Effects of vermicompost and urea fertilizers on qualitative and quantitative characteristics of Vetiveria zizanioides stapf. grown under drought stress conditions

The use of vermicompost as a bio-fertilizer and urea (as chemical fertilizer) under drought stress conditions was tested in this research. Accordingly, a pot experiment was carried out and the seedlings of vetivergrass (Vetiveriazizanioides stapf.) were grown in the greenhouse at Malayer University. The experiment was conducted based on factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design using five replications. Irrigation levels included field capacity (FC) (as control), 60% FC and 30% FC. Vermicompost applications included zero (as control), 40, and 60% which were expressed as VC1, VC2, and VC3. Urea application levels included zero (0), 100, or 200 mg per kg per pot which were expressed as U1, U2, and U3, respectively. The highest and the lowest values of total protein contents (μMg-1 fresh weight (FW)), calcium and magnesium concentrations (mg g^?1 dry weight (DW)), and survival capacity (%) of the vetivergrass were found in the FC × VC3 × U3 and 30% FC × VC1 × U1 treatments, respectively, whereas the maximum and the minimum values of essential oil contents (%) were seen in the 60% FC × VC3 × U3 and FC × VC1 × U1 treatments, respectively. A different trend was seen in the changes of total chlorophyll content (%) values and the highest and the lowest values were found in the 60% FC × VC3 × U3 and 30% FC × VC1 × U1 treatments, respectively. However, the root dry weight increased significantly as the soil moisture content, percentage of vermicompost, or urea addition decreased.     

Evaluation of vermicompost fertilizer application on growth,nutrient uptake and photosynthetic pigments of lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) under moisture deficiency conditions

Vermicompost can play an effective role in plant growth and also in reducing harmful effects of various environmental stresses on plants due to its porous structure, high-water storage, having hormone-like substances and also high levels of macro and micro nutrients. Application of vermicompost in soil, especially at the levels of 15 and 25 Wt% significantly increased all studied traits under non-stress conditions. Under temperate and severe stress conditions, vermicompost at 25 Wt% treatment resulted in a significant increase in plant height (+10% +21%), number of pod (+44% +65%), root dry weight (+63% +66%), shoot dry weight (+50% +89%), leaf area (+6% +7%), root area (+65% +35%). The leaf calcium (Ca) (+62% +67%), leaf potassium (K) (+39% +45%) and root Ca (+33% +34%) under temperate and severe stress, increased using of 25% vermicompost. In conclusion, we suggested that application of vermicompost had a positive effect on lentil under moisture deficit stress.     

蚯蚓粪对杨树幼苗根系特性及氮素利用率的影响

通过盆栽试验,研究了CF(单施化肥)、VC(蚯蚓粪)和VC+CF(蚯蚓粪和化肥各提供50%的氮)等处理对一年生欧美I—107杨根系形态特征、根系吸收面积及氮素利用率的影响。结果表明,与CF处理相比,VC+CF处理显著提高了杨树幼苗的根系总根长、比根长、根系表面积、根系体积和根尖数,而根系直径却明显降低,其中根系总根长分别比CK,CF和VC处理提高161.70%,52.80%和14.79%;同时,VC+CF处理还显著提高了根系总吸收面积、活跃吸收面积和根、茎、叶干物质量以及氮、磷、钾养分吸收量,并且使氮素利用率达到59.07%,分别比CF和VC处理提高57.35%和27.09%。此外,施肥对杨树幼苗地上部的增长速度明显快于根系。同VC+CF处理相比,VC处理对杨树苗根系形态特征、根系吸收面积及氮素利用率的影响较小。综合分析认为,蚯蚓粪与化肥配施对杨树幼苗的根系特性改善和养分吸收作用效果最佳。     

Growth,Survival, Protein Content,and Phytoremediation Potency of Various Rangeland Plant Species (Medicago polymorpha L., Medicago rigidula L., and Onobrychis sativa L.) Grown in Vermicompost-Containing Potting Media

