Vermicompost Research Articles

Metagenomic insight into the mechanisms of accelerated di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) degradation in vermicomposting

Earthworms can expedite di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) degradation in soils, but limited information is available on the key DEHP-degradation pathways and related genes during the vermicomposting process. In this study, DEHP degradation, degradation-related genes and bacterial communities were investigated by metagenomic analysis. DEHP degradation efficiency was significantly and 65.69% higher in vermicomposting treatment than natural soils. Earthworm supplement remarkably increased the contents of humic acid, humus and fulvic acid in soils. Both humic acid and earthworm gut positively stimulated soil microbes potentially responsible for DEHP degradation. Betaprotebacteria, Acidobacteria, Variovorax, Hydrogenophaga, Limnobacter, Ramlibacter, Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, Paracoccus and Achromobacter significantly contributed to DEHP degradation pathways. From functional gene analysis, there were remarkable differences in dominant DEHP degradation pathways between soils (catechol pathway), earthworm cast (protocatechuate pathway), and earthworm gut (protocatechuate and catechol pathways). Our findings proposed two possible mechanisms of earthworms in accelerating DEHP degradation, stimulating the activities of indigenous degraders to augment the catechol pathway in soils and providing an extra protocatechuate pathway in earthworm gut. This study, for the first time, offers new insights into the impacts of vermicomposting on DEHP degradation genes and pathways, providing valuable scientific evidence for improving DEHP bioremediation in contaminated agricultural soils.

Effect of Organic Manures and Natural Farming on Soil Properties and Nutrient Uptake by Carrot

The present investigation carried out at the Research Farm Area of Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Center of Excellence for Organic Farming, Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar during Rabi season 2022-23 with the objectives to evaluate the effect of organic manures and natural farming on growth, yield and quality of carrot as well as on microbial count and nutrient uptake and economics of carrot. The experiment consisting of 8 treatments i.e., T1- RDN through Farm Yard Manure (FYM), T2- RDN through Vermicompost (VC), T3- RDN through Poultry Manure (PM), T4- RDN through FYM + Biofertilizers, T5- RDN through Vermicompost + Biofertilizerss, T6- RDN through Poultry Manure + Biofertilizers (Azatobecter + PSB), T7- Cow based bio-formulations and T8- Control was laid out in randomized block design with three replications. Total sugar, reducing sugar, non-reducing sugar %, TSS and N content and its uptake in root and shoot was also recorded the highest in treatment T5 whereas, P, K contents and their uptake in root and shoot were recorded highest in treatment T4. Soil organic carbon (0.69 %), available N (165.5 kg ha⁻¹), P (16.82 kg ha⁻¹), K (369.60 kg ha⁻¹) were observed maximum in treatment T5 and remained at par with the treatments receiving organic manures conjointly with biofertilizers. Microbial population of soil was recorded the maximum in treatment T5 (6.94 × 10⁶ cfu count g⁻¹ of soil) which was at par to treatments T1, T2, T4 and T7 but significantly higher over the control (6.52 × 10⁶ cfu count g⁻¹ of soil).

Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria, organic manures, and chemical fertilizers: impact on crop productivity and soil health of capsicum (Capsicum annuum L.) in North Western Himalayan region

