Levels Of Vermicompost Research Articles

Yield and Nitrogen Uptake of Wheat as Influenced by Nitrogen, Vermicompost and Biofertilizer Application at Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal

High cost, unavailability, and imbalance use of chemical fertilizers and environmental degradation are challenging sustainability of wheat production in Nepal. Integration of vermicompost, biofertilizer (Azotobacter chrococcom) and chemical fertilizer can improve the situation. A field experiment was conducted to assess the combined application of vermicompost, chemical fertilizer and biofertilizer on the growth, yield, and nitrogen uptake of wheat at Rampur Chitwan from November 2021 to April 2022. The experiment was laid out in a strip-split plot design with five N levels as horizontal factors (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100% of recommended dose), two vermicompost levels (0 and 5 t ha-1) as the vertical factor, and two biofertilizer levels (with and without application) as the sub-plot factor with three replications. Data on growth, yield attributes and yield of wheat, nitrogen uptake were collected, analyzed and presented. The research result revealed a significant influence of biofertilizer and nitrogen levels on grain yield of wheat. Full dose of nitrogen resulted a significantly higher grain yield (4441.71 kg ha-1) than other nitrogen levels (0, 25, 50, 75 % of recommended dose with grain yield 2792.11, 2982.20, 3771.17. 4231.63 kg ha-1 respectively). Biofertilizer application had significantly higher grain yield (3726.76 kg ha-1) compared with no biofertilizer application (3560 kg ha-1). There was significant interactions between biofertilizer application and nitrogen levels on number of grains per spike and sterility percent of wheat. The number of grain per spike was highest with 100% recommended N with biofertilizer application (47.52 grains/spike) followed by 75 % recommended N with biofertilizer application (46.53 grains/spike). The sterility % was lowest (6.47 %) with 100 % N with biofertilizer application followed by 75 % N with biofertilizer application (6.72 %). Total nitrogen uptake was significantly higher (119.04 kg ha-1) for full dose of nitrogen as compared with lower nitrogen levels (0, 25. 50, 75 % recommended N levels). Biofertilizer application also resulted in significantly higher nitrogen uptake (89.89 kg ha-1) as compared with no Biofertilizer application (79.89 kg ha-1). Integration of biofertilizer, with chemical fertilizer 75 - 100 % recommended N level could increase the growth, yield, and nitrogen uptake of wheat in Chitwan.

Growth Rate and Nutrient Uptake of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni as Influenced by Organic Manures in Laterite Soils of Kerala, India

A field experiment was conducted to understand the effect of organic manures on the crop growth rate (CGR), relative growth rate (RGR), and nutrient uptake of stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni) from April to August of 2022 and 2023 at the Agronomy farm, Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, Thrissur. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design (RBD) with 7 treatments replicated thrice which consisted of different levels of organic manures viz., three levels of farmyard manure (FYM@ 5, 10, 15 t ha­-1), three levels of vermicompost (VC@ 2.5, 5, 7.5 kg ha-1) and a control. The organic manure treatments significantly affected crop growth rate (CGR) and relative growth rate (RGR) in all the growth periods. The two-year pooled mean of CGR of stevia was significantly superior in FYM@15 t ha-1 over control in all the three growth periods i.e., at 0-30 DAP, 30-45 DAP and 45 DAP to harvest. Whereas, the two-year mean of RGR of stevia was found statistically higher in FYM@15 t ha-1 over control in the first two growth periods only. The organic manure treatments had a significant influence on the plant nutrient (NPK) uptake as well in both the years. The two-year pooled mean data regarding plant uptake of nitrogen and phosphorous was found significantly higher in FYM@15 t ha-1 over control whereas statistically higher pooled mean potassium uptake by stevia was found in VC@7.5 kg ha-1 over control. Overall, the higher levels of organic manure, especially FYM, significantly improve growth and nutrient uptake in stevia.

