Vermicompost Fertilizer Research Articles

Oriented regulation of earthworm production and vermicompost quality by carbon bioavailability management

Vermicomposting is an efficient bioconversion technology for recycling nutrients from organic waste materials. The biodegradability of raw materials has a significant impact on the earthworm transformation product. However, the management of carbon bioavailability is often overlooked during the vermicomposting process due to the varying degradability of C-rich source in different organic waste. This research aims to investigate the impact of different bioavailable carbon compositions on vermicomposting and to develop a strategy for efficient carbon management. The study involved systematic vermicomposting using four different biodegradable carbon sources (pineapple peels, rice straw, tomato straw, and sawdust) with varying carbon‑nitrogen ratios (ranging from 24 to 42). The earthworm production and vermicompost quality were comprehensively evaluated, along with the influence of carbon components on microbial community structure. The results indicated that the optimal vermicomposting treatments were achieved at PCM24, RCM30, TCM30, and MCM30 treatments. Maintaining an approximate ratio of 1:(0.5–1.3) between available and recalcitrant carbon components based on the optimal carbon‑nitrogen ratio was found to be optimal for regulating vermicomposting products. Increasing the proportion of available carbon enhanced the quality of vermicompost fertilizer, while a higher proportion of recalcitrant carbon could improve earthworm biomass production efficiency. Labile carbon proportion I (LCP1) and available carbon component (ACC) were identified as key indicators in influencing the formation of microbial community structure. Different carbon compositions led to the specific development and formation of microbial communities, further resulting in significant variations in vermicompost quality under the mediation of microbes. This study, for the first time, clarifies the impact of vermicomposting performance and microbial community from the perspective of carbon bioavailability, which is of great significance for the oriented regulation the vermicomposting efficiency and product in practice.

Molecular-level insight into the effect of fertilization regimes on the chemodiversity of dissolved organic matter in tropical cropland

Fertilization is a critical agronomic measure for croplands in tropical regions, owing to their low fertility. However, the effects of fertilization on the quantity and chemodiversity of latosolic dissolved organic matter (DOM) in tropical regions remain largely unknown. Therefore, in this study, the variations in latosol DOM concentrations and chemodiversity induced by inorganic fertilization and the co-application of inorganic fertilization with straw return, sheep manure, biochar, and vermicompost fertilizers at a molecular level were systematically investigated using multispectral techniques and ultrahigh-resolution mass spectrometry. In line with our expectations, the results showed that combined inorganic-organic fertilization improved soil quality by increasing soil organic carbon content compared to that under inorganic fertilization. However, as the most active and bioavailable organic carbon pool, dissolved organic carbonconcentrations between the fertilization treatments were not significantly different (p = 0.07). However, the dissolved organic carbon concentrations under combined inorganic-organic fertilization treatment (NPK plus straw return, 263.45 ± 37.51 mg/kg) were lower than those under inorganic fertilization treatment (282.10 ± 18.57 mg/kg). Spectral analysis showed that the DOM in the combined inorganic-organic fertilization treatments had a higher degree of humification and lower autogenetic contributions. Furthermore, Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry analysis indicated that the combined inorganic-organic fertilization increased the chemodiversity of latosolic DOM and promoted the production of large, oxidized, and stable molecules, including lignin, aromatic, and tannin compounds, which potentially benefits soil carbon sequestration in tropical regions. This study could provide a theoretical basis for elucidating on the potentially relevant ecological functions and environmental effects of DOM under fertilization regimes.

