Vermicompost

© 2021 African Journal of Biological Sciences. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license, and indicate if changes were made. Abstract Composts and biochar improve soil fertility and also suppress fungal soil-borne diseases through their ability to promote beneficial microbial communities. The study sought to determine the mechanisms through which biochar and vermicompost suppress root rot pathogens. Extracts of biochar and vermicompost were used for spore germination, mycelial growth tests at different concentrations. To assess the ability of biochar and vermicompost to adsorb signaling molecules from bean, root and seed exudates were filtered through biochar and vermicompost. Antagonistic activity of Trichoderma harzianum...

Two species of earthworms, namely Eudrilus eugeniae (epigeic) and Lampito mauritii (anecic) were cultured for vermicomposting. The effect of these two types of vermicompost was studied by growing two different
flowering plants Canna indica and Clitoria ternatea with respect to control soil. The Physical and Chemical properties of soil (C) and the vermicompost of E. eugeniae (T1) and L. mauritii (T2) after harvesting the plants indicated that the EC, macronutrients such as N, P, K content is very high in T1
followed by T2 and C. pH value is more or less equal in T2 and C compared to a T1. The micro nutrients (Cu and Zn) were higher in T1 compared to T2 and C in Clitoria ternatea, whereas in Canna indica (Cu and Fe) was high. Mn content is more in both control plants. Comparative studies on growth (shoot
length, wet weight, leaf area, root length, number of flowers and flower length) of the plants with relation to different types of vermicomposts and control soil (C) were examined till the flowering period. The results revealed that the growth parameters of both the plants were favourable in
vermicompost of E. eugeniae (T1) compared to Lampito mauritii with respect to control soil.

Fifteen days pre-decomposed seaweeds, Halimeda gracilis, Gracilaria corticata, Sargassum wightii and Sargassum swartzii spiked with cowdung (1:1) were vermicomposted using Perionyx excavatus for 60 days. The pH in the vermicompost showed insignificant reduction while electrical conductivity showed significant enhancement (P < 0.05). The reduction of organic carbon in vermicomposts ranged from −37.78 to −50.97% over wormunworked composts. Total NPK contents showed significant increment (26.72-78.17%) in vermicompost over worm-unworked composts. The difference in percentage increase/decrease between physicochemical parameters was statistically significant (P < 0.001) and the same pattern was found between substrates. The total microbial population in vermicomposts was significantly higher than that of initial and composts of all seaweed + cowdung combinations (P < 0.001). The growth and reproduction of Perionyx excavatus in seaweed + cowdung combinations showed equivalent or higher rates when compared with cowdung signifying that Perionyx excavatus is well suited to convert seaweed and cowdung combinations into nutrient rich vermicompost.

In order to study the combined effect of vermicompost and chemical fertilizers on the nutrient content in grain, straw and post harvest soil of boro rice cv. BRRI dhan29, a field experiment was conducted in December, 2013 to June, 2014 at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Sixteen combinations of 4 vermicompost level @ 0, 1, 2, 4 t ha and 4 NPKS levels i.e. 0-0-0-0, 50-8-33-6, 100-16-66-12, 1 replications. Results showed that the highest dose of vermicompost and chemical fertilizer increased the concentration of P, K and S by rice grain and straw significantly at the harvesting stage. Combined application of vermicompost and chemical fertilizer failed to increase the total N content of post-harvest soil. Combination of vermicompost and chemical fertilizers also increased the organic matter, P, K and S status of post harvest soil significantly.

The organic production of food is an alternative for consumers that prefer food free of pesticides, synthetic fertilisers, and with a high nutritional value. The purpose of this study was to evaluate substrates prepared with mixtures of compost and vermicompost with sand, at various levels, under greenhouse conditions. The tomato hybrid SUN-7705 (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill) was analized in four substrates that included compost and vermicompost mixed at three different proportions (100, 75 y 50%). The treatments were distributed in a completely randomised design with a factorial arrangement of 4x3 and five replicates. The greatest average yield (39.811 t ha−1) was obtained with the compost generated by decomposing bovine manure, corn stover (Zea mays L.), elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schumacher) and black earth (CEMZT) at 75% + sand, and with the vermicompost generated by manure, bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flügge) and black earth (VEPT) at 100 and 50% + sand. This yield w...

The study creates awareness among farmers and common man towards clean environment in their 9 surroundings through decomposition of organic waste in to valuable manure using Eisenia fetida. The investigation was destined to produce vermicompost from neem leaves litter and cow dung in plastic tubs kept in screen house. The nutrient status of vermicompost was evaluated on initial, 45th and 90th day. Total organic carbon (3.76%), carbon/nitrogen ratio (2.73%) decreased whereas nitrogen (1.38%), phosphorus (0.27%) and potassium (0.21%) content increased on 90th days. The organic waste like neem leaves litter can be used for sustainable agriculture by converting them in to vermicompost.