Effects of Vermicompost and Blended NPSB Fertilizer on Major Physicochemical Properties of Soil and Economy of Maize Production at Bako, Central Ethiopia

Integrated vermicompost and blended NPSB inorganic fertilizer are needed to improve the soil's fertility status, which can raise output and revenue. Thus, the purpose of the experiment was to ascertain how major physicochemical properties of the soil at Bako were affected by the application of blended NPSB fertilizer and vermicompost. Factorial combinations of four levels of vermicompost (0, 2, 4 and 6 tons ha<sup>-1</sup>) and four levels of NPSB blended inorganic fertilizer (0, 50, 100 and 150 kg ha<sup>-1</sup>) were laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The interaction of vermicompost and NPSB blended inorganic fertilizer had significant effects on ear diameter, grain yields, and harvest index and cob weight. The maximum grain yield (7503.7 kg ha<sup>-1</sup>) was obtained from application of blended NPSB fertilizer at the rate of 100 kg NPSB ha<sup>-1</sup> and 4 tons ha<sup>-1</sup> vermicompost rate with a net profit of 104850 birr and 6143% MRR with values to cost ratio of 3.47 birr profit per unit investment for midland maize production at Bako. Therefore, it can be said that the application of 100 kg NPSB ha<sup>-1</sup> and 4 t vermicompost ha<sup>-1</sup> was shown to be superior in terms of both grain yield and economic advantage, and it is therefore tentatively advised for use. To come to a definitive decision, the experiment needs to be repeated across a number of years, as this study was only conducted during one season at one site.

Modifying row-configuration and vermicompost application reduces intercropped peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) yield instability and penalty in sorghum at Babile, Eastern Ethiopia

The yield of intercropped peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) in cereal crops was drastically reduced by 20–55 %, presumably due to high interspecific competition caused by illogical field layout and imbalanced fertilizer application. Field experiments were conducted in the Babile district of Eastern Ethiopia during the main cropping seasons of 2021 and 2022 to assess the possibilities of minimizing the peanut yield penalty and instability while improving sorghum production. The treatments consisted of two monocrops (SM = sole sorghum, GM = sole peanut), three row-configurations (S1G1 = 1-row sorghum with 1-row peanut, S1G2 = 1-row sorghum with 2-row peanut, MBILI = Managing Beneficial Interactions in Legume Intercrops via modifying 2-rows of sorghum with 2-rows of peanut), and four vermicompost levels (0, 1.5, 3, and 4.5 t/ha), which were factorial arranged in a randomized complete block design and replicated three times. Peanut under MBILI with 4.5 t/ha vermicompost boosted peanut seed/pod and dry pod yield by 17.5 % and 20 %, respectively, with a corresponding rise of sorghum grain yield by 72 % and net profit by 48 %. Unlike GM, intercropping peanut with sorghum significantly increases yield with time, which shows the high yield stability and sustainability of intercropping over monocropping. Interestingly, peanut yield in this treatment was statistically on par with pure stand, supporting the concept that MBILI row-configuration is necessary for maintaining the potential yield of the peanut crop. Similarly, the assessment of bio-ecological indices infers the superiority of the MBILI in terms of land use efficiency, yield advantage, and profitability compared to other combinations. This implies that modifying the planting geometry along with balanced nutrient supply could alleviate the detrimental effects of sorghum over peanut by minimizing interspecific competition, thereby giving better yield and economic value for subsistence farmers.

Effect of Different Levels of NPK, Vermicompost and Sulphur on Growth, Yield and Economics Attributes of Mustard (Brassica juncea L.) var. Giriraj

A field experiment was conducted at Research farm, Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Naini Agricultural Institute, SHUATS, Prayagraj (U.P.) during the Rabi season of 2023-24 with the objective to differentiate levels of NPK, Vermicompost and Sulphur on yield attributes of Mustard (Brassica juncea L.) var. Giriraj. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design with nine treatment combinations, consisting of three N, P and K levels (0, 50 and 100%), Vermicompost (0, 50 and 100%) and Sulphur (0, 50 and 100%). It was observed that the treatment of the application of 100% @ (NPK) +100% @ VC + 100 % @ S (T9) was best in terms of growth parameters in maximum plant height (124.01 cm), Number of branches (12.28), No. of leaves (75.96), number of silique plant-1 (168.67), test weight (4.24) and total yield was highest i.e. (19.90 qha-1).