Integrated nutrient management practices play a vital role for enhancing the soil productivity and sustainable agriculture production. In vegetable crops, bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is a most important vegetable as well as spice crop grown worldwide. The indiscriminate use of inorganic fertilizers for long period deteriorates productivity as well as soil fertility. Therefore, this study was proposed for an extensive evaluation of different combinations of organic manure, plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) with inorganic fertilizers and their influence on growth, yield, quality, economics, and soil health in bell pepper. This study was carried out on capsicum cv. Solan Bharpur with 15 treatment combinations in randomized block design with three replications. 75% Nitrogen Phosphorus (NP) + vermi compost (VC) and enriched compost (EC)@ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR resulted greatest available nitrogen (420.13 kg ha−1), phosphorus (53.87 kg ha−1), potassium (466.37 kg ha−1), organic carbon content (1.63%), and electrical conductivity (0.91 dSm−1). Similar treatment combination ie T14 obtained greatest values for yield and yield attributing parameters viz. fruit length (7.06 cm), fruit breadth (5.91 cm), pericarp thickness (6.72 mm), number of fruits per plant (28.05), improved yield by 60.89%, and enhanced total soluble solids (5.94 OBrix), ascorbic acid content (182.54 mg/100 g). Our findings revealed that combining organic manures, such as farm yard manure, VC, EC, and PGPRs, with inorganic fertilizers to the extent of 50–75% is good for enhancing the soil health and delivering a benefit:cost ratio of 2.59 along with long-term crop output.

Growth, yield and metabolite substantiated, eco-physiological evaluation of overcoming accessional and agro-climatic differences in ex-situ raised Valeriana jatamansi Jones. at lower altitude of Sikkim Himalayan region

Valeriana jatamansi Jones. syn. V. wallichi (Family: Caprifoliaceae) is globally known and amongst the 27 listed medicinal plants under National AYUSH Mission (NAM) by National Medicinal Plants Board, New Delhi, Government of India. V. jatamansi is a temperate Himalayan critically vulnerable plant enlisted as plants of conservation concern under Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Appendix-II with regulated foreign trade. Deplete wild population of V. jatamansi has prioritized conservation via ex-situ raising. The study conducted for V. jatamansi ex-situ raising at Sikkim Himalayan low altitude (tropical hills) region in different potting mix and evaluated for growth, yield and metabolite content substantiated with eco-physiological parameters. The eco-physiological parameters include pigment variations, stability, and the amount of hydroxyvalerenic acid & valerenic acid in below ground quantified using reversed phase-high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). The study reveals black soil (BS), forest soil (FS), Vermi-compost (VC) and Sand (S) favoured the growth and yield. This is also substantiated by the eco-physiological parameters. The soil nutritional and physical parameters favour higher metabolites hydroxyvalerenic acid and valerenic acid accumulation. The study leads to successful plants raising with increased metabolites. The study paves the way forward, overcoming accessional and agro-climatic differences in growth, yield and metabolite, as appropriately monitored potting media help in consistent & optimized yield and metabolites in V. jatamansi.

Worm compost tea’s plant growth-promoting power: is it the microorganisms or chemical properties?

Vermicompost tea (VCT), an eco-friendly biofertilizer, is becoming increasingly popular due to its notable benefits on plant and soil health. However, the reasons behind its efficacy, whether due to growth regulators, minerals, microorganisms, or their combination, remain ambiguous. Seedlings of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum cv. Rutgers) were treated with VCT, autoclaved VCT (AVCT), or water (control) for three times over 7 weeks to determine if the effects of this biological fertilizer on plant growth are due to the presence of microorganisms or chemical nutrients. A significant increase was observed in plant growth with either the VCT or AVCT treatments compared to the control, while for most measures, plant growth was higher in the AVCT versus the VCT treatment. Autoclaving VCT increased pH and plant-available minerals, including NH4 +, NO3 −, K, Mg, Zn, Fe, and Mn. Metagenomic analysis of bacterial specimens in VCT revealed the most abundant genera as Novosphingobium, Sphingobium, Luteimonas, Pseudomonas, Planctomyces, Rhodoplanes, Mycoplana, Bacillus, Achromobacter, and Devosia. Although many of these genera contain known plant-growth-promoting bacteria, the major benefits of VCT do not necessarily require living organisms as both VCT and AVCT increased plant biomass. Thus, the growth-promoting potential of VCT may not be associated with microbial biomass by itself but rather with the release of extracellular microbial signals/nutrients and/or the nutrient availability of the applied VCT. The advantages of autoclaving VCT are the increased shelf life and the potential use of biofertilizers within organic hydroponic systems without technical challenges due to clogging from microbial activity.