APLIKASI PUPUK VERMIKOMPOS DAN POC URIN SAPI TERHADAP PERTUMBUHAN DAN HASIL TANAMAN TOMAT (Solanum lycopersicum)

This study aimed to determine the effect of vermicompost fertilizer dose and concentration of cow urine Liquid Organic Fertilizer (LOF) on the growth and yield of tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum). This research was an experimental study conducted from March to May 2024. The experimental design used in this study was a factorial Randomised Group Design (RGD) consisting of two factors. The first factor was the dose of vermicompost fertilizer, which consisted of 4 levels, including 0 g/plant, 35 g/plant, 45 g/plant, and 55 g/plant. The second factor was the cow urine concentration LOF, which consisted of four levels: 0 ml/l, 30 ml/l, 60 ml/l, and 90 ml/l. The results showed that the treatment with a vermicompost fertilizer dose of 45 g/plant had the best effect on the parameters of plant height at 4 weeks (79.16 cm), 5 weeks (94.58 cm), and 6 weeks (117.08 cm), and stem diameter at 4 weeks (6.00 mm), 5 weeks (7.01 mm), and 6 weeks (7.94 mm). The concentration of cow urine LOF at 60 ml/l had the best effect on the parameters of plant height at 4 weeks (78.50 cm), 5 weeks (95.66 cm), and 6 weeks (116.25 cm), the number of fruits per plant (12.83 fruits), and fruit weight per plant (474.75 g). There was an interaction between the treatment of vermicompost fertilizer dose and concentration of cow urine, with a combination of 45 g/plant of vermicompost and 60 ml/l cow urine having the best effect on the parameter of plant height 6 weeks after planting (123.33 cm).

Vegetative Growth Analysis of Mustard Greens (Brassica juncea L) Consequences of Vermicompost and Urea Fertilizer Treatment

Research on Analysis of vegetative growth of mustard greens (Brassica juncea L) due to vermicompost and urea fertilizer treatment was carried out from April to July 2024 In West Lombok. This research aims to analyze: 1) vegetative growth of green mustard after urea fertilizer treatment, 2) vegetative growth of mustard greens after vermicompost treatment 3) the interaction effect of vermicompost and urea fertilizer treatment on the growth of green mustard. In the research a 2 factor design was used. Growth parameters of mustard greens measured were plant fresh weight, stem height, number of leaves and length of mustard green leaves. Data from measurements of all the growth parameters above were analyzed using analysis of variance. The results of the mustard green growth analysis showed that: (1) urea fertilizer treatment had a significant effect on fresh weight, plant height, number of leaves and leaf length of mustard greens, (2) vermicompost treatment had a significant effect on all mustard green growth parameters. (3) the interaction between urea and vermicompost fertilizer treatments did not have a real effect on the growth of mustard greens.

Data on vermicompost effect on the uptake of cadmium from soil by the roots of radish (Raphanus sativus)

Cadmium is a common environmental heavy metal that is very toxic and carcinogenic for human and other flora and fauna. Therefore, this study is aimed to evaluate the fisibility of vermicompost fertilizer for cadmium uptake from soil by the root of radish (Raphanus sativus). For the purpose of the study, four different ratios of one case control, 1 per 1, 1 per 4, 2 per 4, 3 per 4 vermicompost fertilizer per soil with 0, 50000 and 100000 µg/L cadmium concentrations was evaluated. Cadmium in the samples was measured using an Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). The results showed that the minimum uptake of cadmium by the plant was observed for 3 per 4 ratio of fertilizer per soil. In addition, results revealed that highest growth rate of Raphanus sativus roots occurred in maximum ratio of fertilizer per soil usage (3 per 4). This study showed that vermicompost as a organic fertilizer has a good ability to adsorb cadmium metal from soil. Therfore, vermicompost application can be considered as an inexpensive natural adsorbent in arable land contaminated with cadmium.•Heavy metals are very toxic and carcinogenic to human and animals.•Adding organic fertilizer to the soil increases the absorption of heavy metal (cadmium) in the soil and prevents it from entering the food chain.•The relationship between the concentration of cadmium absorbed by the tuber of radish plant and the percentage of vermicompost added to the soil is presented.

