Vermicompost Research Articles

Accumulation of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sulfur in capsicum (Capsicum annuum L.) as influenced by vermicompost and NPK fertilizers

Soil fertility is one of the most promising factors that directly impact sustainable crop production. Therefore, a pot experiment was conducted in net house on capsicum (Capsicum annuum L.) in the agricultural soil to study the effects of vermicompost (VC) and inorganic fertilizers (NPK) on growth, yield and nutrient content in capsicum plants. The growth parameters and nutritional values were observed during the experiment under eleven treatments. The treatments variables are T1 (control, -VC & -NPK), T2 (VC 5 ton/ha), T3 (VC 10 ton/ha), T4 (VC 15 ton/ha), T5 (N60P35K60 kg/ha), T6 (VC 5 ton/ha +N48P28K48 kg/ha), T7 (VC 10 ton/ha + N48P28K48 kg/ha), T8 (VC 15 ton/ha + N48P28K48 kg/ha), T9 (VC 5 ton/ha + N36P21K36 kg/ ha), T10 (VC 10 ton/ha + N36P21K36 kg/ha), T11 (VC 15 ton/ha + N36P21K36 kg/ha) which were arranged in a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications. There were statistically significant differences in each treatment for growth and yield parameters. The highest plant height (45 cm), the highest number of leaves (44 no/plant), and the highest leaf area index (90 cm2) were found in the treatments T6, T5 and T9 respectively. The lowest values for all of the above parameters were found in the treatment T1 (control). Then the highest yield parameters fruit no/ plant (3), total fresh weight (39.60 g/plant), and total dry weight (2.38 g/plant) were observed under the treatment T11. The results of the growth and yield parameters varied significantly (p<0.05). The concentrations of total N, P, K and S in different parts were measured and varied significantly (p<0.05) in leaf, stem, root and seeds. Analysis of post-harvest soil also revealed that every physico-chemical property and nutritional value were changed significantly due to different treatments. Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 32(1): 73-81, 2023 (January)

Anthropogenic impact on erosion, pedogenesis and fluvial processes in the central European landscapes of the eastern Harz mountains forelands (Germany)

The Holocene development of soils and sediments at three sites in the eastern Harz foreland was investigated using field and laboratory methods and integrated into the regional Holocene record of this central European landscape.Apart from early Holocene processes, the history of mid-to late Holocene slope erosion was found to be closely linked to the local land-use history. By c. 1000 BP, soil erosion is a process that is detectable throughout the study area.The studied Chernozemic soils that now cover large areas of the studied landscape are of varying Holocene age. Linear radiocarbon age-depth relations of soil organic matter and indicative changes in soil mineral composition suggest that the Chernozem was formed by long-lasting anecic earthworm cast accumulation at the soil surface. Persistent periods of landscape openness maintained by local preindustrial agriculture explain the promotion of anecic earthworms in naturally forested landscapes of central Europe and act as temporally transgressive drivers of landscape change.An early to mid-Holocene phase of reduced fluvial activity was followed by the onset of Holocene flooding, which correlates with the onset of mining in the Harz Mountains around ca. 3000 BP (e.g. Helme). The onset of flooding of the small streams Zapfenbach and Liethe coincided with the documented medieval and modern mining phases in the eastern Harz. At all sites, present-day flooding frequencies are higher than during the early to mid-Holocene. Shifts in river system behaviour attributable to anthropogenic activities in the Harz Mountains are therefore considered another Anthropocene marker.Based on our observations, we propose that land-use-induced alteration of central European low Mountain rivers and the formation of Holocene Chernozems in subhumid central Europe, in addition to anthropogenic-induced Holocene soil erosion, are included in the cadastre of early Anthropocene processes. These processes have left distinct traces in the continental geologic record. Thus, they would support arguments for long-term time transgressive anthropogenic transformation of Earth surface systems. However, the tipping points for these processes are dated differently (soil erosion - ca. 1000 BP, river activity - ca. 3000 BP, Chernozem formation - diachronous since the Neolithic) and are closely linked to local and regional land use history. Thus, our results are another example that the definition of “golden spikes” remains a critical undertaking, especially for the beginning of the Anthropocene.

