施用蚯蚓粪对杨树苗根际土壤生物学特征的影响

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)处理对一年生欧美I-107杨根际土壤微生物数量、酶活性、根系建造水平及理化性状的影响。结果表明,VC+CF处理有利于协调土壤C/N比,并且化肥的施入补充了土壤中氮的消耗,从而明显提高了根际土壤中微生物数量及脲酶、过氧化氢酶、多酚氧化酶和蔗糖酶活性,其中细菌数量分别比CK,CF和VC处理提高165.99%,67.34%和31.73%,蔗糖酶活性分别提高90.37%,45.31%和32.34%。施用蚯蚓粪有利于杨树苗细根的生长,但对地上部的增长速度显著快于地下部。此外,VC+CF处理使根际土壤pH值明显降低,显著增加了根际土壤中养分离子的有效性。与VC+CF处理相比,VC处理对根际土壤生物学特征的影响较小。因此,蚯蚓粪与化肥配施更好地改善了杨树苗根际区域的微生态环境。     

Changes in nutrient content,enzymatic activities and microbial properties of lateritic soil due to application of different vermicomposts: a comparative study of ergosterol and chitin to determine fungal biomass in soil

In this experiment, vermicomposts, prepared from five different waste materials, were applied to acid lateritic soil under field conditions and soil samples were collected after 90 days to study the effect of vermicomposts on different chemical and biochemical. Results suggest that vermicompost prepared from paddy straw is most effective to improve nutrient content, enzymatic activities and microbial properties of lateritic soil. Vermicompost application significantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased the concentration of organic C, mineralizable N, available P and exchangeable K in soil. Amylase, protease, urease and acid phosphatase activities were also significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher in vermicompost treated soils compared with the control. Both basal and substrate‐induced microbial respiration, microbial biomass C and N and fungal population in lateritic soil were increased due to vermicompost application. Ergosterol and chitin content were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher in vermicompost treated soils over the control. Application of vermicompost increased the proportion of fungal biomass in total soil microorganisms.     

Influence of earthworm culture on fertilization potential and biological activities of vermicomposts prepared from different plant wastes

The present investigation was aimed to analyze influence of earthworm culture on nutritive status, microbial population, and enzymatic activities of composts prepared by utilizing different plant wastes. Vermicomposts were prepared from different types of leaves litter of horticulture and forest plant species by modified vermicomposting process at a farm unit. Initial thermophilic decomposition of waste load using cow‐dung slurry was done in the separate beds. The culture of Eisenia fetida was used for vermicomposting in specially designed vermibeds at the farm unit. The physico‐chemical characteristics, enzyme activities (oxido‐reductases and hydrolases), and microbial population (bacteria, fungi, free‐living nitrogen‐fixing bacteria, actinomycetes, Bacillus, Pseudomonas, phosphate‐solubilizing bacteria and fungi) of vermicomposts were found significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those of control (without earthworm inoculum). The study quantified significant contributions of earthworm culture to physico‐chemical, enzymatic, and microbiological properties of vermicompost and confirmed superior fertilization potential of vermicompost for organic farming. The agronomic utility of vermicompost was assessed on yellow mustard plant in a pot experiment. Pot soil was amended with different ratios (5%, 10%, 20%) of vermicompost and normal compost (without earthworm inoculum). Effects of these amendments on the growth of Brassica comprestis L. were studied. The significant differences (p < 0.05) in the growth of plant were observed among vermicompost‐, compost‐amended soil, and control. Vermicompost increased the root and shoot lengths, numbers of branches and leaves per plant, fresh and dry weights per plant, numbers of pods and flowers, and biochemical properties of plant leaf significantly, especially in 20% amendment. These results proved better fertilization potential of vermicompost over non‐earthworm‐inoculated compost.     