Deciphering the bioavailability of dissolved organic matter in thermophilic compost and vermicompost at the molecular level

Studies on compost dissolved organic matter (DOM) previously focus on its composition and humification, without considering DOM bioavailability to understand compost fertility. To decipher the fertility basis of compost, DOM bioavailability in thermophilic compost (TC) and vermicompost (VC) was investigated and linked with its molecular composition. Results showed that DOM bioavailability of VC (36 % BDOC) was generally higher than that of TC (22 % BDOC) due to containing more tannin-like substances. Inversely, only lipid-/carbohydrate-/protein-like substances contributed to DOM bioavailability in TC. Moreover, these differences of bioavailability expanded with C/N decreased in composting materials. Specifically, the %BDOC of VC with N-rich materials (C/N < 25) was 2.1–3.0 times higher than that in TC, while it was only 1.2–1.4 times for C-rich materials (C/N < 25), because N-surplus facilitated the formation of O-/N-containing aromatics (e.g., CHON and tannin) in VC, but inhibited the decomposition of organic materials into small bioactive molecules in TC.

Do Vermicompost Applications Improve Growth Performance, Pharmaceutically Important Alkaloids, Phenolic Content, Free Radical Scavenging Potency and Defense Enzyme Activities in Summer Snowflake (Leucojum aestivum L.)?

Leucojum aestivum L. contains galanthamine and lycorine, which are two pharmaceutically valuable alkaloids. Vermicompost (VC), an organic waste product created by earthworms enhances soil quality and can improve the medicinal quality of the plant that is crucial to the pharmaceutical industry. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of four different VC concentrations (5 %, 10 %, 25 %, and 50 %) on L. aestivum growth parameters, alkaloid levels (galanthamine and lycorine), total phenol-flavonoid content, free radical scavenging potential, and defense enzyme activities (SOD and CAT) compared to control (no VC). The width, length, and fresh weight of the leaves were improved by 10 % VC treatment. The highest total phenolic content was found in the bulbs and leaves treated with 50 % VC. HPLC-DAD analysis of alkaloids showed that 10 % and 50 % VC treatments contained the most galanthamine in the bulb and leaf extracts, respectively. The application of 25 % VC was the most efficient in terms of lycorine content in both extracts. CAT activity was elevated at 10 %, 25 %, and 50 % VC. Based on the growth performance and galanthamine content of the bulbs and leaves, it can be concluded that a 10 % VC application was the most effective in the cultivation of L. aestivum.

Screening of bacteria isolates from earthworm cast for antibacterial activities

The healthy operation of the soil ecosystem is significantly influenced by earthworms. Various medical treatments have included the use of earthworms. This study isolated and screened bacterial species from earthworm cast for antibacterial activities. Two (2) bacteria species were isolated from the earthworm cast by culturing on starch casein agar using pour plate techniques. The isolates were identified as Streptomyces and Actinomadura species while the test isolates include Klebsiella specie, Salmonella shigella and Staphylococcus aureus strains. This study revealed that Streptococcus and Actinomadura metabolite exhibited variable degrees of antimicrobial activities against the test isolates. The highest in-vitro antimicrobial activity is (12.0mm) was exhibited by the Streptococcus metabolite at the highest concentration of 100mg/ml against Staphylococcus aureus, while the least antimicrobial activity (8.0mm) was exhibited at the concentration of 80mg/ml and 40mg/ml against Salmonella species and Staphylococcus aureus. Actinomadura metabolite was effective against Staphylococcus aureus at the highest concentration of 100mg/ml. However there was significant difference observed in antibacterial activity of the metabolites when compared to the standard antibiotic (Gentamicin) (p&lt;0.05). From the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) test result, Streptococcus metabolite demonstrated greater activity on Salmonella specie at the range of 3.12mg/ml and a lower activity on Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella specie at the range of 12.5mg/ml each. The Actinomadura metabolite demonstrated greater activity on Salmonella species at the range of 1.56mg/ml. Based on the findings of this research, earthworm (Pheretima posthuma) is a good source of antibacterial agents that can be identified and extracted as source of cheap medicines to control serious infections.