Effect of soil and foliar application of organic nutrients on growth and yield of bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standl.)

An experiment was carried out on bottle gourd during 2022 to study the effect of soil and foliar application of organic nutrients on growth and yield of bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standl.). The field experiment was laid out in randomized block design with fifteen treatments which were replicated thrice. The organic manures used in the experiment were farm yard manure (FYM) @ 25 t ha-1, vermicompost (VC) @ 5 t ha-1 and enriched manure (EM) @ 1 t ha-1 as soil application along with consortium biofertilizers (CBF) @ 2 kg ha-1 and foliar application of biostimulants viz., panchagavya (3%), effective microbial inoculants (2%), Humic power (1%) and Jeevamrutha (2%) were tested. Result revealed that the growth parameters viz., vine length, number of leaves, leaf length, leaf breadth and leaf area were recorded highest in the treatment that received the application of enriched manure 1 t ha-1 combined with consortium biofertilizers (CBF) 2 kg ha-1 and humic power (1%) as foliar were applied. The yield attributes viz., the number of fruits plant-1, fruit length, fruit girth, fruit weight and fruit yield plant-1 were registered the highest in the treatment which received the application of vermicompost 5 t ha-1 combined with CBF 2 kg ha-1 and humic power (1%) as foliar application in both the seasons respectively.

Lime and Vermicompost Application to Acid Soils and Their Effects on Maize Yield and Yield Components in Lalo Asabi District, West Wollega Zone, Oromia, 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. In 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 a problem in soils, the 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. A field experiment was conducted at Lalo Asabi district in western Wollega during the 2020 cropping season to evaluate the responses of maize 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 a randomized complete block design with three replications. One composite surface soil samples from a depth of (0-15 cm) was collected from the experimental field before the commencement of the experiment. Maize yield and yield components were measured following standard procedures. The yield components and yield results revealed the main effects of lime and VC showed a significant effect (p<0.05) on the number of days to 50% tasseling and silking, ear height, number of cobs per plant, number of grains per cob, thousand grain weight, above ground biomass, and harvest index of maize. However, days to 90% physiological maturity, plant height, cob length and grain yield of maize were significantly affected (p<0.05) by lime and VC interactions. Even though both were statistically equal, the combined application of lime at 100% LR + 5 t VC ha-1 yielded the highest grain yield (7.99 t ha-1) followed by the combined application of lime at 75% LR + 2.5 t VC ha-1 whereas the lowest grain yield (2.97 t ha-1) from control plots. The results of economic analysis indicated that the combination of lime at 75% LR + 2.5 t VC ha-1 showed a marginal rate of return of 2322.74%, with the highest net benefit of 49980 Ethiopian Birr compared to other treatments. This study indicates combined use of lime and VC could ameliorate the adverse effect of soil acidity, and application of 75% LR + 2.5 t VC ha1 enhances grain yield and produces the highest net benefit of maize grown on acidic soil of the Lalo Asabi district.

Effect of organic manures and lime on nutrient availability and soil enzyme activity under upland rice in North Eastern Himalayan Region

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of various nutrient sources and lime on nutrient availability and soil enzymatic activities in upland rice in North Eastern Himalayan region, Meghalaya. The experiment was laid out in FRBD (Factorial Randomized Block Design), with three replications and twelve treatment combinations (Control, 100% RDN through inorganic means, 100%RDN through FYM, 50%RDN through FYM+50%RDN through Vermicompost (VC), 50%RDN though FYM+50%RDN through Poultry manures (PM), 50%RDN though FYM+50%RDN through Pig Manures (SM), each treatment alternatively supplemented with lime @ 400 kg/ha). Available N, P, K, Fe, Zn were significantly higher in 50% FYM + 50% SM followed by 50% FYM + 50% PM over control. Enzyme activities as observed for dehydrogenase, fluorescein diacetate and soil microbial biomass carbon were significantly higher by 78.6%, 47.0% and 44.5% in 50% FYM + 50% SM at harvest. Urease enzyme activity was highest in 100% inorganic at flowering. The increase in enzyme activity due to liming was not found.