蚯蚓粪与土壤复配比例对基质微生物性状及韭菜生长和品质的影响

【目的】蚯蚓粪是蚯蚓消化有机废弃物产生的均匀颗粒,能够提升土壤肥力,改良土壤结构并促进作物生长。本文初探了蚯蚓粪与土壤的不同配比对基质微生物性状及韭菜生长和品质的影响,为蚯蚓粪的开发利用提供依据。 【方法】2015年4—6月在中国农业大学温室内进行盆栽试验,按蚯蚓粪、土壤质量比 (w/w) 设置4个处理,依次为:0/100% (纯土壤不添加蚯蚓粪,CK);20%/80% (T1);60%/40% (T2);100%/0 (T3)。韭菜收获后,测定了基质养分含量、微生物群落变化、韭菜生物量、可溶性蛋白总量、可溶性糖总量和叶绿素含量。 【结果】1) 随着蚯蚓粪添加比例的增加,基质中的全氮、速效钾和有机质的含量均显著提高;2)蚯蚓粪能显著促进韭菜根系生长,并改善韭菜品质。与对照相比,T1、T2和T3处理中韭菜新根比分别提高5.75%、6.39% 和22.23%;韭菜可溶性蛋白总量提升了1.84～5.97倍,可溶性糖总量提升了1.49～1.60倍 (P < 0.05);3)蚯蚓粪能显著提高基质中的细菌和真菌多样性,并显著增加细菌116、118、130、226、297片段 (P < 0.05),但减少了真菌71、91、153、351片段 (P < 0.05)。 【结论】蚯蚓粪改善了基质的微生物群落结构,提高细菌和真菌的多样性,增加养分有效性,进而促进韭菜生长并改善韭菜品质。蚯蚓粪直接用作基质的效果最好,但从经济角度考虑,蚯蚓粪与土壤按质量百分比20%/80%即可基本达到满意的效果。     

蚯蚓粪配施化肥对玉米根际土壤生物学特征的影响

[目的]探讨蚯蚓粪与化肥配施对玉米根际土壤生物学性状的作用效果,为土壤培肥制度的建立与玉米的合理施肥提供理论依据。[方法]通过大田试验,研究CF(单施化肥)、VC(蚯蚓粪)与VC+CF(蚯蚓粪和化肥各提供50%的氮)等处理对玉米根系分泌物、根际土壤微生物数量、酶活性与腐殖质组成的影响。[结果]同CF处理相比,VC+CF处理显著提高了根系分泌物含量,并明显提高了根际土壤中微生物数量、微生物量碳含量及脲酶、蔗糖酶、过氧化氢酶、中性磷酸酶活性,其中细菌数分别较CK,CF与VC处理提高124.32%,62.99%和15.45%,脲酶活性分别高出44.27%,23.53%和12.50%。此外,VC+CF处理亦显著提高了根际土壤中胡敏酸、富里酸含量和胡/富比。同VC+CF处理相比,VC处理对玉米根际土壤生物学特征的影响较小。[结论]蚯蚓粪与化肥配施能较好地改善玉米根际区域的微生态环境。     

施入~(15)N标记氮肥在长期不同培肥土壤的残留及其利用

采用盆栽试验和短期矿化培养相结合的方法,研究了施入15N标记氮肥(+N)及其与秸秆配施(+1/2N+1/2S)在3种长期(19年)不同培肥土壤(即:No-F,长期不施肥土壤;NPK,长期施用NPK化肥土壤;MNPK,长期有机无机肥配施土壤)中的残留及其矿化和作物吸收特性。结果表明,第一季小麦收获后,+1/2N+1/2S处理下三供试土壤和+N处理下的NPK和MNPK土壤残留肥料氮(残留15N)中有82.6%~95.1%以有机态存,而+N处理下No-F土壤残留15N有47.7%以矿质态存在。经过28 d矿化培养后,与NPK土壤相比,MNPK土壤氮素净矿化量显著增加,增幅为39%~49%;NPK和MNPK土壤残留肥料氮(残留15N)矿化量为1.23~1.90 mg kg-1,占总残留15N的2.78%~5.53%,均显著高于No-F土壤。与+N处理相比,+1/2N+1/2S处理显著提高了3供试土壤氮素净矿化量,但两施肥处理对NPK和MNPK土壤残留15N矿化量无显著影响。+N处理下No-F土壤残留15N的利用率为20%,显著高于NPK(9%)和MNPK(12%)土壤。两种施肥处理下,MNPK土壤残留15N的利用率均显著高于NPK土壤。短期培养期间土壤氮素矿化量和第二季小麦生育期作物吸氮量呈显著性正相关,而残留15N矿化量和第二季小麦吸收残留15N量间无显著性相关关系。长期有机无机配施可以提高土壤残留肥料氮的矿化量及有效性。     

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.     