Performance of organic manures alone or combined with chemical fertilizers in increasing growth, yield, and nutritional quality of potatoes in the Eastern part of Türkiye

This study aimed to determine the effects of different types of fertilizers (organic and inorganic fertilizers) on plant growth, yield, and yield components of potatoes grown in the high-altitude plateau of eastern Türkiye in 2017 and 2019. In the experiment, single or combined doses of nitrogen (N; as ammonium sulfate) and phosphorus (P; as triple super phosphate) as inorganic fertilizers and leonardite (L) and vermicompost (V) fertilizers as organic fertilizers were used. In both years, different fertilizer treatments significantly affected plant growth, yield, and yield components. Tuber yield per hill (941.0 g), marketable tuber yield (32.71 t ha−1), total tuber yield (37.84 t ha−1), specific gravity (1. 077 g cm−3), chip productivity (35.9%), starch (13.03%) and protein (11.0%) ratios increased when N fertilizer was used in combination with vermicompost or leonardite. N fertilizer combined with V or L fertilizer increased tuber yield under harsh continental climates, short growth periods, and high altitudes.

The Effects of Frass and Vermicompost Fertilization on the Biometrical Parameters of Plant and Soil Quality, and the Rhizobiome, in Red Beet (Beta vulgaris L.) Cultivation

Insect frass and vermicompost hold potential applications as fertilizers, with their abilities to improve plant resilience against unfavorable environmental conditions and increase their resistance to pests and diseases. In this study, we explored the effects of vermicompost fertilization, mealworm frass, and superworm frass as potential plant fertilizers for red beet cultivation. We analyzed the connections among chemical parameters, rhizobiome structure and function, and the biometrics of fertilizer-treated plants. In general, soils enriched with vermicompost and superworm frass exhibited the highest macroelement contents. Dry superworm frass fertilization was characterized by the increased availabilities of total nitrogen, NH4-N, and NO3-N. The use of vermicompost and mealworm frass resulted in significantly higher red beet biomass values. The presence of the highest N-fixation potential and key hormonal substances involved in plant development, such as auxins and gibberellins, was demonstrated using wet superworm frass. The results indicated that wet superworm frass, similar to vermicompost and dry superworm frass, exhibits high chemoheterotrophic potential. This suggests an r-type strategy and high adaptive flexibility of rhizobial bacteria. As a consequence, both life in the root zone and the microbiome itself may be better adapted to sudden, unfavorable environmental changes or attacks by plant pathogens.

Comparative Effects of No-dig and Conventional Cultivation with Vermicompost Fertilization on Earthworm Community parameters and Soil Physicochemical Condition

Because of the numerous ecosystem services provided by soil, such as elemental cycling, food production, and water filtration and storage, this resource requires special protection to maintain total efficiency of these services. However, standard agricultural practices can have a degrading effect, not only on the physical and chemical properties of soil, but may also threaten soil invertebrate communities. Soil macrofauna, and earthworms in particular, play a critical role in soil ecosystems because their activities affect the availability of nutrients for plants, shape soil structure, and significantly impact organic matter dynamics. The present study was undertaken to determine the effects of two systems used in plant cultivation (no-dig and conventional digging). Both used vermicompost as an organic fertilizer and looked at selected characteristics of Lumbricidae groupings and the dynamics of selected soil physicochemical properties. This study was conducted over three years in the same area to ensure that the soil characteristics were the same. The NDG (no-dig) and DG (conventional digging) sites were prepared as appropriate with a perennial hay meadow (MW) used as a control site. An electrical extraction (octet) method was used to collect earthworms. The same six species of earthworm were found at each site: Dendrodrilus rubidus (Sav.), Lumbricus rubellus (Hoff.), Aporrectodea caliginosa (Sav.), Aporrectodea rosea (Sav.), Octolasion lacteum (Örley), and Lumbricus terrestris (L.). Earthworm abundance and biomass were found to be significantly higher at the NDG site compared to DG (NDG > DG; abundance by 24% (p < 0.05), biomass by 22% (p < 0.05)). No significant differences between NDG and MW were shown. Moisture, temperature, and soil organic carbon content likely influenced the abundance and biomass of Lumbricidae. The NDG site showed significantly higher organic carbon and moisture content and significantly lower temperatures than the DG site. The average number of earthworms damaged by digging was 0.85 ind. m−2, but did not significantly affect the other results. Overall, NDG is preferable to DG for enhancing the earthworm and physicochemical parameters of soil.

