Levels Of Vermicompost Research Articles

Soybean (Glycine max L.) Response to Lime and Vermicompost Amelioration of Acidic Nitisols of Assosa, North Western Ethiopia

Acidic soils limit the production potential of crops because of low availability of basic cations and excess of hydrogen (H+) and aluminium (Al3+) in exchangeable forms. In the western part of the country such as Assosa and Wellega, soil acidity is a well-known problem limiting crop productivity. A field study was conducted to assess the effects of lime, vermicompost and their combinations on selected soil physico-chemical properties and responses of soybean grown on acidic Nitisols of Assosa area during 2016 and 2017 main cropping seasons. Soil samples were collected from the experimental site before planting and from plots after harvesting. The collected samples were analysed following the standard methods for soil physico-chemical analysis. The treatments were factorial combinations of four levels of lime (0, 1.62, 3.62 and 4.90 t ha-1) and four levels of vermicompost (0, 1.50, 3.00 and 4.50 t ha-1). The results revealed that soil pH increased from 5.31 – 5.86 pH while exchangeable acidity decreased from 5.46 - 2.85 cmol (+) kg-1 with levels of lime and vermicompost (3.26 with 3 and 4.90 with 4.5) t ha-1 respectively, which resulted in improved soil physico-chemical properties. The combined application of lime and vermicompost also significantly improved the yield related parameters of soybean. The maximum grain yield (1.95t ha-1) was obtained from the combined application of 4.90 ton lime and 3.00 ton vermicompost ha-1 followed by combined application of 3.26 ton lime with 3.00 ton vermicompost ha-1 with non-significant variation. Therefore, the combined application of 3.26 ton lime and 3.00 ton vermicompost ha-1 is a promising alternative amendment for amelioration of acidic Nitisols of Assosa (Amba-12 Kebele) and other similar agro-ecologies for the improvement of soybean production.

Vitamin C, Antioxidant and Polyphenol Activity of Some Selected Potato Varieties as Influenced by Vermicompost

The application of vermicompost may improve the quality of potato. The present study revealed that vermicompost had a significant effect on most of the quality contributing parameters studied under the experiment. Results demonstrated that quality parameters increased with increasing vermicompost level. Among the sixteen treatments combination, BARI Alu-25 (Asterix) with vermicompost at the rate of 6 t/ha showed the highest ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), antioxidant and polyphenol content. In the case of ambient storage condition; ascorbic acid and polyphenol decreased with an increasing storing period while antioxidant content increased with the increasing storing period up to 60 days after storage (DAS). BARI Alu-25 (Asterix) and BARI Alu-29 (Courage) may store under ambient storage condition up to 60 DAS without imparting any significant quality losses just prior to the sprouting of the tuber. It may be concluded that the potato growers of Bangladesh may apply vermicompost on their field at the rate of 6 t/ha for maintaining the good quality of potato.

Effect of vermicompost on growth, yield and quality of chilli (Capsicum annum L.) under the agro climatic condition of Peshawar, Pakistan

Abstract The experiment was conducted to evaluate the “Effect of vermicompost on growth, yield and quality of chili (Capsicum annum L.)” at Horticulture Research Farm, The University of Agriculture, Peshawar, Pakistan during April 2017. The experiment was laid out in Randomize Complete Block Design (RCBD) with two factors, vermicompost levels (0, 1.5, 2, and 2.5 t ha−1) and cultivars (Magma and Himaliya). The data related to vermicompost showed that growth, yield and quality parameters increased with increasing level of vermicompost. Maximum plant height (93.83 cm), stem diameter (1.69 cm), number of branches (12), leaf area (1337.3 cm2), fruit length (10.92 cm), fruit weight (4.80 gm), root length (23.11 cm), yield (8.26 tons ha-1), highest ascorbic acid content (193.33 mg 100-1 g fruit) were recorded at @ 2.5 tons ha-1 of vermicompost,. In case of cultivars maximum plant height (89.58 cm), stem diameter (1.55cm), number of branches (10.67 fruit weight (4.27 gm), fruit length (10.33 cm), root length (21.07 cm) and yield (6.55 tons ha-1) and minimum ascorbic acid content (165.50 mg 100-1 g fruit) and leaf area (1102.2 cm2) were recorded in Magma cultivar. However highest ascorbic acid content (184.08mg 100-1g) and maximum leaf area (1211.6 cm2) were recorded in cultivar Himaliya. It is found that Magma cultivar along with 2.5 tons ha-1 vermicompost showed better growth, yield and quality parameters and hence may be recommended under the agro-climatic conditions of Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Further research is suggested to explore vermicompost benefits and other high yielding chili cultivar for Peshawar. Keywords: Chili; Growth; Quality; Vermicompost; Yield http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2019.80027