Impact of organic and inorganic nutrition on soil–plant nutrient balance in arecanut (Areca catechu L.) on a laterite soil

The study assessed the impact of continuous application of vermicompost and chemical fertilizers nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) on arecanut in India. Key parameters examined were biomass production, nutrient uptake, yield, soil fertility and net benefit. Pooled analysis of 8-year data revealed that nutrient application registered significantly higher yield (2585–3331 kg ha^?1) than no nutrition (1827 kg ha^?1). Yields in organic nutrition were around 85% of the yields obtained in inorganic NPK. The concentrations of leaf N and K were significantly higher with NPK than with vermicompost. Vermicompost significantly increased soil organic carbon and the availability of calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn) and copper (Cu), but reduced exchangeable K in soil. The total uptake of K and Ca together contributed positively to 75% variability in total biomass production. Nutrient removal of iron (Fe), P, K and Cu positively influenced the yield with about 81% variability. Biomass partitioning and nutrient uptake pattern are important for fertilization program of arecanut.     

Effects of microbial inoculations on soil chemical,biochemical and microbial biomass carbon of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) growing Vertisols

Cassava is an important subsidiary food in the tropics. In Tamil Nadu, India, microbial cultures were used to eradicate the tuberous root rot of cassava. Hence, an experiment was conducted for two consecutive years to test the effects of coinoculation of microbes on soil properties. The surface soil from the experimental site was analysed for soil available nutrients, soil enzyme activities and microbial biomass carbon. The treatment of Azospirillum with Trichoderma at the 50% recommended N:P₂O₅:K₂O (NPK) rate (50:25:50 kg ha^?1) significantly increased soil available nitrogen (142.81 kg ha^?1) by 72.66% over uninoculated control. There was a significant increase in available phosphorus in soil by the inoculation of AM (arbuscular mycorrhizal) fungi with Trichoderma at the 50% recommended NPK rate (41.04 kg ha^?1) compared to other treatments. The application of Pseudomonas fluorescens with Trichoderma at the 50% recommended NPK rate significantly increased available iron (19.34 µg g^?1) in soil. The treatment of Azospirillum with Trichoderma increased urease enzyme activity at the recommended NPK rate (816.32 μg urea hydrolyzed g^?1 soil h^?1). Soil application of all cultures at the 50% recommended NPK rate significantly increased dehydrogenase activity (88.63 μg TPF g^?1 soil) and β-glucosidase activity (48.82 μg PNP g^?1 soil) in soil. Inoculation of Trichoderma alone at the 50% recommended NPK rate significantly increased microbial biomass carbon (3748.85 μg g^?1 soil). Thus, the microbial inoculations significantly increased soil available nutrient contents, enzyme activities such as urease, dehydrogenase and β-glucosidase activity and microbial biomass carbon by reducing the amount of the required fertilizer.     

Effects of Vermicompost Tea (Aqueous Extract) on Pak Choi Yield,Quality, and on Soil Biological Properties

This study investigated the effects of vermicompost tea (aqueous extract) on yield and chemical quality of pak choi (Brassica rapa cv Bonsai, Chinensis group) grown in three media (two soils and a peat-perlite medium) under two fertilizer regimes (compost and synthetic fertilizer). The impacts of tea application on the chemical and biological properties of the growth media were also investigated. Vermicompost teas were prepared using various extraction methods (non-aerated, aerated, aerated with additives) with 1:10 (v:v) chicken manure-based vermicompost to water dilution and applied weekly at the rate of 200 mL plant^?1 for 4 weeks. Application of vermicompost tea increased plant production, total carotenoids and total glucosinolates in plant tissue. This effect was most prominent under compost fertilization. Total phenolic was lower in vermicompost tea treated plants compared to those treated with only mineral nutrient solution and the water control. Vermicompost tea improved mineral nutrient status of plants and media, and enhanced the biological activity of the media. Variability in yield and chemical quality of plants across treatments was explained largely by variability in tissue N uptake and dry matter accumulation. Dehydrogenase activity and soil respiration of vermicompost tea-treated growth media were approximately 50% higher than untreated media. This study confirmed that vermicompost tea can positively influence plant yield and quality and increase soil biological activity in multiple soil types.     

