Composition of different composts and vermicompost and effects of their application rates on growth parameters of pot grown tomato

Abstract

Two sets of pot experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of different compost types (market compost, home compost and vermicompost) and their rates on growth of pot grown tomato. During the first experiment, two compost types (market and home composts) each applied at four rates (0, 200, 400 and 800 g/pot) were evaluated while during the second experiment all the three compost types including vermicompost each applied at five rates (0, 200, 400, 600 and 800 g/pot) were evaluated. The chemical compositions of the composts were analyzed using appropriate laboratory procedures. Results revealed that market compost had the highest available P, exchangeable K and total S content whereas vermicompost had the highest organic matter and total N content followed by market compost. Growth parameters increased with increasing rates of home compost and vermicompost, but decreased with increasing rate of market compost. Shoot nutrient content varied much between compost types than compost rates. Shoot nitrogen and potassium concentration was higher with the application of market compost; phosphorus concentration was higher with the application of vermicompost while sulphur concentration was the highest with the application of home compost. Growth reduction at the highest market compost application could be ascribed to higher pH and total soluble salt content, especially chloride and potassium.

Integrated effect of nitrogen and vermicompost levels on yield and yield components of carrot (Daucus carota L.) at Woreta, Northwestern Ethiopia

“…Earthworms make the soil "soft and porous" by its burrowing actions and excretions containing nutrients with beneficial soil microbes to improve its natural fertility and productivity. In Ethiopia, vermicompost application is getting more emphasis accounted for ease of preparation, input and labor availability, better nutrient composition as well as low cost as compared to inorganic fertilizer (Shanu et al, 2019;Almaz et al, 2017;Girma and Zeleke, 2017;Tesfaye, 2017;Devi et al, 2007). The basic concept pertinent to the principles of integrated nutrient management is the maintenance and possible management of soil fertility for sustaining crop productivity on a long term basis (Hedge and Srinivas, 1989).…”

Effects of lime, vermicompost and chemical P fertilizer on yield of maize in Ebantu District, Western highlands of Ethiopia

“…Its application had a positive effect on yield parameters of maize (Gutiérrez-micely et al, 2008). VC contains high levels of total and available N, P, potassium (K) and micronutrients (Tesfaye, 2017), microbial activities and growth regulators (Chaoui, 2003). It significantly stimulates the growth of sweet corn (Lazcano et al, 2011).…”