Levels Of Vermicompost Research Articles

اثر ورمی کمپوست بر عملکرد و اجزای عملکرد گندم در شرایط تنش گرمای آخر فصل در اهواز

Introduction Terminal heat stress in Khuzestan province, decrease growth, yield and yield components of wheat. The vermicompost fertilizer improve water reserve and physical and chemical properties of soil. One of the important ways to reduce the negative effect of terminal heat stress on plant is using vermicompost fertilizer in the soil. Using vermicompost fertilizer in agricultural soils lead to increase nutrient elements and conserving the soil water and decrease the negative impacts of drought stress on plant. Generally, vermicompost fertilizer contribute to preserving the moisture storage of the soil and to supply the nutrients required by the plant. In this study, the most important aim is to study the effect of vermicompost fertilizer on bread wheat yield and yield components under terminal heat stress in Ahwaz climatic condition. Materials and methods In order to evaluate the effect of vermicompost fertilizer on growth and yield of wheat in terminal heat stress of Ahwaz, a field experiment using split-plot design based on randomized complete block design with four replicates was conducted in research farm of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University of Khuzestan during (in 31o N, 48o E, 35 Km north-east of Ahwaz, and 20 m above the sea level) 2017-2018 growing season. Experimental factors were three sowing dates (22 Nov., 11 Dec. and 31 Dec.) in main plots and five vermicompost rates (0 (control), 5, 10, 15 and 20 t.ha-1) in sub plots. Results and discussion Analysis of variance showed that the effect of sowing date and vermicompost were significant on measured traits. Mean comparison revealed that the highest grain yield (2356 kg.h-1) was at the first sowing date and the lowest grain yield (1732 kg.h-1) was at the last sowing date. Also, in vermicompost levels, the maximum grain yield (2593 kg.ha-1) was in 20 t.ha-1 of vermicompost application and the minimum grain yield (1566 kg.ha-1) was in control of vermicompost. Conclusions Generally, the results showed that with delay in sowing date and occurrence of terminal heat stress, decreased growth and grain yield of wheat. But, using vermicompost fertilizer decreased the negative impact of drought stress. So that, with increase vermicompost application, increased measured traits. Also, in areas with terminal heat stress after flowering stage, using 20 tons per hectare of vermicompost fertilizer is recommended for maintaining grain yield.

Study on Integrated Effect of Inorganic Fertilizers and Organic Manure on Available Nutrients, Yield and Nutrient Uptake in Scented Rice

Field experiments were conducted at the Instructional-cum-Research (ICR) Farm, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat during the year 2017 and 2018 to study the integrated effect of inorganic fertilizers and organic manure on available nutrients, yield and nutrient uptake in scented rice. Before the test crop experiment, fertility gradient experiment was conducted by using kharif rice (cv. Ranjit) as an exhaust crop to create three fertility gradient strips. After harvesting the gradient crop, test crop experiment was conducted in the same field with scented rice (cv. Keteki joha) by superimposing 24 combination treatments consisting of five levels of N (0, 10, 20, 40 and 60 kg ha-1), four levels of P2O5 (0, 5, 10 and 20 kg ha-1), three levels of K2O (0, 10 and 20 kg ha-1) and three levels of vermicompost (0, 2 and 3 t ha-1) in each of these fertility gradient strips. Results show that application of integrated nutrient management approach brought about a positive influence on organic carbon, nutrient availability, crop yield and nutrients uptake by scented rice. Combined application of 60 kg N, 10 kg P2O5 and 10 kg K2O per hectare along with 3 tons of vermicompost per hectare resulted in the highest concentration of available NPK in soils, the highest crop yield and uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium by rice.