Effect of Vermicompost on Essential Oil Composition of (Satureja hortensis L.) Under Water Stress Condition

Effect of vermicompost treatments on essential oil content and composition of Satureja hortensis L. were studied under drought stress conditions. A factorial experiment based on completely randomized design with three replications were conducted in greenhouse condition at University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Iran. In this experiment three levels of drought stress (Full irrigation, water cut in 50 % of flowering, and water cut in early stages of flowering) and vermicompost (volume ratios of 0, 10, 20 and 30 % v/v of pots) was analyzed. The results indicated that, the highest essential oil contents (1.43 and 1.4 %) was produced in 30 % v/ v of pots vermicompost and followed by the highest level of stress respectivley. The lowest essential oil content (1.06 %) was produced in plants grown in medium without any vermicompost. The major compounds of essential oil were carvacrol (50.8 - 59 %), γ-Terpinene (21 - 25.5 %), α-Terpinene (2.6 - 5.7 %), p-Cymene (2.2 - 4 %), α-thujene (1.3 - 2.6 %), β-Myrcene (0.82 - 2 %) and α-Pinene (1.06 - 1.8 %). Results suggested that irrigation based on water cut in early stages of flowering, with application of 30 % v/v vermicompost can improve essential oil content in Satureja hortensis cultivation.

English

An experiment was conducted to determine the effects of vermicompost, inorganic fertilizers and their combinations on release of soil nutrients at different growth stages of wheat. A factorial combination of four levels of inorganic fertilizers (0, 33.33, 66.66, and 100% of the recommended NPK fertilizers) and vermicompost (0, 2, 4 and 6 t ha-1) were laid out in complete randomized design with three replications. Soil was collected before planting and after planting (at tillering, flowering and maturity stages of wheat) from each pot in order to determine dynamics of selected nutrients (NPK). The interaction between vermicompost and chemical fertilizers were not significant for NPK contents of the soil at all growth stages except phosphorus at heading stage. In all cases, highly significant increases in total N, available P and K in the soil were observed due to the increasing rates of main effect vermicompost or inorganic fertilizers during all growing periods. The highest available as well as total contents of NPK in the soil were found at tillering stage. This initial increment at tillering stage for both factors showed a declining trend later at heading and maturity stages. However, the observed decline was in exception for vermicompost applied at 6 t ha-,1 which maintained highest level of available P and K and 4 t ha-1 which continued mineralization of K up to heading stage. In general, application of 6 ton vermicompost per hectare was found proportional with the full dose of the recommended fertilizers in supplying NPK for wheat crop. Therefore, building up the total as well as available NPK to higher levels up to heading stage can bring maximum nutrient uptake and yields of wheat. Key words: Growth stages, mineralization, nutrient availability, nutrient decline.

Biochar Combined with Vermicompost Increases Crop Production While Reducing Ammonia and Nitrous Oxide Emissions from a Paddy Soil

Organic amendments such as vermicompost and biochar have been reported to enhance soil fertility and crop productivity. However, whether the co-application of both amendments has synergistic effects or whether such benefits are accompanied by the risk of gaseous nitrogen (N) loss in an agroecosystem remains unknown. A soil column experiment with a fully factorial design was conducted using three levels of vermicompost (no dose, low dose (1%, weight:weight), and high dose (3%, weight:weight)) without or with biochar (1%, weight:weight) to investigate their effects on rice growth and gaseous N loss across the crop growing season. Our results demonstrated that synergistic interactions existed between vermicompost and biochar in promoting crop yield. Compared with biochar amendment alone, biochar combined with vermicompost significantly (P < 0.01) increased rice yield by 26.5%–35.3%. However, high dose of vermicompost significantly (P < 0.01) increased the cumulative ammonia (NH3) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions. In the presence of vermicompost, the incorporation of biochar amendment significantly (P < 0.01) decreased the cumulative N2O emission by 14.1%–18.6%. The lowest emission factor value of NH3 and N2O was achieved using biochar in combination with low dose of vermicompost. This study revealed that the combination of biochar and moderate dose of vermicompost offers a novel approach to promote crop productivity while reducing the environmental risk.