Effect of vermicompost additive on physical, chemical and dielectric properties of soil and its modeling

The present study focuses on the effects of vermicomposting on various soil properties, particularly emphasizing the dielectric characteristics of soil. Vermicomposting is known to significantly enhance soil fertility and improve its physical aspects such as aeration, porosity and water retention. In this analysis, a modified probe arrangement has been employed to determine how varying levels of vermicompost influence the soil’s dielectric properties within the radio and microwave spectrum (10 MHz-14 GHz). A modified Dak-12 open-ended coaxial probe, paired with a vector network analyzer, was utilized for this purpose to overcome the drawbacks of standard arrangement. The results show that vermicompost strongly affects the soil’s physical attributes (pH, bulk density, porosity) and also its chemical properties, along with its dielectric behavior. The study further explored the role of different factors such as the concentration of vermicompost, frequency and temperature on soil’s dielectric response. To accurately and swiftly gauge these effects, Response Surface Methodology (RSM) has been employed to predict the dielectric properties (ε’ and ε’’) of the soil. The high precision of these models, with R 2 values of 0.9729 for ε’ and 0.9487 for ε’’, underscores their effectiveness in evaluating the impact of vermicompost on various soil properties.

Effect of Different Levels of Cinder and Vermicompost on Germination and Seedling Growth of Papaya (Carica papaya c.v Red Lady) its Treatment with GA3

Effect of Different Levels of Cinder and Vermicompost on Germination and Seedling Growth of Papaya (Carica papaya c.v Red Lady) its Treatment with GA3

Effect of different level of NPK and vermicompost on physico-chemical properties of soil growth and yield of green gram (Vigna radiata L.) Nandi-mungo

Effect of different level of NPK and vermicompost on physico-chemical properties of soil growth and yield of green gram (Vigna radiata L.) Nandi-mungo

Effect of different level of NPK, zinc and vermicompost on the soil health parameters and the yield of white maize (Zea mays L.) var. HM-12

Effect of different level of NPK, zinc and vermicompost on the soil health parameters and the yield of white maize (Zea mays L.) var. HM-12

Growth, Yield Attributes and Yield of Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) under Different Levels of Fertilizer and Vermicompost Grown under Every Furrow and Alternate Furrow Irrigation Methods

A field experiment was conducted during the Rabi season of 2021-22 at the Agronomy Research Farm of CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar in a split-plot design with two vermicompost levels i.e., vermicompost @ 1.5 t ha-1 and vermicompost @ 3.0 t ha-1, two irrigation methods i.e., every furrow irrigation and alternate furrow irrigation method as the main plot treatments and three fertilizer levels at N40P20, N60P30 and N80P40 kg ha-1 as subplot treatments and replicated three times. Among the vermicompost levels, vermicompost at 3.0 t ha-1 recorded significantly higher no. of tillers; yield attributes i.e., no. of effective tillers (12.88%), spike length (14.49%), no. of grains per spike (13.85%), 1000-grain weight (10.57%) and yield i.e., grain yield (11.00%), biological yield (10.75%) than vermicompost at 1.5 t ha-1. Among methods of irrigation, every furrow irrigation recorded significantly higher in no. of tillers, yield attributes i.e., no. of effective tillers (13.68%), spike length (14.49%), no. of grains per spike (11.51%), 1000-grain weight (9.37%); yield (grain yield (17.15%), biological yield (22.08%) and economics (gross and net returns (15.52 and 25.66%) than alternate furrow irrigation. Among fertilizer level, application of N80P40 recorded significantly higher no. of tillers, spike length, no. of grains per spike, 1000-grain weight; yield (grain yield (13.02%), biological yield (15.81%), and economics (gross and net returns (13.72 and 24.49%) over other levels of fertilizer. Based on the study, it was found that vermicompost level, method of irrigation and fertilizer level has significant effect on no. of tillers, available NPK content in soil, yield attributes, yield and economics of barley.

Effect of Vermicompost and Molybdenum on Growth and Yield of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaeal L.)

