Effects of Vermicompost on Quality and Physiological Parameters of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) Seedlings and Plant Productivity

Abstract

Cucumbers productivity and fruit quality depend on seedlings’ quality. The success of seedling cultivation largely depends on the choice of a suitable substrate. Therefore the aim of this research is to determine the effect of peat-vermicompost substrates on cucumber seedling quality and crop yield. The research was carried out in a greenhouse covered with double polymeric film in the Institute of Horticulture, Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry. Cucumber seedlings were grown in different substrates: peat, peat+10% vermicompost, peat+20% vermicompost, and peat+30% vermicompost. The growth of cucumber seedlings in peat and vermicompost substrates was induced. They were 1.9–18.6% taller, and the leaf area of this seedlings was 1.2–1.4 time larger. Furthermore, the fresh leaves mass of these seedlings was 22.7–33.1%, and the fresh root mass was 1.1–1.5 time bigger. The addition of vermicompost to peat substrate has a positive effect on the physiological parameters in the leaves of cucumber seedlings. The total yield of cucumbers grown in peat-vermicompost substrates was 7.4–11.1% higher than that of plants whose seedlings grew in peat substrate.

Growth and Physiological Characteristics of Sour Jujube Seedlings in Different Substrate Formulations

“…The physicochemical properties of different formulated substrates vary greatly and have different effects on the growth of seedling plants [8]. Our study showed that the emergence rate and the growth of sour jujube seedlings varied greatly among different substrates, which also indicated that the physicochemical properties of seedling substrates could determine the emergence and growth of sour jujube to different degrees.…”

“…It is rich in nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and medium and microelements) and plant growth regulators, such as gibberellins and growth hormones [6,7], and it may be considered as a substrate to replace peat resources. The addition of vermicompost to peat substrate has influenced the biometric parameters of cucumber seedlings, the physiological parameters and the content of minerals in the leaves, and the early and total yield of the plants [8]. Messiga et al reported that supplements of vermicompost in peat and coir improved the nitrogen supply, which could benefit plant growth [9].…”

The effect of peat replacement in horticulture media by willow (Salix viminalis L.) biomass compost for cucumber transplant production

“…(2017) recommend using 10 to 50% vermicompost as a substrate additive. Similarly, Jankauskiene et al. (2022) found that adding vermicompost to peat (up to 30%) had a beneficial effect on leaf number, cucumber plant height, and leaf area.…”

“…For example, Alvarez et al (2017) recommend using 10 to 50% vermicompost as a substrate additive. Similarly, Jankauskiene et al (2022) found that adding vermicompost to peat (up to 30%) had a beneficial effect on leaf number, cucumber plant height, and leaf area. In contrast, the present study found that the optimum proportion of vermicompost as an additive to willow composts was between 15-25%.…”