تأثیر سطوح مختلف ورمی‌کمپوست و اوره بر عملکرد کمی و کیفی کنجد (Sesamum indicum L.) در شرایط مزرعه در گرگان

Abstract Objectives: One of the main factors of sustainable agriculture is organic fertilizers. The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of vermicompost and urea fertilizer on quantitative and qualitative yield of sesame in field conditions. Materials and Methods: The experiment was carried out in factorial arrangement base on randomized complete block design with three replications in the Agricultural Research, Training Center and Natural Resources of Golestan Province. Experimental factors included vermicompost at four levels (zero, 2.5, 5 and 7.5 t.ha-1) and second factor was urea fertilizer at four levels (0, 50, 100 and 150 kg.ha-1). Results: The results showed that vermicompost and urea fertilizer had a significant effect on all measured traits. The highest plant height, biological yield, number of capsules per plant and grain yield (1601 kg.ha-1) were recorded from the application of 150 kg/ha of urea and 7.5 t.ha-1 of vermicompost. The oil yield was increased by concomitant use of vermicompost and urea fertilizer. The percentage of oil decreased by increasing urea level and increased with increasing vermicompost amount. The highest oil percentage was recorded by application 7.5 t.ha-1 of vermicompost. With increasing levels of urea and vermicompost, harvest index was increased. There was a positive and significant correlation between yield and biomass (r = 8,850 **) and number of capsules per plant (r = 0.745 **). Conclusion: Considering the role of organic fertilizers in the stability and preservation of soil specificity to achieve maximum productivity, the combined use of urea and vermicompost is recommended to increase the quantitative and qualitative yield of sesame.

Interactive Effects of Vermicompost and Seed Tuber Size On the Production of Potato (Solanum Tuberosum L.)

An experiment was conducted to find out the effect of vermicompost and seed tuber size on the yield of Potato. The experiment consisted of two factors, i.e., factor A: Vermicompost level (Vc-4): Vc1: 0 t/ha, Vc2: 3 t/ha, Vc3: 6 t/ha and Vc4: 9 t/ha; factor B: Tuber size (T-5): T1: 5 - 10 g, T2: 10 - 20 g, T3: 20 - 30 g, T4: 30 - 40 g and T5: >40 g. Vermicompost was found to have a significant effect on most of the yield contributing parameters. Results showed that yield parameters increased with increasing vermicompost level irrespective of tuber size. Among the 20 treatment combinations, vermicompost @ 9 t/ha with tuber size > 40 g produced the maximum yield (31.33 t/ha) that was 216.82% higher than Vc1T1. Bangladesh J. Bot. 50(3): 695-700, 2021 (September)

Response of Moringa oleifera Seeds and Fixed Oil Production to Vermicompost and NPK Fertilizers under Calcareous Soil Conditions.

A shortages of soil nutrients resources and a lack of accessibility to them especially in calcareous soil are considered some of the main factors that limit plant production. In particular, the cultivation of the Moringa oleifera trees in this type of soil is of special interest given the increasing demand for every part of this tree. Several studies have focused on the production of its leaves as an herbaceous plant and not as a tree, but there has not been extensive research on its pods, seeds, and fixed oil production. In this sense, in this study, we provide an assessment of the use of fertilizers, vermicompost and NPK (as traditional minerals and as nanoparticles), in order to improve pods, seeds, and fixed oil contents, as indicators of the quality of the production of the Moringa oleifera trees in calcareous soil conditions. In this experiment, it was observed that all parameters and the yield of pods, seeds, and fixed oil of the Moringa oleifera tree were significantly improved by increasing the level of vermicompost and using NPK fertilization and combination treatments in both seasons of the study. The combination treatments of 10 and 20 ton ha−1 vermicompost plus NPK control produced the highest percentage of oleic acid with insignificant differences between them.

EVALUATION OF THE COMBINATION OF BACTERIAL BIOFERTILIZER AND VERMICOMPOST IN THE AVAILABILITY OF N, P, K AND SOME OF PLANT PARAMETERS OF BEANS (PHASEOLUS VULGARIS L.)