The experiment was conducted during the Summer season 2023, at the Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Science, Prayagraj (U.P.) to find out the “Effect of Vermicompost and Molybdenum on growth and yield of Groundnut”. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design comprising of 9 treatments which include 3 Different levels of Vermicompost 0 t/ha, 3 t/ha, 5 t/ha and Molybdenum 0.5 kg/ha, 1 kg/ha, 1.5 kg/ha. Whose effect is observed in Ground nut. The result was observed in the application of 5t/ha Vermicompost + 1.5 kg/ha Mo was recorded maximum plant height (29.80 cm), Nodules (62.10), plant dry weight (30.96 g/plant), number of pods per plant (39.39), Kernels/pod (2.00), seed index (40.00 g), pod yield (2.38 t/ha) and haulm yield (4.26 t/ha) and harvest index (35.74%). At the same time higher gross return (1,61,090.00 INR/ha), net return (100505.80 INR/ha) and benefit cost ratio (1.7) were recorded with application of 5t/ha Vermicompost + 1.5 kg/ha Mo.

Effect of lime, blended fertilizer and vermicompost on maize (Zea mays) yield in Assosa district, north-western Ethiopia

Application of organic and mineral fertilizers improves crop productivity and availability of plant nutrients. Further investigation into their integral application is crucial to obtaining optimum crop productivity. A field experiment was conducted during 2020–21 and 2021–22 at experimental field station in Benshangul Gumuz, Assosa University, Assosa, Ethiopia to investigate the response of maize (Zea mays L.) yield to lime, blended NPSZnB fertilizer and vermicompost. Two lime levels, three vermicompost levels, and three blended fertilizer levels were factorially combined and laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD). The integral application of organic fertilizer with blended fertilizer with lime significantly affected the agronomic parameters. Grain yield, number of grains per cob, 1000-seed weights, plant height, and days to 50% tasseling were parameters most affected by the amendments. Integral application of 50% of the recommended rate of blended fertilizer and vermicompost with lime improved maize yield by 53%, while the application of NPSZnB and vermicompost individually improved maize yield by 34% and 22% over the control treatment. One tonne of vermicompost and lime could substitute 38 kg and 23 kg of blended fertilizer, respectively. In conclusion, the integrated application of NPSZnB and vermicompost with the recommended amount of lime was the best soil fertility management option. In terms of grain yield and net benefit, 4 t/ha lime, 2.5 t/ha vermicompost and 100 kg/ha blended fertilizers were recommended for optimum maize production in the Assosa area and similar agroecologies.

Effect of Vermicompost and Nitrogen Fertilizer on the Growth and Production of Aloe Vera

Purpose: The effect of vermicompost and nitrogen fertilizers on the growth and production of Aloe vera were conducted using factorial based on Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD).
 Background: Vermicompost can be used in sustainable agriculture to support growing populations by increasing water holding capacity, nutrient supply, high porosity, adequate ventilation and drainage, and production of plant hormones that have beneficial effects on seed germination.
 Methods: According to the RCBD method, treatments were included: four levels of vermicompost (V0: Control, V1: 75, V2: 150 and V3: 200 g per pot) and four levels of nitrogen fertilizer (N0: control, N1: 500, N2: 1000, and N3: 1500 mg per pot) using urea.
 Results: The results showed that application of 150 g of vermicompost and 1000 mg of nitrogen had the highest effect on growth traits, and application of 200 g of vermicompost and 1500 mg of nitrogen had the greatest effect on sucker characteristics, so that the highest number of suckers was obtained by using 200 g of vermicompost and 1000 and 1500 mg of nitrogen. However, simultaneous application of 150 g of vermicompost and 1000 mg of nitrogen had the greatest effect on plant height, number of leaves, and leaf diameter, and treatment with 200 g of vermicompost and 1500 mg of nitrogen had the greatest effect on the number of suckers, stem weight, number of leaves, sucker height, total biomass and Aloin content.
 Conclusions: Therefore, simultaneous use of vermicompost and nitrogen fertilizer in Aloe vera cultivation plays an important role in the production and enhancement of sucker and plant yield.

