Earthworm Compost Research Articles

A Comparative Study on the Nutrients in Organic Fertilizers and Garden Soil in Tirunelveli

Organic fertilizers are natural compounds made from waste or by-products and human assistance is limited to physical extraction or processing steps. Examples of commonly used organic matter include sewage sludge, food processing waste, composted animal manure, and urban biosolids. In this study, an attempt was made to examine the nutritional value of Lyroderma lyra (giant pseudo-vampire bat) bat guano, garden soil, and earthworm compost. Essential elements (macro elements - N, P, K, NO3, NO2, Pi, PO3), trace elements (Na, C, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cl), meso elements (Mg, Ca, SO4)) from this study The identified non-essential elements (Al), toxic elements (Ba) and pH were analysed and compared. Earthworm compost is rich in No3, No2, Pi, PO3, Ca, Mg, SO4, C, Fe, Zn, Mn and Cl. On the other hand, bat guano is rich in N, K and Na. The garden soil was rich in Cl, Mg, Ca, N. No toxic element was found in the garden soil but found in very low levels in both vermicompost and bat guano. In summary, these elements improve soil health and gradually release necessary nutrients into the soil as essential elements. This study suggests the need for prior soil studies and the need to better balance the effects of different organic matter on plant growth.

Effects of Different Amounts of Litter Earthworm Compost on the Growth of Rose

Effects of Different Amounts of Litter Earthworm Compost on the Growth of Rose

Growth and production of lettuce on substrates based on detritivorous earthworms drilocomposts

Alternative plant growing inputs have been increasingly sought out to reduce the economic-environmental impacts of intensive use of synthetic fertilizers in conventional agriculture. This study aimed to evaluate the production components of lettuce in response to the use of earthworm compost in substrate compositions. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse using a completely randomized design in a 3 x 5 factorial scheme, with six replications, testing three earthworm species (Eisenia andrei, Eudrilus eugeniae, and Perionyx excavatus) and five drilocompost ratios (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%), produced by these species and added to the composition of substrates by mixing them with soil. Production components evaluated comprised total and commercial numbers of leaves, commercial fresh weight, as well as shoot and total fresh and dry weights. Lettuce production components increased as the drilocompost ratio in substrates was raised, regardless of the earthworm species. Moreover, the addition of 25% this drilocomposted material in the dystrophic soil was enough to improve its fertility condition. In general, substrates prepared with worm castings from Perionyx excavatus and Eudrilus eugeniae were more efficient in increasing lettuce production components than that from Eisenia andrei. Palavras-chave: Cultivo orgânico, Eisenia andrei, Eudrilus eugeniae, Lactuca sativa, Perionyx excavatus.

Microbial fertilizer from PK rocks on lettuce nutrients and soil attributes in consecutive crops

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of a microbial fertilizer, produced from phosphate and potassic rocks and earthworm compost, as an alternative to conventional fertilizers, on lettuce (Lactuca sativa) nutrients and soil attributes. The experiment was conducted in consecutive cycles (30 and 60 days) in a soil from the Lorca region, in the municipality of Murcia, Spain. The fertilization treatments were: conventional fertilizer, 100% of the recommended rate (RR); microbial fertilizer, 50% of the RR (5 Mg ha-1); microbial fertilizer, 100% of the RR (10 Mg ha-1); microbial fertilizer, 150% of the RR (15 Mg ha-1); and control, without N-P2O5-K2O fertilization. The microbial fertilizers applied at 100 and 150% of the RR showed significant and positive effects, as well as the best results for plant characteristics. The microbial fertilizer increased total N and available P and K compared with the conventional fertilizer. A residual effect was observed in the successive cycle. The effectiveness of the microbial fertilizer shows it is a viable alternative to conventional fertilizers, with positive effects on plant productivity and soil attributes.