A pot experiment based on completely randomized factorial arrangement design with four replications was conducted under greenhouse condition at Malayer University, Malayer, Iran. Pots contained a mixture of soil and different concentrations (0% and 60% w/w) of vermicompost. Plants were exposed to three lead nitrate concentrations: 0, 4, and 8 mM. Based on the results of this research, shoot height and root length of the studied plants significantly decreased with increased lead concentrations in all vermicompost application levels. Generally, plants exposed to lower levels of lead and vermicompost application had higher root:shoot ratio. The survival capacity of all the studied plants was significantly reduced with increased lead concentrations, but increased with increased vermicompost application level. The total protein content increased with decrease in lead nitrate concentration, but decreased with decrease in vermicompost application. Generally, translocation factor increased significantly as vermicompost application rate increased. The highest root concentration factor of lead was found in V1×Pb2 as compared to the other treatment levels. Generally, tolerance index values of all the studied plants were significantly higher in the lower lead concentration treatments.     

Influence of Biofertilizers and Phosphate Sources on the Phosphorus Uptake of Lettuce and Chemical Forms of Phosphorus in Soil

A greenhouse experiment was conducted with a factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design with three replications. Treatments consisted of two levels of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) (Pseudomonas fluorescens) (with and without inoculation), two levels of vermicompost (0 and 1% w/w), and four phosphate (P) sources (control, rock phosphate powder (RP), tricalcium phosphate (TCP), and triple super phosphate (SP) at 25 mg P kg^?1 level). Co-application of PGPR and RP in non-vermicompost treatments significantly increased shoot fresh weight, shoot dry matter yield, shoot P uptake, soil Ca₂-P concentration, but it significantly decreased soil Ca₈-P and Ca₁₀-P concentrations. The maximum shoot P uptake was obtained in combined application of RP with vermicompost which had no significant difference with the co-application of SP with vermicompost in bacterial and non-bacterial treatments. There was a negative correlation coefficient between shoot P concentration and chemical forms of phosphorus. It may be concluded that application of biofertilizers changed the chemical forms of inorganic phosphorus and increased P uptake by plant.     

Influence of Rooting Media on Chrysopogon Zizanioides (L.) Roberty

The present study was carried out to find the influence of some organic materials on the optimum biomass production of Chrysopogon zizanioides (L.) Roberty (Vetiver) using soil (S), vermicompost (VC), cow dung (CD) and coir pith (CP) at different ratios. The final day results showed that the ideal combination for the growth of the Vetiver is 1:1:1:1 v/v ratio of VC/CD/CP/S. The pH, electrical conductivity (EC), nitrogen (N)- phosphorus (P)- potassium (K), organic carbon (OC), and carbon (C)/N ratio showed in 1:1:1:1 v/v ratio of (VC/CD/CP/S), on 120th day were 7.3, 0.38 dS m^?1, 1.36%, 0.11%, 8.7%, 20.5% and C/N ratio is 15:1. The root and shoot length, fresh weight, dry weight, number of culms, and total chlorophyll content of Chrysopogon zizanioides were 65cm, 197 cm, 312 g, 104.4 g, 36 culms/plant and 40.57 mg/g at 1:1:1:1 v/v ratio of (VC/CD/CP/S) treatment and compared to control sets, the increasing ratio were 6:1, 3:1, 12:1, 12:1, 3:1, 2:1 respectively.     

Effects of Vermicompost and Vermiwash on Plant,Phenolic Content,and Anti-oxidant Activity of Mexican Pepperleaf (Piper auritum Kunth) Cultivated in Phosphate Rock Potting Media

The aim of this investigation was to determine the effect of vermicompost, vermiwash, and phosphate rock on plant, total phenols, flavonoids, and anti-oxidant activity in Piper auritum Kunth leaves. P. auritum plants were obtained from cuttings and were planted according to the Box-Behnken experimental design with three repetitions at the central point. The factors and levels were vermicompost (10, 20, and 30 g plant^?1), vermiwash (5, 10, and 15 mL plant^?1), and phosphate rock (1, 2, and 3 g plant^?1). Plant growth parameters (plant height, stem diameter, leaves number) and chlorophyll content were measured 1 month after treatment applications. Total phenols, total flavonoids, and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl radical scavenging activity was measured after 4 months. Vermicompost, vermiwash, and phosphate rock had no statistically significant effect on plant growth. Plant height, stem diameter, leaves number, chlorophyll, innermost number, fresh weight stem, fresh weight leaves, fresh weight root, dry weight stem, dry weight leaves, and dry weight root were not different among treatments. Total phenolic compounds were statistically affected for both vermiwash and phosphoric rock (p < 0.05) and the anti-oxidant activity decreased by vermicompost addition. The application of 15 mL plant^?1 vermiwash, 1 g phosphate rock, and 20 g vermicompost plant^?1 increased the total phenol content.     