Effects of Vermicompost on Some Morphological, Physiological and Biochemical Parameters of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. crispa) under Drought Stress

Vermicompost can play an effective and important role in plant growth and development and also in reducing harmful effects of various environmental stresses on plants. The vermicompost fertilizer application was evaluated for the growth, physiological and biochemical parameters of lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. crispa) plants under drought stress conditions. Tests were carried out at different levels of vermicompost (0, 2.5 and 5%) and drought stress [no stress, moderate drought, and severe drought at 100, 50 and 25% of field capacity]. In comparison to control (vermicompost at 0%), lettuce plants treated with vermicompost at 2.5 or 5% had higher shoot height, shoot fresh weight, relative water content, stomatal conductance, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b , total chlorophyll and carotenoid contents under moderate and severe drought stress conditions. Malondialdehyde (MDA) content and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities increased while plants under drought stress conditions. Application of vermicompost caused higher SOD and CAT enzyme activities and lower MDA content under drought stress. Enhancement in antioxidant enzyme activities as a result of vermicompost destroyed reactive oxygen species. Therefore, application of vermicompost under moderate and severe drought stress decreased MDA content in lettuce plant cells. Data indicated a positive effect of the vermicompost on the growth of lettuce under drought stress conditions.

Residual effect of organic amendments on growth, productivity, economics and agri-energetics of local popcorn (Zea mays everta) in toria (Brassica campestris) – popcorn cropping system under mid hills of Sikkim Himalayas

Under organic management condition, it is presumed that the nutrients applied to preceding crops exhibits the considerable effect on succeeding crops, hence a fixed plot field experiment was conducted during three years (2011 to 2014) at Research Farm, National Organic Farming Research Institute (NOFRI), Tadong, Gangtok to assess the residual effect of mulching and vermicompost on growth, productivity, profitability and energetics of popcorn (Zea mays everta) under toria (Brassica campestris)-popcorn cropping system. The results revealed that the mulching materials applied to the preceding crops exhibited significant residual effect on growth, yield attributes and grain yield of succeeding popcorn over non-mulching (bare soil). However, among the mulching materials, rice straw mulch @ 5 t/ha exerted maximum residual effect and resulted in higher cob length (16.0 cm), cob girth (12.0 cm), grain yield (1.93 ha), stover yield (3.07 t/ha), net returns (72.8 × 103 rs.`/ha), B:C ratio (2.87) and energy use efficiency (20.62%) of popcorn. With regards to the vermicompost levels, residual effect of vermicompost @ 1.5 t/ha recorded the maximum grain yield (1.9 t/ha), net returns (71.3× 103 rs.`/ha), B:C ratio (2.81) and energy use efficiency (20.34%) of the succeeding popcorn under toria-popcorn cropping system.

Effect of organic mulches and vermicompost on productivity, profitability and energetic of mustard (Brassica campestris) in popcorn (Zea mays everta)- mustard cropping system in rainfed Sikkim Himalaya

A three year fixed plot field experiment was conducted during rabi seasons of 2011 to 2014 at Research Farm of ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Sikkim Centre to study the effect of organic mulches and vermicompost on productivity, profitability and energetics of mustard under popcorn (Zea mays everta)-mustard (Brassica campestris) cropping system. The results revealed that crop residue and/or forest litter mulching exhibited significant effect on yield attributes, yields, economics and energetics of mustard. Among the mulches, application of tree leaf mulch (TLM) @ 5 t/ha recorded the significantly higher seed yield (1.05 t/ha), net returns (19.86×103 `rs./ha) and net rupees per rupees invested (NRPRI) (1.87) over other mulching materials including control. Systematic energy analysis also showed that the maximum values of gross energy output (59.69 GJ/ha) and net energy output (52.85 GJ/ha) was recorded with TLM @ 5 t/ha, whereas energy productivity (0.54 kg/MJ) was higher with rice residue mulch (RRM) @ 5 t/ha followed by maize residue mulch (MRM) @ 5 t/ha. Among the different levels of vermicompost (VC), application of VC @ 1.5 t/ha recorded the highest seed yield (1.05 t/ha) and net return (15.38 × 103 rs./ha) followed by VC @ 1.0 t/ha and control (no vermicompost). However, NRPRI was higher with VC @ 1.0 t/ha (1.62) followed by VC @ 1.5 t/ha. With regards to the energy budgeting, among the various levels of VC, application of VC @ 1.5 t/ha recorded 2.1% and 18.9% higher energy use efficiency (EUE) over VC @ 1.0 t/ha and control, respectively.