Short Term Effect of Vermicompost on Soil Chemical Properties under Maize (Zea mays L.) Field in Northern Ethiopia

Aim: The application of vermicompost (VC) to improve soil chemical properties in area that have low soil fertility status is crucial. Thus, the present study was initiated to determine impact of vermicompost on selected soil physicochemical properties. Study Design: The experiment had 7 treatments arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with five replications. Place and Duration of the Study: Hence, a field experiment was carried out in 2018 main cropping season at farmer's field at Adiha village in Kolla Tembien district, Tigray, Ethiopia. Methodology: The treatments were 5 levels of VC (0, 2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10 t ha-1), the recommended rate of N and P (46 N and 46 P2O5 kg ha-1), compost at rate of 10 t ha-1 and control. Surface soil samples were collected before planting and after maize harvesting at a depth of 0-30 cm to analyze selected soil chemical properties such as pH, extractable electric conductivity (ECe), cation exchange capacity (CEC), total nitrogen (TN), available P and exchangeable bases (K, Mg, Ca, and Na). Likewise, vermicompost and compost nutrient contents were also analyzed to know their nutrient composition. Results: Soil analysis results before sowing revealed that most of the soil chemical properties were rated as low. However, vermicompost application significantly (P≤0.05) improved the soil chemical properties. The studied soil chemical properties such as OC (1.33%), TN (0.13%), CEC (17.2 Cmol (+) kg-1), and available P (6 .38 mg kg-1) showed an improvement at VC 10 t ha-1rate as compared to the control which was respectively 0.65%, 0.04%, 7.4 Cmol(+)kg-1 and 2.45 mg kg-1. Conclusion: A significant (P≤0.05) increase in OC, TN and available P was observed with increased vermicompost rate under cultivated land.

Influence of Vermicompost and Biofertilizer on growth, head yield and quality of Broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica)

Abstract. The present experiment was conducted from November 2020 to March 2021 at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University’s Horticulture Farm in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The investigation included four levels of vermicompost (T0= control, T1=3 t.ha-1, T2=6 t.ha-1 and T3=9 t.ha-1) and biofertilizer (F0=control, F1=3 kg.ha-1, F2=5 kg.ha-1 and F3=7 kg.ha-1) which was carried out by factorial randomized complete block design with three replications. The broccoli variety ‘Green Carpet’ was used as planting material. The application of the treatment T3F3 (vermicompost at 9 t.ha-1 and biofertilizer at 7 kg.ha-1) resulted in the highest plant height (67.85 cm), number of leaves per plant (22.76), leaf length (60.57 cm), leaf breadth (23.23 cm) and chlorophyll (SPAD index) (54.90). However, statistically similar results were also observed for T2F3 in most cases (vermicompost at 6 t.ha-1 and biofertilizer at 7 kg.ha-1). The maximum stem diameter (4.98 cm) was recorded in T2F3. Fewest days to achieve 100% curd initiation (54 days), maximum curd diameter (13.19 cm), yield (15.84 t.ha-1) and vitamin C (64.34 mg 100 g-1) content were recorded in T3F3. With the exception of the fewer days required to initiate curd formation, all other parameters were statistically similar to those observed in the T2F3 treatment combination.

Vermicompost as an alternative substrate to peat moss for strawberry (Fragaria ananassa) in soilles culture