Effect of PGPR,Phosphate sources and vermicompost on growth and nutrients uptake by lettuce in a calcareous soil

In order to study the effect of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), vermicompost and phosphate sources on the growth and nutrients uptake by lettuce, a greenhouse experiments was conducted. Treatments consisted of PGPR (Pseudomonas fluorescens) (with and without inoculation), vermicompost (0 and 1% w/w) and phosphate sources (control, rock phosphate (RP), tricalcium phosphate and triple super phosphate (TSP) at 25 mg P kg^?1 level). Biological fertilizers, RP and TSP significantly increased shoot dry matter (SDM) and some measured nutrients uptake. Co-application of PGPR and RP, in non-vermicompost treatments significantly increased SDM, shoot nitrogen, phosphorus (P), potassium, zinc and manganese uptake rates. Shoot P uptake had no significant difference between TSP and RP treatments. Co-application of PGPR, vermicompost and TSP significantly decreased SDM, which may be due to the P toxic levels in the plant aerial parts and/or the inhibition of the bacterial activities in the rhizosphere soil.     

Influence of Vermicompost Fertilizer and Water Deficit Stress on Morpho-Physiological Features of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L. cv. karaj)

One goal in the face of deficit water conditions is to increase growth and yield. Agro-industrial production frequently causes environmental pollution by using chemical fertilizers. In recent decades, bio-fertilizers such as vermicompost have been used as a safe alternative to chemical fertilizer. The present study considered the response of the chickpea to different combinations of vermicompost and water deficit stress in a greenhouse environment. Plant response was determined by measuring a range of morpho-physiologic parameters. The treatments were addition of 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30% of vermicompost to soil, and water deficit stress at the following levels: non-stress (100% of field capacity), moderate water stress (75% of field capacity), and severe water stress (25% of field capacity). The results showed that vermicompost had a significant effect on all traits under stress and non-stress conditions. The vermicompost treatments under non-stress conditions significantly increased plant height, number of pods, leaf area, stem and leaf dry weight, pod dry weight, chlorophyll a, carotenoid, total chlorophyll content, CO₂ assimilation rate, internal CO₂ concentration, and water-use efficiency over that of the control condition. The addition of 30% vermicompost under moderate and severe water stress conditions significantly increased plant height, number of pods, leaf area, leaf dry weight, carotenoids, and water-use efficiency over that of the control level. This study confirmed that vermicompost improved the morphological features, soil biological activity, and quality of the chickpea, but did not positively influence the physiological features under moderate and severe water deficit stress.     

OPTIMIZATION OF VERMICOMPOST AND WORM-BED LEACHATE FOR THE ORGANIC CULTIVATION OF RADISH

Vermicompost and worm-bed leachate (WBL) are two products obtained from vermicomposting. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different combinations of vermicompost and WBL on cultivating radish (Raphanus sativus L.). A multilevel factorial design with 25 treatments was used to investigate the effect of vermicompost at 0, 10, 20, 30, or 40% and WBL at 0, 10, 20, 30, or 40% on germination and growth parameters. A maximum seed germination of 54%, number of leaves (2.8), and plant height (8.6 cm) were obtained with 10% vermicompost and 10% WBL. A maximum shoot (7.0 g) and root (7.3 g) dry weight was obtained with 10% vermicompost and 15% WBL. Vermicompost and worm-bed leachate have an inhibitory effect at higher concentrations on seed germination and plant growth. These inhibitory effects might be due to increased salt concentrations, pH or auxin-like effects of humic and fulvic acids.     