Yield Performance of Rapeseed and Mustard under Rice Fallow Situation as Influenced by Varieties and Integrated Nutrient Management Practices

A field experiment was conducted during the rabi season of 2019-20 to study the effect of varieties and integrated nutrient management (INM) practices on the yield attributing characters, seed yield, oil content and oil yield of rapeseed and mustard under rice fallow situation. The experiment was laid out in a split plot design with three mustard varieties viz., PM 26 (V1 ), PM 27 (V2 ), NRCHB-101 (V3 ) along with one rapeseed variety viz.,TS-36 (V4 ) in the main plot and five INM practices viz., control (No N-P-K) (F1 ), 50% of the recommended dose (RD) of NPK + vermicompost (VC) @1t/ha (incubated with Azotobacter and PSB @ 0.2% w/w for 15 days) in equal splits applied at basal and 30 DAS (F2 ), VC @ 2t/ha enriched with biofertilizers (Azotobacter + PSB) incubated @ 0.2% w/w for 15 days (F3 ), FYM @ 2t/ha (incubated with Azotobacter and PSB @ 0.2% w/w for 15 days) + quick lime @ 20 kg/ha + ash @ 2 kg/ha at basal and 30 DAS (1000:10:1) (F4 ) and recommended NPK @ 40-35-15 kg/ha (F5 ) in the sub-plots and replicated thrice. Results revealed that the mustard variety PM 27 (V2 ) was significantly superior with respect to yield attributing characters, seed yield, seed oil content and oil yield followed by NRCHB 101 (V3 ) and also application of recommended NPK @ 40-35-15 kg ha-1 (F5 ) was significantly superior and at par with 50% RD of NPK + VC @ 1t ha-1 (incubated with Azotobacter and PSB) (F2 ) in equal splits as basal and at 30 DAS.

Solid Waste Management – Compact Twin Shaft Shredder

The key objective of the article is to design and build a small shredding machine that is conceptually designed with a focus on the production of dry leaves, areca leaves, chopped dry materials, and worm compost. This idea was produced by taking into account four slicing machines with various operations and operating procedures. The idea was designed with consideration for the customers' safety. A three-stage motor, bearings, cutter, structural frame, spur gear, and dual shafts make up the machine. High carbon steel, which is also used to make cutter tips and soft steel, is applied for making the machine's frame. Two shafts with sixteen cutters placed on them rotate parallel to the spur gear. The cutter shaft receives power from the electric motor through the belt drive. Tensile and friction inside the cutting house cause the cutting process. The chopped powder is gathered in a dish at the bottom after the dried leaves are chopped and reduced in size. It is simple to use and has a small footprint.

Os efeitos de diferentes fertilizantes orgânicos e doses reduzidas de aplicações de fertilizantes químicos sobre as características de rendimento e de qualidade no cultivo de melão em estufa

Abstract As a result of excessive use of chemical fertilizers in greenhouses, the yield and quality of the crop decreases over time. In the study carried out in two different locations; Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fascicles (AMF), vermicompost (VC), seaweed (DY), bat manure (YG) and 30% reduced chemical fertilizer (KG) were applied. In the study, fruit length and diameter, fruit weight, fruit meat and Shell thickness, leaf fresh and dry weight, pH and total dry matter dissolved in water were measured. According to the measurements made in both greenhouses; best results in terms of fruit length, fruit diameter, fruit weight, fruit number; Taken from YG+AMF+KG application. YG+AMF+7/10 KG application, where the best efficiency was obtained in Greenhouse-A conditions, showed an increase of 44.8% compared to the control application and 10.4% compared to the KG application. YG+AMF+7/10 KG treatment, in which the best efficiency was achieved in the effect of applications on fruit weight in Greenhouse-B conditions, showed an increase of 41.3% compared to the 12.5% control application compared to the KG. In conclusion; It was determined that mycorrhizal inoculation, some organic fertilizers and 30% reduced chemical fertilizer combinations applied in melon cultivation increased the yield in both lotions more than the full dose chemical fertilizer.

