Search Results (17)

Chemical fertilizers pose significant risks to both human health and the environment. To investigate the effect of substituting nitrogen fertilizer with vermicompost tea on wheat yield, shoot chemical constituents, and grain quality under clay-loam soil conditions, two field experiments were conducted at the Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Egypt, during the winter seasons of 2021–2022 and 2022–2023. A split-plot design in randomized complete blocks with three replications was employed. Vermicompost tea was assigned to the main plots, while wheat cultivars were assigned to the subplots. The cultivars were evaluated under four treatments involving partial substitution of mineral nitrogen (recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN%, 190 kg N ha⁻¹): a control (90% of RDN + 25 kg vermicompost tea), 80% of RDN + 37.5 kg vermicompost tea, and 70% of RDN + 50 kg vermicompost tea. Nitrogen fertilizer (RDN%) was applied at rates of 190 (control), 170 (90%), 150 (80%), and 130 (70%) kg N ha⁻¹. The results indicated that partially substituting mineral nitrogen with vermicompost tea significantly increased grain weight/Ha, chlorophyll A, chlorophyll B, carotenoids, nitrogen, phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) content in shoots, as well as ash, crude protein, crude fiber, total sugar, and N, P, and K content in wheat grains. The grain weight/Ha of the Sakha-95, Giza-171, and Sads-14 cultivars increased by 38.6%, 33.5%, and 39.3%, respectively, when treated with 70% RDN + 50 kg vermicompost tea. The combination of the Sads-14 cultivar and 70% RDN + 50 kg vermicompost tea resulted in the highest values for grain weight/ha (9.43 tons ha⁻¹), chlorophyll A (1.39 mg/g), chlorophyll B (1.04 mg/g), N (5.08%), P (1.63%), and P (2.43%) content in shoots. The same combination also improved ash (2.89%), crude fiber (2.84%), and K (6.05%) content in grains. In conclusion, the application of vermicompost tea in conjunction with chemical fertilizers offers a viable alternative to using chemical fertilizers alone, promoting sustainable agricultural practices and improving wheat production. It is recommended that mineral nitrogen fertilizer be partially replaced with vermicompost tea to enhance both the productivity and grain quality of wheat while minimizing environmental pollution. Full article

The water-soluble extract from vermicompost, also known as vermicompost tea (VT), has attracted interest in sustainable production research due to its potential to increase crop yields. However, information regarding the influence of this bioinput on strawberry cultivation remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different VT solution concentrations on the mass fruit, physiology, and fruit quality of the hybrid strawberry cultivar ‘Portola’. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse, with foliar and substrate applications of VT solutions at varying concentrations (0%, 2%, 4%, 6% and 8%) over 150 days. Evaluations included the chemical composition of the VT, as well as the physiological and agronomic parameters of the strawberry plants, such as gas exchange, biometric data, the physicochemical quality of the fruit and the nutritional composition. Significant differences in gas exchange parameters, particularly intercellular CO₂ concentration and stomatal conductance, were observed at the final growth stage. Of the quality and compositional parameters of the strawberries, only the soluble solids/titratable acidity (SS/TA) ratio was affected. The various VT dilutions induced physiological alterations in the strawberry plants, with energy being allocated towards mass fruit at the expense of fruit quality, specifically in terms of the SS/TA ratio. Full article

Organic amendments provide a sustainable strategy to enhance soil quality in degraded environments while also helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, for example, by improving soil structure, minimizing the use of synthetic fertilizers, and promoting a green economy. This study assessed the comparative effects of two organic amendments—vermicompost leachate and biochar—on the performance of popcorn maize (Zea mays L. var. everta) cultivated in saline soil conditions. Four treatments were evaluated: T0 (Control), T1 (Vermicompost leachate), T2 (Biochar), and T3 (Vermicompost leachate + Biochar), each with 10 replicates arranged in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Although various soil physicochemical, microbiological, and agronomic parameters displayed no significant differences compared to the control, the application of biochar resulted in considerable improvements in soil total organic carbon, the microbial community (mesophilic aerobic bacteria, molds, and yeasts), and increased seed length and diameter. In contrast, vermicompost leachate alone negatively impacted plant growth, leading to decreases in leaf area, stem thickness, and grain yield. Specifically, grain yield declined by 46% with leachate alone and by 31% when combined with biochar, compared to the control. These findings emphasize the superior effectiveness of biochar over vermicompost leachate as a soil amendment under saline conditions and highlight the potential risks of widely applying compost teas in stressed soils. It is recommended to conduct site-specific assessments and screenings for phytotoxins and phytopathogens prior to use. Additionally, the combined application of leachate and biochar may not be advisable given the tested soil characteristics. Full article

