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Background Macrophytes (fresh water plants) comprise a diverse group of the flora which play important roles in the maintenance of trophic food chains and biogeochemical processes, but are deleterious when present in excess. However, due to various anthropogenic activities, there is accumulation of nutrients in aquatic ecosystems resulting in massive macrophytic growth. These weeds do not possess any economic value and remain laid on lake shores after harvesting and become a source of odor problem, thus posing a challenge to the lake management authorities regarding their proper disposal. However, vermicomposting turns these macrophytes into materials useful in horticulture/agriculture for restoration of soil fertility, in addition to providing a solution to the nuisance of harvested weeds. Results The study was conducted to investigate the effect of different rates (2, 4 and 6 t/ha) of macrophyte-based vermicompost on germination, growth and yield of Solanum melongena under field conditions. The data revealed that different rates of vermicompost produced varied and significant effect (P \ 0.05) as compared to the control on germination, growth and yield parameters with maximum value recorded at 6 t/ha, followed by 4 t/ha and the least at 2 t/ha. The dose of 6 t/ha significantly (P \ 0.05) increased germination (22.56 ± 2.5 %), number of fruits per plant (3.55 ± 0.07) mean fruit weight (73 ± 5.0 g), yield per plant (1.48 ± 0.05 kg) and marketable fruits (28.66 ± 3.0 %) when compared with the control. The study suggests that macrophyte-based vermicompost as a potential source of plant nutrients for sustainable crop production. Conclusion Macrophyte-based vermicompost is an efficient quality yielder and economy enhancer for sustainable agriculture especially for the communities having vegetable gardens around lakes will benefit by using macrophyte vermicompost, a balanced and low-cost organic fertilizer.

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Forest ecosystems are part of the vital and indispensable resources for human survival and social development. Forests not only provide materials such as wood and firewood for some industries, but also maintain and protect the environment, such as climate regulation, erosion control and sedimentation, water regulation and flood mitigation. However, due to some uncontrolled activities of people and abnormal natural conditions, forest fires occur more frequently and severely. U Minh Ha National Park (UMHNP) is one of forest which has the highest risk of forest fires in the Mekong Delta. This study was conducted to assess the status of forest fires and the impacts of climate change on forest fire risk in UMHNP then proposed appropriate measures to reduce the risk of forest fire to minimize damage to the environment, humans, biodiversity, economics as well as people’s livelihoods protection in the Mekong Delta. By the method of data collection and rapid assessment, the topic has statistics of fires within 5 years as well as causes, key areas and its impacts on forest ecosystems. At the same time, it was pointed out that UMHNP is facing an increasing risk of forest fire due to climate change. Forest fire prevention and fighting in UMHNP is being well implemented but still faces some difficulties. Therefore, it is necessary to take appropriate measures such as strengthening communication, completing mechanisms and policies, supplementing fire protection equipment and facilities to improve environmental quality and local’s people life.

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