Response of Soil Chemical Properties under Tef (Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter) Field to Integrated Application of Lantana camara L. Weed Vermicompost and NPS Mineral Fertilizer

Recently, the beauty of the environment, native forest plants, and crops were encroached with invasive weeds, and thus scientific community was concerned with searching for optional management of these horrible weeds. Accordingly, vermicomposting of invasive weeds with the purpose of utilization management was evaluated as an alternative option and cost-effective management. Utilization management included keeping the environment safe from expanding invasive weeds by using these weeds as vermicomposting materials. Consequently, vermicompost was produced from L. camara invasive weed and this produced vermicompost was interactively used with chemical fertilizer to appraise its effect on soil chemical properties after the tef crop was harvested. The experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) in a factorial combination with three replications. Four levels of L. camara vermicompost amendment (0, 2, 4, and 6 t·ha−1) and four levels of NPS fertilizer (0, 100, 150, and 200 kg·ha−1) were used in the combination of the treatments. Disturbed composite soil sampling at a depth of 20 cm was carried out, one sample before planting and 48 samples after harvesting of the tef crop. The results showed that the combined addition of vermicompost and NPS fertilizers at the rate of 6 t·ha−1 and 200 kg·ha−1, respectively, significantly increased plant-available phosphorus (Av. P). Reversely, the pH of the soil remained unchanged when the soil was treated with the integration of vermicompost and NPS fertilizer or at their separate individual application. Most of the soil chemical properties, i.e. soil organic carbon (SOC), electrical conductivity (EC), Av. P, total nitrogen (TN), carbon-to-nitrogen ratio (C : N), and cation exchange capacity (CEC) were found to be improved when the soil was amended with the highest dose of sole L. camara vermicompost fertilizer. The two-year consecutive organic fertilizer fertilization rate increased SOC from 63.64% to 107.56%, EC from 8.70% to 22.22%, Av. P from 40.87% to 143.13%, TN from 50% to 100%, C : N ratio from 8.14% to 11.58%, and CEC from 42.11% to 63.67% versus untreated plot. Single-application NPS chemical fertilizer has only an encouraging effect on Av. P and CEC of soil. The principal driving factor for any change in soil chemical properties was the L. camara vermicompost amendment. Therefore, using L. camara weed as a vermicompost can enhance soil fertility. This study offers the opportunity to convert the large biomass of L. camara weed into vermicompost through vermicomposting.

Response of Vermicompost and Urea Combination Fertilizer Doses on the Growth and Yield of Scallion Plants (Allium fistulosum L.)

Leeks (Allium fistulosum L.) are short-lived horticultural crops and have great commercial potential. The productivity of leeks in Indonesia, especially in the East Java region, is experiencing fluctuations, this is due to the problem of decreasing soil fertility. The use of inorganic fertilizers is one of the causes of decreasing soil fertility where the use of inorganic fertilizers in Indonesia reached 105.22 kg/ha, being the highest use compared to several countries in Southeast Asia. Therefore, I offer a solution to this problem, namely by combining the use of inorganic fertilizer with organic fertilizer, for this you can use urea fertilizer and vermicompost fertilizer, where vermicompost fertilizer has advantages compared to other compost fertilizers in terms of complete content starting from microorganisms, growth hormones, and nutrients. The aim of the research I conducted was to determine the interaction of applying urea fertilizer and vermicompost on the growth and yield of leek plants (Allium fistulosum L). The research was conducted at the Green House using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 2 factors, each of which had 3 levels and was repeated 3 times to obtain 27 plant units. The first factor was a vermicompost dose of 0 g/polybag, 75 g/polybag, and 150 g/polybag, while the second factor was a urea dose of 0 g/polybag, 1 g/polybag, and 2 g/polybag. The experimental results showed that the best dose for the combined interaction of vermicompost and urea fertilizer treatment was 75 g/polybag vermicompost and 2 g/polybag urea to increase the number of leaves and height of leek plants.

