Vermicompost Treatments Research Articles

The quality and quantity response of maize (Zea mays L.) yield to planting date and fertilizers management

Cereal grains have the main role in human world food because of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, vitamins, and minerals which affected by genetic and environmental conditions. Field experiment was conducted for two years using a split-plot arrangement in a randomized complete block design to study the effect of sowing date and organic and inorganic nutrients on maize yield and quality of oil in Shahirar, Tehran. The treatment consists of two sowing dates viz., on time date (July 15) and delayed sowing (August 15) in main plot and six fertilizer treatments viz., No fertilizer, Urea (200 kg N ha−1), farmyard manure (FYM) (200 kg N ha−1), vermicompost (200 kg N ha−1), Urea (50% N) + FYM (50% N) and Urea (50% N) + vermicompost (50% N). The outcome of field experiments revealed that on time planting recorded maximum oleic acid (18.68%) and while 200 kg N ha−1 through vermicompost recorded maximum oleic acid (17.38%) which was 12% higher than control. The highest seed yield was achieved in urea+vermicompost treatment (5570 kg ha−1). While highest oil content and linolenic acid was with FYM (200 kg N ha−1). The interaction effect showed that urea applied to maize sown on time had the highest oil yield. Linoleic and linolenic acid was less in maize which was sown late. It is concluded from study that application of urea alone or urea with vermicompost to maize sown in time can be recommended.

Vermicompost Enhances Saline Tolerance in Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Peanut is an oilseed legume plant with multi-purpose uses that contains many bioactive components, including polyphenols, phenolics, and flavonoids. It is one of the main foodstuffs, both in meeting protein deficiencies and in meeting high energy needs. This study investigated the effects of vermicompost fertilizer application on chlorophyll content and yield parameters of peanuts grown under saline stress in climate room conditions. Root weight, root length, stem weight, stem length, leaf weight, leaf number, and chlorophyll content values were determined in the first developmental period of the plant in the experiment, which was established with three replications according to the randomized plots experimental design. As a result of the study, statistical differences were determined between control and vermicompost treatments under high saline stress conditions (300 mM). The results obtained from the vermicompost treatment, especially in stem and root weights, prove this treatment's usefulness. The principal component analysis (PCA) clustered all parameters according to applications. Correlation analysis revealed significant relationships, especially for vermicompost treatment. It is thought that the information obtained from the experimental results will be helpful to entrepreneurs investigating the saline stress resistance of peanuts.

Reducing soluble lead and cadmium in contaminated soils using dairy cattle waste based vermicompost

Continuous use of synthetic fertilizer can lead to the accumulation of heavy metals in the soil. The use of organic amendment can reduce the solubility of heavy metals such as Pb and Cd in soil. The experiment was undertaken to determine the decline of soluble Pb and Cd in polluted soils treated with dairy cattle waste-based vermicompost. The study used two soil samples; Inceptisols collected from Air Duku Village and Entisol from Beringin Raya Village, Bengkulu, Indonesia. Entisols and Inceptisols contained 2.0 and 0.4 mg kg-1 soluble Pb and 0.7 and 0.8 mg kg-1soluble Cd, respectively. The samples were pretreated with either 100 ppm Pb or Cd. Vermicompost was applied at the rate of 0, 10, 20, and 30 Mg ha-1 on samples of Inceptisols and Entisol, arranged in Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The mixture was incubated for eight weeks. After the incubation ended, the soil sample was analyzed for soluble Pb and Cd using DTPA extraction before detection using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. The study resulted that the soluble Pb and Cd significantly reduced with vermicompost treatment, being the lowest was at the rate of 30 Mg ha-1. Furthermore, the decreased soluble Pb and Cd was more substantial in Inceptisols than Entisols. Soluble Pb in both soils was lower than Cd, suggesting a higher retention affinity of the former. This study summarizes that vermicompost at the rate of 30 Mg ha-1 effectively immobilizes Pb and Cd in contaminated soils.