Evaluation of vermicompost and chemical fertilizers on performance of Pak choi (Brassica rapa cv. Hong Tae) and soil biological process

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of vermicompost and chemical fertilizers on the performance of Pak choi (Brassica rapa CV. Hong Tae) in Chitwan Nepal during November 2012 to January 2013. Four levels of vermicompost (0, 5, 10 and 15 t/ha) and four levels of NPK equivalent in the form of inorganic fertilizer (100, 50, 25 and 0% of recommended doses of 100:60:60 Kg/ha) in 16 combinations were assessed for yield, yield contributing parameters of Pak choi and microbial activities of soil. All levels of chemical fertilizers increased plant height, leaf number and chlorophyll content of leaves but they had no effect in increasing root length. Chemical fertilizers at 100:60:60 kg NPK/ha increased biological and economic yield of Pak choi. However, all levels of chemical fertilizers were found strongly suppressing in soil microbial activities. Vermicompost on the other hand increased root length, leaf number, biological and economic yield and more significantly increased soil microbial activities resulting in increased level of soil respiration. Chemical fertilizers were effective in increasing plant growth but suppressed microbial activities of soil. Vermicompost on the other hand was effective in long run through slow release of plant nutrients and improving soil health by increased soil microbial activities.Journal of the Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science. Vol. 33-34, 2015, page: 243-250

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).

Elevated CO2 and Temperature Effect on Essential Oil Content and Composition of Valeriana jatamansi Jones. with Organic Manure Application in a Western Himalayan Region

:Valeriana jatamansi is an important Himalayan medicinal and aromatic herb. An experiment was conducted to study the effect of environmental conditions and vermicompost at free air CO2 enrichment (FACE) and free air temperature increase (FATI) facilities of CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur, India during 2013-2015. Experiment comprised of six treatments with two factors, viz., three levels of environmental conditions viz., ambient conditions (390 μmol mol-1), elevated CO2 (550±50 μmol mol-1) and elevated temperature (2.5±0.5°C above ambient) and two levels of vermicompost (control and with vermicompost). Experiments were laid out in completely randomized design (CRD) with five replications. Essential oil was obtained from rhizomes and roots of V. jatamansi after 12 months of exposure to elevated CO2 and temperature by hydrodistillation in a Clevenger type apparatus for 6 h. Elevated CO2 enhanced the essential oil content by 17.7 % and elevated temperature decreased by 4.3 % as compared to ambient conditions. Essential oil composition was significantly affected by different treatments. Patchouli alcohol, bornyl acetate, β-patchoulene, germacrene D, monoterpene hydrocarbons and oxygenated sesquiterpenes were significantly higher in FACE and FATI as compared to ambient. Vermicompost application increased trans-β-guaiene, globulol, β-patchoulene, camphene, germacrene D and bornyl acetate content. These results indicate that elevated CO2 jatamansi. and temperature alters essential oil content and composition of V.

An Investigation to the Vermicompost Efficacy on the Activity Level of Antioxidant Enzymes and Photosynthetic Pigments of Borage (Borago officinalis L.) under Salinity Stress Conditions

Salinity stress is one of the most important factors that limit the growth and yield of agricultural crops in arid and semi-arid regions. Activation of the antioxidant system in plants acts as a defense mechanism to build tolerance against salinity. The present factorial experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design. with four replications to evaluate the effect of salinity and application of vermicompost on the activity level of antioxidant enzymes and photosynthetic pigments borage (Borage officinalis L.) under salinity stress conditions. The study treatments consist of four vermicompost levels (0, 5, 10 and 15 wt % potted soil in dry weight) and four salinity levels (0 (control), 4, 8 and 12 ds/m sodium chloride (NaCl)). The results of analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed the considerable influence of salinity stress and vermicompost on the activity level of superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), catalase (CAT) and total chlorophyll enzymes. The findings indicated that incremental salinity increased the activity level of antioxidant enzymes and decreased photosynthetic pigments. The results showed that the use of vermicompost fertilizer raised the levels of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and carotenoids significantly compared to the control. Based on the comparison of means of the interactions between salinity stress and vermicompost the maximum activity of antioxidant enzymes was obtained by 15 wt % vermicompost treatment at the salinity level of 12 ds/m NaCl. Therefore, the use of vermicompost as an organic fertilizer, in addition to increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes and photosynthetic pigments, can be a good way to reduce the negative effects of high levels of sodium and chlorine in soils on the growth of borage.