A field experiment was carried out at the Agricultural Research and Experiments (station A), which belong to the college of Agricultural Engineering Sciences/University of Baghdad with a silty loam soil by using Randomized Block Design with three replicates to evaluate the effect of using a combination of bacterial biofertilizer consist of Bacillus megaterium , Bacillus mucilagenosus and Rhizobium phaseoli with two levels of vermicompost (0 and 10 mcgh-1) on plant growth parameters of Green Beans and its yield and availability of N,P and K in soil under two levels of mineral fertilization (0% and 50%) of fertilizer recommendation in addition to using the full fertilizer recommendation treatment(100%) as a second control treatment. The results showed the significant superiority of the bacterial combination biofertilizer with (10 mcgh-1 ) vermicompost and 50% of mineral fertilizer compared with the treatment of full fertilizer recommendation in most of the growth and yield parameters of green beans, as the number of pods, nodules number and total yield were 150.00 plant pod-1 ,8.33 plant node-1and 71.48 mcg h-1respectively,whereas the soil content of a available NPK was 85.00,14.00 and 198.00 mcgh-1 in the same treatment above respectively in compare with the control(without any addition) treatment which its availability of NPK was (29.00,4.07 ,89.00)mgkg-1respectively.

Seedling growth and physicochemical transformations of rice nursery soil under varying levels of coal fly ash and vermicompost amendment.

Fly ash is an inevitable by-product from the coal-fired power plants in many developing countries including India that needs safe, timely and productive disposal. The addition of fly ash alters physicochemical properties of soil and hence could be used as a soil conditioner or modifier along with the appropriate level of vermicompost to support plant growth. Several studies have focalized sole use of fly ash and vermicompost in agricultural production systems lacking information on combined application effects. This work was carried out at Chiplima in the district of Sambalpur, Odisha, India, to ascertain the best suited combination of native soil, fly ash and vermicompost (from farmyard manure) for rice nursery based on the changing physicochemical properties and seedling growth. The experiment consisting of 21 treatment combinations of soil, fly ash and vermicompost at 0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100% by weight was laid out in a factorial complete randomized design with three replications. Fly ash and vermicompost at moderate concentrations significantly ameliorated the physical properties, viz., porosity, bulk and particle densities, water holding capacity, infiltration rate and the capillary rise of water in rice nursery soil that ultimately resulted in vigorous rice seedlings at 40 DAS through beneficial soil biota as well as better root and shoot development. The porosity, water holding capacity and infiltration rate significantly increased with the addition of vermicompost while fly ash addition substantially reduced them. Fly ash and vermicompost in moderate quantities smothered soil chemical properties like electrical conductivity and organic carbon that increased the availability of N, P, K, B, S and Zn. The pH did not differ significantly due to treatment effects owing to a marginal difference in pH of the substrates, whereas electrical conductivity increased significantly with only marginal addition of fly ash to vermicompost. Considering the economic feasibility and environmental impacts, 40% soil + 20% fly ash + 40% vermicompost may be recommend to the farmers for wet rice nursery raising and also for remediating the coal fly ash in agricultural production system.

Influence of Vermicompost, Seaweed Extract and Nitrogen Fertilisers on Maize (Zea mays L.) Soil Rhizosphere Microbes

This study shows the influence of adding vermicompost fertiliser, seaweed extracts and nitrogen fertiliser on the number of total bacteria in the soil in the stages of flowering and full maturity. An experiment was carried out in one of the farms located in Nouriya district - Al-Diwaniyah governorate - Iraq, during the autumn season 2019-2020. The experiment was applied in the order of global experiments, according to the design of full randomised sectors, with three replications. The first factor included adding vermicompost fertiliser with three levels (0, 2 and 4 tons h-1) which were coded as A0, A1 and A2, respectively. The second factor included adding seaweed extract at two levels (0 and 40 kg h-1), which were symbolised by B0 and B1, respectively. The third factor included adding nitrogen fertiliser in three levels (0, 120 and 240 kg N h-1) symbolised as C0, C1 and C2, respectively. The levels of vermicompost differed significantly in most of the studied descriptions, as level A2 scored the highest results for the number of bacteria in the two stages of flowering and full maturity, i.e., 88.59 × 107 and 111.54 × 107 CFU gm-1 of dry soil. The treatment of adding seaweed extracts B1 significantly affected the number of bacteria in the two stages of flowering and full maturity (80.04 × 107 and 103.29 × 107 CFU gm-1 dry soil). The treatment of adding C1 nitrogen fertiliser was significantly superior to the number of bacteria in the flowering stage (81.40 × 107 CFU gm-1 dry soil).