Respostas morfológicas e fisiológicas de Calliandra haematocephala ao estresse de salinidade da água e vermicomposto

Abstract Salinity is one of abiotic stress that affects plant growth and production. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of salinity and vermicompost on morphology and physiology parameters of Calliandra haematocephala. The experiment was carried out with salinity treatments at 1000, 2000 3000 ppm in addition to the control (tap water, 280 ppm), vermicompost treatments at 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% in addition to the control. The results indicated that increasing level of salinity resulted in reduction in vegetative growth and flowering parameters (plant height, number of branches/plant, stem diameter, root length, fresh and dry weights of leaves and roots/plant, number of flowers /plant, as well as fresh and dry weights of flowers /plant), total chlorophylls, total carbohydrates, K+%, Ca2+%, and K+/Na+ ratio, while increased proline, Na+ and Cl−% in the plants. Catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), Ascorbate peroxidase (APX) enzyme activities significantly increased with elevating salinity level from 0 to 3000 ppm. Application of vermicompost with any concentration had a positive effect on vegetative growth and flowering parameters, total chlorophylls, total carbohydrates, nutrient uptake, K+/Na+ ratio, proline content, enzyme activities and reducing accumulation of Na+ and Cl−% toxic ions in leaves. Based on the results, application of vermicompost at 20% recommended for alleviating the harmful efects of salinity on Calliandra haematocephala plants irrigated with saline water at concentration up to 3000 ppm.

Evaluation of integrated nutrient management on soil health, maize productivity and grain quality

Managing various organic residues produced from agricultural waste is today's prominent need. The present experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of integrated, chemical, and organic fertilizers on maize productivity. Initially, vermicompost was prepared using different organic residues viz., paddy straw, neem leaves and dhaincha leaves, each in combination with cow dung in 1:1 ratio. Further, prepared vermicompost along with integrated nutrient and chemical fertilizer treatments, were tested on maize productivity. The experiment was carried out in Randomized Block Design. The average two-year data revealed the increased yield and yield attributes of maize with integrated nutrient management followed by the recommended dose of fertilizers and different vermicompost treatments. The least maize productivity was noted with control treatment. The different vermicompost treatments comparatively improved the organic carbon (0.43 to 0.45%) and micronutrient status of the soil in the second year of application (Fe- 10.85 to 13.32 mg kg-1, Zn- 2.95 to 4.18 mg kg-1, Cu- 0.55 to 0.73 mg kg-1, Mn- 10.37 to 15.24 mg kg-1). The result of vermicompost application can be recorded higher in terms of improvement in yield and soil properties in the later years, as the initial organic carbon and nutrient content of the experimental soil was recorded to be low, and, it takes almost three to four years for the positive response of soil to the applied organic amendments. Therefore, long-term experiments are required to evaluate the effects of vermicompost on soil chemical properties and maize productivity. The investigation revealed that integrated nutrient treatment proved better in terms of improving the yield and nutrient status of the soil.

Evaluating Seed Dressing and Soil Application of Vermicompost on Pea (Pisum sativum) Growth and Development

The experiment was conducted in 2022 at the research farm of Dicle University of Agricultural Faculty, Diyarbakir, Turkey. The study is to examine the effect of vermicompost, which is an industrial product of organic origin, on the growth of peas. The soil was treated with liquid vermicompost 10 t ha−1 with sown. Seed dressing of vermicompost was applied to the seed coat. The experiment was arranged in a randomized complete-block design with three blocks. After 45 days after emergence, plant samples were harvested six times every ten days. Observations were on plant height, leaf area, number of leaves, stipule, tendrils plant-1, stem, and leaf dry weight. The effect of vermicompost treatments on seed and soil was significant for plant height, the number of leaves and tendrils per plant, leaf area, and dry stem weight. Vermicompost application on seeds and soil was higher than a control for all traits. Vermicompost application to the soil had a slight advantage over the vermicompost application to the seed.