Reproduction Efficiency of Eisenia foetida and Substrate Changes During Vermicomposting of Organic Materials

ABSTRACTVermicomposting is the processing of organic substrates through digestion by worms, usually Eisenia foetida. The physico-chemical characteristics of the substrates and health of the worms are important parameter for effective vermicomposting. This study assessed reproduction efficiency and reproductive rate of E. foetida and changes in EC, pH, organic C, total Nitrogen and C:N ratio by vermicomposting different substrate mixtures. The study was performed as a completely randomized design with 10 treatments and 4 replicates. Manures from sheep and horse were tested alone and mixed at 50 and 75% with residues of alfalfa and wheat straw. Wheat straw was also tested alone and mixed at 75% with 25% chicken manure. E. foetida were added to the mixtures and allowed to process the substrate mixtures for three months. Final EC, pH, organic C and N levels of vermicompost were measured, as well as the reproductive efficiency and reproductive rate of the E. foetida. All measured characteristics of the finished vermicompost were significantly different depending on substrate. Substrates also changed to differing degrees during vermicomposting. Total C and EC increased in all substrates; and pH, total N, and C:N decreased in all substrates during vermicomposting The greatest change of EC was in the 25% alfalfa + 75% sheep manure mixture, which was 12.8 dS.m-1 initially and 18.6 dS.m-1 in finished vermicompost. Overall, pH declined and EC increased during the preparing of vermicompost.

Studying the effects of mycorrhiza and vermicompost fertilizers on the growth and physiological traits of Vetiver Grass (Chrysopogon zizanioides L.)

As an herbaceous, perennial, and evergreen plant, Vetiver Grass (Chrysopogon zizanioides L.) can be used for the improvement and development of arid and semi-arid rangelands. To assess the interaction effect of organic and biological fertilizers on the growth and physiological traits of Vetiver grass, the dry weight of shoots and roots, essential oils, chlorophyll, carotenoids, and proline content were measured. A completely randomized design in factorial layout with three replications was performed in Malayer University’s greenhouse in 2016. The treatments were mycorrhizal fungi on two inoculated (M1) and non-inoculated (M2) levels and vermicompost organic fertilizer in six levelsof (0) (control), 10, 20, 40, 60, and 80% (V1, V2, V3, V4, V5 and V6), which were added to each pot. The results showed that the interaction between different levels of vermicompost and mycorrhiza had a significant (P<0.05) effect on quantitative and qualitative traits of the plants. According to the results, the highest leaf dry weight was seen in VC6M1 treatment and the highest root dry weight wasobserved in VC5M2 and VC6M2 treatments. The highest percentage of essential oil content was observed in VC2M1 and VC5M2 treatments. It was also observed that in the control level of vermicompost and mycorrhizae treatment (VC1M2), the presence of proline index rose to its highest level. The maximum amount of chlorophyll a and carotenoid was seen in VC3M2treatment while the maximum percentage of chlorophyll b was observed in VC2M2 treatment.

Effects of combined application of chemical fertilizer and vermicompost on soil fertility, leaf yield and stevioside content of stevia

Sustainable nutrient management with the combination of organic and chemical fertilizer amendment expects a key part in upgrading stevia yield without harming the environment and to build up the nutrient balance with increasing soil fertility. A pot experiment was conducted in the net house of the Department of Agricultural Chemistry, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh to study the combined effect of vermicompost (VC) and chemical fertilizer (CF) on the growth, leaf biomass yield and stevioside content of stevia in acid soil. Six combinations of VC and CF were applied following completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications. Results showed that VC along with different rates of CF exerted significant influence on the growth, leaf biomass yield and stevioside content of stevia and postharvest soil fertility. The highest values for most of the parameters were found from the plant receiving VC @ 7.5 t ha­−1 along with 50% CF. About 578% higher leaf biomass yield was obtained from the treatment VC7.5+CF50 over control. Stevioside content was increased with the increasing levels of VC up to 7.5 t ha−1 along with 75% of CF and also with the advancement of growth period from 30 to 60 days after planting. The highest amount of stevioside (11.05%) was detected in the leaves of plant of the same treatment at harvest. Soil acidity was significantly decreased with the increased levels of VC and CF where as soil fertility in terms of organic matter and nutrient content was increased. Considering the overall performance, farmers may be advised to cultivate stevia in acid soil applying VC @ 7.5 t ha−1 along with 50% chemical fertilizer to boost up stevia production under the agroclimatic condition of the study area in the context of BangladeshJ. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 16(1): 73-81, April 2018

Humic acid and vermicompost increased bioactive components, antioxidant activity and herb yield of Chicory ( Cichorium intybus L.)

