Production and Composition of Nutrient Enriched Vermicompost Prepared from different Organic Materials and Minerals

Author: Bhargava A., Sharma S.K. and Trivedi S.K.

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Abstract

The continuous use of chemical fertilizers resulted in the decline in organic matter content of the agricultural soil leading to depletion of beneficial microorganisms which in turn reduced the soil productivity. Vermicompost is an organic fertilizer rich in nutrients, beneficial microorganisms, and plant growth harmones, which can not only promote crop growth, but also help improve the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of the soil. However, its low nutrient content makes it less popular with farmers and limits its applicability. This study, apparently the first of its kind, aimed to enrich the nutrient content of vermicompost by supplementing it with organic materials - Neem cake, Sesame cake, Binola cake, Groundnut cake, Mustard cake, Linseed cake, Wood ash, Banana peel, Poultry manure, Legume waste, Dry Neem Leaves with cow manure, and organic nutritional (Mineral mixtures) supplements (Lime stone, Rock phosphate, Dolomite, Gypsum, Potash Feldsphar Bone meal). The analysis of prepared enriched vermicompost was done using standard chemical methods. Results showed an enhanced Total Organic Carbon (TOC) - 33.0 %, Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN) 2.70%, Total Phosphorus (TP) 3.36%, Total Potassiume (TK) - 2.2%, Total Sulfur (1.32%) and micronutrients Zn (ppm)- 89, Cu (ppm) – 21, Fe (ppm) -400, Mn (ppm)-130, Ca (ppm) – 0.27, Mg (ppm) – 0.42 in vermicompost. Organic materials with cow manure and nutritional supplements have been shown to only improve the nutritional content of final product, but also increase the overall activity of the earthworm. The stability and maturity of the vermicomposts expressed in C/N (<20) indicated that the vermicompost obtained were suitable for agriculture applications. It was concluded that the adding of cow manure with organic nutritional supplements in vermicompost resulted in the production of mature, nutrient-rich vermicompost suitable for sustainable agriculture production.

Keywords

Rock Phosphate, Enriched vermicompost, Mineral mixtures, oil cake

Conclusion

The present results suggest that organic matter combined with cow dung and nutritional supplements can be used to produce concentrated vermicompost with multiple environmental benefits. T7, T4, T3 had the highest content of trace elements such as total N, P, K, etc., indicating that the appropriate proportion of organic matter in the blowing agent and nutritional supplements can help improve the overall quality of vermicompost. Vermicompost enrichment also reduces the recommended dose of vermicompost. All treatments promoted earthworm growth and reproduction. Overall, the study concluded that vermicomposting is a viable method of managing organic matter, and the addition of cow dung and organic nutrient supplements is highly recommended to speed up the vermicomposting process and produce nutrient-rich crops suitable for sustainable agricultural production. It can also meet the nutritional needs of crops.

References

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How to cite this article

Bhargava A., Sharma S.K. and Trivedi S.K. (2023). Production and Composition of Nutrient Enriched Vermicompost Prepared from Different Organic Materials and Minerals. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(2): 350-357.