Studies on Vermicomposting of Sericultural Wastes: An Eco-Friendly Approach for Effective Management of Seri-Wastes

Vermicompost is one of the most essential and efficient organic manure commonly applied to the mulberry field in most the advance sericulture countries. Vermicompost is the one of the beneficial biotechnology is the bioconversion of organic waste into useful form. In the current experiment, soil treated with vermicompost of three different treatments viz., Cow dung + Seri-waste (T-1), Cow dung +Seri-waste (T-2) and Cow dung +Seri-waste + Rice straw (T-3) were recorded different parameters. After the application of different treatment of vermicompost the best recorded treatment as a T-as 6.7 pH. The moisture retention capacity was recorded as 52% in T-1 and 74% and 62% respectively in T-2 and T-3, with electric conductivity as 2-3ms/cm. The soil texture of soil treated with T-2 (Cow dung +Seri-waste) showed best input as 50% as compared to T-1 and least in T-3 as 40% and 35% respectively. Application of different treatment of vermicompost on soil recorded to be T-2 (Cow dung +Seri-waste) showed positive response and high availability of microorganisms that are beneficial for the mulberry plant. The germination percentage of seed of mulberry treated with different treatment was recorded to be highest of 90% in T-2 and root and shoot length of plant grown as 26cm and 12cm as compared to T-1 and T-3 as 19 cm and 8cm, 34cm and 10cm respectively. Similarly, the moisture percentage and moisture retention capacity of T-2 was recorded to be highest as 74.64% and 73.21% respectively. Therefore, the current experiment opens new avenues vermicompost substrate for promoting of by-product utilization seri-waste in sericulture. The resultant product could be utilized for agricultural and horticultural as well. The present results offer numerous scopes for further sustainable agriculture with special emphasis on sericulture industry.

Liquid Leachate Produced from Vermicompost Effects on Some Agronomic Attributes and Secondary Metabolites of Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) Exposed to Severe Water Stress Conditions

Water stress is one of the most critical threats to the growth and productivity of plants and is one of the most studied topics in agricultural sciences. In order to enhance the tolerance of plants to water stress conditions, synthetic fertilizers have been widely used in the field. However, due to their toxic effects, recent reports have focused on organic options. In this study, the effects of liquid vermicompost applications (25, 50, 75, and 100%) on the agronomic attributes, phenolic compounds, and essential oil compounds of basil plants exposed to drought stress conditions were investigated. Accordingly, water stress critically reduced the factors of plant height, plant fresh weight, root fresh weight, leaf length, and leaf diameter. On the other hand, vermicompost applications significantly affected all of the parameters considered, except the leaf length of well-watered basil plants. However, a two-way ANOVA analysis revealed that the interactions of water stress and vermicompost were significant on root length and root fresh weight. Regarding the essential oil compounds, the contents of humulene, anethol, eucalyptol, estragole, bisabolene, germacrene, and caryophyllene were quantified. Estragole was determined as a major component by 85–90%. The results revealed that the highest estragole content was determined in the 25% vermicompost + water stress, water stress, and control groups. Of the major phenolic compounds, caffeic acid decreased as a result of water stress conditions but increased with vermicompost treatments. The rosmarinic acid content increased during water stress conditions, attaining the highest content at 25% via the vermicompost and water stress interaction. In general, the 25% and 50% vermicompost applications increased the content of phenolic compounds in plants under either well-watered or stress conditions.

Evaluation of different growing media based on agro-industrial waste materials for the morphological, biochemical and physiological characteristics of stevia

Stevia is an excellent source of natural antioxidants that prevent carcinogenic effects and cardiovascular disease especially helpful in curing diabetes. It is the most emerging medicinal plant important for the food industry. The increased production of stevia is an important aspect of using different growing media, i.e., control (garden soil), garden soil: spent mushroom substrate, garden soil: farm yard manure, garden soil: organic compost, garden soil: sugarcane bagasse, garden soil: perlite, garden soil: leaf mold, garden soil: press mud, garden soil: peat moss, garden soil: vermicompost as in the present study. The treatment of garden soil and vermicompost significantly increased plant height (54.70 cm), leaf fresh weight (18.79 g), number of branches per plant (12.26), leaves number per plant (297.46), leaf and shoot dry weight (8.98, 17.23), root length (17.38 cm), and root fresh weight (17.38 g) as compared to control. Garden soil and vermicompost significantly improved chlorophyll a (3.1 mg/g) and b (1.5 mg/g), total chlorophyll (3.45 mg/g), carotenoids (0.42 mg/g), and flavonoids (56 mg/g) as compared to other treatments. The increased level of minerals, i.e., potassium, nitrogen, sodium, zinc, calcium, and phosphorus were also observed in the mixture of garden soil and vermicompost as compared to control and other treatments. Plant height revealed a significant association with all the studied traits of growth, photosynthetic pigments, minerals, and alike association trend was revealed from the biplot. • Vermicompost, spent mushroom substrate and press mud are valuable growing media for stevia growth • Spent mushroom substrate and Press Mud increased the stevia growth than in soil • Vermicompost can be used for peat replacement in stevia production • Effective growing media are vital to the soilless plant cultivation industry • Spent mushroom wastes showed a greater reuse potential in improving yield and quality

