Abstract

DURAN-UMANA, Lolita  and  HENRIQUEZ-HENRIQUEZ, Carlos. El vermicompost: su efecto en algunas propiedades del suelo y la respuesta en planta. Agron. Mesoam [online]. 2010, vol.21, n.1, pp.85-93. ISSN 2215-3608.

Effect of vermicompost in some soil properties and plant response. The effect of vermicompost on some soil properties and on plant biomass was studied. In a greenhouse, different proportions of vermicompost (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100%) were mixed with an Andisol and Ultisol soils In 1 l pots, and sorghum seeds were sown four consecutive times during 45 days. From 2003 to 2006 in a field sown with Cynodon nlenfluensis, 25 m² plots were established, in which 0, 10 and 20 t/ha/year of vermicompost were applied. Biomass accumulation and soil properties were evaluated. Vermicompost applied to pots elevated P, Ca, Mg, K and CICE. Although soil pH also increased, exchangeable acidity increased probably as a consequence of hidronium ions released by the organic matter applied. The highest biomass accumulation was reached with a 50% proportion of vermicompost, while higher proportions decreased biomass accumulation. A differential effect due to soil type was observed. In the field, biomass of C. nlenfluensis was not affected by the application of the vermicompost. There was no effect of vermicompost on soil properties, which was probably due to the original properties of the soils tested.

Keywords : Soil fertility; compost.

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