves of radish increased until the content of Vc in the substrate did not exceed 20%. Vermicompost abundance >20% led to the decline of root and leaf biomass formation. The root yield and leaf biomass were higher in the presence of 50% Vc content in the substrate, compared with the control. The EW had mostly a negative impact on radish phytomass formation, particularly both weight and root diameter. The highest percentage of roots weight decline cultivated in the treatment with EW were obtained with the least dose of Vc (10%), thereby the least quantity of fodder for the EW. The impact of EW on the total chlorophyll, vitamin C and nitrates contents in roots and leaves was non-significant. The number of EW did not influence the root diameter and content of vitamin C; however, it affected the root weight.

Biber Fidesi Gelişiminde Tort-Perlit Karışımına Vermikompost Katılmasının Etkileri

Bu çalışma fide yetiştirme ortamlarına vermikompost uygulamasının biber fidelerinin gelişimi üzerine etkilerini belirlemek için yürütülmüştür. Fide üretiminde bitkilere uygulanan gübre dozları ve uygulama zamanı fide kalitesini etkileyen en önemli faktörler arasındadır. Vermikompost ürünlerinin bitki gelişiminden toprak düzenleyici etkilerine, antioksidan etkisinden her türlü (bitkisel, hayvansal, endüstriyel vs.) atıkların üretimde kullanılabilmesine kadar birçok avantajı bulunmaktadır. Çalışmada klasik olarak oluşturulan fide harcı (%70 torf ve %30 perlit) çalışmanın kontrol grubunu oluşturmaktadır. Köylüm biber çeşidinin kullanıldığı çalışmada kontrol grubuna farklı dozlarda vermikompost (%5, 10, 20) katılarak biber fidesi yetiştirilmiştir. Kullanılan vermikompostun özellikleri pH: 7,5, EC: 2,15 dS m–1, C/N: 18,71, organik madde: %64, N: %1,25, K2O: %1,02, P2O5: %0,55) olarak bulunmuştur. Çalışmada aynı zamanda gübrelemede tam gübre (EC: 1) dozu ve yarı gübre (EC: 2) dozu uygulaması da yapılmıştır. Çalışmada toplam çıkış oranı (%), gövde uzunluğu (cm), gövde çapı (mm), yaprak sayısı (adet), kök uzunluğu (cm), yaş ve kuru yaprak ağırlığı (g), yaş ve kuru gövde ağırlığı (g), yaş ve kuru kök ağırlığı (g) özellikleri belirlenmiştir. Kontrol grubuna göre %10 ve %20 vermikompost uygulamasında biber fidelerinin yaprak yaş ağırlığı, kök yaş ağırlıklarında istatiksel olarak artışlar sağlanmıştır. Bitki fidelerinin ilk çıkışları ile pazarlanabilir zamanları vermikompost uygulaması ile erkene çekilmiştir. Çalışma sonunda kontrol harcına vermikompost uygulaması ile incelenen bazı özelliklerin olumlu etkilendiği belirlenmiştir. Vermikompost uygulaması torf-perlit karışımına karıştırılabilecek bir organik kökenli gübre olarak çalışmada iyi bir performans göstermiştir.

Vermicompost-enriched Substrate Improves the Production of Milky Mushroom (Calocybe indica)

Aims: We investigated most suitable substrate (wheat and rice straw) enriched with vermicompost and their different levels (10%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%) for enhancing production of milky mushroom. 
 Study Design: The experiment was designed by following single factor Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). 
 Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was conducted in a mushroom culture house to observe the growth and productivity of highly potential milky mushroom by using different vermicompost enriched substrate during March-October, 2017
 Methodology: Based on the different treatment combinations the quantity of substrate and vermicompost on volume basis were used per packet with 5% spawn. Coco dust was used as casing material. After incubation, matured fruiting bodies were harvested and data were recorded on growth and yield parameters.
 Results: The addition of vermicompost with rice substrates improved the diameter of pelius 32-74%, thickness of pelius 26- 60%, diameter of stipe 24-55% and length of stipe 25 to 95% relative to the unsupplemented substrate. Similarly, vermicompost supplementation with wheat straw substrates increased the diameter of pelius 27-71%, thickness of pelius 11- 40%, diameter of stipes 21-56% and length of stipe 17- 72% relative to the unsupplemented substrate at any harvest. Supplementation of vermicompost reduced the duration for spawn run 11-55% in wheat straw and 11- 49% in rice straw compared with non-supplemented one. Furthermore, pin head initiation became quicker 26- 66% in wheat straw and 15- 61% in rice straw. In addition, total number of fruiting body increased from 6- 82% in wheat straw supplemented with different doses of vermicompost, while rice straw increased total number of fruiting body ranged from 17- 39% compared to unsupplemented one. The addition of 10%, 25%, 50% and 75% levels of vermicompost with wheat straw increased the fresh yield of C. indica by 23%, 54%, 121% and 73%, respectively compared to wheat straw alone; however, similar levels of vermicompost with rice straw increased the fresh yield of C. indica by 31% , 63%, 112% and 87%, respectively compared to rice straw alone. The biological efficiency of C. indica also did exhibit significant differences ranged between 65-160% among different levels of vermicompost supplementation with rice and wheat straw substrates.
 Conclusion: The result revealed that increasing the vermicompost level lead to a less biological efficiency and yield, but it remains higher than the control (straw alone). It is additionally conceivable that the application of vermicompost to substrates with lower levels would provide an even better yield, without adversely affecting the bioefficiency of the harvested mushrooms. These judges, however, need more work to validate reliability.

Effect of organic amendments on growth and yield attributes of medicinal and aromatic plants under peach-based agroforestry system in the mid-hills of the Western Himalayas

ABSTRACT The present study was conducted to assess the effect of organic manures on the growth and yield of three medicinal plant species (Andrographis paniculata, Withania somnifera and Ocimum sanctum) in an experimental peach-based agroforestry system. The experiment lasted 2 years. It was laid out in a Randomized Block Design with three replications each year, made up of 10 treatments for each medicinal plant at three different doses of vermicompost (2 t/ha, 4 t/ha, 6 t/ha) and three different doses of farmyard manure (15 t/ha, 20 t/ha, 25 t/ha) with or without peach trees. It was observed that the three species could successfully be cultivated as intercrops under peach without any adverse impact on their performance and production ability. Growth and yield attributes of MAPs were higher when intercropped under peach than under sole cropping system. The application of organic amendments had a significant effect on growth and yield of MAPs with superior performance at higher doses. This study emphasizes the potential of integrating medicinal plants in existing fruit-based systems as an efficient strategy for traditional farming communities in the Indian Himalayas to maximize land use efficiency and minimize resource degradation.