Interactive effectiveness of microbial fertilizer enriched in N on lettuce growth and on characteristics of an Ultisol of the rainforest region

To improve yield and nutrient absorption, the addition of fertilizers is recommended to provide nutrients in adequate quantities. An alternative substitution for conventional fertilizer is the use of Acidithiobacillus bacteria to produce rock biofertilizer that is subsequently mixed with organic matter inoculated with diazotrophic bacteria (Beijerinckia indica) and with Mucorales fungus (Cunninghamella elegans) for nitrogen enrichment and plant protection. This study evaluates the effectiveness of microbial fertilizer on nutrient uptake and its interaction with consecutive cycles of grown lettuce on an Ultisol in the Brazilian rainforest region. The experiment used eight fertilizer treatments (biofertilizer and conventional soluble fertilizer) applied at three rates (50%, 100% and 150% of the recommended rate (RR) and a control treatment of earthworm compost (2.4 L plant−1), in four replicates. The total N, P and K in plants leaves, as well as pH, total N and available P and K in soil samples, were measured. The microbial fertilizers (biofertilizer and bioprotector) showed similar effects, as did the conventional soluble fertilizer, on nutrient uptake in the lettuce leaves and on the soil samples. A residual effect was observed, and the microbial fertilizers increase lettuce characteristics in the three cycles compared with the conventional fertilizer. We concluded that the microbial fertilizer enriched in N by inoculation with B. indica may be a viable alternative for the replacement of conventional soluble fertilizers in lettuce grown in an Ultisol of the rainforest region.

Dióxido de silicio como estimulante del índice de calidad de plantas de chile piquín (Capsicum annuum L. var. glabriusculum) producidas en vivero

Desde el siglo pasado el dióxido de silicio ha tomado notoriedad, no solo por su rol en los componentes electrónicos, sino también por sus efectos benéficos en algunos cultivos como el arroz o la fresa. El objetivo del presente estudio fue conocer los impactos del dióxido de silicio como fertilizante sobre la calidad de planta del chile piquín. El trabajo se desarrolló en el vivero de la Facultad de Ciencias Forestales de la Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, durante enero-mayo de 2016. Se aplicaron tres tratamientos más el testigo: 1) testigo, 2) dióxido de silicio, 3) lombricomposta, y 4) una mezcla de lombricomposta y dióxido de silicio. Se monitoreó el crecimiento de la planta en altura cada cinco días, después de la fertilización se utilizó el Índice de Calidad de Dickson para evaluar la calidad de la planta al finalizar el experimento. Los resultados indicaron que la lombricomposta y el dióxido de silicio tuvieron un mayor incremento medio de altura de planta, a 14 cm y 12.8 cm, respectivamente; seguido del testigo (11.25 cm), y por último, la mezcla de dióxido de silicio con la lombricomposta (11 cm). El Índice de Calidad de Dickson fue más alto con el dióxido de silicio y la lombricomposta; la mezcla de ambos tuvo un promedio más bajo con alta variación, finalmente, en las plantas testigo se estimó el menor índice.

OPTIMIZATION OF BIOFERTILIZERS ENRICHED IN N BY DIAZOTROPHIC BACTERIA

Free-living diazotrophic bacteria can enrich organic biofertilizer in nutrients to application in sustainable agriculture. The objective of the study was to select diazotrophic bacteria isolated from different soils, evaluated by analyses of nitrogenase activity. The diazotrophic were submitted to gene rRNA 16S sequenced and the best isolates compared with strains used to produce the biofertilizer. The biofertilizers used earthworm compost and sugarcane mud cake mixed with PK rock biofertilizer in different proportions (3:2:1 and 2:3:1). The experiment conducted in a factorial 6x2x2, used six diazotrophic bacteria applied in two concentrations (100 and 200 mL) and organic matter in the selected proportions, with four replicates. Samples were collected in times 0; 10; 20; 30 and 40 days and analyzed: pH (H2O), total C, total N, available P and K. The rRNA 16S gene sequence identified the selected diazotrophic as Bacillus, Mesorhizobium, Paenibacillus and Beijerinckia. The strains increased nutrients in the biofertilizers, especially the isolate NFB 4 and strain NFB 1003, in incubation time of 25 and 30 days. The more effective diazotrophic increased nutrients, especially N in biofertilizer produced in proportion 3:2, and promoted significant interaction for all analyzed parameters, except to total C. Available P and K increased when applied in both proportions. The selected diazotrophic bacteria produce biofertilizers that may be used as alternative substrate to replacement of soluble fertilizer. Keywords: Biofertilizers; free-living diazotrophic; nutrient enrichment; organic matters; rock biofertilizers; sugarcane mud cake