Application of vermicompost in improving the growth, water content, and vase life of LA hybrid lily

One of the limitations of soilless cultivation is its high cost. Considering this issue, this technique is cost-effective when the obtained product is of high quality from a commercial point of view. Lilies are the world’s fourth most popular cut flowers in terms of commercial importance. It is crucial to provide the lily with a culture medium that will extend its vase life and enhance its morphological and marketable characteristics. Vermicompost (VC) improves plant growth and performance with better access to water and nutrients. This study investigated the effect of different VC levels on LA hybrid lilies’ growth parameters and vase life. LA hybrid lily bulbs were planted at 20, 35, 50, and 65% VC levels on a cocopeat and perlite bed. First, growth traits such as the number of leaves and flowers, leaf area, plant height, petals’ anthocyanin content, some plant organs’ water content, and finally, vase life were measured. It was found that only the 20% VC treatment resulted in an increase in leaf number (8.6%) and flower number (3.6%). Furthermore, only in this treatment did water absorption in cut flowers and vase life increase by 43.5% and 9.8%, respectively. This research showed that the 20% VC treatment (V1) performed better in producing compact cut flowers with freshness and longer vase life.

The Effect of Giving Vermicompos Fertilizer and NPK 16:16:16 on Growth and Production of Edamame Soyabean (Glycine Max (L) Merrill)

This research has been done in the experimental farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, Islamic University of Riau, Jalan Kaharuddin Nasution, Bukit Raya, Pekanbaru. This study take three months since July to September 2019. The objective of this study was to find out the interaction effect and main effect of giving vermi compost fertilizer andNPK 16:16:16 to the growth and production of edamame soybean. The experimental design used was Completely Randomized Design factorial. The first factor was giving vermi compost (V) fertilizer with doses 0, 500, 1000, 1500 g per plot, and second factor was gift NPK 16:16:16 (N) Fertilizer with a dose of 0, 15, 30, 45 g per plot so that there are 16 combinations repeated 3 times to obtain 48 experimental units. Parameters that were observed, were plant height, relative growth rate, number of pods per plant, percentage of fruitful pods, and seed weight per plant. The data analysis of observation in variance then done with test carry on HSD level of 5%. The results showed that the interaction of vermi compost fertilizer and NPK 16:16:16 applications significantly affected the height of the plant, amount of pod per plant, percentage of pod pithy, and Seed Weight per plant. The best treatment was vermi compost fertilizer at a dose of 1500 g/plot and NPK 16:16:16 with a dose of 30 g/plot (V3N2). The main effect of the application of vermi compost fertilizer was significant to whole parameter. The best treatment was vermi compost with a dose of 1500 g/plot (V3). The main effect of application of NPK 16:16:16 was significant to whole parameter. The the best treatment was NPK 16:16:16 with a dose of 30 g/plot (N2).