In order to study the combined effect of vermicompost and chemical fertilizers on the nutrient content in grain, straw and post harvest soil of boro rice cv. BRRI dhan29, a field experiment was conducted in December, 2013 to June, 2014 at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Sixteen combinations of 4 vermicompost level @ 0, 1, 2, 4 t/ha and 4 NPKS levels i.e. 0-0-0-0, 50-8-33-6, 100-16-66-12, 1 150-24-99-18 kg/ha , respectively were applied in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Results showed that the highest dose of vermicompost and chemical fertilizer increased the concentration of P, K and S by rice grain and straw significantly at the harvesting stage. Combined application of vermicompost and chemical fertilizer failed to increase the total N content of post-harvest soil. Combination of vermicompost and chemical fertilizers also increased the organic matter, P, K and S status of post harvest soil significantly.

The experiment was conducted from February to April, 2013 at the experimental field of the farm of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University to study the effect of potassium fertilizer and vermicompost on growth, yield and nutrient contents of mungbean (BARI Mung 5). The two-factorial experiment was conducted by using RCBD (Randomized Completely Block Design) with three replications. During the experiment, following treatments were included: K0 -Control, K1-K2O @ 10 kg ha-1, K2- K2O @15 kg ha-1, K3 - K2O @ 20 kg ha-1 and V0- No Vermicompost, V1- Vermicompost @ 4 t ha-1, V2- Vermicompost @ 6 t ha-1, V3 – Vermicompost @ 8 t ha-1. Potassium and vermicompost doses as well as their interactions showed significant effect on growth and yield parameters. At harvest highest plant height, number of leaves and branches plant-1, average dry weight plant-1, number of pods plant-1, number of seeds pod-1, number of seeds plant-1, 1000-seed weight, seed yield and stover yield were recorded in K3 (K2O @...

During this experiment, the effects of cow manure and cow manure + sawdust vermicompost replacement instead of peat in the growth media were investigated on the growth of ornamental foliage plants Aglaonema (Chinese evergreen), Dracaena marginata and Spathiphyllum wallisii. To produce vermicompost, cow manure and cow manure + sawdust (volume ratio 80 to 20) was added to Eisenia fetida earthworm medium. After preparation of vermicomposts for preparation of growth media, volumetric values of 25, 50, 75, and 100% vermicompost of cow manure and cow manure + sawdust replaced peat in the control (peat + perlite with a volume ratio of 2 to 1). After preparing the growth media, rooted cuttings were planted in them. Measured factors were nitrogen, potassium, calcium and magnesium in leaves and growth medium, height, diameter, fresh weight of stems and leaves, dry weight of stems and leaves and fresh and dry weight of plant roots. The results showed that increasing the levels of two types of vermicompost in peat replacement increased nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium of the leaves in Aglaonema, Dracaena marginata and Spathiphyllumwallisii. With increasing two types of vermicompost in the growth medium, water holding capacity increased compared to peat and 100% vermicompost had the highest water holding capacity. Application of 25% of each vermicompost increased the height, diameter, fresh weight and dry weight of branches and leaves in plants compared to the control. Due to the problems caused by the accumulation of sawdust in the environment and the high cost of peat in the ornamental plant industry, the use of 25% cow manure + sawdust vermicompost is a more economical recommendation.

Vermicomposting results in the production of two bio-fertilizers, vermicompost and vermiwash. The bio-fertilizers were applied to 4kg of loam-clay soil over a period of 40 days. The effect of the vermicompost, vermiwash, application time and their combined effect on soil pH, electrical conductivity and nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium content were analyzed. Increasing the vermicompost quantity decreased the soil pH, electrical conductivity and nitrogen content, however, this resulted in a slight increase in the phosphorous content but the potassium content remained unaltered. Increasing the vermiwash quantity increased the soil pH, electrical conductivity and potassium content but resulted in reduced nitrogen and phosphorous content. In addition, increasing the application period of either the vermicompost or the vermiwash resulted in increased soil pH, electrical conductivity, phosphorous and potassium content but resulted in reduced phosphorous content. The reduction of the soi...

A field experiment was conducted during rabi season (2009) to find out the effect of integrated application of organic manures (FYM and vermicompost), inorganic fertilizers and biofertilizers (PSB and Azotobacter) on physico-chemical properties, available NPKS content of soil and nutrient concentration of onion (Allium cepa L.). There were six treatments comprised varied levels of FYM, vermicompost, chemical fertilizers, PSB and Azotobacter. The experiment was laid out under randomized block design (RBD) and the treatments were triplicate during the experiment. Significantly improvement in physico-chemical properties viz. pH, electrical conductivity, bulk density and water holding capacity of soil under onion crop were recorded at all three growth stages i.e. 30 DAT, 60 DAT and at harvest observed in the plots received 50% N through vermicompost + 25% N through urea + PSB + Azotobacter (T 6 ) as compared to other treatments. Similar significant effect was observed on availability of NPKS in soil and nutrient content (N, P, K and S) of onion plants. On the basis of results obtained it can be concluded that the integrated use of organic manures (vermicompost and FYM) along with chemical fertilizers and biofertilizers (PSB and Azotobacter) can subsitute the nitrogen requirement of plant and improved the physico-chemical properties, availability in soil of N, P, K and S and their concentration in onion tissues significantly over the sole use of chemical fertilizer.