Population growth of Daphnia sp. with various types of organic fertilizer

The Daphnia sp. population can be increased using various types of organic fertilizers. This study aimed to analyze the effect of organic fertilizer vermicompost, quail feces, and Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae compost on maintenance media on the growth of Daphnia sp. and identify the best dose. This research is an experimental study with a completely randomized design (CRD) with treatment K (control or no organic fertilizer), treatment A (addition of vermicompost organic fertilizer 2.4 g/l), treatment B (addition of quail feces organic fertilizer 2.4 g/l), treatment C (addition of fly larvae compost organic fertilizer 2.4 g/l). Water quality variables (temperatur, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), color, and odor). The data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The data were analyzed using SPSS 22. The results of this study showed that the provision of organic fertilizer through the maintenance media had an effect (P <0.05) on the growth of Daphnia sp. The highest population was in treatment A (Quail Feces dose of 2.4 g / L) as many as 353 tails and the lowest in treatment K (No Dose) as many as 132 tails. The results of the water quality analysis of the morning temperatur were in the range–26-28ºC. afternoon temperatur was obtained 27-28ºC, then for morning pH ranged from 7.1-7.5 and afternoon pH obtained 7.3-7.6 while the average DO obtained 6.8 mg/L. The best dose in this study was treatment A with organic fertilizer 2.4 g/l.

Viability of Medium-Scale Vermicompost Plant: a Case Study in Kushtia, Bangladesh

In Bangladesh, vermicomposting has been a popular environmentally friendly composting technique, primarily at small-scale levels. However, few studies have explored the feasibility of medium to large-scale operations. This study establishes a medium-scale vermicompost fertilizer plant in Kushtia, Bangladesh, processing 30 tons of waste monthly to produce 10 tons of fertilizer. Utilizing cow dung from nearby dairy farms and 0.1 million red worms (Eisenia foetida), the experiment runs for three cycles of 120 days each without indoor environmental controls. Over a year, the worm population quadruples to over 0.4 million. Lab tests confirm the fertilizer's pH level (7.69) and nutrient ratios (e.g., 1.792% nitrogen, 0.5217% phosphorus, and 1.514% potassium). The paper includes a cost-benefit analysis, suggesting the viability of such medium-scale setups for green farming in rural Bangladesh.

The Effect of the Proportion of Vermicompost Fertilizer in Planting Media on the Growth of Papaya (Carica papaya L.) Calina Cultivar

Papaya is in great demand by the public because of its sweet taste and abundant vitamin and mineral content. The problem is that in recent years papaya productivity has fluctuated due to poor soil structure and lack of nutrients in the soil, which results in poor seed growth and unqualified seedlings, so efforts need to be made to find the right type of planting media to support papaya nurseries, one of which is with vermicompost fertilizer. This experiment aims to determine the effect of the proportion of vermicompost fertilizer in the planting medium on the growth of china cultivar papaya seedlings. The research method used was a completely randomized design with six treatments consisting of K0 = 100% soil and 0% vermicompost fertilizer (control), K1 = 80% soil and 60% vermicompost fertilizer, K2 = 60% soil and 40% vermicompost fertilizer, K3 = 40% soil and 60% vermicompost fertilizer, K4 = 20% soil and 80% vermicompost fertilizer and K5 = 0% soil and 100% vermicompost fertilizer. The experimental results showed a significant effect on the proportion of vermicompost fertilizer on plant growth rate and root length of plants aged 15, 30, and 45 DAP, as well as root volume, stem diameter, plant height, number of leaves, fresh weight and dry weight of plants aged 30, 45 and 60 DAP but not significantly different from the observation of plant growth capacity aged 7 and 14 DAP.