Impacts of vermicompost application on crop yield, ammonia volatilization and greenhouse gases emission on upland in Southwest China

Ammonia (NH3) volatilization and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission are important environment pollution sources in upland agro-ecosystems. Vermicompost was used for amending purple soil and comparing NH3 and GHG emissions. A field experiment was conducted with a comparison of organic and inorganic fertilizers in a wheat–maize rotation system in the Sichuan Basin, China. The five treatments were conventional inorganic fertilizers, NPK as control; vermicompost prepared with cow dung (VCM); and pig manure (VPM); cow dung and pig manure vermicompost, respectively (VCMNPK, VPMNPK). Total nitrogen rates of all treatments were the same. Soil NH3 volatilization and GHG emissions were monitored with the static chamber method. The results showed that NH3 volatilization occurred in the first two weeks following nitrogen (N) fertilization. The cumulative fluxes of NH3 recorded in the NPK, VCM, VPM, VCMNPK, and VPMNPK treatments were 15.4, 5.7, 6.3, 10.32, and 10.29 kg N ha−1 yr−1, respectively, in the winter and 4.8, 5.5, 19.83, 12.8, and 11.9 kg N ha−1 yr−1 respectively, in the summer. The global warming potential (GWP) 773.6 and 803.9 g CO2-eq m−2 in VCM and VPM, respectively, during the wheat season 540.6 and 576.2 g CO2-eq m−2, respectively, during the maize season. The GWPs in NPK treatment were 1032.4 and 570.7 g CO2-eq m−2 during the wheat and maize seasons, respectively. The increasing effects of nutrient loops, particularly 18 % soil total nitrogen (TN) and 31 % soil organic carbon (SOC) in VCM, and crop productivity of vermicompost treatments during the wheat–maize rotation had been evaluated. This study recommends that VCM can be considered as a better organic amendment, promoting plant growth while decreasing the environmental costs of gas emissions.

Proteomics and photosynthetic apparatus response to vermicompost attenuation of salinity stress Vicia faba leaves

Crop production and growth are severely affected by salt stress. Nevertheless, the bio-fertilizer vermicompost (VC) can be participated as a potent inhibitor of salinity on plant growth and crop production by regulating photosynthetic efficiency. We investigated the effect of VC on photosynthetic performance of salt-stressed broad bean (Vicia faba L. Aspani cultivar). Seeds were grown in soil mixture; clay and sand in ratio 1:2 by volume with five different volumetric ratios of VC; 0, 2.5, 5, 10 and 15% irrigated with either water and/or 200 mM NaCl. Leaf area, Na and K contents, chlorophylls, photosystem II efficiency, Rubisco content, soluble sugars, chloroplasts’ organization and proteomics were analyzed. The imposed stress decrease leaf area, chlorophyll contents, maximum quantum efficiency (Fv/Fm), Rubisco content, increase soluble sugars and damage chloroplasts organization. Salinity upregulated glucose-1-phosphate adenylyl transferase, ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase large subunit and chloroplastic peptidyl-prolyl cis–trans isomerase. The increased leaf area, chlorophyll a, b and carotenoids, maximum quantum efficiency of photosystem II, Rubisco content, improving the degeneration of thylakoid lamellae and lessening plastoglobuli number in thylakoid membranes are the major benefits attained with vermicompost treatments under salt stress.Analysis of proteomic revealed that VC upregulated chloroplastic ferredoxin–NADP reductase, plastocyanin, polyphenol oxidase, peptidyl-prolyl cis–trans isomerase, alpha-glucan phosphorylase H isozyme and maturase expression under salt stress. The results suggest that VC controls protein expression at the level of transcriptional and translational which may conserve photosynthetic components and prevent salt-induced harmful effects in broad bean plants.