An ex periment was conducted at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Bangladesh during the period from June 2011 to March 2012 for the evaluation of the performance of straw berry to different organic matters. Organic matters viz. OMc (Control), OMcd (Cowdung), OMvc (vermicompost), OMpl (poultry litre) were exploited on the ex periment and w as outlined in Complete Randomized Design with five replication. Maximum fruits number (19.2/plant), fruit weight (14.4 g), total fruit weight (282.8 g/plant), brix percentage (10.2%) were found from OMvc whereas least in OMc. Considering overall performances, study suggested that vermicompost as a potential source of plant nutrients for sustainable strawberry production and has an admirable possibility for organic strawberry production.

The experiment was conducted from February to April, 2013 at the experimental field of the farm of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University to study the effect of potassium fertilizer and vermicompost on growth, yield and nutrient contents of mungbean (BARI Mung 5). The two-factorial experiment was conducted by using RCBD (Randomized Completely Block Design) with three replications. During the experiment, following treatments were included: K0 -Control, K1-K2O @ 10 kgha-1, K2- K2O @15 kg ha-1, K3 - K2O @ 20 kg ha-1 and V0- No Vermicompost, V1- Vermicompost @ 4 t ha-1, V2-Vermicompost @ 6 t ha-1, V3 – Vermicompost @ 8 t ha-1. Potassium and vermicompost doses as well as their interactions showed significant effect on growth and yield parameters. At harvest highest plant height, number of leaves and branches plant-1, average dry weight plant-1, number of pods plant-1, number of seeds pod-1, number of seeds plant-1, 1000-seed weight, seed yield and stover yield were recorded in K3 (K2O @ 20 kg ha-1) and it was either closely followed by or statistically similar with the application of K2O @15 kg ha-1 (K2) and subsequently followed by K1 (K2O @ 10 kg ha-1). N, P and K content in seed were recorded in K3 (K2O @ 20 kg ha-1) and it was followed by the application of K2O @15 kg ha-1 (K2) and then K1 (K2O @ 10 kg ha-1). Lowest results for above parameters were found from the treatment using no potassium fertilizer (K0). Similarly, the highest values for highest plant height, number of leaves and branches plant-1, average dry weight plant-1, number of pods plant-1, number of seeds pod-1, number of seeds plant-1, 1000-seed weight, seed yield and stover yield were recorded in V3(vermicompost @ 8 t ha-1) which was either closely followed by or statistically similar with Vermicompost @ 6 t ha-1 and then followed by Vermicompost @ 4 t ha-1. Lowest results were found from the treatment using no vermicompost (V0).

Introduction Vermicomposting could increase nutrients availability including phosphorus. During vermicomposting, a decomposition of organic substrates leads to the production of several organic acids, such as malonic, fumaric, succinic acids. Microorganisms both in the intestinal organ of the worms and the organic waste have the ability to convert insoluble P into soluble forms. Little information exists about the effects of vermicomposting on rock phosphate (RP) solubilization. Present study was conducted to evaluate the solubilization of powdered RP during vermicomposting. Results Vermicomposting and RP application increased NaHCO 3-P i. Rock phosphate application in vermicomposting significantly increased NaHCO 3-P o. Vermicomposting significantly increased NaOH-P i in all of the treatments. RP application and vermicomposting increased HCl-P i in both organic sources. Generally, vermicomposting increased HCl-P o. Vermicomposting decreased pH but its effect was more evident in the presence of RP. Vermicomposting increased EC in both organic sources. Conclusion Present study showed that vermicomposting helps to enhance the transformation of P from RP into various organic or inorganic P forms, which would be readily or moderately available, thus, increase the availability of P from both RPs.

Vermicomposting is a cheap biotechnology tool to decompose a variety of wastes involving the joint action of earthworms and microorganisms. The objective of this study is to produce vermicompost from spent mushroom substrate (SMS) with cow manure by using the African Night Crawler (ANC) worms. Different ratio of SMS to cow manure including 100:0, 80:20, 70:30, 50:50, 30:70, 20:80, 0:100, and 50:50 with added egg shells were used to study the effects on nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) contents, worm biomass, and vegetable growth. Results showed that the ratio of SMS to cow manure of 0: 100 produced the highest composition of NPK content which is 1.98:0.29:0.53. The reproduction of ANC was the highest in treatment 50:50 which is 416. Observation on the growth of vegetable showed that treatment 0:100 produced the tallest plant compared to other treatments including the plant applied with chemical fertilizer with NPK ratio 15:15:15 and control plant without any fertilizer added. Electrical conductivity (EC) reading was the highest in treatment 0:100 which is 2.59 mS/cm. As a conclusion, all the objectives of this study was achieved and shows that different parameters in treating SMS for vermicomposting affect the NPK contents of vermicompost produced.