Increasing Red Onion Plant (Allium ascalonicum L) Growth and Production by Providing Cascing and NPK 16.16.16. Fertilizer

Riau Province relies on other regions, such as North Sumatra, West Sumatra, and Java, for its needs. However, when natural disasters occur, or transportation disruptions happen from the sources of onion production, the price of shallots in the market increases. To reduce Riau companies' dependency on this raw material, it is necessary to develop shallot plants using optimal cultivation techniques to maximize growth and production. This research was conducted at the Experimental Garden of the Faculty of Agriculture, Pasir Pengaraian University, Rokan Hulu Regency, for three months from May 2022 to July 2022. The research utilized a completely randomized factorial design with two factors. The first factor involved the application of Vermicompost Fertilizer, with four treatment levels: 0. 200. 400. and 600 g/plot. The second factor involved the application of NPK 16.16.16 fertilizer with four treatment levels: 0. 10. 20. and 30 g/plot. The parameters observed included plant height, harvest age, number of tubers per cluster, tuber weight per bulb, wet tuber weight per cluster, dry tuber weight, and percentage of tuber weight loss. The research results indicated that the interaction between vermicompost fertilizer and NPK 16.16.16 fertilizer had a significant impact on plant height, harvest age, number of tubers per cluster, number of tubers per tuber, wet tuber weight per cluster, and dry tuber weight per cluster. The best treatment was a combination of Vermicompost 600 g/plot and NPK 16.16.16 30 g/plot. The main effect of the Vermicompost Fertilizer application was significant for all observation parameters, and the main effect of NPK 16.16.16 also had a significant impact on all observation parameters.

Improvement of biochemical and antioxidant responses of borage (Borago officinalis L.) under drought stress conditions with the use of vermicompost and zinc sulfate.

Drought poses a significant threat to crop production systems. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the impact of vermicompost and foliar application of zinc sulfate under conditions of reduced irrigation on the physiological properties of Borage. A two-year experiment was conducted following a split factorial design within a randomized complete block design with three replications at Yasouj University Research Station in 2017 and 2018. The primary factor involved three levels of irrigation cut-off (I1: full irrigation, I2: irrigation cut-off at the flowering stage, and I3: irrigation cut-off during the seed-filling stage). The sub-factor included vermicompost fertilizer at three different levels (N0: control, N1: 5tonha-1, and N2: 10tonha-1), and foliar application of zinc sulfate at three levels (Z0: control, Z1: 2 and Z2: 4mgl-1). During the flowering stage stress, foliar application of 4mgl-1 of zinc sulfate resulted in an increased chlorophyll a + b content in plants (2.91mgg-1FW), while the control showed the lowest amount (2.56mgg-1FW). Vermicompost supplementation improved chlorophyll a + b content during the seed-filling stage under conditions of irrigation cut-off. The results indicated that an increase in vermicompost fertilizer application led to an elevation in relative water content (RWC), with the highest RWC (79.2%) achieved when 10tonha-1 of vermicompost was applied. Irrigation cut-off during the seed-filling stage resulted in increased electrolyte leakage and higher fertilizer usage, thus reducing cell damage. Furthermore, the findings revealed that applying 2 and 4mgl-1 zinc sulfate reduced malondialdehyde content by 5% and 9%, respectively. The catalase, peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase activities demonstrated an increased response to stress mitigation treatments. However, their activities decreased as vermicompost and zinc sulfate levels increased. The study demonstrated that the highest biomass was obtained when 10tonha-1 of vermicompost and 2mgl-1 of zinc sulfate were applied. The flowering stage of the plant exhibited the most significant negative impact under stress conditions. Nonetheless, using vermicompost and zinc sulfate, particularly during the seed-filling phase, alleviated the adverse effects of drought stress. In conclusion, our findings indicate that, although drought stress resulted in increased electrolyte leakage due to elevated free radical production, vermicompost, and zinc sulfate played a role in reducing stress.