Effect of integrated nutrient management on yield and soil microbial population in garlic

A field experiment was conducted at Horticultural Research Station, Nanjanadu farm Ooty to study the effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on yield and the soil microbial populations in garlic. The experiment was carried out ina Randomized Blocks Design with 9 treatments and three replications. The plot size of 12 m2 was laid out. The experiment was conducted for three years from 2011 -13 and the pooled data was analysed. Pooled analysis was done for the three-harvest data (2011, 2012, 2013). All the organic manures like farm Yard Manure (FYM), Vermicompost (VC) and Poultry Manure (PM) and biofertilizers viz., Azospirillum and Phosphorus Solubilizing Bacteria each @ 5 kg each/ ha was applied as a basal as per the treatment. 50 % of the recommended inorganic applied as basal at the time of planting and the remaining 50 % N was applied in two equal splits during 30 and 45 days after planting. The full dose of P, K and S applied at the time of planting as per the treatment schedule. The treatments received three levels of FYM (15, 7.5,5 t -1/ha), Poultry Manure (7.5,3.75,2.5 t -1/ha) and Vermi Compost (7.5,3.75,2.5 t-1/ha). Observations are recorded on no. of leaves, Equatorial Diameter (ED), Polar Diameter (PD), Average Bulb Weight (ABW), A-grade bulbs (AGB), B grade bulbs (BGB), C grade bulbs (CGB), Marketable yield (MY) and Total yield (TY). Soil samples were collected at two stages (bulbing and at harvest) for microbial populations of total bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes. Results were compared among the treatments for total yield of garlic. Results revealed that the highest total as well as marketable yield was recorded in T 9 (75:40:40:40 Kg NPKS + 5 t FYM / ha + 2.5 t PM + 2.5 t VC/ ha) and T6 (75:40:40:40 Kg NPKS + 7.5 t FYM / ha + 3.75 t PM/ ha). Among the nine treatments significantly the maximum plant height (68.65 cm), the number of leaves (8.17), neck thickness (3.47 cm), polar diameter (40.03 mm), equatorial diameter (36.83cm), the average weight of 10 bulbs (203.34 g). B grade bulbs (51. 27 %), minimum C grade bulbs (16. 11%), marketable yield (8.52 tonnes/ ha), total yield (10.61 tonnes/ ha) was recorded in the T9 followed by T6 (9.72 tonnes /ha). The population of bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes were found to be maximum at the harvesting stage when compared to the bulbing stage under treatment T9.

Yield and Yield Contributing Attributes Of Potato as Influenced by Vermicompost And Seed Tuber Size

Low yield is crucial bottleneck for potato production in Bangladesh. The application of vermicompost may enhance the yield of potato. The experiment was consisted of two factors, i.e., Factor A: - Vermicompost level (Vm1-4): Vm1: 0 t ha-1, Vm2: 3 t ha-1, Vm3: 6 t ha-1 and Vm4: 9 t ha-1; Factor B:- Tuber size (T1-5): T1: 5-10 g, T2: 10-20 g, T3: 20-30 g, T4: 30-40 g and T5: > 40 g. The experiment was conducted in a split-plot design with three replications. Vermicompost had significant effect on most of the yield contributing parameters investigated under present study. Results revealed that yield parameters increased with increasing vermicompost level irrespective of tuber size. Among the twenty (20) treatment combinations, vermicompost at the rate of 9 t ha-1 with tuber size > 40 g produced the maximum yield (31.33 t ha-1) that was 53.53 % higher than that of control with 3273.01 $ of monetary advantage. Therefore, present study suggests that potato growers may use vermicompost for increasing yield of potato in Bangladesh. SAARC J. Agric., 19(1): 71-79 (2021)