Effect of Mixing Pine Needles Litters on Soil Biological Properties and Phosphorus Availability in Soil Amended with Fertilizers and Manures

Effect of different manures and pine needles application on soil biological properties and phosphorus availability was evaluated in sandy loam soils. Fertilizers nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK); Sesbania aculeata green manure (GM); farm yard manure (FYM); and vermicompost (VC) were applied alone or in combination with pine needles. Microbial biomass carbon, dehydrogenase, and alkaline phosphatase activity increased significantly due to manures and NPK. Pine needles reduced the microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and dehydrogenase activity in FYM and VC but increased in NPK and GM. Acid phosphatase activities were found to be significantly increased by pine needles application in NPK, FYM, VC, and GM as compared to without pine needles counterparts. No significant differences were found in soil solution phosphorus in manure treated soil due to pine needle application, but phosphorus uptake was reduced significantly in these treatments. Pine needles application clearly influenced the soil biological properties without any perceptible effect on nutrient release from the manures.     

Suppression of tomato hornworm (Manduca quinquemaculata) and cucumber beetles (Acalymma vittatum and Diabotrica undecimpunctata) populations and damage by vermicomposts

The effects of food waste vermicompost on populations of adult striped cucumber beetles (Acalymma vittatum) and spotted cucumber beetles (Diabotrica undecimpunctata) on cucumbers and larval hornworms on tomatoes (Manduca quinquemaculata) were evaluated in both greenhouse and field experiments as well as damage caused. In the field, cucumber and tomato plants were grown, with two different application rates (1.25 and 2.5 t ha⁻¹) of food waste vermicompost or inorganic fertilizer, in a complete randomized block design field experiment. All treatments were balanced for NPK. Field cucumber beetle populations were suppressed significantly on cucumber plants treated with food waste vermicompost at both application rates, compared with those on plants treated only with inorganic fertilizer. In the greenhouse, cucumber and tomato plants were grown in a soil-less medium MetroMix 360 (MM360) substituted with 0%, 20% or 40% food waste vermicompost, and exposed to standardized pest attacks in nylon mesh cages. In the greenhouse, both the 20% and 40% vermicompost substitution rates decreased damage by cucumber beetles to cucumber foliage and hornworms to tomato foliage significantly.     

Effect of Mycorrhiza,Organic Sources,Lime, Secondary and Micro-nutrients on Soil Microbial Activities and Yield Performance of Yam Bean (Pachyrhizus erosus L.) in Alfisols

Effect of integrated use of mycorrhiza, lime, inorganic fertilizers, and organic manures on microbial activities and yield performance of yam bean (Pachyrhizus erosus L.) was studied for two consecutive kharif (rainy) seasons during 2013–14 and 2014–15 in an acid Alfisol. The experiment was laid out with 16 treatments consisting of graded doses of soil test–based nitrogen, phosphors, and potassium (NPK); lime; mycorrhiza; organic sources, that is, farmyard manure (FYM), vermicompost, and green manure; secondary magnesium sulfate (MgSO₄) and micronutrients zinc sulfate (ZnSO₄ and borax). Significantly highest mean tuber yield (29.61 t ha^?1) was recorded due to integrated application of lime + FYM + NPK + ZnSO₄. Graded doses of NPK showed a mean yield response of 65%, 134%, and 191% due to addition of 50%, 100%, and 150% of NPK over control, respectively. Inoculation of vesicular–arbuscular mycorrhiza (VAM) combined with NPK and FYM recorded a mean tuber yield of 25.14 t ha^?1. Highest mean dry matter (18.85%) was recorded due to application of 150% NPK, whereas highest starch content on fresh weight basis was recorded due to integrated use of lime + FYM + NPK + MgSO₄ (11.11%). Application of 150% NPK has recorded highest dehydrogenase activity (2.018 µg TPF h^?1 g^?1) and fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis assay (2.012 µg g^?1 h^?1). Fungal inoculation of VAM in combination with lime + FYM + NPK recorded highest acid and alkaline phosphatase activities (82.20 and 67.02 µg PNP g^?1 soil h^?1, respectively). Soil biological activities and phosphatase activities had highly significant relationship with tuber yield and biochemical constituents of yam bean. The study emphasized the conjunctive use of soil test–based inorganic fertilizers, lime, and organic manures to enhance the enzymatic activities and to realize higher crop yields of yam bean in acid Alfisols.     