A triple bottom line approach for designing a sustainable closed-loop supply chain network in fruit industry: A metaheuristic solution approach

In this study, the design of a sustainable closed-loop supply chain network for agricultural products with the goals of minimizing the cost and emission of greenhouse gases and maximizing the response to customer demand, and creating justice-based job opportunities, simultaneously, are aimed. The intended chain is based on the fruit supply chain study, which includes fresh fruits, concentrate, and vermicompost fertilizer. A mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) model has been developed to achieve the triple bottom line. Due to the nature of the NP-hard problem, the proposed model is solved using metaheuristic approaches consisting of two renowned algorithms, NSGA-II and NRGA, and a relatively new algorithm called NSGA-III. It is worth noting that the parameters of the algorithms are adjusted to achieve the best performance in small, medium, and large-size problems exerting the Taguchi method. After comparing the results of the three algorithms based on the well-known criteria, NRGA is introduced as the superior algorithm. Ultimately, the results of sensitivity analysis indicate that appending the possibility of using vermicompost in gardens and considering several vehicles in the proposed sustainable supply chain boosts the values of economic and environmental objective functions to about 6.4 and 8.2%, respectively.

Dynamics of Yield and Chlorophyll Content of Four Kangkung (Ipomea reptans Poir) Sequences With Soilless Cultivation System Due to Direct and Residual Effects of Vermicompost Application

The applications of organic fertilizers releasing nutrients slowly not only have a direct impact on the growing crop, but also, residual effects on the subsequent crops in the conventional crop cultivation systems. Studies on the residual effects of organic fertilizer in soilless crop cultivation are quite rare. The present study, which is a pot experiment conducted in a greenhouse, describes the dynamics of yield and chlorophyll content of kangkong as direct and residual effects of vermicompost for four consecutive plantings in soilless crop cultivation, further, compared with inorganic fertilizer treatment. The experimental design used was a randomized complete block design with different levels of vermicompost rates and a control treatment using inorganic fertilizer. The vermicompost was applied only in the first crop, while, inorganic fertilizer was supplemented in each crop. Fresh weight per plant per pot increases ~35 - 54% at the second planting compared with the first planting, thereafter, gradually decreases in subsequent planting. The content of chlorophyll A was found to be relatively constant, while the chlorophyll B content was highest in the first planting and, thereafter, subsequently decreased in further planting. The higher yields were found at 400 - 500 g pot-1 vermicompost fertilizer dose, insignificantly different from the inorganic fertilizers treatment.

Pengaruh Jenis Pupuk Organik Padat Terhadap Pertumbuhan Beberapa Varietas Tanaman Terung Ungu (Solanum melongena L.)

Eggplant (Solanum melongena .L.) is a type of annual annual vegetable. Efforts that can be made to increase eggplant production apart from extensification, diversification and rehabilitation efforts are also through agricultural intensification efforts. One of the intensification efforts is fertilization. The use of organic fertilizers has a major influence on the physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil. The application of organic fertilizers is considered to be very supportive of efforts to increase the productivity of agricultural crops. This research was conducted in the experimental field of Alwashliyah University in Simalingkar B from August to November 2022. This research used a Factorial Randomized Block Design (RAK), Factor I, namely solid organic fertilizer (P) which consists of 5 factors including P1 = Kasgot Fertilizer, P2 = Vermicompost Fertilizer, P3 = Cow Manure, P4 = Chicken Manure, P5 = Rice Husk Biochar. Factor II is variety (V), including V1 = Mustang variety, V2 = Reza variety. The results showed that the use of organic fertilizers had a significant effect on plant height, number of leaves, stem diameter and number of primary branches. The highest eggplant plant height was in the treatment of using cassava fertilizer, which was 58.78 cm. The use of eggplant plant varieties had no significant effect on plant height, number of leaves, number of primary branches and stem diameter. The highest number of leaves was found in the Reza variety, which was 11.44 leaves.