The influence of compost amendments on bioaccumulation of potentially toxic elements by pea plant cultivated in mine degraded soils

Potential toxic metal (PTE) accumulation in soil and water is one of the major sources of food crop contamination. PTE remediation from soil can be enhanced by the addition of organic matter to the growing media. An experiment was carried out to investigate the effect of different organic amendments on the accumulation of PTEs in pea plant grown on mine degraded soils. Mining soils from chromite mine (CM), soap stone mine (SSM), manganese mine (MM), and quartz mine (QM) were mixed with vermicompost (VC), leaf mould (LC), and spent mushroom compost (SMC) along with garden soil at 1:1:1 ratio. Various growth and yield-related attributes of pea plant as well as PTE concentrations in soil and plants were studied. The highest Cd (2.62 mg kg−1) and Cr (13.6 mg kg−1) concentration was reported in CM soil, while Pb (23.3 mg kg−1) and Mn (59.2 mg kg−1) concentration in SSM and MM soil, respectively. Mining soils significantly reduced the plant growth and yield, while organic amendments reduced the PTE availability and increased pea plant growth. Comparing the various organic fertilizers used, it was observed that VC efficiently reduced Cd, Cr, Pb, and Mn uptake by pea plant, subsequently, improved pea plant growth and productivity. In order to assess the effects of various amendments on PTE health risk reduction, various risk indices including plant tranfser factor, average daily intake, health risk, target hazard quotient, and target cancer risk were also calculated and the results revealed that application of compost particularly VC significantly reduced the dietary intake and health risks of PTEs.

Nutrient contents in different sources of organic manures used in different farms of Bhaktapur district, Nepal

Organic manure contributes carbonaceous matter to soil, which when decomposed, offers mineral nutrients to plants, also acts as a base exchange material, and helps to improve the physical, chemical, and biological aspects of soil. This study was conducted to assess the amount of total nitrogen, available phosphorous, available potassium, pH, under various organic manure sources. Collected organic matter samples were tested for total nitrogen, available phosphorus, available potassium, soil organic matter, and pH at the soil laboratory of Nepal Polytechnic College, Bharatpur-11, Chitwan, using the NARC, Soil Science Research Centre, Khumaltar, Lalitpur standard rating. The overall nitrogen concentration of goat dung was 1.667%, whereas buffalo manure had the lowest at 0.665%. The available phosphorus content of organic manure in the research area ranged from 0.732% in vermi-compost to 0.432% in compost, with substantial differences amongst manure samples. The goat manure had the highest potassium level (0.853%), whereas buffalo manure had the lowest (0.513%). The pH value of goat manure was 8.4 while the pH content of compost manure was 7.567. The maximum amount of organic matter (54.8) was found in buffalo manure, while the lowest (46.3) was found in vermi compost. The maximum amount of organic matter (54.8%) was found in buffalo manure, while the lowest (46.3%) was found in vermi compost. Modern technology must be adapted for successful and improved manure production. To increase the availability and maintenance of nutrients in organic manure, methods such as covering the manure to protect it from rain and sun, avoiding waterlogged conditions, and correct manure decomposition can be implemented.

Short-Term Dynamics of Bacterial Community Structure in Restored Abandoned Agricultural Soils under Semi-Arid Conditions

The restoration of unproductive abandoned agricultural soils under a semi-arid climate in southeastern Spain was evaluated. Four organic amendments from different composted wastes (greenhouse crop residues; worm compost from sheep–cow manure and plant remains; chicken manure; and sheep–chicken manure and plant remain) were applied, untreated control plots were installed, and natural unexploited soils were selected as a reference ecosystem. Through three sampling campaigns (initial, 3 months, and 12 months), significant changes were observed in soil physico-chemical properties, nutrient content (carbon -C-, nitrogen -N-, and phosphorus -P-), and bacterial composition of the restored soils with respect to control and natural soil, especially at 3 months. The increase of labile nutrients caused the proliferation of copiotrophic phyla at 3 months, which, after their consumption, were replaced by oligotrophic phyla at 12 months. Specific taxa involved in C, N, and P cycles were identified for each soil. For the soil bacterial composition of vermicompost, only chicken and sheep–chicken manures were more dissimilar to control and natural soils after 12 months, while greenhouse crop compost showed an intermediate position between them. Results indicated that composted greenhouse crop remains could be an optimal treatment for the short-term recovery of physico-chemical properties, nutrient content, and bacterial composition of agriculture-degraded soils in semi-arid areas.