Integrating organic soil amendments such as vermicompost (VC) and vermicompost tea (VCT) in agriculture has received increasing attention as a sustainable strategy to improve soil fertility, enhance plant growth, and suppress pest infestations. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of varying concentrations of VCT (10%, 20%, and 40%), alone and in combination with VC (2.47 ton/ha), on the development and yield of corn (Zea mays), and suppression of fall armyworm (FAW, Spodoptera frugiperda) infestation. The experiment was conducted in seven raised beds with seven treatments: V0 (control), VCT10, VCT20, VCT40, VC1 + VCT10, VC1 + VCT20, and VC1 + VCT40. Six weekly applications of VCT were applied starting at the V2 stage, and soil and plant nutrient contents were determined post-harvest. Additionally, relative chlorophyll content, height, cob yield, dry biomass, and FAW infestations were assessed. Results show that both VC and VCT significantly enhanced soil nutrient content compared to the control treatment (V0). VCT20 and VC1 + VCT10 improved plant N, K, and micronutrient uptake. Corn treated with VCT10 and VC1 + VCT10 had the highest biomass (6.52 and 6.57 tons/ha, respectively), while VCT20 produced the highest cob yield (6.0 tons/ha), which was more than eight times that of V0. SPAD values and corn height were significantly high across all treatments, with VCT20 achieving the highest SPAD readings while the control achieved the lowest. For FAW infestation, the control treatment experienced moderate infestation. At the same time, there was complete suppression in VCT20 and VCT40 treatments and a reduction in VC + VCT treatments, likely due to the bioactive compounds and beneficial microbes in VC and VCT that strengthened plant immunity. The results suggest that VCT20 is a cost-effective, eco-friendly amendment for improving corn performance and FAW resistance. This study contributes to sustainable agriculture by demonstrating how organic amendments can enhance crop resilience while supporting environmentally friendly farming practices. Full article

In nature, earthworms process enormous quantities of plant debris, ingesting and converting them into vermicast, the final product of their digestion process. Vermicast is widely recognized as an organic fertilizer suitable for plants, usually obtained from the transformation of animal manure. Indeed, controlled vermicomposting of the organic fraction from municipal solid waste (OFMSW) has yielded contradictory results, limiting the extension of laboratory results to larger-scale initiatives. This study aims to analyze a combined composting–vermicomposting process using Eisenia fetida (also known as Californian red worm) for the treatment of OFMSW (containing different impurities, such as heavy metals), mixed with a suitable substrate for earthworms, consisting of a blend of animal bedding and pre-selected food scraps (SOM—pre-selected organic material). Different fractions from a municipal composting plant were tested for the biological process: raw OFMSW, pre-composted (PC, organic matrix that has completed the thermophilic biodegradation phase), and compost (C). Laboratory tests involved five different applications with varying mixing proportions, partly aided by the addition of OM. The physical–chemical parameters (e.g., pH, temperature, moisture) and worm growth rate in the different treatments were measured and compared. The results showed that the process improved the quality of the final product, especially for the selected matrices, and revealed a significant reduction in the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio (lower than 14 in all tests) when vermicomposting was applied to the mixed matrices and SOM. Worms increased during the process in net weight and growth rate, even if there was an accumulation of heavy metals in the “worm tea”. Worm mass reached a little over double the initial value in all tests (from 200 g to more than 500 g in the SOM test), except for an increase of only 87% in the OFMSW test, while heavy metal content in the solid matrix was reduced in all tests compared to the starting content. Full article

Organic products are gaining popularity due to their positive impact on human health and the environment. While hydroponics is commonly used in vegetable production, it relies on mineral fertilizers derived from limited and non-renewable resources. As a result, farmers are actively seeking sustainable farming solutions. This study comprehensively evaluated the effectiveness of vermi-liquids (organic nutrient solutions) as a replacement for conventional inorganic nutrient solutions in promoting growth and nutrient acquisition in Diplotaxis muralis plants in a controlled environment. The results showed that plant biomass and SPAD values of D. muralis grown in Hoagland solution and enhanced vermitea (vermitea having relatively low pH and high EC) were higher compared to standard vermitea (high pH and low EC). The findings also revealed improved nutrient assimilation of phosphorus, potassium, calcium, iron, manganese, copper, and zinc in the enhanced vermitea plants. The heavy metal contents in D. muralis leaves were evaluated, too, and they were found to fall significantly below the safe threshold, rendering them safe for human consumption. However, the standard vermitea, with its high pH and low EC, performed poorly as a hydroponic solution. This research suggests that enhanced vermitea can completely replace chemical nutrient solutions in hydroponic agriculture. This substitution could lead to reduced production costs and improved product quality. Full article