Physiological and biochemical responses of black cumin to vermicompost and plant biostimulants: Arbuscular mycorrhizal and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria

The aim of this research was to find a natural method for increasing black cumin ( Nigella sativa Linn) growth by using microbial soil amendments and, at the same time, decrease reliance on mineral fertilizers . We investigated the influence of mineral fertilizer (NPK), vermicompost (VC), Pseudomonas fluorescens (PF), Azotobacter chroococcum (AC) , Azospirillum brasilense (AB), and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on plant weight, chlorophyll (Chl) content, relative water content (RWC), total soluble sugar (TSS), proline , glycine betaine (GB), and leaf micronutrients of black cumin during 2020 and 2021. VC and AMF treatments nearly doubled the fresh and dry weights of plants compared to control plants. The highest Chl a (1.62 mg g −1 ) was observed in PF-treated plants, while Chl b in VC (0.62 mg g −1 ) and AMF (0.60 mg g −1 ) showed higher amounts compared with control plants. The RWC ranged from 69% in control to 83.3% in plants treated with VC in the second year. The TSS in all treated plants was higher than in control plants, and the highest for NPK (129.6 mg g −1 compared to 77 mg g −1 ). NPK yielded the highest proline (158.6 µmol g −1 ) and AMF resulted in the maximum GB (5 µmol g −1 ) in the first-year plants. The highest Zn content was reported in AC and AMF-treated plants, and Fe in VC and AMF also showed higher amounts compared with control plants. Cu and Mn with all fertilizers, particularly upon AB and AMF application, were higher than in control plants. Heat map (HA) analysis showed Chl b, GB, and TSS as sensitive traits upon fertilization. AMF colonization and VC, due to their high potential for increasing RWC, Chl content, and micronutrient uptake, they can be recommended as the most effective fertilization treatments for yielding optimum growth in black cumin. AMF colonization is an appealing and more effective alternative to synthetic fertilizers for cumin cultivation. AMF and VC application can be suggested as sustainable agricultural fertilizers containing useful microorganisms to improve the growth performance and mineral composition of black cumin. The amount of dillapiole in EO derived from inoculated black cumin plants with P. fluorescens and G. mosseae was increased. • Microbial soil amendments an efficient and natural way of improving the growth of black cumin. • Arbuscular mycorrhizal and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria induce growth and biochemical properties. • AMF and PGPR significantly enhanced micronutrients uptake. • Microbial soil amendments can lead to better production of medicinal plants.

Effect of Vermicompost and NPK Fertilizer on Growth of Long Beans (Vigna sinensis L.)

Long beans are short-lived plants that are widely cultivated in Indonesia. To stimulate the growth of long beans, it is necessary to fertilize with the appropriate dose for its growth. Research on the effect of vermicompost and NPK fertilizer has been carried out in Mertak Umbak Village, Central Lombok. The purpose of the research was to determine the effect of the application of vermicompost on the growth of long beans, the effect of the application of NPK fertilizer on the growth of long beans and the interaction effect of the application of vermicompost and NPK fertilizer on the growth of long beans. The research was carried out with a 2-factor design and 4 replications. The research data were analyzed by analysis of variance. In this study, the results showed that the treatment of vermicompost significantly increased the number of leaves and plant height, but could not increase the length and width of the long bean leaves, the application of NPK fertilizer could increase the leaf length, leaf width, number of leaves and stem length of long beans and the interaction of vermicompost and NPK fertilizer treatment did not significantly affect all measured long bean growth parameters

Study of Coulomb Stress Change (CSC) Earthquake in the Segment Area of West Seram – Ambon Island

