Nutrient Release from Vermicompost under Anaerobic Conditions in Two Contrasting Soils of Bangladesh and Its Effect on Wetland Rice Crop

Abstract

Although its mechanism of action, particularly under wetland condition, is not clearly understood, vermicompost, a good source of humus and plant nutrients, has been used as organic manure in many parts of the world in order to increase crop production. Here, an anaerobic incubation study and a field study were conducted to observe the nutrient release pattern from vermicompost and its influence on performance and nutrient uptake in wetland rice. Two contrasting soils, viz. highly weathered terrace soil and very young floodplain soil, were subjected to anaerobic incubation, while the field trial was conducted in the terrace soil with control (no amendments), mineral fertilizer, vermicompost (10 t ha−1) + mineral fertilizer, cow dung (10 t ha−1) + mineral fertilizer, vermicompost (20 t ha−1) + mineral fertilizer and vermicompost (local farmer’s practice) + mineral fertilizer treatments. Results showed that there were significant increases in nitrogen (N) and phosphorous (P) release in floodplain soil but not in terrace soil, suggesting that nutrient release from vermicompost is soil-dependent. The performance of Boro rice in terms of yield and yield attributes improved significantly in the case of the integrated application of vermicompost with mineral fertilizer. Specifically, combined application of mineral nutrients and vermicompost (10 t ha−1) significantly increased grain yield by 25% compared to the control treatment. We believe that this occurred due to an improvement in supply and subsequent uptake of nutrients, especially N and P. Altogether, our results suggest that vermicompost could increase crop performance under field conditions, and, although these effects may not be significant in short-term incubation studies, they may be even larger in floodplain soil.

Effects of Vermicompost on Soil and Plant Health and Promoting Sustainable Agriculture

“…For example, in a study by [30] on barley, rates ranging from 0 to 250 t ha −1 were examined, with the highest yield and biomass observed at 250 t ha −1 . The study by [31] found that a combination of 10 t ha −1 VC with mineral fertilizer resulted in the best treatment for wetland rice, considering yield parameters, grain yield, nutrient uptake (except S uptake), and N use efficiency. However, ref.…”

“…It is characterized by high microbial activity and a nutrient-rich composition, including essential elements like N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu (Table 2). These nutrients are readily available and easily absorbed by plants, thanks to the biological effects of the compost, such as increased enzyme activity, beneficial microbial populations, and plant-growth-promoting substances like hormones [31].…”

“…However, while VC and organic manures have numerous benefits, their large-scale application for grain crops faces limitations. Challenges such as high transport costs, elevated application rates, and environmental concerns associated with their use pose difficulties, particularly in developing countries with limited livestock availability and reliance on agricultural waste as fuel [31]. Overcoming these challenges requires exploring potential solutions to ensure VC's overall production and utilization.…”

Vermicompost and bactericide application minimized common bacterial blight development and enhanced nodulation and agronomic performances of bean varieties in Southern Ethiopia

“…The highest nodulation in beans obtained from integrating bean varieties, VC, and three times foliar bactericide sprays at the 7‐ and 14‐day intervals (Table 7) can be attributed to increased nutrient supplementation for plant growth and/or prevention of bacterial pathogens. Multiple studies have also associated improved nodulation in beans with the availability and supply of essential nutrients, like P, S, zinc, and iron, which are required for root development, nodule initiation and development, N‐fixation, and other important metabolic processes in plants (Argaw & Mnalku, 2017; Bezabeh et al., 2021; Hoque et al., 2022).…”

Ảnh hưởng của tăng lượng phân hữu cơ và giảm lượng phân hóa học ảnh hưởng đến sinh trưởng, năng suất và chất lượng quả của dưa chuột (Cucumis sativus L.)

“…Kết quả này phù hợp với nghiên cứu của Chang et al (2008) là khi bón phân đậu tương không làm tăng hàm lượng carbon hữu cơ và lượng N tổng số trong đất so với bón 100% phân vô cơ, trong khi các loại phân hữu cơ khác (phân bò, phân chuồng ủ hoai mục, phân gà) cho các chỉ tiêu này cao hơn rõ rệt. Trong khi đó, phân trùn quế chứa lượng hữu cơ lớn, dinh dưỡng cân bằng, tăng khả năng giữ nước và dinh dưỡng của đất, đồng thời còn chứa các chất điều tiết sinh trưởng như auxins, cytokinins và gibberilin và axit humic (Azarmi et al, 2009;Hoque et al, 2022) Hiệu quả kinh tế từ việc trồng dưa chuột ở các biện pháp bón phân khác nhau được trình bày ở Bảng 6. Kết quả cho thấy chỉ bón phân trùn quế hoặc phân đậu tương ở năm đầu cho doanh thu và lợi nhuận thấp.…”