English

Greenhouse experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of various vermicompost amendments on growth responses and nutrient content of kale (Brassica oleracea Acephala group), radish (Raphanus sativus), and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L), using a completely randomized design with three crop species, four vermicompost treatments and four replications. The twelve treatment combinations consisted of vermicompost levels of 0, 5, 10, and 15% (v/v) and three crop species, kale, radish and tomato. Plants were grown in pots containing soil in which the respective vermicompost levels were incorporated. Three seeds of each species were sown in each pot and seedlings were thinned to one per pot each, approximately two weeks after germination. Plants were supplied at regular intervals with 300 ml of water to maintain field capacity. Plant height, leaf chlorophyll, stem diameter, and leaf expansion rates were collected at weekly intervals beginning three weeks after planting. Plants were harvested at respective maturity dates, and fresh and dry weights as well as total yield were taken. Root, leaf and fruit samples were collected to determine phenolic and ascorbic acid content. Vermicompost soil amendment significantly increased plant height of kale and radish compared to the control but had no significant effect on the height of tomato plants. Leaf chlorophyll content was also greater among plants receiving vermicompost amendments except that of kale which declined at highest amendment level.  Fresh and dry weight of kale increased with levels of vermicompost amendments with the magnitude of increase being greater between the control plants and those amended with 5%. Tap root yield of radish was highest among plants amended with 15% vermicompost but yield was similar among amended treatments. Regardless of the treatment, stem diameter was highest in the last few weeks of measurements. Total phenolic content tended to decrease regardless of species with increasing vermicompost levels and vitamin C increased initially up to 10% level for kale and declined thereafter, while there was a steady decline in radish. These results show that vermicompost amendments above 10% may adversely affect plant height and leaf chlorophyll content, while enhancing overall biomass production, and that phenolic and vitamin C responses varied based on vermicompost levels. Keywords: Compost, sustainability, soil, organic matter, chlorophyll.

Effect of Vermicompost Application on Mineral Nutrient Composition of Grains of Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum M.)

Poor soil organic content is a major cause of declining crop productivity in developing countries. Less precipitation and high temperatures oxidize organic matter in the soils of semi-arid regions. Such a deficiency in the organic matter of the soils decreases the bioavailability of many nutrients. Organic amendments like vermicompost (VM) have the potential to overcome this problem, while decreasing the dependency on inorganic fertilizers. Thus, the aim of our study was to explore the best application rate of VM for the improvement of nutrient contents in buckwheat. We used two buckwheat cultivars i.e., Aktaş and Güneş were sown under variable rates of soil-applied VM (0, 0.75, 1.50, 2.25 and 3.00 t ha−1) in semi-arid highland conditions. The results demonstrated that the nutritional quality parameters were improved when VM was applied at the rate of 2.25 t ha−1. In addition, VM at 2.25 t ha−1 resulted in an improvement of the N and P contents of the grains. The P contents in the grains of the Güneş variety was higher (0.26%) than the Aktaş variety (0.24%). A significant improvement in Fe (%), Cu (%), Zn (%) and Mn contents (%) in the grains of buckwheat validated the efficacious functioning of 2.25 t ha−1 of VM. The Zn content of the grains was higher in the Güneş variety (34.06%) than the Aktaş variety (31.96%). However, no significant change in K, Ca and Mg was noted at any level of VM in both Aktaş and Güneş. It is concluded that a 2.25 t ha−1 VM application in the buckwheat crop under zero conventional fertilizer was the best level to boost the nutritional quality of the grains.

Influence of different levels of zinc, iron and vermicompost on profitability of hybrid maize (Zea mays L.)