蚯蚓肥对温室番茄植株抗氧化能力的影响

研究蚯蚓肥对温室番茄植株体内抗氧化能力的调节作用,为提高设施栽培条件下蔬菜抗病、抗逆能力提供理论依据和技术支撑。温室内盆栽试验,设置对照（CK）、化肥（CF）、牛粪（CM）和蚯蚓肥（EM）4个处理。观测植株表型性状（株高、茎粗、SPAD值和叶面积）,并分别于番茄定植后25 d、50 d和75 d采集植株功能叶片和根系,测定防御酶活性（过氧化氢酶,CAT;过氧化物酶,POD;多酚氧化酶,PPO和超氧化物歧化酶,SOD）、根系活力及丙二醛含量（MDA）。结果表明:（1）蚯蚓肥可显著增加番茄叶面积和根系活力,对株高、茎粗、根系鲜重和叶片SPAD值以及根系丙二醛含量无显著影响;随生育期的延长,蚯蚓肥处理的根冠比呈上升趋势。（2）根系和叶片防御酶活性变化趋势相似,随生育期的延长,CAT活性呈下降趋势,POD活性呈上升趋势,PPO和SOD活性呈先升高后下降趋势。蚯蚓肥可提高番茄的CAT和POD活性,EM处理较其它处理增加21.63% ~ 511.2%;EM处理的PPO活性较CM处理增加54.6% ~ 163.9%,CF处理较CM和EM处理的SOD活性降低23.32% ~ 91.67%。（3）相关性分析表明,番茄叶面积与根系POD活性呈极显著正相关,根系活力与叶片POD呈极显著正相关,根系POD与叶片POD、PPO和SOD呈极显著正相关。设施蔬菜生产中适量施用蚯蚓肥,在促进作物生长发育的同时,可提高番茄植株的抗氧化能力,增强作物的抗逆性和抗病性,为作物高产和病虫害绿色防治奠定基础。     

The effect of sawdust vermicompost extract on Syngonium podophyllum growth and nutrition

This study investigated the effects of four concentrations (0, 250, 500 and 1000?ppm) of a sawdust vermicompost extract on the growth and nutrition of Syngonium podophyllum. The extract, which was prepared using non-aerated extraction methods with a 1:10 (v: v) ratio of sawdust vermicompost to water, was sprayed three times on the Syngonium plants. Extract improved the mineral nutrient status of the plants. When the vermicompost extract was sprayed on the Syngonium plants, they showed significant growth. Germination tests did not show that vermicompost extracts would cause any potential damage to the plants. The spray containing the 1000?ppm extract had a great effect on Syngonium growth. Plants grown in pots and treated with the 1000?ppm vermicompost extract exhibited higher height, leaf area, chlorophyll, shoot fresh weight, and shoot dry weight than plants receiving control treatments. This study confirmed that sawdust vermicompost extract positively affects Syngonium plant growth.     

Organic amendments and urea nitrogen effects the growth and nutrient content of fenugreek (Trigonella foenumgraecum) and goat pea (Securigera securidaca)

Abstract

In Iran, the recent spike in herbal medicines has led to a corresponding price increase. Therefore, these montane species are now widely field cultivated. Medicinal plant consumers strongly prefer organically grown plants, and farmers are responding to this market. However, the effects of organic amendments on medicinal plant nutrient content and yield have been poorly studied. Therefore, this study measured the effects of different organic treatments on the growth of fenugreek and goat pea. Plants were grown to compare the effects of composted municipal waste (CMW), vermicompost (VC), and urea nitrogen (N) to untreated field soil (C0). Germination percentage was significantly higher in urea N (76.5%), CMW (75.5%), and VC (51.6%) compared to C0 (36.3%). Fenugreek performed better in organic amendment treatments than goat pea. Urea N also increased fenugreek plant dry matter significantly compared to C0, but this increment was not as high as CMW or VC. Plants grown in VC had higher whole plant N content (3.2%) than those grown in CMW (2.8%) and plants grown in urea N (2.6%). Plants treated with CMW (8613?mg kg^?1) and VC (8503?mg kg^?1) had a significantly higher P content than those treated with N (7430?mg kg^?1) or C0 control grown (7236?mg kg^?1). Application of VC significantly increased plant K content (2483?mg kg^?1) compared to CMW (1850?mg kg^?1), N (1750?mg kg^?1), and C0 control (1716?mg kg^?1). Even without fertilization, both plant species contained a considerable amount of micronutrient elements.     