Soil microorganisms play an important role on plant development and the homogenization of soil microbiomes is harmful to agri-environments. It is essential that agricultural practices are carried out by taking soil microbiome preservation in consideration. Agroforestry systems are one of the most environmentally friendly agrosystems and its plant diversity directly influences the soil microbiome diversity. In this study, we tested the efficacy of the microbial consortium (MC) obtained from compost and the cyanobacteria Arthrospira platensis (Ap) compared with the application of the vermicompost tea (VT) and bokashi (Bk) in arugula, lettuce, beetroot, and carrot in two seasons in a recently implemented agroforestry system. We aimed to verify if MC and Ap could be new promising sustainable alternatives in vegetables production. The strategy can be broken down into three stages: (1) Green manure management: planting, cutting, griding, and incorporation in the soil, (2) agroforestry system implementation, and (3) treatment application in a completely randomized blocks design. The vegetables yield was measured. Nutritional traits and the plant root system were evaluated for arugula and lettuce. Greater plant yield, nutritional values, and plant root development were observed in the MC-treated plants; Ap and Bk had, in general, similar results. Our data show that both MC and Ap have potential to become a sustainable product for agricultural production. Full article

Biochar (Bc) and liquid vermicompost extracts (LVEs) are increasingly being used as biofertilizers in agriculture to promote soil-microbe-crop interactions. However, although both these products can potentially act synergistically due to their complementary characteristics, their co-application in different soils has not yet been investigated. Therefore, firstly, an LVE-activated biochar (B_LVE) was experimentally formulated and the persistence of LVE bacteria over a 60-day storage period was determined. The total number of LVE bacteria increased by 10-fold after 7 days and was stable throughout the entire biochar storage period. In addition, changes in the composition of the bacterial community were observed after 30 days of storage, indicating that taxa less represented in pure LVE may be advantaged upon biochar colonization. Secondly, a microcosm experiment was performed to evaluate whether the biological fertility and enzyme activities of two soils, differing in organic matter content, could be enhanced by the addition of LVE-activated biochar. In this experiment, three different doses of Bc, LVE, and B_LVE against the carbon-related biological fertility index (i.e., biological fertility index, BFI) and three enzyme activities over a 21-day incubation period were tested. The B_LVE treatment yielded the best results (i.e., BFI +32%, enzyme activities +38%). This indicates that Bc and LVEs can act synergistically to promote soil fertility, quality, and microbial activity. By integrating LVE-activated biochar into their soil management practices, farmers could achieve higher crop yields and healthier products. Full article

The reintegration of agro-waste into the same agriculture site fulfils the objective of the European Bio-Economy Strategy: to reduce transport costs, waste volume, and the need for mineral fertilizers. One of the fundamental principles in sustainable agriculture is the recycling of crop residues through composting or vermicomposting. From this process, it is possible to obtain organic matter for the production of aqueous extracts (tea) that can be used as a source of nutrients in fertigation as an alternative to mineral fertilizers. The objective of this research was to evaluate the use of an aerated or non-aerated aqueous extract as a recirculating nutrient solution in a hydroponic culture (NFT) of lettuce. For this, the test method was compared to hydroponic cultivation with a conventional nutrient solution. The conventional nutrient solution contained minerals or synthetic fertilizers and the aqueous extracts of vermicompost from vegetal residues of horticultural crops. The evolution of the chemical composition of the nutrient solutions during cultivation was analyzed, obtaining adequate concentrations of NO₃⁻, K⁺, and Ca²⁺ and taking possible imbalances in nutrients such as P-H₂PO₄⁻ into consideration. Plants fertigated with an organic and aerated nutrient solution obtained good yields and improvements in quality by having six times less N-NO₃⁻ in edible leaves compared to plants exposed to the mineral treatment. The preparation of aqueous extracts as a source of nutrients opens the door to circular agriculture to make processes in intensive production systems more efficient. Full article