BackgroundConsecutive droughts and quantitative and qualitative reduction of surface and underground water resources have caused an increase in greenhouse and hydroponic cultivation for most garden crops, including strawberries, in Iran. On the other hand, most of the inputs of greenhouse crops in Iran are imported. To possibility of replacing vermicompost with peat moss under hydroponic cultivation, an experiment was done in a split plot based on randomized complete blocks design in three replications in Isfahan (Iran) Agricultural and Natural Resources Research Center in 2019. The main treatment was substrate at four levels included different levels of vermicompost (30 and 50%) and peat moss (30 and 50%) in combination with perlite and sub-treatment were Selva and Camarosa cultivars.ResultsThe results showed that Camarosa cultivar and Selva cultivar in (perlite/ peat moss 50:50) and Selva cultivar in (perlite / vermicompost 70:30) had maximum yield.Leaf number and chlorophyll index were maximum in Camarosa cultivar in peat moss substrates. Strawberry cultivars had the highest root fresh weight, the content of vitamin C and total soluble solids (TSS) in substrates containing vermicompost. Camarosa cultivar in (perlite / peat moss50:50) and Selva cultivar in (perlite /vermicompost 50:50) had maximum root dry weight. Also, the highest number of inflorescences was related to substrates containing peat moss and (perlite /vermicompost 70:30). Maximum amount of fresh and dry weight of shoots were observed in (perlite/ peat moss70:30). Selva cultivar had more inflorescences (16.5%) than Camarosa cultivar and Camarosa cultivar produced more fresh and dry weight of shoots (16.5%, 23.01%) than Selva cultivar.ConclusionExpriment results highlighted the importance of considering both main and sub-treatments in agricultural research, as they interacted to influence various growth and yield parameters. 50% vermicompost treatment combined with perlite had a positive impact on plant growth and in quality index such as vitamin C content and TSS was highest. while the choice of cultivar affected different aspects of plant development. Selva cultivar was known to be more tolerant to salinity caused by vermicompost. Vermicompost is local and more economical, also salt resistant cultivars are recommended in a controlled (30%) amount of vermicompost.

Synergistic effects of vermicompost and mycorrhizal inoculation on arsenic tolerance and phytostabilization in safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.).

Arsenic (As) is a hazardous metalloid, and mycorrhizal inoculation and vermicompost amendment can influence As bioremediation. However, the studies concerning the sole and joint effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and vermicompost on the phytoremediation efficacy are limited. In the present study at first, the impact of various levels of vermicompost (0, 2, 4, and 8% w/w) was investigated on As mobility in soil and safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) plants grown in soils of spiked with 0, 40, and 80 mg kg-1 As. Results revealed that with increasing dose of vermicompost, bioavailable As in soil decreased which resulted in a lower bioaccumulation factor and translocation factor (TF) and led to a significant increase of tolerance index (TI) and total chlorophyll content in plants. The highest effect on TI and total As accumulation per plant was obtained in the dosage of 8% vermicompost. Therefore, in the second experiment, the sole and joint effects of 8% vermicompost and inoculation with Rhizophagus intraradices were assessed on the tolerance and accumulation of As in safflower. The addition of vermicompost aggravated mycorrhizal colonization but did not significantly influence mycorrhizal dependency under As stress. The joint effects of AMF and vermicompost improved the dry weight of roots and shoots, increased P concentration and P:As ratio in shoots, reduced malondialdehyde content, and moderated ascorbate peroxidase activity in leaves of As-stressed plants. Interestingly, co-application of AMF and vermicompost more than their sole usage decreased As concentration in shoots and TF and more strongly increased total As accumulation per plant. These findings suggest that mycorrhizal inoculation and vermicompost have a synergistic effect on As tolerance and phytostabilization efficacy of safflower plants, and their combined application may be a new option to remediate As-contaminated soils.

Effect of Organic Manures on Growth, Yield and Quality of Solanum macrocarpon L.

The following investigation carried on effect of organic manures on growth, yield and quality of Solanum macrocarpon L. locally known as “Thulo Bihi” in the hills of Sikkim; conceded significant effect of FYM, Vermicompost and carrier based biofertilizer AMC on influencing the growth attributing characters and yield attributing characters, among the plants in different organic treatment layouts as compared to the control treatment application. Amidst 10 treatments (T1 to T10), T8 containing combined application of FYM @ 40t/ha, Vermicompost @ 2t/ha and Arka- Microbial consortium @ 10kg/ha out performed and recorded maximum values in all the aspects viz., Plant height (73.08 cm), number of branches per plant (4.75 nos.), stem girth (11.83 mm), number of leaves per plants (21.33 nos.), number of flowers per plant (21.25 nos.), number of fruits per plant (6.33 nos.), fruit weight (63.16 g), average fruit yield (9.33 t/ha) and TSS content (4.05 oB). Whereas, the number of days taken for 50% flowering and number of days taken for first fruit harvest 71.33 nos. and 104.92 nos. respectively, were significantly reduced. All the values of parameters in T8 were at par with T7 (FYM 40t/ha, vermicompost 1t/ha and AMC 10 kg/ha). However, minimum values were observed in control (T1) FYM 15 t/ha and other treatment combinations whose level of FYM was @ 20t/ha along with different level of Vermicompost and with or without AMC @ 10 kg/ ha. The result concluded that the amount of organic manures applied in T8 or T7 can be recommended for commercial cultivation of Thulo Bihi in the hills of Sikkim.