Enhancement or Enrichment of the Vermicompost by Microbial Inoculation

The aim of this research experiment was enrichment of vermicompost by microbial inoculation for sustainable agriculture. An experiment was conducted to study the effects of different types of microbial species in various vermicompost treatments, along with varying quantities of microbes. Subsequently, 25 ml of each inoculant was applied per kg of wet-base vermicompost (VC) according to Busato et al. [1]. Vermicompost samples, each weighing one kg per treatment, were incubated in a well-aerated chamber at temperatures of 28 and 41ºC for a duration of 80 days. Throughout the incubation period, the moisture content of the VC samples was maintained at approximately 60 percent using water. Enriched VC treatments were subjected to chemical and biological analyses at intervals of 0, 20, 40, 60, and 80 days. An incubation study was conducted in the laboratory, involving the incubation of prepared enriched vermicompost (T1 to T7 treatments) with biofertilizers (T8 to T14 treatments) over an 80-day period. The content of N, P, K, and Zn was assessed at 0, 20, 40, 60, and 80 days after incubation (DAI). Among the various enriched vermicompost treatments, the highest total nitrogen content of 4.5% was observed in enriched vermicompost T11 after 80 DAI, followed by T9 (4.4%) and T14 (4.3%). The highest total phosphorus content of 4.9%, 4.7%, and 4.2% was respectively found in T11, T9, and T14 after 80 DAI. In terms of enriched vermicompost treatments, the highest potassium (K) and zinc (Zn) content (4.8% and 97.5 ppm, respectively) were observed.

Insight into Bioaccumulation of Decabromodiphenyl Ethane in Eisenia fetida Increased by Microplastics.

The rise of electronics inevitably induced the co-pollution of novel brominated flame retardants (NBFRs) and microplastics (MPs). However, studies on how they interact to influence their bioavailability are scarce. Here, we explored the influence mechanism of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)-MPs on the bioaccumulation of decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE) in soil-earthworm microcosms. The influence exhibited a temporal pattern characterized by short-term inhibition and long-term promotion. After 28 days of exposure, DBDPE bioaccumulation in a co-exposure (10 mg kg-1 DBDPE accompanied by 1000 mg kg-1 ABS-MPs) was 2.61 times higher than that in a separate exposure. The adsorption process in the soil, intestines, and mucus introduced DBDPE-carried MPs, which had a higher concentration of DBDPE than the surrounding soil and directly affected the bioavailability of DBDPE. MP-pre-exposure (100, 1000, and 10000 mg kg-1) reduced epidermal soundness, mucus secretion, and worm cast production. This eventually promoted the contact between earthworm and soil particles and enhanced the DBDPE of earthworm tissue by 6%-61% in the next DBDPE-postexposure period, confirming that MPs increased DBDPE bioaccumulation indirectly by impairing the earthworm health. This study indicates that MPs promoted DBDPE bioaccumulation via adsorption and self-toxicity, providing new insight into the combined risk of MPs and NBFRs.

EFFECT OF ORGANIC SUPPLEMENT ON OYSTER MUSHROOM SPAWN PRODUCTION

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; The cultivation of mushrooms is a biotechnological intervention for the conversion of various lignocellulose agro-wastes into proteins. Jharkhand and its neighbourhood are potential area for oyster mushroom production due to its favourable agro-climate, plenty of agro-wastes and Hypsizygus ulmarius good awareness and liking for mushroom consumption. They also provide other much needed nutrients like Essential Amino Acids (EAA), minerals and vitamins and keep us fit and healthy. Oyster mushroom cultivation in India is very popular among the farmers due to its simple growing technique and the availability of its good number of species adapted to wide range of temperature - from tropical to temperate. Pleurotus florida exhibits adaptability to perform well in sub-tropical areas and hence it is more popular in Chotanagpur Plateau in general and Ranchi District in particular. In the current study, therefore, P. florida was selected as a test species. Experiments on the species of Oyster mushroom were designed with the sole objective to reduce the input-cost of their cultivation by promoting the use of cheaper recycled agro-wastes like vermi-compost for spawn media preparation. The study concluded that supplemented spawn medium like Wheat (50%) + Vermi Compost (50%) and Wheat (75%) + Vermi Compost (25%) gave better result as well as its performance is at par with 100% wheat for the spawn production of P. florida and. So this can be recommended to spawn production laboratories for the use of this methodology for reducing the cost of spawn production. Vermi-compost, which is a waste-recycled material, has been identified as a potential substitute for cereal grains. Their replacement (partial or total) with Vermi-compost has opened the doors to make mushroom farming a complete recycling process, and also to achieve organic farming of mushrooms a reality sooner than later. Therefore, more such studies on other edible domesticated mushroom species need to be made in future.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Earthworm Castings in Ecosystem Health through Their Elemental Composition