The experiment was implemented at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Bangladesh to assess the effect of variety and vermicompost on the starch and sugar content activity of potato and their performance under ambient storage condition. The experiment consisted of two factors, i.e., factor A:-Potato varieties (V-4): V1: BARI TPS-1, V2: BARI Alu-28 (Lady Rosetta),V3: BARI Alu-25 (Asterix) and V4: BARI Alu-29 (Courage); factor B:-Vermicompost level (M-4): M1: 0 t ha-1 (Control), M2: 2 t ha-1 , M3: 4 t ha-1 and M4: 6 t ha-1. Inferior quality is a major problem for potato production in Bangladesh. The application of vermicompost may enhance the processing quality of potato. The research revealed that vermicompost had a remarkable effect on most of the processing quality contributing parameters. Results also exhibited those processing parameters improved with increasing vermicompost level. Among the sixteen treatment combinations, Asterix with vermicompost at 6 t ha-1 showed the highes...

Introduction This paper reports the influence of vermi-composts prepared from cow dung and house hold waste on the growth and flowering of marigold crop. A total of seven potting media were prepared containing soil, cow dung vermicompost and cow dung ? house hold waste vermi-compost. The fertility status of soil and vermicomposts was quantified. In these media, growth and flowering of marigold plant seedlings was studied for 60 days. Results The results showed that the vermicomposting process converted the cow dung and household waste into a highly stabilized product having C:N ratio\20.0. The NPK content of vermicomposts was higher than soil. The plant grown in vermicompost-containing potting media had 2.3 times more plant height than control. Results showed that the addition of vermicompost, in appropriate quantities, to potting media has significantly positive effects on growth and flowering of marigold seedlings including plant bio-mass, plant height, number of buds and flowers. Conclusions It was concluded that addition of vermi-compost, in appropriate quantities, to potting media has synergistic effects on growth and yield of marigold.

This study was carried out in order to determine the effects of different thermal treatments on quality parameters of vermicompost. For this purpose, non-thermal treatment vermicompost and 2 different vermicompost which are exposed to 3 different thermal treatments (0, 70 and 121°C) were used with 3 replicates in this research. Observed parameters are; total organic carbon (TOC), total N, pH, EC, humic-fulvic acid (HFA), C/N, total Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, Pb, Cd, Ni, Cr, coliform bacteria, E.coli, total bacteria, total fungi, enterococcus, salmonella, urease, β-D glucosidase and alkaline phosphatase.
According to research results, number of total bacteria, number of total fungi and enzyme activities decreased significantly after vermicompost is subjected to thermal treatment for one hour at 70°C. Any pathogen microorganism (E.coli, Salmonella) was not observed in non-thermal thermal treatments. Thermal treatments did not change the elemental composition of vermicompost. HFA and TOC contents decreased only in samples which are sterilized in 121°C, pH and EC were not affected by thermal treatments.
Any notable changes were not observed in chemical parameters of vermicomposts which are exposed to thermal treatments, but there were some significant changes in microbial and biochemical parameters.
March 2015, 84 pages
Key Words: Vermicompost, E. Fetida, microorganism, enzyme activity, quality parameters

Purpose Parthenium hysterophorus is one among the most troublesome weeds at the global level. It is mainly controlled by chemical methods. The scientific community is in search of new but non-destructive approaches for its management. Vermicomposting is one among the promising technologies for the management of organic fraction of solid wastes. This study was undertaken to assess the vermicomposting of parthenium weed mixed with biogas plant slurry under laboratory conditions. Method Six different combinations of biogas plant slurry and parthenium were fed to worms in vermibins under controlled laboratory conditions for 60 days. Various physico-chemical parameters before and after vermicom-posting were evaluated. Worm biomass production was also monitored periodically during the experimentation period. Results The EC, TCa and NPK content increased significantly after vermicomposting, accompanied by substantial reduction in organic carbon content. C: N ratio was reduced to less than 20. Heavy metals (Fe, Zn, Ni, Cu, Cr and Pb) concentration was higher in vermicompost than in initial waste mixtures. Parthenium weed addition to worm feed was not supportive to the worm growth and fecundity. It was inferred from the results that vermicomposting may be an efficient biological approach to convert parthenium-spiked biogas plant slurry into nutrient-rich manure.

Purpose An experiment was conducted to assess the ability of municipal solid waste compost (MSWC), peat, perlite and vermicompost (VC) to improve the growth of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.), an important horticultural commodity, in hydroponic culture. Methods Organic matter, when used as a substrate, can affect tomato cultivar 'Grandella' plant growth. In this study, we studied the effect of MSWC, either composted by earthworms (VC), or in an uncomposted form, as well as conventional substrates peat and perlite, on tomato growth when incorporated into hydroponic culture. Growth and physiological attributes were assessed at the fruiting stage. Results Among several ratios of MSWC, peat, perlite and VC, VC with 25 % compost increased the number of red fruits in the harvest period significantly more than the control. The use of VC, peat and perlite increased root fresh and dry weight, root volume, mean photosynthesis, and the number of fruits at all physiological stages compared to the control. Conclusion Vermicompost can improve tomato growth physiology when used as one part of the substrate in hydroponic culture.