Effect of Vermicompost and Chemical Fertilizer on Growth,Herb, Oil Yield,Nutrient Uptake,Soil Fertility,and Oil Quality of Rosemary

Essential oil of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) possesses good olfactory properties and is suitable for use in perfumes, soaps, and fragrances. Field experiments were conducted for 2 years (2003?2005) in an area experiencing a semi-arid tropical climate to study the influence of vermicompost and chemical fertilizer on growth, herb, oil yield, nutrient uptake, soil fertility, and oil quality of rosemary. Results from the experiment revealed that among the seven treatments, the application of vermicompost (8 t ha^?1) + fertilizer nitrogen (N)?phosphorus (P)??potassium (K) (150:25:25 kg ha^?1) produced optimum herbage and oil yield of rosemary compared with control (no fertilizer) and was found to be on par with application of fertilizer NPK 300:50:50 kg ha^?1. Content and quality of oil were not influenced by vermicompost and chemical fertilizers. Furthermore, it was noticed that available N and P were greater in postharvest soils that received vermicompost alone or in combination with inorganic fertilizers than control (no fertilizer) and inorganic fertilizer?treated soil. This study indicates that combined application of vermicompost and chemical fertilizer helps to increase crop productivity and sustain the soil fertility.     

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.     

Short-term effects of organic and inorganic fertilizers on soil microbial community structure and function

A field study was carried out to analyze the short-term impacts of replacing mineral by organic fertilizers on the microbial and biochemical parameters relevant for soil fertility and crop yield. Three types of fertilization regimes were compared: (1) conventional fertilizer regime with inorganic fertilizer, and combined integrated fertilizer regimes in which 25 % of the nutrients were supplied by either (2) rabbit manure or (3) vermicompost. The effects on microbial community structure and function (phospholipid fatty acid [PLFA] profiles, bacterial growth, fungal growth, basal respiration, β-glucosidase, protease and phosphomonoesterase activities), soil biochemical properties (total C, dissolved organic carbon [DOC], N-NH₄ ⁺, N-NO₃ ^?, PO₄, total K) and crop yield were investigated in the samples collected from the experimental soil at harvest, 3 months after addition of fertilizer. The integrated fertilizer regimes stimulated microbial growth, altered the structure of soil microbial community and increased enzyme activity relative to inorganic fertilization. Bacterial growth was particularly influenced by the type of fertilizer regime supplied, while fungal growth only responded to the amount of fertilizer provided. The use of manure produced a fast increase in the abundance of PLFA biomarkers for Gram-negative bacteria as compared to inorganic fertilizer. Nutrient supply and crop yield with organic fertilizers were maintained at similar levels to those obtained with inorganic fertilizer. The effects of the organic amendments were observed even when they involved a small portion of the total amount of nutrients supplied; thereby confirming that some of the beneficial effects of integrated fertilizer strategies may occur in the short term.     

Influence of cow manure vermicompost on the growth, metabolite contents, and antioxidant activities of Chinese cabbage (Brassica campestris ssp. chinensis)

The effects of cow manure vermicompost on plant growth, metabolite contents, and antioxidant activities of Chinese cabbage were investigated in pot cultures. Five treatments were designed by mixing vermicompost and soil at ratio of 0:7, 1:7, 2:7, 4:7, 7:0 (w/w). Marketable weight of Chinese cabbage was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the 2:1 treatment than in the other treatments, while plants grown in the full soil treatment (0:7) showed the lowest marketable weight (Fig. 1a). Vermicompost application significantly increased the nutrient content of Chinese cabbage leaves (p < 0.05), especially in the 4:7 treatment, with increases in the contents of soluble sugar (Fig. 2a), soluble protein (Fig. 2b), vitamin C (Fig. 3a), total phenols (Fig. 3b), and total flavonoids (Fig. 3c) by 62%, 18%, 200%, 25%, and 17% compared to the full soil treatment, respectively. The antioxidant activities expressed by 2, 2-Dipenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl-scavenging activity (Fig. 4a), hydroxyl (OH)-scavenging activity (Fig. 4b), and iron (Fe²⁺)-chelating activity (Fig. 4c) were higher by 92%, 40%, and 36% in the 4:7 than 0:7 the treatment, respectively. Vermicompost application significantly increased (p < 0.05) the plant contents of 16 essential amino acids (Table 1); the total amino acid content showed the greatest increase in the 4:7 treatment, 90% compared to the full soil treatment.     

