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CHAPTER – 7
APPLICATION OF VERMICOMPOST ON PADDY
7.1. INTRODUCTION
Several studies have examined the effect of vermicompost on growth and
yield of vegetables in container growth media (kumar 1994). These studies showed
that increase in growth and yield at low amounts of vermicompost in the potting
medium could probably be due to improvement in the physicochemical properties of
the container medium, increase in enzymatic activity, increase in microbial diversity
and activity, nutritional factor and plant growth regulators (Arancon et al., 2004a;
Tomati and Galli, 1995; Atiyeh et al., 2000). Results obtained from this experiments
revealed that growth and yield parameters such as leaf area, dry shoot weights and
weight of fruits were significantly affected by applying vermicompost. Arancon et al.,
(2004b) reported positive effects of vermicompost on the growth and yield in
strawberry, espically increase leaf area, shoot dry weight and fruit weight in field
conditions. Mishra et al., (2005) showed that vermicompost had beneficial effects on
growth and yield of rice, especially caused significant increase many growth
parameters, seeds germination, chlorophyll concentration and yield. Similar results
were noted by Maynard (1995) who reported that tomato yields in field soil amended
with compost were significant greater than those in the untreated plots. Goswani et
al., (2001) reported that the addition of vermicompost at rates of 0, 20, 30 and 40 t ha-
1 to tomatoes cultivated in the field produced tomato yields of 114, 138, 163 and 192 t
ha-1
respectively compared o 56 t ha -1
for inorganically fertilized plants.
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The studies have revealed that vermicompost may be potential sources of
nutrients for field crops if applied in suitable ratios with synthetic fertilizers. Also,
vermicompost may contain some plant growth-stimulating substances.several
workers have reported a positive effect of vermicompost application on growth and
productivity of cereals and legumes (Benik and Bhebaruah, 2004; Suthar, 2006),
ornamental and flowering plants (Kale et al., 1986; Nethra et al., 1999), vegetables
(Edwards and Burrows; 1988; Atiyeh et al., 2000) etc. Atiyeh et al. (2001) concluded
that vermicomposts, whether used as soil additives or as components of greenhouse
bedding plant container media, have improved seed germination, enhanced seedling
growth and development and increased overall plant productivity.
7.2. MATERIALS AND METHODS
The rice variety ADT-36 was selected and the nursery beds were prepared 30
days before. Fifty cents of land was ploughed and divided into 5 small plots with size
of about 2.5 X 2.0 meter. Paddy was transplanted into the above-mentioned seven
plots and triplication was also maintained.
The experiment was carried out for a period of sixty days and the following
morphological parameters (root length, shoot length, fresh weight, dry weight of the
plant, number of panicles, number of grains per panicles, weight of grains) were
studied each fortnight. Plants were watered well and from the wet medium, ten plants
in each treatment were removed the soil particles with the help of filter paper, the
excess water was removed for the analysis.
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7.3. RESULTS
Effect of different Compost on the growth and yield of Orysa Sativa
7.3.1. ROOT LENGTH (cm)
Figure – 16 shows the length of the root increased gradually during the growth
of the paddy. The maximum root length was recorded in 23.06±2.60 in EF/TP over
control and other experiments, which was followed by EE/CA (19.98±3.00), EF/CA
(18.48±0.67) and control. This is significant at (P<0.05) among treatments.
-Control - EF/CA - EF/TP - EE/CA -EE/TP
EE/CA - Eudrilus treated C.auriculata compost
EE/TP - Eudrilus treated T.Purpurea compost
EF/CA - Eisenia treated C.auriculata compost
EF/TP - Eisenia treated T.Purpurea compost
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7.3.2. SHOOT LENGTH (cm)
The growth of shoot length was found to increase gradually in all the
experiments (Fig-17). The maximum length of shoot among treatments was recorded
in EF/TP (65.48±2.73), which was followed, by EE/CA (61.90±4.30), EF/CA
(61.50±1.06), and control (16.0±0.38). Control plants had minimum growth in all
experiments during all the stages of growth. Significant at (P<0.05) in 45th
and 60th
day, it was insignificant at 15th
and 30th
day among treatments.