Earthworm castings, colloquially termed as nature's potent organic fertilizers, have emerged as a cornerstone in the pursuit of sustainable agriculture and holistic ecosystem health. This significance is particularly pronounced in the intricate tapestry of India's agricultural landscapes, marked by its rich biodiversity and varied terrains. Drawing from an exhaustive synthesis of research literature and traditional agricultural knowledge unique to India, our review sheds light on the multifaceted attributes of these castings. At the heart of these attributes is the elemental composition of the castings. Rich in both macro (like Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium) and crucial micronutrients (including Calcium, Magnesium, and Sulfur), these castings present a veritable solution to the challenges of soil fertility. They don't merely replenish the soil; they transform it. By making nutrients more bioavailable, they ensure plants not only grow but thrive, leading to a notable reduction in the need for synthetic fertilizers. This shift not only offers an economic respite to farmers but also mitigates the environmental challenges associated with chemical overloads in soils. Beyond the immediate agronomic advantages, the broader ecological implications of earthworm castings are equally compelling. Our review highlights the critical role these castings play in enhancing soil structure. A robust soil structure, in turn, is fundamental for healthy microbial communities, ensuring that the soil is teeming with beneficial organisms that further its fertility and resist pathogens. Moreover, the ability of earthworm-amended soils to retain more water emerges as a significant boon, especially in the face of erratic monsoons and increasing drought scenarios in parts of India. This water retention capability dovetails with the castings' ability to reduce soil erosion, a concern that has long plagued India's terrains, from its hilly regions to its coastal plains.

Optimizing Nutrient Management Practices for Cauliflower in Hill Zone of West Bengal: An Integrated Approach

A set of experiments was conducted at Hill Zone of West Bengal, Kalimpong for two seasons (2019 &amp; 2020) to standardize integrated nutrient management for optimum growth and yield of cauliflower. Different organic nutrient sources, such as farm yard manure (FYM), poultry manure (PM), and vermicompost (VC), were used to partially replace the recommended dose of chemical fertilizer. The treatments we used were as follows: T1= N120 P60 K60 (RDF), T2= 75% RDF+25% N through FYM (FYM@ 6 t ha-1), T3= 75% RDF+25% N through VC (VC@ 2 t ha-1), T4= 75% RDF+25% N through (PM@ 1.25 t ha-1), T5= 75% RDF+25% N through FYM + Foliar spray of B, T6= 75% RDF+25% N through FYM + Soil application of B, T7= 75% RDF+25% N through VC + Foliar spray of B, T8= 75% RDF+25% N through VC + Soil application of B, T9= 75% RDF+25% N through PM + Foliar spray of B, T10= 75% RDF+25% N through PM + Soil application of B. The treatments were set up in a randomized block design with three replication. The treatments had a significant (P&lt;0.05) effect on cauliflower yield and soil-available macro and micronutrients due to integrated nutrient management. The maximum plant height (45.9 cm), curd wt. plant-1 (537.2 g), stalk wt. plant-1 (227.3 g), and curd yield (162.1q ha-1) was achieved with T9 treatment i.e 75% RDF+25% N through PM + Foliar spray of B. Therefore, application of 75 percent of RDF and 1.25 t ha-1 poultry manure along with foliar spray of boron at 25 and 40 days after transplanting is recommended.

