Vermicompost Influences Soil P Pools and Available N—Effect of Placement and Combination with Inorganic Fertiliser

Abstract

Compost application can increase plant nutrient availability. But the effect of compost on nutrient availability may depend on a number of factors. In this study, the effect of application method (mulch layer or mixed into the soil) and combination with inorganic fertiliser on soil P pools and available N was investigated. Soil was filled in microcosm with six treatments, including control, vermicompost layer with or without fertilisers (CL, CL/F), bulk soil mixed with inorganic fertiliser alone (F), vermicompost alone (CM) and both of inorganic fertiliser and vermicompost (CM/F). The microcosms were incubated in the dark for 3 weeks. Citrate P, HCl P and resin P were the highest in F, but MBP was higher in CM and CM/F. Citrate P and HCl P were about three-and six-fold higher in CM and CM/F than in CL and CL/F. Available N was the highest in CL/F and 20% higher in CL than in CM. Vermicompost mixed into soil slightly increased soil nutrient availability compared to unamended soil but had little effect when placed on the soil surface. Vermicompost mixed into soil with inorganic N and P could be used to minimise loss of N and P after inorganic fertiliser addition and thereby provide a longer-lasting nutrient supply for plants.

Changes in Growth, Physiology, and Fatty Acid Profile of Rapeseed Cultivars Treated with Vermicompost Under Drought Stress

“…VC due to its high potential in water holding and the improvement in physical and chemical properties of soil creates the desirable conditions to uptake essential nutrients by roots, which results in higher photosynthesis rate, and in turn improves plant height and silique number (Houshmandfar et al 2019). Li et al (2019) indicated that VC can improve plant growth by reducing water loss and soil erosion. Similarly, de Fátima Esteves et al (2020) showed the increased nutrients content in maize, millet, and sorghum with VC application, because VC is known to increase soil fertility by increasing the availability of macronutrients of P, K, Ca, and Mg.…”

The Contribution of Soil Tillage and Nitrogen Rate to the Quality of Maize Grain

“…The most important contribution to increased N use efficiency can be achieved through progress in breeding [14]. Compared with genetic improvement, agronomic management can more strongly influence N use efficiency through the right source, time, place and rate of fertiliser application [15,16]. The evidence showed that kilogram of maize grain yield per kilogram of N applied as a fertiliser was 54.6 in the EU, while the average amount of N applied per ha was 123 kg; however this ratio was 60.2 (163 N kg ha −1 ) in the USA, and even 87.2 (76 N kg ha −1 ) in Argentina [17].…”

Effect of basalt rock powder associated with different substrates on the initial development of aroeira seedlings (Myracrodruon urundeuva)

“…The authors concluded that just adding humus is not enough to produce a differential growth in plants, due to nutrient immobilization in soil OM. Li et al (2019) observed that vermicompost mixed into soil slightly increased soil nutrient availability compared to unamended soil but had little effect when placed on the soil surface. Vermicompost mixed into soil with inorganic N and P could be used to minimize the loss of N and P after the addition of inorganic fertilizer and thereby provide a longer-lasting nutrient supply for plants.…”