Effects of vermicompost on soil microbiological properties in lettuce rhizosphere: An environmentally friendly approach for sustainable green future

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of vermicompost on the biological and microbial properties of lettuce rhizosphere in an agricultural field in Samsun, Turkey. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomised design (CRD) and included four vermicompost dosages (0%, 1%, 2%, and 4%) and two application methods (with and without plants). Batavia lettuce was selected as the test plant due to its sensitivity to environmental conditions and nutrient deficiencies. The study evaluated the changes in organic matter (OM), pH, electrical conductivity (EC), carbon dioxide (CO2), dehydrogenase activity (DHA), microbial biomass carbon (MBC), and catalase activity (CA) in the rhizosphere of lettuce plants treated with different vermicompost levels (0%, 1%, 2%, and 4%). The findings showed that vermicompost application significantly increased chlorophyll content in lettuce plants, with the highest content observed in plants treated with V1 compared to the control. Different vermicompost concentrations also influenced chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll levels, with positive effects observed at lower concentrations than the control. Plant height and fresh weight were highest in plants treated with V2, indicating the positive impact of vermicompost on plant growth. Additionally, vermicompost application increased plant dry weight and improved soil properties such as pH, organic matter content, and microbial activity. The findings showed that vermicompost increased the rhizosphere's microbial biomass and metabolic activity, which can be beneficial for plant growth and disease suppression. The study highlights the importance of understanding the effects of organic amendments on soil properties and the microbial community in the rhizosphere, which can contribute to sustainable agricultural practices. Overall, the results suggest that vermicompost can be used as an effective organic amendment for enhancing plant growth and improving soil properties in agricultural fields. Moreover, based on the data, it can be suggested that a dose between 1% and 2% vermicompost is beneficial for the overall growth of plants.

Responses of soil nutrients and rhizosphere microbial communities of a medicinal plant Pinelliaternata to vermicompost.

Vermicomposting is an important strategy for restoring soil function and fertility. However, information on the effects of vermicompost application in intensive Pinellia ternata planting systems has rarely been reported. Here, we focus on the effects of different vermicompost levels and chemical fertilizer (CF) strategies on soil chemical properties, soil enzymes, and soil rhizosphere microbial communities (bacteria and fungi) in a field experiment. Compared to no added fertilizers (CK), vermicompost was more effective than the CF treatment in increasing P. ternata yield. We found that the 5 t ha-1 vermicompost treatment (VC2) significantly increased the tuber yield by 44.43% and 6.55% compared to the CK and CF treatment, respectively, and water-soluble exudates by 6.56% and 9.63% (P < 0.05). The vermicompost and CF treatments significantly increased the total phosphorus (TP), urease (Ure), and soil catalase (Cat) contents (P < 0.05). Compared to the vermicompost and CK treatments, the CF treatment significantly decreased soil organic carbon (SOC), C/N ratio, and soil acid phosphatase (Pac) (P < 0.05). Redundancy analysis (RDA) showed that Ure and total potassium (TK) were the major drivers in the bacterial community, whereas TP, total nitrogen (TN), Pac, and TK were the major drivers in the fungal community. We also found a positive correlation between soil enzyme activities, including between Ure and bacterial genera (Clostridium, Pseudoclavibacter, Stella, Hyphomicrobium, Mesorhizobium, and Adlercreutzia). In summary, vermicompost application promotes P. ternata soil microecosystems and improves soil fertility, soil enzyme activities, and rhizosphere microbial structure and function. Vermicomposting is a novel and promising approach to sustainable ecological cultivation of Chinese herbs via the promotion of soil properties and beneficial organisms.