Substrates and containers for the development of Brassica pekinensis L. seedlings

The aim of this study was to evaluate the development of Chinguensai (Brassica pekinensis L.) seedlings, under different formulations of substrates and sizes of containers, in Fortaleza, Ceara. For this, two studies were conducted in factorial design with randomized blocks and four replicates. The first study was conducted in a factorial (4 × 4) design. Four substrate formulations (powder-type coconut fiber; carbonized rice hull and earthworm casting) had the following proportions: S1 (1:1:1); S2 (0:1:1); S3 (1:0:1); and S4 (0:0:1) by volume basis (v/v) and four evaluation dates (22, 27, 34 and 41 days after sowing — DAS). The second study was conducted in a factorial (3 × 4) design with three types of containers with different cell volumes (31, 18 and 11 cm3) and four evaluation dates (22, 27, 34 and 41 DAS). The fresh and dry weight of the shoot and root systems was evaluated. Both studies showed no interaction between the variables, with differences noted for substrate factors, containers and times in all traits. In the first study, the earthworm compost resulted in the highest yield of fresh and dry seedling weight. In the second study, the container with 31 cm3 of cell volume showed the highest production of fresh and dry weights. The results showed that the substrate composed solely of earthworm humus and with the use of trays with 31 cm3 of cell volume provided seedlings of Chinguensai with the optimal production for transplanting 41 DAS.

蚯蚓作用下污泥重金属形态变化及其与化学和生物学性质变化的关系

蚯蚓作用下污泥重金属形态变化及其与化学和生物学性质变化的关系

In vitro germination of seeds and acclimatization of Macambira (Bromelia laciniosa Martius ex Schultes f.) seedlings

The macambira is an ornamental plant that has a high degree of ecological importance in ecosystems. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro germination of macambira due to different culture media and establish the best substrate for the acclimatization of micropropagated plants. For that were tested five treatments, 100, 75, 50, 25 and 0 of the MS medium. We estimated the percentage of germination and germination speed index (GSI). For acclimation were evaluated five combinations of substrates: coconut coir fiber: earthworm humus (2:1); coconut coir fiber: earthworm castings: sand (1:1:1) , (2:1:1) and (2:2:1), and vermiculite : earthworm humus (2:1). Was made to ANOVA and means were compared by Tukey test at 5%. There was no significant difference between the concentrations of MS salts as the percentage of germination. As for abortion, the treatment 100 % MS salts showed the worst results. The acclimatization of seedlings for the variables, number of leaves and dry weight of roots and shoots no significant difference. For the variable length of the longest root, coconut coir fiber: earthworm humus (2:1) and coconut coir fiber: earthworm castings: sand (2:1:1) and (2:2:1) showed the highest average and dry root the coconut coir fiber: earthworm castings: sand (1:1:1) and (2:2:1) provided the best results. The germination can be carried out in vitro in a medium containing only water and agar to acclimatization and must use the substrate coconut coir fiber: earthworm compost: sand (2:2:1).

Effects of Soil Quality Enhancement on Pollinator-Plant Interactions

Both biotic and abiotic factors can affect soil quality, which can significantly impact plant growth, productivity, and resistance to pests. However, the effects of soil quality on the interactions of plants with beneficial arthropods, such as pollinators, have not been extensively examined. We studied the effects of vermicompost (earthworm compost, VC) soil amendment on behavioral and physiological responses of pollinators to flowers and floral resources, using cucumbers,Cucumis sativus, as our model system. Results from experiments conducted over three field seasons demonstrated that, in at least two out of three years, VC amendment significantly increased visit length, while reducing the time to first discovery. Bumblebee (Bombus impatiens) workers that fed on flowers from VC-amended plants had significantly larger and more active ovaries, a measure of nutritional quality. Pollen fractions of flowers from VC-grown plants had higher protein compared to those of plants grown in chemically fertilized potting soil. Nectar sugar content also tended to be higher in flowers from VC-grown plants, but differences were not statistically significant. In conclusion, soil quality enhancement, as achieved with VC amendment in this study, can significantly affect plant-pollinator interactions and directly influences pollinator nutrition and overall performance.