A field experiment was conducted on student instructional farm (SIF) at Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur during the Kharif season 2019 and 2020, In the present experiment 32 treatments, were laid out in factorial randomized block design (FRBD) with three replications. Maize variety Pioneer 3377 was taken for study. The results revealed that the profitability of hybrid maize respond significantly with the different treatment combination. The highest cost of cultivation (52700 & 52700 rupees) was obtained with the application of 2.5 tonne vermicompost + 7.5 kg Zinc + 15 kg iron ha-1, gross return (87794.5 & 92072.7 rupees) was obtained with 2.5 tonne vermicompost + 5.0 kg Zinc + 10 kg iron ha-1, net return (39553.5 & 41238.5 rupees) and benefit cost ratio (2.08 & 2.13) was obtained with the application of 5.0 kg zinc + 10 kg iron ha-1 during both the years. The treatment combination M0Zn2Fe2 was gave superior result in terms of net return and B:C ratio, while maximum gross return was found in treatment M1Zn2Fe2 during 2019 and 2020.

Amelioration of Acidic Nitisols Using Lime and Vermicompost in Negasa Area, East Wollega Zone, Ethiopia

The study was conducted at Negasa area in Guto Gida district to mitigate soil acidity using lime and vermicompost application on bread wheat land use of farmer’s field during 2018 main cropping season. The factors studied were four levels of agricultural lime (0, 50, 100 and 150% RR rated based on exchangeable acidity method) applied one month before planting and three levels of vermicompost (0, 2.5 and 5 t ha^-1) applied two weeks before planting. The treatments were laid out as a RCBD in a factorial arrangement, and replicated three times. Representative soil samples were taken before and after planting. The soil physicochemical properties were analyzed following standard procedures. The soil pH and exchangeable basic cations (Ca and K) were significantly increased by 7.62, 31.16 and 26.08% respectively while exchangeable acidity and exchangeable Mg were significantly decreased by 47.73 and 26.53% respectively due to lime application at a level of 150% RR compared to control. While only exchangeable Mg, K and Na and soil bulk density were improved due to vermicompost application. The interaction effect of lime and vermicompost significantly influenced bulk density and total nitrogen of the soil. Simple correlation analysis among soil properties indicates that soil exchangeable acidity is significantly and negatively correlated with soil pH, exchangeable Ca and Na. It can be concluded that application of lime at the rate of 150% RR improve most chemical properties of acidic soil. Similar effort should be done over years to determine the long-term effect of lime and vermicompost on such acidic soil properties.

Responses of Acidic Soil to Lime and Vermicompost Application at Lalo Asabi District, Western Ethiopia

Soil acidity is one of the major yield-limiting factors for crop production worldwide, particularly on highly weathered and leached tropical soils. Different reports have indicated that there is significant soil acidity coverage in Ethiopia, particularly in the western part of the country; soil acidity is a well-known problem limiting crop production and productivity. As part of the solution to such problem in soils, combined application of lime and VC on maize has not been investigated in the area, in which maize was one of the potential cereal crops in the area. Field experiment was conducted at Lalo Asabi district in western Wollega during 2019/20 cropping season to evaluate the responses of acidic soil to the combined application of lime and vermicompost (VC). The experimental treatments were five rates of lime (CaCO₃) (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100% of lime requirement (LR)) and three levels of vermicompost (0, 2.5 and 5 t ha^-1). The treatments were arranged in factorial combinations in randomized complete block design with three replications. One composite surface soil samples from a depth of (0-15 cm) were collected from the experimental field before commencement of the experiment. A total of fifteen composited soil samples were also collected from each plot and then composited by replication to obtain one representative sample per treatments for determination of selected soil physicochemical properties. The soil analysis results revealed that soil pH increased from 5.1 (strongly acidic) to 5.8 (moderately acidic) while exchangeable acidity decreased from 2.44 to 0.31 cmol_c kg^-1 under combined application of lime at 75% LR+2.5 t VC ha^-1, which resulted in improvement of others selected soil physicochemical properties. This study indicates combined use of lime and VC could ameliorate the adverse effect of soil acidity at Lalo Assabi district.