Abstract Chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) is one of the most important plants in the medicinal, nutritional and cosmetic industry. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of humic acid (HA) and vermicompost on the herb yield and phenolic components of chicory aerial parts. Plants were grown under 4 humic acid treatments (0, 0.3, 0.6 and 0.9 kg/ hectare) and 4 vermicompost levels (0, 5, 7.5 and 10 t/ hectare) with three replications. Measurement of traits included fresh and dry yields of aerial parts, the IC50 and inhibition percentage of free radicals, the total and individual amounts of phenolics and flavonoids (caffeic, gallic, ellagic and p- coumaric acid, catechin, flavones and flavonols). Results show that humic acid and vermicompost improve the chicory yield and phytochemical properties such as the total contents of phenolics and flavonoids. The highest yield of dry aerial parts (20.29 g per plant) was achieved by 0.9 kg per hectare humic acid in combination with 10 t per hectare vermicompost. The highest total contents of phenolics and flavonoids were achieved when humic acid was applied at 0.9 kg/hectare in addition to vermicompost at 7.5 t/ hectare. The content of caffeic acid was highest among other phenolic components. The highest caffeic acid was achieved by treatments of 0.3 kg per hectare humic acid combined with 5 t per hectare vermicompost. The content of ellagic acid in shoots was highest when vermicompost was applied alone, by 5 t per hectare, with an average yield of 262.51 mg/100 g DW.

English

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Garlic (Allium sativum L.) is an important vegetable crop in Ethiopia. The yield of the crop is often constrained by low and unbalanced nutrient supply in the soil. This study was undertaken to assess response of garlic variety Chelenko I to vermicompost and mineral N fertilizer application on growth and bulb yield of the crop during the 2016/2017 main rainy season. The treatment consists of a factorial combination of four levels of vermicompost (0, 2.5, 5 and 7.5 t ha-1) and five levels of mineral N fertilizer (0, 52.5, 80, 105 and 130 kg N ha-1), laid out in a randomized complete block design in a factorial arrangement and replicated three times. Data was collected on plant growth, yield component and bulb yield of garlic. Results revealed that significant (P < 0.05) maximum leaf length (41.08 cm), bulb weight (39.17 g/bulb), harvest index (63.94%) and total bulb yield (12.93 t ha-1) were recorded at the rate of 7.5 t ha-1 of vermicompost application while maximum average leaf width (1.25 cm), clove number (13.57 cm), and bulb dry matter (51.66%) were obtained at maximum rate of 130 kg ha-1 mineral N fertilizer. The results indicated that application of vermicompost at 7.5 t ha-1 and 130 kg Nha-1 mineral fertilizer gave the highest total garlic bulb yield of 12.9 and 12.69 t ha-1, respectively. Key words: Chelenko I, marketable bulb yield, response, total bulb yield, vermicompost.

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A greenhouse pot experiment was conducted to determine effects of vermicompost, inorganic fertilizers and their combinations on nutrient uptake, yield and yield components of wheat. A factorial combination four levels (0, 2, 4 and 6 tha-1) of vermicompost and four levels (0, 33.33, 66.67 and 100% ha-1) of the recommended NPK fertilizers was laid out in RCB design with three replications. Bread wheat variety, Kekaba was used as a test crop.&nbsp; Main effect results indicated that both vermicompost and NPK fertilizers significantly increased yield components, yield and nutrient uptake of wheat. Vermicompost applied at 2, 4 and 6 tha-1 increased grains yield of wheat by 11, 17 and 26% over control respectively whereas 33.33, 66.67 and 100% NPK fertilizers increased the grain yield by 10, 24 and 30%, respectively over the control. Vermicompost applied at 6 tha-1 resulted in the highest nutrient uptake and it increased grain uptake of N, P and K by 51, 110 and 89% over control respectively whereas among fertilizer rates, the highest uptake was produced by 100% NPK treatment and it increased the N, P and K uptake in the grain by were 79, 100 and 96% over control respectively. Combined application of vermicompost and NPK fertilizers has also significantly increased nutrient uptake, yield and yield components of wheat. It is concluded that wheat responds significantly to application of vermicompost and NPK fertilizers suggesting that nutrient contents of experimental soil is low for optimum production of wheat. Field verification and demonstration of results are recommended. &nbsp; Key words: Soil fertility, Nutrient uptake, Grain and biomass yield, Yield components.