Land disposal potential of tobacco processing residues

Brazil is one of the leaders in the production and trading of tobacco leaves in the global market, which results in a large amount of residues that would be recycled and used as soil fertilizers in agriculture. This research aimed to study the land disposal potential and agricultural use of tobacco processing residues (TPRs), their mineralization and the nutrient supply to the plants. The study was carried out in an open area using pots with 32dm³ of a sandy soil (Paleudult), provided with water drainage collectors and tilled with three corn plants each. Eighteen treatments were tested with mineral fertilization, poultry manure (PM), earthworm compost (EC) and increasing rates (0, 7.5, 15, 30 e 60t ha-1) of TPR D (dust) and TPR S (stem fibers).Treatments with TPRs (15t ha-1) plus mineral supplementation two by two (NP, NK and PK) were also tested, with four replications each. The experiment started in 01/15/2004 and conducted until 03/16/2004, when corn plants were harvested. The response curves showed that the residues application rates between 15 and 20t ha-1 are most adequate for the studied soil. The results indicated that both TPRs may be important sources of biomass and potash and have potential to be recycled in the soil, supplying part of the macronutrients required for proper plant growth.

AGAVE ANGUSTIFOLIA PLANTS GROWN WITH DIFFERENT FERTIGATION DOSES AND ORGANIC SUBSTRATES

Agave angustifolia Haw. plants were obtained through micro-propagation. Plants were transplanted and grown for six months under nursery conditions in several substrates which resulted from the combination of sand with compost from waste pulp or earthworm compost in different proportions. In addition, the plants were irrigated with just water or with the Steiner's nutrient solution at 50% and 100% of nutrients concentration. The parameters evaluated were plant height, number of leaves, root volume, stem diameter, accumulated dry matter in the stem, total biomass and content of N, P, K, Ca and Mg in the leaves. The results showed that: 1) the number of leaves, stem diameter, root volume and the total biomass of the plants grown in substrates with compost from waste pulp were 9.5%, 8.8%, 32.13% and 20.4%, significantly higher (P≤0.05) regarding the plants grown in substrates with earthworm compost; 2) the proportion of compost in the substrate and application of fertigation had significant effects on plant growth, so that those plants settled in substrates with 100% compost and received fertigation with the greatest concentration of nutrients accumulated 37.8 grams of total biomass, showed 40.4 cm tall, 4.7 cm stem diameter and 2.1% N in the leaves. These values exceeded 109%, 71.9%, 40.7% and 22.5%, the corresponding values of plants that grew in substrates containing 25% of compost and had not received fertigation.

EFEITO DE COMBINAÇÕES DE VERMICULITA E VERMICOMPOSTO NO DESENVOLVIMENTO DE PORTA-ENXERTO DE LIMÃO CRAVO

The present work was carried in protecting environment located in the Ranch Saint Luzia, situated in Monte Azul Paulista city. Rangpur lime rootstock was evaluated in different combinations of vermiculite and earthworm compost. The experiment was installed using a randomized block design, with five repetitions and seven treatments: 100% vermiculite; 100% earthworm compost; 50% vermiculite and 50% earthworm compost; 60% vermiculite and 40% earthworm compost; 70% vermiculite and 30% earthworm compost; 80% vermiculite and 20% earthworm compost; 90% vermiculite and 10% earthworm compost. Was evaluated the green matter, dry matter and Seedlings height to the 60 days after seeding. There was not difference between the tested combinations and the effect of the vermiculite was identical to the earthworm compost.

