chapter 7 application of vermicompost on...

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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





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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





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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





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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





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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.






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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.






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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.

chapter 7 application of vermicompost on...

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