Yield and grading of potato tuber for processing purpose as affected by vermicompostand potassium sources

Gradding of potato tuber for different processing purposes may reduce the main constraints of establishing export industry in Bangladesh. From this perspective the experiment was conducted to assess the effect of potassium sources and vermicompost level on yield and grading of potato tuber. The potato tuber of variety BARI Alu-25 (Asterix) was used as the planting material for this experiment. The experiment consisted of two factors: Factor A: 3 sources of Potassium such as-K1: KCl, K2: KNO3, K3: K2SO4; Factor B: 4 levels of vermicompost such as-Vm0: 0 t ha-1 , Vm1: 4 t ha-1 , Vm2: 8 t ha-1 and Vm3: 12 t ha-1 . The two factor experiment was laid out in a split-plot design with three replications. The highest yield of potato tubers (27.86 t ha-1 ) was recorded from K2SO4, whereas, the lowest (26.02 t ha-1 ) was found from KNO3. The number of tubers hill-1 , average tuber weight, yield and different categories of potato tuber were increased with the increasing of vermicompost level. Among the 12 treatment combinations, the highest yield of potato tubers (31.17 t ha-1 ) were found from K3Vm3, whereas, the lowest (22.09 t ha-1 ) was recorded from K2Vm0. However, K1Vm2, K1Vm3, K3Vm2, K3Vm3 showed statistically similar results regarding yield and grading. So, K2SO4 or KCl as a source of potassium and 8 or 12 ton vermicompost ha-1 was found to be better in respect of yield and grading of potato tubers compared to the other treatments. Among potassium sources, KCl may be economic and will found available for producing good quality potato in Bangladesh.

Effect of Rhizobium Inoculation, NPS Fertilizer and Vermicompost on Nodulation and Yield of Soybean (<i>Glycine max</i> (l). Merrill) at Bako, Western Ethiopia

In Ethiopia, acidity-related soil fertility problems are the main production constraints, reducing productivity of major crops grown in the country. The experiment was carried out to determine influence of Blended NPS fertilizer, Seed Inoculation with Rhizobium Bacteria and Vermicompost (VC) application on soybean nodulation and yield of soybean. Factorial combinations of Rhizobium (uninoculated, inoculated), three VC levels (0, 1 and 2 t ha^-1) and three NPS levels (50%, 75% and 100% of 100 kg NPS ha^-1) were laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The results showed that the highest number of nodule per plant (32.0) and number of effective nodule per plant (31.4) were recorded at the combination of 2 tons VC ha^-1 and 75 kg NPS ha^-1 while the highest aboveground biomass (8953 kg ha^-1) was recorded at the combination of 2 tons VC ha^-1 with 100 kg NPS ha^-1. Likewise, the combination VC 2 tons ha^-1 with Rhizobium inoculation (TAL-379) gave the highest number of effective nodules per plant (26.3). On the other hand, three factors interaction of Rhizobium inoculation, VC and NPS rates significantly influenced the number of primary branches (NPB), number of pod per plant, seed yield and harvest index where the highest number of pods per plant (87.6), maximum seed yield (4180 kg ha^-1) and maximum harvest index (47%) were recorded from the plots treated with 100 kg NPS ha^-1 + 2 t VC ha^-1 inoculated with Rhizobium TAL-379 strain. Thus, considering the importance of integrated nutrient management in climate mitigation and adaptation; combined application of 2 t VC ha^-1 and 75 kg NPS ha^-1 inoculated with Rhizobium strain TAL-379 had resulted in better and optimum yield of 3870 kg ha^-1 and is tentatively recommended for use.

Effect of Vermicomposting and Composting of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) on Growth, Yield and Quality of Chickpea

The present investigation was undertaken with an objective to understand the effect of municipal solid waste (MSW) vermicompost and compost on growth, yield and quality of chickpea. The experiment was laid in randomized block design with three replications and seven treatments viz, T1 - RDF, T2 - RDF + vermicompost of MSW @ 2.5 t ha-1, T3 - RDF + vermicompost of MSW @ 5 t ha-1, T4 - RDF + vermicompost of MSW @ 7.5 t ha-1, T5 - RDF + compost of MSW @ 2.5 t ha-1, T6 -compost of MSW @ 5 t ha-1, T7 -compost of MSW @ 7.5 t ha-1. The field experiment was conducted at College of Agriculture, Latur farm during the Rabi season 2016-2017. The recommended dose of fertilizer (25:50:00 N: P: K) and MSW vermicompost and compost was applied at the time of sowing. The results of field experiment revealed that the maximum availability of macro and micronutrients in soil, growth attributes viz. plant height and number of branches in all growth stages of chickpea were found at application of 7.5 tones of MSW vermicompost ha-1 along with 100% RDF (25:50:00 NPK) followed by application of 7.5 tones MSW compost ha-1 along with 100% RDF and which was significantly increased with increased levels of MSW vermicompost and compost. Similar trend was observed in case of yield and quality parameters viz., protein content of chickpea.