Influence of Organic Nitrogen Sources on Aromatic Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Cultivation in the Eastern Plateau and Hill Region of India

The field experiment was conducted at farm of Divyayan Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India during kharif season of 2021 following the three times replicated randomized block design with 7 organic N sources (control, 100% FYM, 100% vermicompost (VC), 100% Karanj cake (KC), 50% FYM +50% VC, 50% VC +50% KC, 50% FYM +50% KC) to study the response of transplanted aromatic rice to various organic N sources. The results expressed that N applied through manures ensured higher plant response over control and specifically, that through 50% VC +50% KC recorded the maximum plant height, tillers/m2 and leaves/plant. Further, this combined application of VC and KC also recorded maximum productive tillers/m2 (199.3), panicle length (24.1 cm), filled grains/panicle (172.8), test weight (22.9 g), grain yield (7.37 t/ha), straw yield (9.08 t/ha) and harvest index (44.8%) resulting in higher gross return (₹4,83,590/ha), net return (₹3,37,079/ha) and B:C (3.30). 100% N applied through KC remained as the second-best alternative in ensuring high growth, yield and profitability in aromatic rice.

Vermicompost induced growth and yield performance of capsicum (Capsicum annuum L.) at sustainable rooftop farming system

Rooftop farming is gaining rapid popularity in urban areas, especially since the beginning of the global COVID-19 pandemic. For housebound people rooftop farming is not only a way of potentially management of their time but also the execution of creativity. For rooftop farming vermicompost (VC) can be the most sustainable media for growing high value fruits and vegetables crops. In this regard, an experiment was carried out as a rooftop farming system at Charfassion upzila in the Bhola district of Bangladesh to observe the growth and yield performance of capsicum (Capsicum annuum) grown in different combinations of vermicompost in the winter season (2020-2021). Different agronomic and yield parameters were measured at the intervals of 30, 60, and 90 days and at the final harvest of 120 days after sowing. Among the measured parameters a mixed type of performance was achieved from varied doses of vermicompost applications and inorganic fertilizer treatment. Among the measured valuable parameters; the highest fruit length (8.85 cm), fruit diameter (10.3 cm), no. of fruits (9.51 plant-1), total wt. of fresh fruits (405.32 g/plant), fresh fruits yield (11.26 t ha-1), no. of branches (30.0 plant-1), stem girth (6.3 cm), root fresh wt. (8.80 g/plant), stem fresh wt. (23.35 g/plant), petiole fresh wt. (6.09 g/plant), total fresh biomass (65.54 g/plant), dry wt. of fruits (76.91 g/plant), dry wt. of total fruits: biomass ratio (7.35) and benefit-cost ratio (12.40), respectively, were observed in T5 (20t VC ha-1). So, from the overall findings of this study T5 with 20t VC application ha-1 is recommended to achieve better growth and yield of capsicum through the sustainable way of rooftop and urban farming systems and to improve soil fertility status.

Impact of Foliar Boron and Fertilizer Management Systems on Growth, Yield and Quality of Brinjal

A field experiment was conducted during the rainy season of 2017–18 at Horticulture Farm, S.K.N. Agriculture University, Jobner, Jaipur, Rajasthan to study the role of foliar spray of boron on the growth, yield, and quality of Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) The study was laid with 18 treatments (TThree replicates of six treatments) viz., INM levels (control, 100% inorganic NPK, 75% inorganic NPK +25%VC (vermicompost), 50% inorganic NPK +50%VC, 25% inorganic NPK +75% VC, and 100%VC and boron levels (control, 100 ppm, and 200 ppm). It was observed that there was a significant (P &lt; 0.05) increase in the plant height and plant spread at 30, 60, and 90 DAT on the application of 75% inorganic NPK +25%VC on the brinjal crop, while the application of inorganic 50% NPK +50%VC significantly (P &lt; 0.05) increased chlorophyll content (mg.g-1), fruit length (cm), fruit weight (g), fruit yield ha-1 (q), Nitrogen and Phosphorus content in fruit (%), as compared to control but statistically at par with 25% inorganic NPK +75%VC. The application of boron (200ppm) significantly (P &lt; 0.05) increased the plant height and plant spread at 30, 60, and 90 DAT(cm), chlorophyll content (mg/g), fruit length (cm), fruit weight (g), fruit yield hectare-1(q), NP content in fruit (%), as compared to control and boron (100 ppm).