Long beans are short-lived plants that are widely cultivated in Indonesia. To stimulate the growth of long beans, it is necessary to fertilize with the appropriate dose for its growth. Research on the effect of vermicompost and NPK fertilizer has been carried out in Mertak Umbak Village, Central Lombok. The purpose of the research was to determine the effect of the application of vermicompost on the growth of long beans, the effect of the application of NPK fertilizer on the growth of long beans and the interaction effect of the application of vermicompost and NPK fertilizer on the growth of long beans. The research was carried out with a 2-factor design and 4 replications. The research data were analyzed by analysis of variance. In this study, the results showed that the treatment of vermicompost significantly increased the number of leaves and plant height, but could not increase the length and width of the long bean leaves, the application of NPK fertilizer could increase the leaf length, leaf width, number of leaves and stem length of long beans and the interaction of vermicompost and NPK fertilizer treatment did not significantly affect all measured long bean growth parameters

The effect of vermicompost and NPK fertilizer on the growth of Spinach (Amaranthus tricolor)

Spinach is a plant usually cultivated for its leaves to be consumed as green vegetables. Spinach contains vitamins, protein, fat, carbohydrates, and minerals. Research on the effect of Vermicompost and NPK fertilizer on the growth of spinach has been carried out from July to September 2021 in Lombok, Indonesia. The objectives of the study are to determine: (1) the effect of Vermicompost on the growth of spinach, (2) the effect of NPK fertilizer on the growth of spinach, (3) the interaction effect of Vermicompost and NPK fertilizer on the growth of spinach. This research was conducted experimentally using a factorial, completely randomized design with two factors and three replications. The first factor was the dose of NPK fertilizer which consisted of 4 treatment levels, namely 0 g, 0.5 g, 1 g, and 1.5 g for each plant. The second factor is the dose of Vermicompost, which consists of 5 levels, namely 0 kg, 0.6 kg, 1.2 kg, 1.8 kg, and 2.4 kg for 1 m2 of agricultural land. The vermicompost treatment was carried out ten days before planting. The NPK fertilizer treatment was carried out ten and 20 days after planting. Spinach growth parameters were stem diameter, plant height, total leaf, leaf length, and leaf width. The results of the study were: (1) the treatment of NPK fertilizer had a significant effect on the number of leaves, leaf length, leaf width, stem height, and stem diameter of spinach, (2) the application of Vermicompost had a significant effect on the number of leaves, leaf length, leaf width, and stem height but did not significantly affect the diameter of the stems, (3) the optimum dose of NPK fertilizer was 1 gram per plant, (4) treatment 1.8 kg vermicompost resulted in better growth of spinach compared to other.

Evaluation of vermicompost on development and yield of beetroot (Beta vulgaris)

A greenhouse experiment was conducted at Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources for 10 weeks (19 March – 28 May 2019) under irrigated conditions. The objective of the experiment was to evaluate the effect of vermicompost on the growth and yield of beetroot (Beta vulgaris) under (i) four doses of vermicompost, (ii) three doses of mineral fertilizer, and (iii) ordinary soil (as control). A randomized complete design had polyethylene pots with 8 treatments, namely 4 doses (5, 10, 20 and 30 tonne/ha) of vermicompost, 3 doses (50, 100 and 200% of 50 kg bag/ha) of NPK (2:3:2) and ordinary soil (as control), of three replicates. Data on growth and yield parameters were analyzed using the Statistical Analysis Software computer package (SAS version 9.3). Analysis of variance and means were separated using Duncan’s multiple range test at 5% confidence level. The results of this study showed that 30 tonne/ha vermicompost treatment gave great potential to increase the performance, growth and yield of beetroot plant and improvement of soil quality. The four doses of vermicompost gave higher significant growth and yield of beetroot than the three doses of NPK [2:3:2] fertilizer and ordinary soil. The minimum quantity of 5 tonne/ha of vermicompost is, therefore, recommended as a natural fertilizer for root crops, vegetable crops and other crops for increased and sustainable agricultural systems.

