Effect of vermicompost on growth of scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) saplings

In this thesis study, 1+0-year-old Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) seedlings obtained from the Çankırı Kenbağ Forest Nursery were used. The experiment was conducted in four different growing media [1-Control (70% Soil + 20% Peat + 10% Pumice), 2-SG1 (67.5% Soil + 2.5% Vermicompost + 20% Peat + 10% Pumice), 3-SG2 (65% Soil + 5% Vermicompost + 20% Peat + 10% Pumice), 4-SG3 (60% Soil + 10% Vermicompost + 20% Peat + 10% Pumice)] with 40 repetitions (a total of 160 pots) according to a randomized plots trial design. Trial was established on November 3, 2022, and the dismantling was carried out on October 29, 2022, based on the start and end dates of vegetation. The differences between the initial and final seedling height and the initial and final root collar measurements were found to be statistically insignificant. Additionally, seedling fresh and dry weight and root fresh and dry weight were also found to be statistically insignificant. However, root length, chlorophyll-a, chlorophyll-b, chlorophyll-a+b, carotenoid and leaf relative moisture content were found to be statistically significant. The results revealed that the application of vermicompost to the growing media requires a dosage adjustment. This study will serve as a basis for similar future studies.