Two-step pilot-scale biofilter system for the abatement of food waste composting emission

A pilot-scale two-step biofilter system was evaluated in treating food waste composting emission for 220 days. Wood chips were packed at the bottom section while mixture of rock wool and earthworm compost (6% w/v) was packed at the top section. Inlet ammonia concentration was found to be dominant and intermittent. The overall ammonia removal of over 98% was achieved, 70% of which was removed in the wood chip section. The highest ammonia elimination capacity was determined to be 39.43 g-NH3/m3/h at 99.5% removal efficiency. From biodegradation kinetic analysis, the maximum removal rate, V m, of the wood chip section was determined to be 200 g-NH3/m3/h and the saturation constant, K s, 180 mg/m3. For the rock wool-earthworm cast mixture section, the V m was 87 g-NH3/m3/h and K s was 87 mg/m3. Complete removal of hydrogen sulfide and most trace compounds were achieved by the biofilter. Highest hydrogen sulfide elimination rate was 0.22 g-H2S/m3/h. The biofilter was optimized from 24 to 16 s EBRT with resulting low average pressure drops of 16 and 29 mm H2O/m, respectively.

Organic seed production of leek (Allium porrum L.) in the Northeastern of Buenos Aires, 1: Yield components and quality

The objective of this study was to characterize the organic seed production of leek for a representative site of thenortheastern of Buenos Aires. The Monstruoso de Carentán cultivar was studied in an Argiudol vertic soil, Ramalloseries. The seed to seed method was used. Green manure and earthworm compost were used as fertilizers. Phenology,climatic parameters, seed yield components and quality were evaluated. Phenological records showed that conditionswere appropriate for the seed to seed method. The leek vernalization requirements were met, and this contributed togood flowering (91%) and seed production. Seed yield was 78.4 g m-2 with 86% of seed germination (average of the2000/01 and 2001/02 cycles). The results of this study show that the agroecological conditions of northeastern of BuenosAires, can be considered as adequate for organic seed production of leek.

Humic acids isolated from earthworm compost enhance root elongation, lateral root emergence, and plasma membrane H+-ATPase activity in maize roots.

Earthworms (Eisenia foetida) produce humic substances that can influence plant growth by mechanisms that are not yet clear. In this work, we investigated the effects of humic acids (HAs) isolated from cattle manure earthworm compost on the earliest stages of lateral root development and on the plasma membrane H(+)-ATPase activity. These HAs enhance the root growth of maize (Zea mays) seedlings in conjunction with a marked proliferation of sites of lateral root emergence. They also stimulate the plasma membrane H(+)-ATPase activity, apparently associated with an ability to promote expression of this enzyme. In addition, structural analysis reveals the presence of exchangeable auxin groups in the macrostructure of the earthworm compost HA. These results may shed light on the hormonal activity that has been postulated for these humic substances.

Uso de esterco bovino e húmus de minhoca na produção de repolho híbrido

Comparou-se a eficácia do esterco bovino e húmus de minhoca na produção de repolho, híbrido Matsukaze, em experimento realizado no Centro de Ciências Agrárias da UFPB, Areia, de 10/12/97 a 05/03/98. Os tratamentos utilizados foram 20; 30; 40; 50 e 60 t/ha de esterco bovino e 10; 15; 20; 25 e 30 t/ha de húmus de minhoca e tratamento testemunha (sem matéria orgânica). O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o de blocos casualizados com onze tratamentos distribuídos em esquema fatorial (5 x 2) + 1, em quatro repetições. Foram avaliados o diâmetro longitudinal, transversal, índice de formato e compacidade da cabeça, peso médio e produção total de cabeças. A dose de 46,0 t/ha de esterco bovino e 29,0 t/ha de húmus de minhoca resultaram em maiores diâmetros longitudinais na cabeça de repolho (13 e 12 cm, respectivamente). A dose de 47,0 t/ha de esterco bovino e 20,0 t/ha de humus de minhoca proporcionaram a formação de cabeças com maiores diâmetros transversais (13 e 11 cm, respectivamente). Todas as doses de esterco bovino induziram a formação de cabeças mais uniformes e compactas, enquanto a dose de 20 t/ha de húmus de minhoca propiciou a formação de cabeças desuniformes de baixa aceitação comercial. A dose de 41,0 t/ha de esterco bovino promoveu máximo peso médio (900 g) e máxima produtividade (47,0 t/ha) de cabeças, enquanto as doses de 27,0 e 29,0 t/ha de húmus foram responsáveis pelo peso médio máximo (700 g) e máxima produtividade (38,0 t/ha), respectivamente.