Effects of Salinity and Copper on Growth and Chemical Composition of Pistachio Seedlings

The effects of five salinity levels and four copper levels on growth and chemical composition of ‘Ghazvini, pistachio seedlings were studied under greenhouse conditions in a completely randomized design with three replications. Leaf area, stem height, shoot and root dry weights were determined on 24th week after planting. Copper (Cu), phosphorus (P), sodium (Na), and chlorine (Cl) total uptake in shoot and root of plant were measured. The results showed that salinity decreased growth parameters. Low levels of Cu application had no significant effect on leaf area, shoot and root dry weights while decreased stem height. The highest level of Cu (7.5 mg Cu kg^?1 soil) significantly increased leaf area and shoot dry weight but decreased stem height. Salinity decreased Cu and P uptake in the shoot and root, but increased total sodium and chloride uptake. Cu application increased shoot total P uptake and decreased root total Na uptake.     

Response of baru (Dipteryx alata Vog.) seedlings to liming and NPK application

The definition of nitrogen doses for baru species becomes necessary because each forest species responds differently to nitrogen fertilization. The aim of this study was to evaluate baru seedlings' response to nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) fertilization and liming. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse in a randomized blocks design, arranged in a 5 × 2 factorial scheme, being the factors consisted of five doses of nitrogen in covering (0, 75, 150, 225, and 300 mg dm^?3) and substrate with and without limestone and PK, with four replications. At 60 days after transplanting, the plant height, stem diameter, number of leaflets, leaf area, shoot dry mass, chlorophyll content, N content in the leaves, root length, root volume, root dry mass, height/stem diameter ratio, shoot dry mass/root dry mass ratio, and Dickson quality index were evaluated. The substrate with liming influences positively the root dry mass. Nitrogen and PK fertilization promote increase in the relative chlorophyll content and N concentration in the leaves.     

Vermicompost from municipal sewage sludge affects growth and mineral nutrition of winter rye (Secale cereale) plants

The aim of the study was to investigate sewage sludge vermicompost application effects on growth and mineral nutrition of winter rye (Secale cereale L.) plants as compared to two initial levels of mineral nutrient availability, pure sand and sand enriched with inorganic nutrients at the optimal level. Addition of sewage sludge vermicompost significantly inhibited rye seed germination at 20 to 50% sand substitution independently on mineral nutrient supplement. Growth inhibition was evident at early stages of plant development. However, at the later stages, sewage sludge vermicompost acted both as mineral fertilizer and plant growth-promoting agent. Significant stimulation of mineral uptake was seen only at high rates of vermicompost substitution (40 and 50%) already causing decrease in shoot dry matter accumulation. Vermicompost substitution resulted in a significant increase of leaf chlorophyll content. Beneficial effect of sewage sludge vermicompost in conditions of optimal mineral supply can result mainly from plant growth-promoting activity.     

Rice Genotype Responses to Acetate to Improve No‐Tillage and Minimal‐Tillage Systems

The goal of this work was to evaluate the response of 25 rice genotypes to the toxic effect of acetate, which is commonly produced in low‐drainage and organic‐matter‐rich soils. The work was performed in hydroponics with four acetate doses. The experimental design was random blocks with three replications on a factorial scheme. The variables root (RL) and shoot (SL) length, number of roots (NR), and root (RDM) and shoot (SDM) dry matter were measured. Analyses of variance, relative performance, and regression adjustments were used. Only the dose × genotype interaction effect for SL, NR, and SDM were not significant. Among the variables analyzed, RL was influenced the most by the acetate treatments. The regressions established for this variable revealed 6 tolerant and 19 sensitive genotypes. Most of the tolerant genotypes were irrigated japonica.     