Impact of long-term manuring and cropping system on stability of humus associated with clay-organic complex

ABSTRACT The objective was to study the impact of ten year’s manuring and fertilization on chemical stability of clay-organic complex (COC) in rice−potato−wheat (R–P–W) and maize−potato−onion (M–P–O) cropping systems. Soil samples were collected from the control, 100% NPK–Fertilizer, 100% N–Vermicompost (VC), 50% NPK–Fertilizer + 50% N–VC, 100% NPK–Fertilizer + crop residue (CR), 100% N–VC + CR. The stability (1/k) of humus C i.e. inverse of humus desorption rate constant (k) in hours (h), in COC was higher in 100% N–VC an1d 00% N–VC + CR in both the cropping systems. The C:N ratio of humic acid (HA) was also higher in the treatments receiving full organics (100% N–VC and 100% N–VC + CR) and showed positive correlation (p < 0.05) with the humus C stability in COC. Long-term manuring treatments created C = N and C–O stretching of aromatic ether in HA extracted from 100% NPK–VC and other selected treatments in both the cropping systems. 100% N–VC and 100%N–VC + CR produced higher stability of humus-C in Inceptisol. The R–P–W imparted higher stability of humus C than M–P–O cropping system.

Growth and production performance of Mud Eel, Monopterus cuchia (Hamilton, 1822) using different types of feed in the Northern region of Bangladesh

The experiment was conducted to assess the growth and production performance of freshwater Mud Eel (Monopterus cuchia) using different types of feed in nine earthen ponds in Bogura and Naogaon district of Bangladesh over a period of 180 days from 01 July, 2020 to 31 December, 2021. Three different treatments having three replicates each [T1 {Live fish spawn (60%), Vermi compost (40%)}, T2 {Live fish spawn (40%), Fish paste (60%)} and T3 {Vermi compost (40%), fish paste (40%), Rice bran (10%) and Wheat flour (10%)}] were used where significantly higher (P&lt; 0.05) gross production and low FCR were recorded in T1 treatment. Juvenile cuchia were stocked @ 400 nos/dec in each treatment having mean initial body weight of 25 g and mean initial body length of 20 cm where highest weight gain of 130.09±1.79 g was found in T1 (p&lt;0.05), followed by the T2 (112.89±1.51 g) and T3 (95.02±0.16 g). Survival rate (82.11±2.21%) and specific growth rate (1.01± 0.02 % day-1) were also found to be highest in T1 compared to the T2 and T3. Feed were applied twice a day up to satiation level using feeding tray to check feeding performance of fish. Water quality parameters like temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH and alkalinity were in the optimum range for fish culture. Results from the present study clearly indicate that live fish spawn and vermi compost is suitable for the grow-out culture of M. cuchia in earthen ponds for its better growth, survival rate and production.