Produção de raízes de cenoura cultivadas com húmus de minhoca e adubo mineral

Neste trabalho avaliou-se o efeito de doses de húmus de minhoca (0, 15, 20, 25 e 30 t/ha), na presença e ausência de adubo mineral, sobre a produção de raízes de cenoura, cultivar Brasília Nova Seleção. O experimento foi conduzido em Latossolo Vermelho-Amarelo, na Universidade Federal da Paraíba, em Areia, de julho a outubro de 1997. O delineamento experimental foi de blocos casualizados com os tratamentos distribuídos em esquema fatorial 5 x 2. Foram avaliadas a produção total e comercial de raízes (tipos Extra-A, Extra, Especial e Primeira). A dose de 25 t/ha de húmus de minhoca foi responsável pela máxima produção total (70,1 t/ha) e comercial (31,1 t/ha) e pela mais baixa produção não-comercial de raízes (39,0 t/ha). As produções total (79,5 t/ha) e comercial (25,5 t/ha) de raízes na presença de adubo mineral, superaram em 71,7% e 64,7%, respectivamente, as produções obtidas na ausência de adubo mineral. O adubo mineral proporcionou maior produção de raízes não-comerciais (54,0 t/ha), superando em 75,1% a produção obtida na ausência de adubo mineral. As produções de raízes do tipo Extra-A e Extra aumentaram linearmente com as doses de húmus aplicadas. Os aumentos nas produções de raízes tipos Extra-A e Extra foram de aproximadamente 0,16 t/ha e 0,15 t/ha respectivamente, para cada tonelada de húmus de minhoca adicionada ao solo. A presença do adubo mineral elevou as produções de raízes dos tipos Extra-A, Extra Especial e Primeira em 4,9; 5,6; 1,7 e em 19,4 t/ha, respectivamente, em relação à sua ausência.

Produção de sementes de feijão-vagem em função de fontes e doses de matéria orgânica

Com o objetivo de avaliar fontes e doses de matéria orgânica sobre a produção de sementes de feijão-vagem, cultivar Macarrão Trepador, instalou-se um ensaio na Universidade Federal da Paraíba no período de abril a setembro de 1998. Utilizou-se o delineamento experimental de blocos casualizados, em arranjo fatorial de 4 x 5, compreendendo quatro fontes (esterco de bovino, de caprino, de galinha e húmus de minhoca) e cinco doses (0, 10, 20, 30 e 40 t/ha de esterco bovino e caprino e 0, 5, 10, 15 e 20 t/ha de esterco de galinha e húmus de minhoca), em quatro repetições. A produção máxima de sementes foi obtida com as doses de 27,66 t/ha de esterco bovino (3.555,10 kg), 20,85 t/ha de esterco caprino (3.259,56 kg) e 9,87 t/ha de esterco de galinha (2.919,00 kg/ha) e de húmus de minhoca (3.270 kg/ha). A dose mais econômica de esterco bovino foi de 25,57 t/ha, com uma receita de 1.442,55 kg de sementes/ha (R$ 4.616,16), de esterco caprino foi de 19,11 t/ha, com uma receita de 1.164,00 kg de sementes/ha (R$ 3.724,80) e de esterco de galinha foi de 5,17 t/ha, com uma receita de 177,86 kg de sementes/ha (R$ 569,15). Sob o ponto de vista da produção de sementes, a aplicação de húmus de minhoca propiciou produções acima da média nacional, mas seu emprego na produção de sementes em feijão-vagem, não é economicamente viável. A análise econômica indicou o esterco bovino como a fonte de matéria orgânica mais viável economicamente para adubação orgânica em feijão-vagem para produção de sementes.