Aquatic weeds, such as Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms (water hyacinth) can be used as raw material for vermicompost. Vermicompost is the product of microbial decomposition of organic waste through the digestive tracts of earthworms. The aim of this work was to use water hyacinth to obtain stable and mature vermicompost. Three treatments were performed for vermicomposting, treatment one with 100 % of water hyacinth, treatment two with 100 % of cow manure and treatment three with 50 % of water hyacinth and 50 % of cow manure. The earthworm used was Eisenia fetida Savigny. Vermicompost was characterized physically, chemically and microbiologi-cally, and measured by indexes of stability and maturity, as well, metal concentrations were detemined. Germination index was obtained with four different seeds: radish (Raphanus sativus L.), lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.), cucumber (Cucumis spp.) and zucchini (Cucurbita pepo L.). The three different treatments for vermicompost were stable and mature after 110 days with 90 % of E. fetida survival in each treatment. The vermicompost with water hyacinth and water hyacinth plus cow manure had a high pH and electrical conductivity. Radish had the best performance in germination index and the three vermicompost were rich in metals. We conclude that vermicomposting is suitable for managing water hyacinth because it can produce a stable, mature, and rich in nutrients vermicompost, which is useful as organic fertilizer or soil improver. RESUMEN Las malezas acuáticas como Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms (lirio acuático), pueden ser útiles en la elaboración de vermicompost. El vermicompost es el producto de la

Background: Vermicomposting is a biological process which may be a future technology for the management of animal excreta. This study was undertaken to produce vermicompost from cow dung and biogas plant slurry under field conditions. To achieve the objectives, two vermicomposting units containing cow dung (CD) and biogas plant slurry (BPS) were established, inoculated with Eisenia fetida species of earthworm and allowed to be vermicomposted for 3 months.
Results: After 3 months, the vermicompost was harvested and characterized. The results showed that the
vermicompost had lower pH, total organic carbon (TOC), organic matter (OM) and carbon/nitrogen ratio (C/N ratio)
but higher electrical conductivity (EC), nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium (NPK) content than the raw substrate.
The heavy metal content in vermicomposts was higher than raw substrates.
Conclusions: During vermicomposting, the CD and BPS were converted into a homogeneous, odourless and stabilized humus-like material. This experiment demonstrates that vermicomposting is an environmentally sustainable method for the management of animal excreta.

Pot culture experiments were done to process poultry waste mixed with bedding materials (Eichhornia crassipes and cow dung) in the ratio of 1:1:2, 1:2:1 and 2:1:1 using earthworm Eudrilus eugeniae. Totally there were three treatments (T 1 , T 2 and T 3 ) with three replicates for each. The raw poultry waste, predigested poultry waste and vermicompost were separately subjected to chemical nutrients composition analysis. The vermicompost had increased levels of total N, P, K and Ca when compared to raw poultry waste and pre-digested poultry waste. The results of the present study suggest that the vermicomposted poultry waste with Eichhornia crassipes and cow dung at 2:1:1 proportion can very well be used as organic manure.

Background: Vermicompost (VC) made from cattle dung as raw material was used as soil supplement in the plots of size 4.5 x 4.5 m. Five treatments were given viz. Soil (control), VC@5 t/ha, VC@10 t/ha, VC@20 t/ha and NPK (recommended by PAU, Ludhiana) in triplicates in a Randomized Block Design (RBD). A total of 50 plants were selected randomly for the assessment of growth and yield of wheat Triticum aestivum L..

This is in an environmental friendly approach to increase the yield of summer tomato as an alternative to the application of hazardous chemical fertilizers. An experiment was carried out in the experimental field of the Olericulture Research field, Horticulture Research Centre, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Joydebpur, Gazipur, Dhaka, Bangladesh to investigate the potential of vermicompost and mustard oil cake leachate as foliar organic fertilizer with reference to the growth, yield and TSS status of BARI hybrid tomato 8 and then examined their effects on different parameters. Treatments of the experiment were: No foliar application (T1); foliar application of leachate from vermicompost (T2) and foliar application of leachate from mustard oil cake (T3). The experimental data revealed that significant increase in growth; yield and TSS on BARI hybrid tomato 8 were observed due to foliar application of vermicompost and mustard oil cake. All parameters performed better results with the foliar application of the leachate from vermicompost which was very close the mustard oil cake. However, maximum number of fruit (30.9 plant 1), yield (14.3 kg plot 1) and TSS (4.7%) were found from the foliar application of leachate from vermicompost which was followed by mustard oil cake (28.4 plant 1, 12.7 kg plot 1 and 4.2% respectively) whereas minimum from control.

An experiment was conducted on "Effect of Foliar Application of Vermiwash, Compost tea and Panchagavya on Growth, Yield and Quality of Soybean in Inceptisol," during 2018-2019 at Farm, Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, College of Agriculture, Latur. The experiment was laid out in RBD with eight treatments and three replications. The result revealed that the yield and quality of soybean were significantly increased with the foliar application of vermiwash, compost tea and panchagavya. The maximum yield and quality were recorded in treatment T5-RDF + Panchagavya @ 3% foliar spray followed by T6-RDF + Compost tea @ 75% foliar spray and which was superior over rest of the treatments.