RECYCLING OF CATTLE MANURE ASSOCIATED WITH RICE HUSK AS VERMICOMPOST VIA THE EISENIA FÉTIDA EARTHWORM

Agro-silvopastoral residues such as cattle manure and rice husks are abundant in the southeastern region of Pará. As an alternative aimed at sustainability, recycling through vermicomposting has advantages such as low cost, easy and fast application, besides the production of a material rich in nutrients. The objective of the work was to analyze the use of the vermicomposting technique in the degradation of agroforestry residues for the construction of organic fertilizer. The research method used was hypothetical-deductive, of quanti-qualitative scope under applied nature and descriptive, exploratory and experimental procedures, with standardized techniques of data collection and systematic observation on the processes of the study. Within this, the study followed within a greenhouse environment under open sides, located in the back of the Pará State University, Marabá campus, Pará. The materials used were rice husk from a rice mill in the municipality, along with black soil and bovine manure. For the initial stages, the manure needed to go through a washing process (tanning), and the rice husk by carbonization of the material, transforming it into ash. A pre-composting was performed for a period of 36 days before the increment of Eisenia fétida earthworms. The experimental design was employed with the use of 4 treatments, T1 - Cattle manure + rice husk in natura + Soil (composted), T2 - Cattle manure + rice husk in natura + Soil (Vermicompost), T3 - Cattle manure + rice husk ash + Soil (composted), T4 - Cattle manure + rice husk ash + Soil (Vermicompost). To measure pH and temperature data, the AMT-300® equipment was used, while soil moisture was measured using a soil hygrometer sensor connected to the Arduino UNO R3 board. At the end, samples of the organic compost were analyzed in the soil laboratory of Embrapa Amazonia Occidental, with data submitted to descriptive statistics and comparison of means using the Tukey 5% test. The pre-composting required 36 days, a period considered long due to the problem of assembling the beds during the rainy season in Marabá. They had pH values suitable for worm casting (5.5 - 6.9) and temperatures &lt; 30°C, considered suitable environments for the development of Eisenia fétida. T2 and T4 presented a significant difference in moisture and chemical composition compared to T1 and T3, with moisture levels above 70% and organic matter contents 40% higher. T4 was the one with the highest C/N ratio, with values higher than the other treatments. The nutritional gain observed in the organic composts from vermicomposting in the pilot experiment, supports the need for implementation of vermicomposting on a larger quantitative scale in the evaluation of the of Eisenia fetida earthworms and their potential for degradation of agroforestry residues, resulting in ecological alternatives for the southeastern region of Pará.

Effect of Organic Manures on Growth, Yield, Leaf Nutrient Uptake and Soil Properties of Kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa Chev.) cv. Allison

In recent decades, organic kiwifruit farming has come up as a feasible method for high-quality kiwi production without using chemical fertilizers. The primary objective of this research was to investigate how the sole application of organic and the combined application of organic manures affected the growth, yields, and quality of Allison kiwifruit, as well as the soil's physicochemical characteristics. The field trial was conducted on cv. Allison to determine the efficacy of organic manures (OM) on growth, nutrient absorption, production and soil health. The experiment involved eight treatments, viz.: T1: 100% Dairy manure (DM); T2: 100% Vermicompost (VC); T3: 100% chicken manure (CM); T4: 50% DM + 50% CM; T5: 50% DM + 50% VC; T6: 50% CM + 50% VC; T7: DM + CM + VC in equal proportions; and T8: Recommended nutrients inorganic NPK + 40 kg DM. A randomized complete block design comprising three replicas was used in this investigation. The use of inorganic fertilizers (NPK) in combination with DM enhanced Spad Values Chlorophyll, fruit production, leaf number, leaf area, and stem diameter while also improving the soil's chemical characteristics. The flower initiation was recorded with DM and Vermicompost (50:50). Furthermore, when compared to inorganic fertilizer treatment, OM treatment significantly improved fruit quality by improving fruit chemical composition in terms of soluble solids contents and leaf nutrient status, as well as improving soil's physical properties with DM and Vermicompost (50:50). The study's outcome revealed that OM had a significant impact on flowering time, fruit SSC, leaf nutritional status, and soil physical characteristics. In comparison to organic treatments, recommended fertilizer dosages (NPK + DM) improved plant growth, fruit yield, and soil chemical characteristics.

Farklı Yetiştirme Ortamına Uygulanan Vermikompostun Marul Bitkisinin Gelişimi ile Bazı Bitki Besin Maddesi İçerikleri Üzerine Etkisi