-EF/CA - EE/CA - EF/TP - EE/TP -Control
EE/CA - Eudrilus treated C.auriculata compost
EE/TP - Eudrilus treated T.Purpurea compost
EF/CA - Eisenia treated C.auriculata compost
EF/TP - Eisenia treated T.Purpurea compost
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7.3.3. NO. OF LEAVES
The number of leaves in each plant is given fig-18. The maximum number of
leaves was found in EE/TP (13.80±0.83), which was followed by EE/CA
(13.40±2.19), EF/TP (13.00±1.87), EF/CA (12.80±1.64) and control (9.60±0.54). The
minimum number of leaves was recorded in plants in control plants. The statistical
inference shows that there was a significant difference (P<0.05).
-Control - EE/TP - EF/TP - EE/CA -EF/CA
EE/CA - Eudrilus treated C.auriculata compost
EE/TP - Eudrilus treated T.Purpurea compost
EF/CA - Eisenia treated C.auriculata compost
EF/TP - Eisenia treated T.Purpurea compost
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7.3.4. FRESH AND DRY WEIGHT (g)
The average fresh weight of the paddy in each treatment is given in fig-19.
The maximum fresh weight of the plant was found in EU/CA (19.24±1.65), followed
by EF/CA (18.41±1.85), EF/TP (18.03±0.89), EE/TP (17.95±0.86) and in control
(12.81±0.72) during all stages of growth. Significant difference ( P<0.05) between
treatments.
-Control - EE/TP - EF/TP - EE/CA -EF/CA
EE/CA - Eudrilus treated C.auriculata compost
EE/TP - Eudrilus treated T.Purpurea compost
EF/CA - Eisenia treated C.auriculata compost
EF/TP - Eisenia treated T.Purpurea compost
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The data on dry weight (fig-20) reveals that as in fresh weight the maximum
dry weight was recorded in EE/TP (11.16±1.87), followed by EF/CA (10.51±1.69),
EF/TP (10.06±1.07) EU/TP (9.89±0.83) and in control (3.98±0.46). The minimum dry
weight was found in the plants grown in control plots. Significant difference among
treatments (P<0.05).
-Control - EE/TP - EF/TP - EE/TP -EF/CA
EE/CA - Eudrilus treated C.auriculata compost
EE/TP - Eudrilus treated T.Purpurea compost
EF/CA - Eisenia treated C.auriculata compost
EF/TP - Eisenia treated T.Purpurea compost
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Average weight of 50 seeds (g)
The average weight of 50 seeds is presented in figure 22. The maximum
weight is in EF/TP 0.864 +0.004 followed by EF/CA 0.85 + 0.003, EE/TP 0.852 +
0.006, EE/CA 0.85 + 0.003. Minimum weight is seen in Control plots 0.804 + 0.009.
The statistical analysis (ANOVA) of the weight of yield shows significant at (P<0.05)
among the treatments.
-Control - EF/CA - EF/TP - EE/CA -EE/TP
EE/CA - Eudrilus treated C.auriculata compost
EE/TP - Eudrilus treated T.Purpurea compost
EF/CA - Eisenia treated C.auriculata compost
EF/TP - Eisenia treated T.Purpurea compost
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7.3.5 TOTAL WEIGHT OF YIELD (kg)
The average weight of yield in each treatment is presented in Fig-4.6 and.
Plants grown in EF/TP compost applied plots showed a maximum yield of 3.19±0.193
followed by EF/CA (2.79±0.185), EE/TP (2.74±0.198) and EE/CA (2.74±0.357). The
yield of paddy was found to be minimum in the control plots. The statistical analysis
(ANOVA) of the weight of yield shows significant at (P<0.05) among the treatments.
-Control - EF/CA - EF/TP - EE/CA -EE/TP
EE/CA - Eudrilus treated C.auriculata compost
EE/TP - Eudrilus treated T.Purpurea compost
EF/CA - Eisenia treated C.auriculata compost
EF/TP - Eisenia treated T.Purpurea compost
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Table – 7 Shows the Percentage of yield of Paddy grains over control and in
different compost systems.
Parameters EF/TP EF/CA EE/TP EE/CA
% of yield of
Control 91.01 67.06 64.07 64.07
The percentage yield of O.Sativa in each treatment is presented in Table – 7.