Pot culture experiments were done to process paper mill sludge mixed with bedding materials (cow dung, pig waste and water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) in the ratio of 25:75, 50:50, and 75:25 using earthworm Eudrilus eugeniae. Totally there were three treatments (T 1 , T 2 and T 3 ) with three replicates for each. Before and after treatments physico-chemical parameters such as pH, OC, TN, TP, tot TK, Ca, Zn, Fe and Mn were analysed. There were reduction in pH and OC in all vermibeds. On comparison in T 2 the level of macronutrients such as tot N, tot P, tot K were found to be high. Micronutrients were high in T 2. Earthworm biomass and cocoon production were also studied.

Purpose Effective vermicomposting of Salvinia natans is a good alternative for protecting wetlands damaged by the weed due to the vast potential for use of the product ver-micompost in agriculture, but the presence of toxic metals in the weeds may deter the usage. Methods Research was carried out on the physico-chemical and biological characteristics as well as bioavailability and leachability of nutrients and heavy metals (Zn, Cu, Mn, Fe, Ni, Pb, Cd and Cr) during vermicomposting of S. natans mixed with cattle manure and sawdust in five different combinations [trial 1 (eight S. natans: one cattle manure: one sawdust), trial 2 (seven S. natans: two cattle manure: one sawdust), trial 3 (six S. natans: three cattle manure: one sawdust), trial 4 (five S. natans: four cattle manure: one sawdust) and trial 5 (ten S. natans: 0 cattle manure: 0 sawdust)] for 45 days with Eisenia fetida earthworm. Results The highest growth of earthworms was in trial 4, having the highest (40 %) cattle manure. Trial 4 also indicated the highest reduction of volatile solids (38.6 %) and soluble BOD (82.3 %). The water-soluble forms of all nutrients were increased significantly. The highly bioavailable water-soluble and DTPA-extractable forms of heavy metals were reduced favourably after the process. The toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) test indicated that leachable heavy metals of the vermicomposts were also reduced and were within the threshold limits for agricultural applications. Conclusions Eisenia fetida was very effective for reduction of bioavailable and leachable forms of selected heavy metals, and the TCLP test confirmed that the vermicompost was not hazardous for soil applications. The potential of the earthworms to increase the available nutrients, but mitigate the metal toxicity during vermicomposting of S. natans will be useful for sustainable land renovation practices.

A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of vermicompost and three different levels of phosphorus fertilization on nutrient uptake in grain, straw, their total uptake and yield in mung bean at wheat program research area NARC, Islamabad. Application of phosphorus and vermicompost plays an important role in growth, development and maturity of crop and also in development of roots and nodulation. The soil was low in organic matter (0.8%), available nitrogen (1.76mg kg -1 ), phosphorus (2.9mg kg -1 ) and medium in available potassium (120mg kg -1 ). Application of vermicompost (2 t ha -1 ) with full dose of phosphorus (75 kg P 2 O 5 ha -1 ) treatment (V1P2) fertilization markedly influenced the nutrient concentration in grains (2.56% of N, 0.3% of P, 1.23% of K), their uptake (62 kg ha -1 N, 12 kg ha -1 P, 39 kg ha -1 K) and yield (1410 kg ha -1 ) over control in mung bean. Economically significant nutrient contents in grain (2.44% N, 0.37% P, 1.17% K), nutrient uptake (52 ...

Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different vermicomposts and their dosages on chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) plants in pot culture experiment. Methods A total of five potting media were prepared containing soil and vermicompost. Soil fortified with 10 and 20 % vermicompost was used as potting media. The fertility status of soil and vermicomposts was quantified. In these potting media, growth, yield and biochemical parameters of chickpea plants were studied up to 90 days. Results The results showed that the fortification of soil with vermicompost significantly stimulated the chickpea plant growth. The plant height, plant shoot biomass, number of pods and photosynthetic pigments were significantly higher in vermicompost-fortified experiments, whereas vermicompost fortification had no significant effect on chickpea seed germination as it was &100 % in all experiments. Total chlorophyll content in chickpea leaves was in the range of 0.437–1.07 mg/g. Similarly, carotenoid content was minimum in control and maximum in 20 % vermicompost containing potting media. Conclusion It was concluded that if soil is fortified with appropriate quantities of vermicompost, the chickpea production per unit area could be enhanced significantly.

Purpose A field study was conducted at Dire Dawa, Eastern Ethiopia, with an objective to find out an optimum combination of inorganic (NP) fertilizer and excreta-based vermicompost for best economic yield and quality of tomato and to assess their effect on selected physicochemical properties of amended soil after crop harvest. Methods The experiment consisted of eight treatments where the mineral (NP) fertilizer and the excreta-based vermicompost were combined in different proportions being arranged in a completely randomized block design replicated three times. Keywords Excreta Á NP fertilizer Á Quality Á Soil physicochemical properties Á Tomato Á Yield Á Vermicompost Abbreviations NH 4 OAc Ammonium acetate ANOVA Analysis of variance BD Bulk density CEC Cation exchange capacity CIMMYT International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center DTPA Di-ethylene tri-amine penta-acetic acid EC Electrical conductivity ETB Ethiopian birr Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (

In order to study the combined effect of vermicompost and chemical fertilizers on the nutrient content in grain, straw and post harvest soil of boro rice cv. BRRI dhan29, a field experiment was conducted in December, 2013 to June, 2014 at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Sixteen combinations of 4 vermicompost level @ 0, 1, 2, 4 t/ha and 4 NPKS levels i.e. 0-0-0-0, 50-8-33-6, 100-16-66-12, 1 150-24-99-18 kg/ha , respectively were applied in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Results showed that the highest dose of vermicompost and chemical fertilizer increased the concentration of P, K and S by rice grain and straw significantly at the harvesting stage. Combined application of vermicompost and chemical fertilizer failed to increase the total N content of post-harvest soil. Combination of vermicompost and chemical fertilizers also increased the organic matter, P, K and S status of post harvest soil significantly.

Graded seeds of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.), cv. Ekron F 1 , were individually seeded in foam trays filled with different substrates: peat compost, vermin compost and a mixture (50% to 50%) of peat compost and vermin compost. Plants were equally irrigated, but no additional nutrient elements were supplied till the second true leaves appeared. Later, a sufficient number of 40 days old seedlings were transplanted in larger plastic pots filled with vermiculite, divided in three equal groups. In the two successive weeks all plants were periodically irrigated with equal amounts of the same nutrient solution (N 150, P 40 and K 200 mg L -1 ), but differing from each other by the quantity of NaCl (0, 20 and 50 mM) added to the nutrient solution. The relative growth rate (RGR) and its components, net assimilation rate (NAR) and leaf area ratio (LAR) were computed. The relative stem elongation rate (RSER), the relative leaf expansion rate (RLER), root to whole plant dry weight ratio (RWR), root to shoot dry weight ratio (RSR) and the respective fractions of roots, stems and leaf dry mass against total plant weight (RMF, SMF, LMF) were also calculated. A significantly higher relative growth rate (RGR) was found for young seedlings grown in vermin compost compared to commercial peat compost, during the nursery stage. The same trend of RGR was kept during the stand establishment period, but while the morphological differences still existed, the differences regarding to physiological performance of transplanted seedlings were even more significant. The physiological efficiency of transplanted seedlings was drastically reduced due to the increase of nutrient solution salinity, but still relatively higher values were recorded in case of vermin and mixture composts. Higher dry matter per plant and higher relative leaf expansion rate were found for vermin compost prior to transplanting and end of stand establishment period, but no effect was found regarding to dry mass partitioning of young cucumber seedlings.

Purpose Microbial pathogens can lead to health problems
and disease transmission. Present study aimed to evaluate
the microbial quality and quantity of vermicompost production and to compare to the current Iranian standards to
protect public health and environmental concerns.
Method This is a pilot-scale experimental study conducted
in the Public Health laboratory of Shahid Sadoughi
University of Medical Sciences. The samples included
organic municipal solid waste, cow manure and wastewater
treatment plant sludge which are used for vermicompost
production. The samples are mixed as cow manure–organic
waste and cow manure–sewage sludge in two reactors.
Microbial tests such as fecal coliforms (FC) and parasite
egg (Ascaris) were carried out during start, processing and
curing time with duplication analysis in 56 days. Totally, a
number of 128 samples was analyzed. Analyses were
conducted according to standard methods. Data analysis
was conducted through one-way ANOVA and Duncan
tests.
Results The results showed a significant reduction in
number of FCs in cow manure–organic waste so that the
number of 350,000 MPN/g in the raw sample decreased to
800 MPN/g within 8-week period, also FC in the case of
cow manure–sewage sludge was achieved to 2400 from
6,500,000 MPN/g. In two cocomposting cases, the parasite
eggs were completely removed in the second week.
Conclusion The results showed vermicomposting as a
feasible method to convert waste into fertilizer humus in
agriculture which also enables to achieve Iranian class A
compost standard.

An experiment was conducted at Horticulture Farm of Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science, Paklihawa campus, Nepal during the period from September 24, 2015 to January 19, 2016 to study the effect of different sources of nutrients on the growth and yield of cauliflower. The experiment was conducted in the Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with five replications of different nutrient sources as four treatments(Biofertilizers T1, Vermicompost T2, Farm Yard Manure T3 and mixture of three T4). Variety Pusa Kartiki was used in the experiment. The treatment response varied significantly for Plant height (PH), Biomass (BM) and leaf length. The plot treated with T1 and T3 yielded maximum i.e., 25.22 ton/ha and 25.14 ton/ha respectively. The treatment also had significant residual effect on soil Phosphorus and Potassium. Pearson's correlation analysis exhibited highly significant positive correlation of yield with biomass, curd weight, curd depth, curd diameter and the leaf length. Principal component analysis revealed plant height, plant spread, biomass, curd weight, leaf number, leaf breadth, leaf length and yield contributing in the first component. Cluster analysis revealed three distinct clusters of the treatments in which T3 and T4 were placed in the same group. Among the four treatments used T1 is considered to be the best in regards of response on plant as well as on its residual effect on soil.