Effect of Vermicompost on Growth,Essential Oil,and Health of Thymus Vulgaris

In this study, the effect of various vermicompost substitutions (0, 25, 50, and 75%) was investigated on germination, growth and development, photosynthetic parameters, the essential oil content, and disease resistance of Thymus vulgaris. Results showed that 25% vermicompost substitution promoted the best seedling emergence indices, whereas maximum length, fresh and dry weight of aerial parts and root, chlorophyll and carotenoid contents, photosynthetic efficiency, and the highest essential oil content were observed in 50% vermicompost substitution. Vermicompost was an effective biocontrol agent against Fusarium oxysporum and Phytophthora infestans. Suppression of pathogens by vermicompost was enhanced progressively with increasing rates of substitution of vermicompost, and the highest suppression obtained in 75% vermicompost substitution. The disease protection correlated to development of activities of defense-related enzymes including β-1,3-glucanase, phenylalanine ammonialyase, polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase, and total phenolics content. These results suggest the potential of vermicompost in promoting of plant yield as well as inducing systemic resistance in Thymus vulgaris.     

Vermicompost improves microbial functions of soil with continuous tomato cropping in a greenhouse

Purpose

At present, the improvement of soil microbial function by the application of vermicompost in long-term monoculture system is rarely reported. We took advantage of a greenhouse pot experiment that examined the effects of vermicompost on soil microbial properties, enzyme activities, and tomato yield.

Materials and methods

Three soils subjected to 0, 5, and 20 years of continuous tomato cropping in a greenhouse were collected for a pot experiment. Treatments include chemical fertilizer (CF), vermicompost (VM), and poultry manure compost (PM). No fertilization was established as a control (CK). Biolog Eco microplates were used to measure soil microbial function.

Results and discussion

The results showed that compared to the CF and PM treatments, the VM treatment increased the abundances of bacteria (Bac, average 41% and 103%, respectively) and actinomycetes (Act, average 8.59% and 16.36%, respectively), while decreased the abundance of fungi (Fun, average 39% and 29%, respectively), and had the highest ratio of bacteria to fungi. Soil microbial activity, which was represented as the average well color development (AWCD), and microbial functional diversity were higher in the VM treatment than in the CF and PM treatments. The VM treatment led to greater improvement in soil health than the PM treatment, which expressed as the higher utilization of carboxylic acids and phenolic compounds in each type of soil. Catalase (Cat) and polyphenoloxidase (Ppo) activities in the VM treatment were significantly higher than those in the CF and PM treatments. We also found that the soil Cat activity, pH, available P, acid phosphatase (Pac) activity, and Ppo activity were important contributors to variation in the microbial population. Moreover, compared to CK, fruit yield in the VM treatment increased by 74%, 43%, and 28% in soils subjected to 0, 5, and 20 years of planting, respectively.

Conclusions

Our findings indicated that vermicompost can replace poultry manure compost to improve soil quality in greenhouse due to the ability of vermicompost to improve soil microbial functions.

     

鸡粪与化肥不同配比对杨树苗根际土壤酶和微生物量碳、氮变化的影响

为比较鸡粪有机肥与化肥以不同比例配施对杨树苗根际土壤环境的作用效果,通过盆栽试验,研究了N100（尿素提供100%的氮）、 M10N90（鸡粪和尿素分别提供10%和90%的氮)、 M30N70（鸡粪和尿素分别提供30%和70%的氮）和M50N50（鸡粪和尿素各提供50%的氮）等处理对一年生杨树苗根际土壤酶活性、 微生物量碳（SMBC）和微生物量氮（SMBN）的影响。结果表明, 同N100处理相比,M30N70处理的杨树苗根际土壤脲酶、 碱性磷酸酶、 过氧化氢酶和蔗糖酶活性分别提高14.41%~26.49%、 13.87%~27.93%、 12.07%~27.08%和29.17%~46.43%; 根际SMBC、 SMBN含量分别提高63.00%~76.62%、 40.01%~90.38%。在杨树苗的年生长过程中,根际土壤脲酶、 碱性磷酸酶、 过氧化氢酶和蔗糖酶活性均在施肥后120 d 最高; 而根际SMBC和SMBN含量分别在施肥后90 d和30 d达到最大值。随着杨树苗的生长发育,SMBN含量逐渐降低,而在落叶期有一定的回升。与M30N70处理相比,M10N90和M50N50处理对杨树苗根际土壤酶和微生物量碳、 氮的影响较小。综合分析认为,鸡粪有机肥与化肥以3∶7比例配施对杨树苗根际区域生态环境的改善效果最佳。