Effect of Vermicompost and Nitrogen Levels Fertilization on Yield and Quality of Head Lettuce

Two field experiments were conducted during the two successive winter seasons of 2019 and 2020. Faculty of Agriculture, Mansoura University, Egypt, to study the impact of organic fertilizers with vermicompost levels (1.5, 2.5 and 3.5 ton/fed) and mineral fertilizers with nitrogen levels (50, 75 and 100% N) from recommended dose and their interactions on growth, yield, chemical constituents and quality of head lettuce (lactuca sativa L.) cv Kharga. The results of this research showed that the highest values of fresh weight, dry matter percentage, yield/fed, chemical and quality parameters as well as the lowest values of nitrate (NO3) and nitrite (NO2) contents were obtained from fertilizing plants with vermicompost 3.5 t/fed. with N application at the rate of 75% followed by 100% from recommended dose in both seasons. In general, it could be recommended that fertilization plants with vermicompost 3.5 t/fed. with 75% N from the recommended dose in order to increasing head lettuce productivity and quality.

Vermicompost-enriched Substrate Improves the Production of Milky Mushroom (Calocybe indica)

Aims: We investigated most suitable substrate (wheat and rice straw) enriched with vermicompost and their different levels (10%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%) for enhancing production of milky mushroom. 
 Study Design: The experiment was designed by following single factor Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). 
 Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was conducted in a mushroom culture house to observe the growth and productivity of highly potential milky mushroom by using different vermicompost enriched substrate during March-October, 2017
 Methodology: Based on the different treatment combinations the quantity of substrate and vermicompost on volume basis were used per packet with 5% spawn. Coco dust was used as casing material. After incubation, matured fruiting bodies were harvested and data were recorded on growth and yield parameters.
 Results: The addition of vermicompost with rice substrates improved the diameter of pelius 32-74%, thickness of pelius 26- 60%, diameter of stipe 24-55% and length of stipe 25 to 95% relative to the unsupplemented substrate. Similarly, vermicompost supplementation with wheat straw substrates increased the diameter of pelius 27-71%, thickness of pelius 11- 40%, diameter of stipes 21-56% and length of stipe 17- 72% relative to the unsupplemented substrate at any harvest. Supplementation of vermicompost reduced the duration for spawn run 11-55% in wheat straw and 11- 49% in rice straw compared with non-supplemented one. Furthermore, pin head initiation became quicker 26- 66% in wheat straw and 15- 61% in rice straw. In addition, total number of fruiting body increased from 6- 82% in wheat straw supplemented with different doses of vermicompost, while rice straw increased total number of fruiting body ranged from 17- 39% compared to unsupplemented one. The addition of 10%, 25%, 50% and 75% levels of vermicompost with wheat straw increased the fresh yield of C. indica by 23%, 54%, 121% and 73%, respectively compared to wheat straw alone; however, similar levels of vermicompost with rice straw increased the fresh yield of C. indica by 31% , 63%, 112% and 87%, respectively compared to rice straw alone. The biological efficiency of C. indica also did exhibit significant differences ranged between 65-160% among different levels of vermicompost supplementation with rice and wheat straw substrates.
 Conclusion: The result revealed that increasing the vermicompost level lead to a less biological efficiency and yield, but it remains higher than the control (straw alone). It is additionally conceivable that the application of vermicompost to substrates with lower levels would provide an even better yield, without adversely affecting the bioefficiency of the harvested mushrooms. These judges, however, need more work to validate reliability.