Effects of combined application of vermicompost and mineral fertilizer on the growth of Allium cepa L. and soil fertility

Abstract

The promotion of organic farming involves curtailing extensive use of mineral fertilizers. The present study was aimed to compare the effects of vermicompost (10 Mg ha -1 ), commercial mineral fertilizer (NPK-100:80:80), and their combination on (1) the growth of a major cash crop "onion" (Allium cepa L.) and (2) the changes that may have occurred in the amended soil. The experiment was a randomized complete block design with four replications during the crop-growing season of 2008/09. Results showed significantly higher plant growth in the combined/mix treatment of vermicompost and NPK, as measured by the vegetative growth of bulbs, number and length of tillers per bulb, and fresh weight of bulbs and by the biochemical characteristics of the onion tillers/leaves (total chlorophyll, caretenoids, protein, and total sugar contents). Comparison of the mixed treatment as compared to the control showed increases in bulb size (54%), total number of bulbs per bed (52%), and fresh weight of all bulbs (198%). The chemical properties and enzyme activity of the amended soil also improved significantly in the combined treatment as compared to the application of vermicompost or the mineral fertilizer alone. Total organic C, microbial biomass C, and sulfate content were significantly higher in the mix treatment, with increases of 60%, 127%, and 126%, respectively, as compared to those of the chemical-fertilizer-alone treatment. Similarly, b-glucosidase, alkaline phosphatase, and dehydrogenase were significantly higher by 145%, 91%, 71%, respectively, in the mix treatment as compared to those of fertilizer-alone application. This study indicates that application of a combination of mineral fertilizer and vermicompost in the field can positively influence the biological properties and fertility of soils, and support better plant growth, when compared to the application of mineral fertilizer or vermicompost alone. The study suggests that this combined application can reduce the quantity and cost of mineral-fertilizers application for bulbous-crop cultivation by 50%, while also sustaining soil biological activity of tropical and subtropical soils.

EFFECTS OF MIXED ORGANIC AND INORGANIC FERTILIZERS APPLICATION ON SOIL PROPERTIES AND THE GROWTH OF KENAF (<i>HIBISCUS CANNABINUS</i> L.) CULTIVATED ON BRIS SOILS

“…Mixed fertilizer treatments resulted in higher stem diameter than the other treatments, which are consistent with the study of Srivastava et al (2012). They reported that the combination of chemical fertilizer with organic materials significantly increased the number of leaves, diameter, fresh weight and leaf length.…”

“…Growth parameter of different kenaf parts and soil parameters were analyzed using Analyses of Variance (ANOVA), followed by Duncan's Multiple Range Test Test (DMRT) to detect the significant difference among the treatments (SAS, 2001). …”

The integrated use of excreta-based vermicompost and inorganic NP fertilizer on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) fruit yield, quality and soil fertility

“…The superiority of the treatment may be due to the fact that it might have taken advantage of the merits conferred by both vermicompost and chemical fertilizer in a most poised condition. As suggested by Srivastava et al (2012), the integrated application of vermicompost and mineral fertilizer in appropriate ratio resulted in more balanced nutrient contents, microbial population and OM. This might have led to increased uptake of essential nutrients which in turn resulted in increased vegetative growth of the plant to help for better carbohydrate build up that subsequently contributed to higher fruit yield and quality components (Suge et al 2011).…”

Producción de plántulas de chile jalapeño fertilizadas con orina

“…Karaka and Bhattacharyyab (2011) as nitrogen fertilizer due to its high nitrogen content, which is the limiting nutrient for plant growth (Srivastava et al, 2012). Furthermore, Heinonen-Tanski et al (2007) report that urine can replace commercial fertilizer, and can be used in soils with low nitrogen availability.…”

“…Karaka y Bhattacharyyab (2011) reportaron que la orina puede ser utilizada como fertilizante nitrogenado debido a su alto contenido de nitrógeno, el cual es el nutriente limitante para el crecimiento de las plantas (Srivastava et al, 2012). Además, Heinonen-Tanski et al (2007) reportan que la orina puede reemplazar a los fertilizantes comerciales, y que puede ser utilizada en suelos con baja disponibilidad de nitrógeno…”