In this study, the effects of hazelnut husk (HH), peat (P) and growing medium consisting hazelnut husk + peat (HH:P) mixture on the growth of lettuce and some nutrient contents were investigated. In the experiment, vermicompost (VC) was added to 3 different media at a rate of 0-10-20-30-40-50% by volume. The research was carried out according to the randomized plot design with 3 replications. According to the research results, the fresh and dry weight of the lettuce plant, the number of leaves and the length of the leaves showed significant increases with vermicompost added to the media compared to the control, and it was determined that 40% vermicompost application to hazelnut husk and hazelnut husk+peat mixture was effective. It was determined that the root fresh and dry weight of the plant increased regularly with vermicompost applications and when the root development was evaluated in general, 50% vermicompost application on hazelnut husk+peat mixture and hazelnut husk were effective. Similarly, vermicompost added to the media regularly increased the total N, P, K, Mn and Zn contents of the lettuce plant. Considering the effect of the medias, the macro element contents of the plant were found to be higher in hazelnut husk and hazelnut husk+peat medium, Mn content in peat and Zn content in the mixture. When the effects on the growth parameters and leaf nutrient contents of the lettuce plant were evaluated, it was concluded that the addition of 40-50% vermicompost to hazelnut husk and hazelnut husk+peat media could be used as a seedling growing medium.

Photosynthetic Activity, Nutrient Concentration, Yield and Soil Properties Altered by Long Term INM Practices of Knol-khol (Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes L.) under Acidic Inceptisols

A long-term field experiment was started in the campus of College of Agriculture, OUAT, Bhubaneswar, Odisha since kharif 2010 in a randomized block design with 08 treatments and three replications under a cereal-vegetable-pulse cropping system. Different observations on plant and soil parameters were taken during kharif 2018 to evaluate the performance of the test crop towards different package and practices followed. The test crop was Knol-khol, the 25th crop in the sequence. The treatments were T1: Control, T2: Soil Test Dose (STD), T3: STD + Farm Yard Manure (F), T4: STD + Vermicompost (VC), T5: STD + F + Biofertilizers (BFs), T6: STD + VC + BFs, T7: STD + F + L + BFs, and T8: STD + VC + L + BFs which consisted of different combinations of inorganic fertilizers, organic manures (FYM and vermicompost), ameliorant (lime) and biofertilizers. Knol-khol crop was grown in the experimental plot with different organic and inorganic fertilizers as per the treatment plans. Leaf samples from different treatments were collected at 45 days after planting (DAP). The economic yield was highest (3.44 t ha-1) in the treatment supplied with inorganic and organic source of nutrient with lime (T7) which was at par with T8 (3.34 t ha-1) whereas significantly higher than rest other treatments and lowest was obtained in STD (1.45 t ha-1). The highest values 2.68%, 1.11mg g-1 of fresh leaves and 46.34 were recorded for leaf nitrogen content, chlorophyll content and SPAD value respectively were recorded with treatment T7 whereas lowest value of 1.91%, 0.54 mg g-1 of fresh of leaves and 21.81 were recorded for leaf nitrogen content, chlorophyll content and SPAD value respectively with T1. However, the soil properties after harvest of the crop were found to be better with T8 where vermicompost was integrated with inorganic fertilizer and lime.

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

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

Effects of foliar application of humic acid extracts and indole acetic acid on important growth indices of canola (Brassica napus L.)

Vermicompost (VC) is a rich source of HA that improves plant growth and yield indices such as fresh and dry weights, plant height, stem diameter, leaf area, and chlorophyll index value. In this study, the effect of foliar application of HA extracted from different types of VC enriched with bacteria and/or fertilizers, commercial HA (CHA) and indole acetic acid (IAA) on the growth characteristics of canola (Brassica napus) in greenhouse conditions were compared. According to the results, the foliar application of HA extracted from VC had complete superiority over CHA and IAA in most traits except for the leaf number. Furthermore, the highest level of foliar application of HA (600 mg L−1) enriched with Azotobacter chroococcum (21Az) + Pseudomonas fluorescens (Ps 59) (HA-AS) generated the highest height, diameter, leaf area, and chlorophyll index value. Also, the highest stomatal conductance and photosynthesis rate were observed with the application of 600 mg L−1 HA extracted from VC enriched with nitrogen, sulfur, and phosphorus (HA-NSP) compared to the other treatments. Besides, dry and fresh weights and seed yield under HA-NSP and HA-AS treatments were at their highest rate. Among the extracted HAs, the one extracted from the nitrogen enriched VC had the lowest efficiency. Based on the present study, the HA extracted from VC enriched with Azotobacter, Pseudomonas and NSP is recommended to increase canola growth and production.

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

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