Plants grown in EF/TP compost produced a maximum percentage of yield 91.01 %
over control the EF/CA composted plans 64.07 % of yield and plants grown in EE/TP
and EE/CA compost have same percentage of yield that is 64.07 %
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7.4. DISCUSSION
The length of the root increased steadily during the growth of plants. The
maximum root length was recorded in Eisenia and Eudrilus compost over control and
other experiments. The growth of shoot length also was found to increase gradually in
all the experiments. The maximum length of shoot among treatments was recorded in
(65.48, 61.90, 61.50 & 16.0) both Eudrilus and Eisenia composts respectively on 60th
day. Control plants had minimum growth in all experiments during all the stages of
growth. Significant difference was observed in control.
Nijhawan and Kanwar (1952) have observed similar results of increased root
length than the control on application of earthworm compost to wheat. A similar
effect in Salvia and Aster grow in the pots was observed by Grappelli et al., (1985).
Increase in crop growth due to the transport of minerals and other compounds from
deep down to the surface soil by the earthworms were found by Sharma (1986).
In the present study, presence of cocoons and juveniles in the vermicompost
may involve the transport of minerals and other compounds as described by Sharma
(1986). Application of casts of P. alexandri showed significant increase in the length
and weight of the shoot and root systems of the V.rosea and O.sativa. Reddy et al.,
(1994) found that the plant height and biomass of sorghum were significantly higher
when applied with earthworm casts and soil mixture than soil alone.
The results were in agreement with the findings of Asiegbu and Oikeh (1995).
Application of 8-10 t/ha vermicompost tended to increased tuber diameter, number of
stems/plant and chlorophyll level of potato plant (Bongkyoon, 2004). Kabir (1998)
and Azad (2000) mentioned that the maximum number of loose leaves in cabbage
plant was obtained when organic manures and inorganic fertilizers were used in
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combination. Anwar et al. (2001) noted that application of N, P, K and S significantly
increased the number of leaves/ plant of broccoli.
The present study in paddy grown with vermicompost shows similar results
(PLATE-5). The enhancement of plant growth by the earthworm might be attributed
to physical and chemical condition of the soil (Neilson, 1965). Sharma et al., (1986)
concluded the enhancement of root initiation, root elongation, root biomass and
rooting percentage by the vermicompost. Zraherskii (1957) attributed the production
of some pro-vitamin D by earthworms. Presence of some plant growth factors and
group B vitamins in the coelomic fluid of the earthworms was observed by Gavrilov,
(1962). Enhancement of soil structure and improvement in water holding capacity and
porosity to facilitate root respiration and growth by vermicompost was reported by
Lee (1992 singh 1987)).
The maximum number of leaves was found to be at the end of the study in the
plant grown in EE/TP and EE0/CA compost respectively. Similar results were
observed by Nijhawan and Kanwar (1952) in wheat, Tomati et al., (1988) in Petunia,
begonia and coleus, aster in pot culture studies and by Nethra et al., (1999) in China
aster. The results showed that vermicompost performed the best response on growth
of red amaranth plant. The results are in conformity with the findings of many
workers in different crops (Tomar, et al. 1998 in brinjal and carrot; Saikia et. al.1998
in potato; Azad 2000 in cabbage and Bongkyoon 2004 in potato). The results are in
partial agreement with the findings of different crops (Azad, 2000 in cabbage; Kadir,
2002 in broccoli; Anand and Krishnappa, 1988 in potato).
Kale et al., (1994) have also reported that the significant increase in the
colonization of the microbes (total microbes, nitrogen fixers, actinomyces and spores
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formers) in the experimental plots, which received half the recommended dose of
fertilizers and the vermicompost over control. The presence of increased number of
bacterial population in the present study is in accordance with the above result. The
soil nutrients and physical properties may be another reason for the maximum number
of root nodules, Haimi and Huhta (1987) inferred that the vermicompost could be
considered superior to conventional compost especially with regard to its physical
make up. Improvement of physical properties cardinal to soil health result in better
oxygen and waste supply to root system (Aina, 1984). Based on the results obtained
by Chakrabarti et al., (1998). Vermicompost can be very well recommended as
compost for container nursery. The plant roots could grow well coupled with
increased microbial population and the number of nodules also enhanced significantly
over the control due to the improved physical structure of vermicompost.