钾、镁交互作用对橡胶幼苗生长及养分吸收的影响

  【目的】  我国植胶区砖红壤钾、镁缺乏现象日益突出，研究钾、镁缺乏对橡胶幼苗根系形态和养分吸收的影响，可为橡胶平衡施肥和优质高产栽培提供理论依据。  【方法】  选用‘热研7-33-97’橡胶 (Hevea brasiliensis) 幼苗为研究材料，在人工气候箱内用营养液培养。采用二因素二水平的析因试验设计，设置4个处理:对照 (CK)、缺钾 (–K)、缺镁 (–Mg) 和缺钾镁 (–K-Mg)，培养3个月后，取样测定橡胶幼苗干物质量、根系构型参数、根系活力和养分含量等指标。  【结果】  1) 与CK相比，–K和–K-Mg处理显著降低了单株干物质量和根冠比，干物质量降幅分别为8.4%和27.5%，根冠比降幅分别为20.4%和26.9%，而–Mg处理对干物质量和根冠比均无显著影响；K、Mg交互作用对茎干、根和单株干物质量及根冠比均有显著影响 (P < 0.05)。2) 与CK相比，各缺素处理均显著降低了橡胶幼苗吸收根 (直径 < 2 mm) 的根长、根表面积、根体积、总根尖数及根系活力等根系构型参数，而不同程度增加了平均根粗。方差分析结果表明，K、Mg交互作用对吸收根的根长、根表面积、根体积及总根尖数有极显著影响 (P < 0.01)。3) 各处理下氮和镁、磷和钾以及钙分别在叶片、根系以及茎皮中的平均分配比例高于其他器官。各缺素处理下，地上部的养分占比呈增加趋势。4) 与CK相比，–K处理显著增加了橡胶幼苗单株氮、磷和镁的积累，–K-Mg处理则显著降低了单株氮积累，各缺素处理均显著增加了单株钙的积累；K、Mg交互作用对氮、磷、钙和镁的积累有显著或极显著影响。  【结论】  钾、镁营养显著影响橡胶幼苗对养分的吸收，缺钾、缺镁显著抑制橡胶幼苗特别是根系的生长发育，同时缺钾缺镁加重抑制效果。因此，橡胶生产上不仅要保证培养基质或土壤的矿质营养充足，还要重视钾、镁元素间平衡关系。     

Bioorganic Nutrient Source Effect on Growth,Biomass, and Quality of Natural Sweetener Plant Stevia and Soil Fertility in the Western Himalayas

The effects of bioorganic nutrients on stevia were studied during 2011 and 2012 at Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur, India. Bioorganic nutrient sources were evaluated in fourteen treatment combinations. Results showed that number of leaves plant^?1, leaf area plant^?1, and fresh and dry leaf biomass plant^?1 were significantly greater with the application of farmyard manure (FYM) 15 Mg ha^?1 + vermicompost (VC) 5 Mg ha^?1 + stevia seedlings treated with phosphorus-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) and azotobacter as compared to the control but plant height and the number of branches were not significantly affected by various treatments. This superior combination also resulted in considerably greater amounts of phosphorus (P) in stem (1.18 percent) and potassium (K) in leaf (2.39 percent). Stevia plants supplied with VC 7.5 Mg ha^?1 + stevia seedlings treated with PSB and azotobacter recorded greater stevioside (7.2 percent) and total steviol glycoside (8.4 percent). Application of organic manures in combination with biofertilizers enhanced soil organic carbon and available nutrient status of soil as compared to control.     

Variation of morpho-physiological traits in geographically diverse pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp] germplasm under different phosphorus conditions

Genotypic variation for morpho-physiological parameters, phosphorus (P) content and root acid phosphatase activity was studied in 52 pigeonpea genotypes. Data related to shoot (length, dry weight, number of leaves, and leaf area), root (volume, length, dry weight, area, perimeter, and number of root tips), acid phosphatase activity, and P content (root, stem, and leaf) were recorded at 60 days after sowing (DAS). The P use efficient genotypes showed high root length, root area, root perimeter, root dry weight, P content in leaves, and root to shoot dry weight ratio under the P not added condition. Significant variation was found among genotypes for root- and shoot-associated characteristics under both P treatments. The P use efficient genotypes with improved root morphological phenes have potential to acquire and utilize more P from immobile soil bound P sources may be of additional factor for increasing efficiency of acquisition and utilization of supplied P fertilizer.