Effect of nutrient supplementation through organic sources on growth, yield and quality of coriander (<i>Coriandrum sativum</i>L.)

2018

Sustainability

Vermicomposting is a process in which earthworms are utilized to convert biodegradable organic waste into humus-like vermicast. Past work, mainly on vermicomposting of animal droppings, has shown that vermicompost is an excellent organic fertilizer and is also imbibed with pest-repellent properties. However, there is no clarity whether vermicomposts of organic wastes other than animal droppings are as plant-friendly as the manure-based vermicomposts are believed to be. It is also not clear as to whether the action of a vermicompost as a fertilizer depends on the species of plants being fertilized by it. This raises questions whether vermicomposts are beneficial (or harmful) at all levels of application or if there is a duality in their action which is a function of their rate of application. The present work is an attempt to seek answers to these questions. To that end, all hitherto published reports on the action of vermicomposts of different substrates on different species of plants have been assessed. The study reveals that, in general, vermicomposts of all animal/plant based organic wastes are highly potent fertilizers. They also possess some ability to repel plant pests. The factors that shape these properties have been assessed and the knowledge gaps that need to be bridged have been identified.

Section: A Summary Of the Nature And Causes Of Different Effectsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Efficacy of the Vermicomposts of Different Organic Wastes as “Clean” Fertilizers: State-of-the-Art

2018

Sustainability

“…The microbial and enzymatic degradation of salvinia during its passage through the earthworm gut leads to generation of several fatty acids, alcohols, alkanes, alkenes, and nitrogenous compounds. These compounds together with the presence of growth hormones and humic acids may have contributed to the better growth in VC-treated plants than in controls, as has been observed earlier in case of manure-based vermicomposts (Atiyeh et al 2002;Doan et al 2015;Kumar et al 2015).…”

Section: Seed Germination and Plant Growthmentioning

confidence: 52%

Enhancement in the productivity of ladies finger (Abelmoschus esculentus) with concomitant pest control by the vermicompost of the weed salvinia (Salvinia molesta, Mitchell)

Int J Recycl Org Waste Agricult

2017

Purpose In a novel attempt, vermicompost derived from an intransigent and noxious weed salvinia was assessed for its fertilizer value and pest repellent properties. Methods In outdoor experiments which simulated the way vegetables are cultivated by farmers, ladies finger (Abelmoschus esculentus) seeds were germinated and grown in soil supplemented with salvinia vermicompost at four levels: 0 (V 0 ), 2.5 (V 1 ), 3.75 (V 2 ) and 5 (V 3 ) t/ha. Besides assessing germination success and subsequent growth, yield, and biochemical content of the plants, the impact of pest attacks on them was also studied. Results Salvinia vermicompost significantly enhanced germination success, growth, and yield of the plants. Maximum growth in terms of shoot length (96.2 cm), root length (48.2 cm), shoot and root dry weight (23.31, 7.96 g), stem diameter (14.04 mm), and number of leaves and branches (26.8, 4.8) was recorded in V 4 (5t/ha). Likewise, the mineral and biochemical content in vermicompost-treated plants was significantly higher than in the controls. The vermicompost also induced resistance in plants against pests and disease. Compared to the controls, vermicompost had reduced the fruit borer infection by 65, 78 and 82% in V 1 , V 2 and V 3 , respectively. Conclusion The toxicity of salvinia is largely eliminated when it is vermicomposted, and the product acquires the qualities of a good organic fertilizer. The present work can potentially lead to the development of an inexpensive, sustainable and eco-friendly method of utilizing billions of tons of phytomass that is generated annually by salvinia, and which presently goes to waste.

“…1 ). Past studies have demonstrated that vermicompost derived from animal manure increased the growth and yield of several plant species (Doan et al 2013 ; Joshi et al 2015 ; Ayyobi et al 2014 ; Xu et al 2014 ; Akhzari et al 2015 ; Kumar et al 2015 ; Saxena et al 2015 ).…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…A number of studies also reported the presence of plant growth regulators especially humic and fulvic acids, and phytohormones in manure-based vermicompost (Muscolo et al 1999 ; Atiyeh et al 2000 , 2001 , 2002 ; Arancon et al 2005 , 2008 ; Ievinsh 2011 ). It is the combined action of bioavailable nutrients, plant growth regulators, and soil microflora in the vermicompost that is responsible for enhancing the plant growth and yield (Chan and Griffiths 1988 ; Edwards and Burrows 1988 ; Wilson and Carlile 1989 ; Atiyeh et al 1999 ; Ayyobi et al 2014 ; Xu et al 2014 ; Akhzari et al 2015 ; Kumar et al 2015 ; Saxena et al 2015 ). In the present study we suggest that parthenium vermicompost may have also imbibed with similar attributes to that of the manure-based vermicomposts that has resulted in greater germination success, better plant growth, and yield of ladies finger plants.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Detoxification of parthenium (Parthenium hysterophorus) and its metamorphosis into an organic fertilizer and biopesticide

2017

Bioresour. Bioprocess.

BackgroundVermicompost of the toxic and allelopathic weed parthenium (Parthenium hysterophorus) was explored for its possible use as an organic fertilizer. Replicated plant growth trials were conducted using four levels of parthenium vermicompost (0, 2.5, 3.75, and 5 t/ha) to assess their effects on the germination, growth, and fruition of a typical food plant ladies finger (Abelmoschus esculentus). Additionally the role of vermicompost in reducing plant pests and disease was evaluated.ResultsVermicompost encouraged the germination and growth of ladies finger at all levels of vermicompost application, with best results obtained in 5 t/ha treatments. The positive impact extended up to the fruit yield. Vermicompost application also improved the quality of fruits in terms of mineral, protein, and carbohydrate contents, and reduced the disease incidence and pest attacks.ConclusionsThe studies establish the fact that parthenium acquires all the qualities of a good organic fertilizer with concomitant loss of its toxic and allelopathic properties after it gets vermicomposted. The findings raise the prospects of economical and eco-friendly utilization of billions of tons of parthenium biomass which is generated annually but goes to waste at present.