Influence of vermicompost on soil chemical and physical properties in tomato (<i>Lycopersicum esculentum</i>) field

Abstract

In this study, the effects of vermicompost on soil chemical and physical properties was evaluated in tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum var Super Beta) field. The experiment was arranged in a randomized
complete block design with four replications. Different amounts of vermicompost (0, 5, 10, 15 t ha-1) were incorporated into the top 15 cm of soil. The soil sampling and measurements carried out 3 months
after the application of vermicomost in soil and the soil samples were collected from depth of 15 cm.  The results showed that addition of vermicompost at rate of 15 t ha-1 significantly (P < 0.05) increased
contents of soil total organic carbon, total N, P, K, Ca, Zn and Mn substantially compared with control plots. The soils treated with vermicompost had significantly more EC in comparison to unamended
plots. The addition of vermicompost in soil resulted in decrease of soil pH. The physical properties such as bulk density and total porosity in soil amended with vermicompost were improved. The results
of this experiment revealed that addition of vermicompost had significant (P < 0.05) positive effects on the soil chemical, physical properties.