Study the Efficiency of Vermicompost on Growth and Yield Attributes of Tomato (Lycopersican esculentum)

Background: Judicious application of inorganic fertilizers is very essential to obtain high yields of improved crop varieties. But the liberal and continuous application of inorganic fertilizers under intensive crop production systems resulted in multiple nutrient deficiency in the soil besides causing imbalance in soil physico-chemical properties. Further the increased use of inorganic fertilizers resulted in diminishing soil fertility and unsustainable crop yields, besides creating additional problems in soil such as soil acidity, alkalinity, soil and ground water pollution. Organic agriculture is environment friendly, ecological production system that promotes and enhances biodiversity, biological cycles and biological activity. It is based on minimal use of off-farm inputs and management practices that restore, maintain and enhance ecological harmony. Organic materials such as compost, vermicompost, poultry manure, oilcakes, green manures and crop residues can substitute inorganic fertilizers to maintain productivity and environmental quality. The quality of agricultural produce, particularly horticultural produce viz., vegetables, flowers and fruits get improves when the nutrients are supplied through organic manures than in the form of fertilizers. Methods: Keeping all above information in view, a present experiment was carried out to study the effect of application of different ratio of vermicompost amended with soil on the growth, yield and quality of tomato crop (Lycopersican esculentum). A pot culture experiment was conducted to study the efficiency of vermicompost on plant growth and yield. Result: From the study, application of organic manures viz vermicompost resulted better crop growth and quality parameters in tomato crop and remarkably improvement in soil fertility was also observed. Application of vermicompost at 25 per cent and 50 per cent treatments not showed significant difference in growth and quality parameters of tomato crop. Regarding the quantity of vermicompost application, the cost of cultivation was reduced in 25 per cent vermicompost applied treatment than 50 per cent vermicompost applied treatment. Therefore, application of 25 per cent vermicompost treatment was found to be the best suited practice for tomato crop cultivation and also increased a net return, improved quality products and sustaining the soil health. Application of organic manure is one of the viable approaches for eco-friendly crop production.

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.

Vermicompost Enhances the Yield and Quality of Red Amaranth Subjected to Acidic Soil

The study was conducted to evaluate the vermicompost enhances the yield and quality of red amaranth subjected to acidic soil. Five treatments namely, control (T1), cowdung (T2), compost (T3), vermicompost (T4) and lime+100% recommended inorganic fertilizer dose (T5) were considered in acidic soil for the fulfilment of experimental objectives. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications in the southern part of Bangladesh. All the treatments gave significantly higher yield (p<0.05) while it was compared to the control. Highest yield of red amaranth was observed from the treatment of vermicompost (7.79 tha-1) followed by lime (5.79 tha-1), compost (5.52 tha-1) and cowdung (4.73 tha-1). The result showed that the effects of vermicompost were more efficient in terms of vigorous production, nutrient contents as well as in the maintenance of soil pH for the potential cultivation of red amaranth compared to the other management. Besides these, the nutrients content of red amaranth was also observed and found that the Ca, Mg, K, P, S and Fe were substantially higher in vermicompost except the Zn and B. Mg, K and P content were highly (r2=>0.9) correlated with the yield. Only vermicompost and lime enhanced 7% and 0.3% of pH over the control. Therefore, in acidic soil the vermicompost would be the best alternative for Red amaranth production.

Vermicompost liquid fertilisation affects the vegetative growth of African rose plum seedlings grafted on various rootstocks

This study was conducted on a farm of Horticultural Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Giza, Egypt, during two successive seasons (2019 &2020) on seedling African-rose plum grafted on two rootstocks (Nemaguard and Marianna 26-24, respectively) in sandy soil. African rose seedlings were treated with vermicompost liquid fertilization as follows: soil treatment by vermicompost diluted times, foliar treatment by vermicompost diluted 10 times, double treatment of the soil as mentioned above, and foliar applications and control. The main purpose of this project was to study the effect of vermicompost liquid fertilization on the vegetative growth behavior of African rose plum seedlings grafted on two different rootstocks and reducing the use of chemical fertilizers in the long run and establishing farms that depend on organic fertilization to preserve the environment and maintain consumer health. The results showed that all vermicompost treatments increased the vegetative growth parameters and leaf mineral content of African rose seedlings compared to the control. In addition to, the double treatment of soil and foliar applications gave the highest growth parameters and leaf mineral content. The endogenous hormone is significantly affected by all treatments under study. These results explain that vermicompost fluid improves the morphological and physiological characteristics of the treated seedlings and can be applied to produce organic plums. It gradually dispense with chemical fertilization, and preserve the environment.