A gradual increase in fresh weight of the plant was recorded in respect to root
length and shoot length. Plants grown in EU/TP and EF/TP showed increase fresh
weight. Likewise plants grown in Cassia auriculata compost exhibited more fresh
weight at 60th
day.
The data on dry weight reduced that as in fresh weight the maximum dry
weight was recorded in all the four composts. Plants in Eudrilus compost showed in
increase dry weight in 11.16 and 9.89 on 60th
day. Maximum dry weights of the plant
in Eisenia compost were observed in 10.51 and 10.06 on 60th
day. The minimum dry
weight was found in the plants grown in control plots significant difference between
compost.
The performance of the worm cast as a fertilizer in the nursery beds of paddy
was observed by Kale and Bano (1986) and it was found that the seedlings showed
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significant increase in growth in plots applied with worm cast and after
transplantation the vegetative growth was influenced by the worm cast in a better way
than that of the chemical fertilizers. This may be one of the reasons for an increased
weight of the plant on fresh and dry weight basis. Shuxin et al., (1991) who studied
the dry weight of the plant by applying worm cast in soybeans found that 40% to 70%
increase due to the nutrient absorption by the plant and the nitrogen absorbed by the
plants from soil was increased by 30 to 50%. Hence it is clear that the worm cast can
boost the yield of the vegetative growth as well as the yield.
Attribution for increased crop yield through decomposition of organic matter
by earthworm increased nitrification was reported by Russel (1909). Graff and
Makeschin (1980) observed that the yield influencing substances were released into
the soil by L. terrrestris, A. caligonosa and E. fetida but did not speculate on the
nature of the substances. The increased nutrient availability in the growth medium in
vermicompost applied pots, may be the main reason for the maximum number of
flowers in the present study, which was also supported by Kang et al., (1994) who
studied the effect of worm casts prepared from agro forestry woody sp. Dactyladenia
barteri, Glyricidia sepium, Leucana leucocephala, Senna stamea and Trechlia
Africana, Nijhawan and Kanwar (1952) observed that application of earthworm
compost to wheat crop increased the availability of nitrogen, phosphorus and
potassium and decreased the pH of the soil as compared to control. From the above
validation, it can be concluded that the application of vermicompost could hasten the
flowering of the plants, which leads to the increased production.
Enhancement of the activity of selected microbes in the soil system be
vermicompost application was found by Kale et al., (1998). Hence there was a high
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level of total nitrogen in the experimental plot, which comparatively received less
quantity of fertilizers Kale (1998 b) recommended the optimum amount of
vermicompost without chemical fertilizers for some crops for optimum yield as 15
tons for tomato, 10 tons for brinjal and carrot, 8 tons for radish and coriander, 12 tons
for bhendi and 3 tons for cowpea per acre. She 9180 stated that the combination of
vermicompost with chemicals could reduce the amount of chemicals into half for filed
application.
Results of similar trends i.e. maximum record on applying vermicompost
alone with recommended dose of chemical fertilizer in various crops were observed
by various researchers, which agree with the present findings(sundara vadivel 1998).
Increase in yield up to 40% and 36% due t the application of chemical fertilizer and
vermicompost respectively over control has been reported by Gunjal and Nikam,
(1992). Anwar et al.,(2001) found that application of vermicompost @ 10
tons/hectare along with recommended dose of nitrogen and phosphorus resulted in
55% increase in dry pod yield over the treatments receiving only recommended dose
of nitrogen and phosphorus.
The present study strongly agrees with the above results and it is concluded
that the use of vermicompost will certainly enhance the yield of any crop besides
enhancing the texture, color, taste and even of the agricultural product. The results
suggested that the effects of vermicompost are more efficient than chemical fertilizers
for the production of paddy. Bongkyoon (2004) reported that the effect of
vermicompost application were favourable than the effects of the application of a
chemical fertilizers. The findings are in partial agreement with many workers in
different vegetable crops (Tomar et al., 1998 in brinjal and carrot; Saikia et. al. 1998
in potato; Azad 2000 in cabbage, Kadir 2002 in broccoli).
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SUMMARY
Investigations entitled ‘‘study on the analysis and field application of
vermicompost produced from different organic wastes by using vermiculture
technology” were carried and the salient features of the investigations are summarized
and concluded in this chapter.