An experiment was conducted at El-Bossily Protected Cultivation Experimental Farm, Central Laboratory for Agricultural Climate (CLAC), Agricultural Research Center (ARC), at Behaira Governorate, Egypt, during the autumn seasons of 2010/2011 and 2011/2012 to study the Economic considerations of using different types of organic manure on sweet pepper yield under protected cultivation (Vermicompost, compost and Cattle manure at the rates of 2, 4 and 6% (1.8, 3.6 and 5.4 m 3 /plastic house of 540m 2) were the organic fertilizer treatments. The study aimed to investigate increasing organic soil matter content in sandy soil by different rates and types of soil amendments as well as investigate their effects on vegetative growth and yield of sweet pepper using a split plot design with three replicates. Results obtained indicate that increasing rate of the different soil amendments from 1.8 to 5.4 m 3 /plastic house led to increase in vegetative growth and significantly enhanced early and t...

Traditional mineral hydroponic solutions are resource intensive and energy demanding, while also producing a lot of waste, so there is a demand to find more sustainable alternatives of nutrient sources for soilless cultivation.

A proof-of-concept experiment was designed in Malmö, Sweden. A deep-water culture (DWC) system with 12 L of tap water was set up with 6 basil seedlings (Ocimum basilicum) and an air pump with air stone for aeration and mixing. Upon starting, 140 mL of dried and crushed vermicompost powder was added and mixed and no further water or vermicompost powder was added for the remainder of the experiment.The objective was to test if the nutrients available in the original vermicompost would be available in soluble form after the drying and crushing processes, and with minimal surface area available in the DWC system for any potential biological activity. An additional advantage of drying and crushing vermicompost to obtain such a powder is in reducing existing biological activity, creating a more stable product for ease of storage and transport. This creates a more stable product with reduced risk of insect propagation or mold development in the vermicompost.

The experiment continued for 50 days, and by the end the plants were visibly healthy, had grown to a full size, and showed no signs of discoloration or deficiencies.  However, aphids (Aphidoidea) were found in plants occasionally due to external contamination, and initial plant growth showed leaf discoloration.

In conclusion, this proof-of-concept experiment has shown that a DWC hydroponics system can work for the production of herbs such as basil using a stable, processed form of vermicompost dissolved in water as the nutrient solution.

La generación de desechos es uno de los problemas medio ambientales que más preocupan a todos los pueblos del mundo, debido al consumo de estos productos que cada vez Colocar el correo electrónico del autor de correspondencia. crece, y en muchos casos da lugar a la generación de desechos con características muy diferentes, estos pueden ser corrosivos, reactivos, explosivos, tóxicos o inflamables los cuales se deben gestionar adecuadamente de manera que no causen un impacto negativo en el entorno natural Resumen A continuación se presenta el procedimiento utilizado para la elaboración y mantenimiento de una vermicompostera, desde la recolección de la tierra hasta la obtención de humus y lixiviados, todo el proceso tuvo una duración de aproximadamente dos meses, en el presente trabajo se incluyen todas las etapas realizados de esta técnica. El vermicompost es el resultado de la descomposición de desechos orgánicos, debido a la degradación realizada por las lombrices, en este trabajo se utilizó la lombriz roja californiana, (Eisenia foetida), también conocida como lombriz compostera o lombriz de abono, que por sus características es más eficiente que otras especies de lombriz. Para favorecer el proceso de descomposición de la materia orgánica, el proyecto se desarrolló en un lugar cubierto, al cual se le dio un seguimiento diario, y semanalmente se midieron ciertos parámetros (Temperatura y pH), para garantizar que el proceso se encuentra en condiciones adecuadas para las lombrices, principalmente se utilizaron residuos orgánicos de comida para el proceso. En este trabajo, la comida se picó y se pesó antes de ser colocada en el vermicompost, de manera que se llegue a la relación carbono nitrógeno ideal (C/N= 30), favoreciendo así el crecimiento y reproducción de las lombrices y por tanto su eficiencia al degradar los desechos de materia orgánica que en su mayoría fueron residuos de comida, además se utilizó estiércol de vaca, lo que permitió alcanzar la relación deseada de C/N. Abstract Below is the procedure used for the development and maintenance of a vermicompost, from the collection of earth until the attainment of humus and leached, the process lasted approximately two months, in the present work includes all stages made of this technique. The vermicompost is the result of the decomposition of waste organic, due to the degradation made by them worms, in this work is used the worm red Californian, (Eisenia foetida), also known as worm compost or worm of fertilizer, that by their features is more efficient that others species of earthworm. For favor the process of decomposition of the matter organic, the project is developed in a place covered, to which is you gave a tracking daily, and weekly is measured certain parameters (temperature and pH), to ensure that the process is located in conditions appropriate for them worms, mainly is used waste organic of food for the process. In this work, the food is stung and is weighed before be placed in the vermicompost, so is reaches to the relationship carbon nitrogen ideal (C/N = 30), favoring thus the growth and reproduction of them worms and therefore its efficiency to the degrade them waste of matter organic that mostly were waste of food, also is used manure of cow allowing you to reach the desired ratio of C/N