The study evaluated the physical and chemical characteristics of vermicompost mixtures to optimize nutrient extraction. Three compost mixtures (chicken plus horse (CH+H), chicken plus cattle (CH+C), and cattle plus horse (C+H)) were selected for quality evaluation at three extraction times: 24, 48, and 72 h. The results showed differences (p < 0.05) in nutrient concentration of compost teas in different compost mixtures. The interaction between treatments and extraction time showed a significant effect (p < 0.05) on nutrients except in P, K, Ca, and EC. The nutrients were higher at 48 h after extraction. The pH was observed to increase slightly with extraction time. C+H had more percentage of moisture content (44.79%) than other mixtures. This mixture was the most preferred by worms, i.e., it had the greater size and number of worms. The results suggested that the presence of oxygen in extraction and high temperatures affects ammonium availability in compost tea as they trigger nitrifying bacteria. Due to the decrease in some nutrients’ concentration (NO₃, P, K, Ca, Mg, Mn, and Cu) at 72 h, it was concluded that 48 h is the best time to extract nutrients from compost mixtures to produce good quality compost using aerobic extraction method. Full article

In this paper, the effect of an organic fertilizer, namely, “vermicompost tea” (VCT), on the germination of seeds of the rare wild species Scorzonera tau-saghyz Lipsch. et & G.G. Bosse was studied. S. tau-saghyz is an alternative rubber plant to Hevea brasiliensis, and it was widely distributed and grew well in the northwestern spur of the Tien Shan in the pre-war years (1931–1943). In recent decades, the number of wild species of S. tau-saghyz in natural populations has declined sharply due to climate change and the impact of anthropogenic factors. In this context, it has become necessary to restore the number of wild species. One of the critical phases in the restoration of surviving S. tau-saghyz populations and domestication is seed germination. The approaches that have been explored to increase seed germination, such as stratification and seed dressing with ethyl mercuric chloride, have not yielded good results. The current study covered 4 and 8 h short-term seed treatments with 1, 5 and 10% VCT. The priming of S. tau-saghyz seeds with 10% VCT was found to significantly increase germination from 39.0 (in the control) to 76.7% and to improve seedling vigor, mean germination time, and seedling weight. The combination of soaking the seeds in 10% VCT for 8 h and cultivating the seedlings in soil with 20% vermicompost further improved both germination and seedling growth. The vermicompost incorporation lengthened the main root, which normally accumulates rubber, and it increased its crude biomass by 1.6 times compared to that of the control. Full article

The efficacy of soil conditioner (vermicompost tea), fertiliser (potassium silicate), and biological control agents (BCAs) as practical agroecological copper alternatives against olive leaf spot (Spilocaea oleaginea (Cast.) Hughe.) disease was investigated between 2018 and 2021 under organic management in a Mediterranean climate. In total, 9 agroecological alternatives to copper oxychloride (vermicompost tea, potassium silicate, Bacillus subtilis EU 007 WP, Platanus orientalis leaf extract, Mycorrhiza mix, seaweed commercial product, Trichoderma citrinoviride TR1, vermicompost tea+Platanus orientalis mix, Penicillium (Mouldy bread pieces)) were applied to olive trees in a randomised block design with 4 replicationsTotal water soluble phenol compounds (TWSP) were found to be the main bioindicator to assess the alternatives and their potential to phase-out copper application. Results related to TWSP indicated that copper oxychloride (control), potassium silicate and vermicompost tea showed significantly higher content of TWSP as we compared zero application of copper and other treatments. These stimulate the antioxidant capacity in olive fruits and reduce the olive leaf spot disease incidence. The pollution effect of copper was monitored during the trial to identify soil pollution in the organic in-conversion experimental land. The total annual ‘active copper’ application was 4.7 kg.ha⁻¹.year⁻¹ and this is in accordance with the legal organic legislation of Turkey. During the conversion period from conventional to organic management, we determined approximately 50% reduced copper content in the soil 0–30 cm depth samples in 2020 (3.70 mg.kg⁻¹) as it is compared to those initial samples (6.43 mg.kg⁻¹) in 2018. We conclude that alternatives to copper that are easily accessible, e.g., vermicompost tea, have a potential for use in organic olive production to replace copper in mitigating olive leaf spots. Furthermore, we find that reduced copper application in organic management with the aim to decrease copper accumulation in soil, fruits and leaves was not yet enough to reduce copper to satisfactory levels. We conclude that further research with the aim of a total replacement of copper fungicide treatments in organic and non-organic systems is needed. Full article