Earthworms can have major influence on nutrient cycling processes in several
ecosystems. By turning over large amounts of soil and organic matter, they can
increase the rates of mineralization of organic matter converting organic forms of
nutrients into inorganic forms that can be taken up by plants. Earthworms remove
partially decomposed plant litter and crop residues from the soil surface, ingest it,
fragment it and transport it to subsurface layers. Earthworms cannot increase the total
amount of nutrients in the soil but can make them more available and they may
increase the rate of nutrient cycling thereby increasing their availability.
This investigation aimed to contribute towards the identification of a system
for managing the utilization of two different leaf litter compost C.auriculata and
T.purpurea for sustainable agriculture, with particular regards to two earthworm
species like Eudrilus eugeniae and Eisenia fetida.
The experimental research undertaken included composting and field studies.
It focused on the characterization of the leaf litter compost the correlation of compost
properties with crop parameters, the evaluation of compost microbial quality and the
crop production following the short term compost application. Finally, vermiwash
preparation, characterization and seed germination were also considered.
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The research work undertaken added to the current knowledge regarding to the
availability of nutrients following compost amendment. It demonstrated that properly
managed leaf litter waste composts, can be utilized in agriculture leading to both
agronomic and environmental benefits.
Two different food substrates and two species of earthworms were evaluated
for their effects on nutrients of vermicompost and associated microflora. The results
indicated considerable increase in the nutrient status of vermicompost compared to
their initial status. The vermicompost prepared from different substrates recorded
more or less neutral pH of 6.75 to 7.83 with EC ranging from 0.95 to 1.42 dS/m.
Organic carbon content of vermicompost ranged from 6.00 to 12.97 and available N,
P, K, Ca, Mg, Zn and Cu have increased with the presence of earthworm as compared
to the control.
From the present study it is concluded that two plants T.purpurea and
C.auriculata could be used as an effective medium for Vermiculture supplemented
with cattle dung not only served as it a suitable medium for the growth and
reproduction of the earthworms but also yielded a valuable biomanure for agriculture
practices. Data on the physico-chemical analysis of wastes before and after treatments
indicated that though T.purpurea (Kolingi) was ideal giving the highest microbial
count and reproductive rate of the earthworms, Finally, the use of two different leaves
waste T.purpurea and C.auriculata (Avaram and Kolingi) as raw material in the
vermi composting systems can potentially help to convert these wastes into value
added materials, and reduce the cost related to the exclusive use of different types of
farm wastes as feeds for the earthworms.
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The present study also reveals that the bacterial and fungal population of two
different vermicompost were increased when compare to control the maximum
microbial population was registered in the T.purpurea (kolingii) leaf litter compost
than in C.auriculata (avaram) leaf compost. Similarly higher microbial load was
found in the T.purpurea (kolingii )leaf litter vermi wash also. The differences in the
feeding habit of the earthworms and nutrient content of the substrates might be
suggested as causative factors for the difference in density of the microbial
population. Furthermore the incidence of higher microbial density in the earthworm
cast might be due to the cast being rich in ammonia and partially organic matter,
which eventually formed a good medium for the growth of microorganisms.
In the present study, paddy field studies showed significantly higher growth in
root length, shoot length, number of leaf, wet weight and dry weight in experimental
plots than control. The plants grown in EF/TP compost applied plots showed a
maximum yield of 3.19 + 0.193 paddy grains. The higher growth of various plant
characteristic in vermicomposted plants compared to control was not only because of
the presence of greater amounts of most of the plant nutrients but also due to the
presence of microbial metabolites, the plant growth promoting hormones like
substances. Furthermore my study strongly concluded that the use of vermicompost
will certainly enhance the yield of any crop besides enhancing the texture, colour,
quality of the agricultural product.It is concluded that vermicomposting offers
benefits such as enhanced soil fertility,increased agricultural productivity, and reduce
ecological risk for a better environment.
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Recommendations for further research
In this research work the effects of a short term compost application on crop
production was studied. The longer term effects of compost application need to be
assessed, especially in terms of nutrient leaching potential in the soil.
Long term studies of the effects of using biowaste and vegetable waste
compost in agriculture are necessary for the development of the optimum system for
managing the utilization of compost for sustainable agriculture, which will ensure the
environmental risk is minimized and the agronomic benefit is maximized.
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