The Effect of Vermicompost Fertilizer and Effective Microorganisms (EM4) on The Growth and Yield of Shallots (Allium ascalonicum L) Bima Brebes Cultivars

This study aims to determine the effect of vermicompost fertilizer dose interaction and effective microorganisms (EM4) on the growth and yield of onion plants (Allium ascalonicum L.) cultivar Bima Brebes. The research was carried out in Karangwangun Village, Babakan District, Cirebon Regency – West Java, from February to May 2023. The design used is an experimental method with a factorial pattern Group Random Design (RAK), consisting of two factors, namely vermicompost fertilizer and effective microorganisms (EM4). Application of vermicompost fertilizer (K), which consists of 3 levels, namely: K1 = 5 tons / ha, K2 = 10 tons / ha, and K3 = 15 tons / ha; Effective Microorganism Factor (EM4) (E) which consists of 3 levels, namely: E1 = EM4 5 cc / Liter of water, E2 = EM4 10 cc / Liter of water, and E3 = EM4 15 cc / Liter of water. Each treatment or experimental unit was repeated three times for a total of 27 plots. Data analysis was carried out using fingerprints and follow-up tests with the Duncan Multiple Distance Test at the level of 5%. The variables observed were plant height (cm), number of leaves per clump (strands), number of saplings per clump (fruit), tuber diameter (cm), weight of fresh tubers per clump, weight of fresh tubers per plot, weight of dry tubers per clump and per plot. The results showed that: (1) there was no interaction between vermicompost fertilizer application and effective microorganisms (EM4) on all observation parameters, (2) The independent effect of vermicompost fertilizer application had a significant effect on the average variable weight of fresh tubers per plot. Meanwhile, the treatment of effective microorganisms (EM4) has an independent effect on the average plant height variable aged 21 days after planting (HST).

Effect of adding vermicompost, ammonium sulfate and fertilizer batches on the absorbed amounts of some nutrients and the yield and quality of summer squash

A field experiment was conducted at one of the research stations of the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences / University of Baghdad in the Al-Jadiriyah region for the autumn season of 2021, located within latitude 33.27 north and longitude 44.39 east in Silty Loam soil with a split -split plot design with three replicates. To study the effect of adding vermicompost and ammonium sulfate fertilizers and batches on the yield and quality of summer squash, nitrogen fertilizer was added at three levels (100%, 0, 50%) from the fertilizer recommendation (0, 80, 160) kg N ha-1 (N0, N1, N2). ), using ammonium sulfate fertilizer containing (21% N) and organic fertilizer (vermicompost) were added at three levels (0, 5, 10) Mg ha-1 (V0, V1, V2) respectively, fertilizers were added in two batches after (10, 20) days of planting and three batches after (10,20 and 40) days of planting. The first batch was added after 10 days of planting. The concentration (N and P) in the fruits were measured, the amount of the total yield, the percentage of protein, the percentage of total soluble solids (TSS) and fruit hardness. The results showed the significant effect of adding vermicompost and ammonium sulfate fertilizers, the number of batches on the amount of nitrogen and phosphorous absorbed in the fruits, the total yield, the percentage of protein in the fruits, the percentage of total soluble solids (TSS) and the hardness of the fruits. The treatment P2V2N1 excelled and gave the highest amount of nitrogen absorbed in the fruits, which was 1995 kg N ha-1. Phosphorous absorbed in the fruits amounted to 172.10 kg P ha-1 and the highest total yield reached 21.53 Mg ha-1 . The percentage of protein in the fruits amounted to 36.63%, the percentage of total soluble solids TSS amounted to 4.90%, and the hardness of the fruits amounted to 10.27 B. From this, we conclude that by adding nitrogen fertilizer at the first level (N1) (80 kg N ha-1 ) and organic fertilizer (V2) (10 Mg ha-1 ) and in two batches (P2) we got the highest yield and the highest qualitative traits of hardness, protein percentage and TSS. Thus, we conclude that the organic fertilizer improved the qualitative traits, gave the highest yield and compensated for a part of the mineral fertilizer. The organic fertilizer has a role in raising the absorption efficiency of (N and P). Keywords: vermicompost fertilizer, ammonium sulfate fertilizer, summer squash.