Vermicompost is an organic fertilizer rich in nutrients, beneficial microbes, and plant growth hormones that not only enhances the growth of crops but also contributes to the improvement in the physicochemical and biological properties of the soil. However, its lower nutrient content makes it less preferable among farmers and limits its applicability. Here, we investigate, for the first time, nutrient enrichment of vermicompost by supplementing the free-floating macrophyte biomass with cow manure and organic nutrient supplements (eggshell, bone meal, banana peel, and tea waste). Free-floating macrophytes are aquatic plants that are found suspended on the water surface, playing a significant role in the structural and functional aspects of aquatic ecosystems. However, uncontrolled proliferation of these macrophytes endangers these ecosystems, having both economic and ecological implications; therefore, they need to be managed. Results showed an enhanced total nitrogen (2.87%), total phosphorus (0.86%), total potassium (3.74%), and other nutrients in vermicompost amended with cow manure and nutrient supplements. Highest biomass gain (710–782 mg), growth rate (11.83–13.04 mg), and reproduction rate (3.34–3.75 cocoons per worm) was also observed, indicating that amending bulking agent and nutrient supplements not only enhance the nutrient content of the final product but also improve overall earthworm activity. The stability and maturity of vermicompost, as indicated by C/N (<20) and Germination Index (>80), indicates that vermicompost obtained is suitable for agricultural applications. The study concluded that amendment of cow manure and organic nutrient supplements results in producing mature and nutrient-enriched vermicompost suitable for sustainable agricultural production. Full article

Vermicompost has been promoted as a viable substrate component owing to its physicochemical properties, nutrient richness, and status as an excellent soil improver. It is considered the best organic fertilizer and is more eco-friendly than chemical fertilizers. Plant-growth-promoting microorganisms (PGPMs) are defined as plant biofertilizers that improve nutritional efficiency—that is, they transform nutrients within substrates from organic to inorganic forms, making them available for plants. The main objective of this research study is to evaluate the effects of the application of three PGPM microbial consortia on different mixtures of organic substrates based on vermicompost (V) and coconut fiber (CF) on two different horticultural crops. We performed a yield analysis and drainage nutrient tests and determined the plant nutritional status and enzymatic activity in organic substrates based on the two crops, Cucumis melo L. and Solanum lycopersicum L. A multivariate analysis of variance and principal component analysis was conducted using substrate types and PGPMs as factors. Differences (p < 0.05) in yield, dehydrogenase activity, the nutrient concentrations in a petiole sap, and drainage were observed at 30, 60, 75, and 90 days after transplant. PGPMs such as Trichoderma sp. and plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) in organic substrates (40V + 60CF) can significantly improve the nutritional status of plants for use in organic soilless container agriculture. Biofertilization with PGPMs and suitable mixtures of organic substrates together with aqueous extracts (tea) of vermicompost, as nutrient solutions applied by fertigation, has allowed us to achieve an adequate level of production through environmentally friendly techniques. The results obtained allowed us to affirm that it was possible to replace conventional fertilization using no chemical products and ensure adequate crop nutrition by supplying main macronutrients with organic sources and biofertilizers. Full article

The objective of the present work was to study the soil solution throughout time in pots under greenhouse conditions. The work consisted of monitoring the solution of calcareous soil and forest soil in the absence of plants, with different types of fertilization: treatment 1: absolute control (irrigation water); treatment 2: Steiner nutrient solution; treatment 3: solid fertilizers; and treatment 4: vermicompost tea (aqueous extract). The samples were collected weekly using lysimeters for 14 weeks. They were analyzed to determine the nitrate content, total nitrogen, calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium, sulfur, zinc, boron, pH, electrical conductivity, and oxide-reduction potential. To understand the interactions between treatments, soil type, and time over ion behavior and availability, linear and polynomial models were used, selected by a cross-validation method, which resulted in robust models, where it was found that the pH behavior is associated with the type of fertilization and soil type, with the elapsed time being a nonsignificant factor. On the other hand, time influenced the dynamics of the remaining ions and their availability. It was found that the multiple polynomial model fit better for the variables: potassium, calcium, sodium (square degree), electrical conductivity, nitrates, sulfur (cubic degree), zinc, oxidation-reduction potential, nitrogen, magnesium, and boron (quartic degree). Full article