Effects of Organic Manures and Bio-Fertilizers on Soil Properties, Productivity and Nutrients Uptake of Indian Mustard

A field experiment was conducted during the Rabi season 2020-21 to study the effect of organic manures and bio-fertilizers on soil properties, productivity and nutrient uptake of Indian mustard at Deendayal Upadhyay Centre of Excellence for Organic Farming (DDUCE-OF), CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar. The experiment comprised of eight treatments involving Farm Yard Manure (FYM), Vermicompost (VC) and Poultry Manure (PM) alone and along with bio-fertilizers (BF), an absolute control and a cow-based formulation treatment. The results revealed that the treatment 100% RDN through PM+BF produced significantly higher seed and stover yield of mustard which was at par with treatment 100% RDN through VC+BF and 100% RDN through FYM+BF as compared to other treatments. Maximum seed (29.84 q ha-1) and stover (74.75 q ha-1) yields were received under treatment 100% RDN through PM+BF which was 27.5 % and 16.7 % higher over the control, respectively. Similarly, highest total NPK uptake (116.2 kg ha-1 for total N, 19.9 kg ha-1 for total P and 83.5 kg ha-1 for total K) were recorded in the treatment 100% RDN through PM+BF. The highest soil restorative effect on soil organic carbon (0.67 %), available N (162 kg ha-1), available P (13.7 kg ha-1) and available K (280 kg ha-1) were also observed under treatment 100% RDN through PM+BF. These organic amendments such as FYM, vermicompost, poultry manures alone and along with bio-fertilizers, had significantly improved the seed and stover yields as well as uptake of nutrients by Indian mustard.

Effect of in situ vermicomposting combined with biochar application on soil properties and crop yields in the tomato monoculture system.

Vermicompost and biochar have been widely used to improve soil conditions. However, little information is available regarding the efficiency and effectiveness of in situ vermicomposting with biochar (IVB) in monoculture soils. In this study, we estimated the effects of IVB on soil physiochemical and microbial properties, crop yields, and fruit quality under the tomato monoculture system. The soil treatments considered were (i) untreated monoculture soil (MS, control), (ii) MS plus 1.5 t/ha biochar applied to soil surface (MS+1.5BCS), (iii) MS plus 3 t/ha biochar applied to soil surface (MS+3BCS), (iv) MS mixed with 1.5 t/ha biochar (MS+1.5BCM), (v) MS mixed with 3 t/ha biochar (MS+3BCM), (vi) in situ vermicomposting (VC), (vii) VC plus 1.5 t/ha biochar applied to VC surface (VC+1.5BCS), (viii) VC plus 3 t/ha biochar applied to VC surface (VC+3BCS), (ix) VC mixed with 1.5 t/ha biochar (VC+1.5BCM), and (x) VC mixed with 3 t/ha biochar (VC+3BCM). In general, soil pH varied from 7.68 to 7.96 under VC-related treatments. The microbial diversity was much higher in bacterial communities (OTU: 2284-3194, Shannon index: 8.81-9.91) than in fungal communities (OTU: 392-782, Shannon index: 4.63-5.71) in VC-related treatments. Specifically, Proteobacteria was the dominant bacterial phylum, followed by Bacteroidota, Chloroflexi, Patescibacteria, Acidobacteriota, Firmicutes, and Myxococcota. It is worth noting that IVB-related treatments could increase the relative abundance of Acidobacteria and reduced the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes. In addition, the VC+1.5BCM treatment exhibited the greatest yield (9377.6 kg/667m2) and simultaneously showed higher fruit quality (vitamin C, 28.94 mg/100g; soluble sugar, 20.15%) as compared to other treatments. Our results suggested that in situ vermicomposting with biochar can improve soil properties and enhance both crop yields and fruit quality under the tomato monoculture system.