Effects of vermicompost applications on growth and phosphorus uptake of maize plants

Vermicompost is the name given to organic material in which virtually any organic waste is converted into a useful fertilizer and effective soil conditioner. Chemical substances that have been used intensively for many years have adversely affected soil fertility and microbial activity. Vermicompost products confer plant nutrient elements, various hormones, enzymes, humic substances and especially organic matter to the soil. This study aimed to study the effects of vermicompost application and phosphorus fertilizer rates on zea mays in limy soil conditions. The affect of vermicompost applications was evaluated with four doses of vermicompost (Control, 1.5, 3, and 6%) in three doses of phosporus applications. So, 0, 50 ppm and 100 ppm phosporus blocks had all four doses of vermicompost. Optimum level (150 ppm N and 100 ppm K) of N and K fertilisers were applied to all plants tested. Total plant biomass, leaf wet and dry weights, plant height, content of soil organic mater and N, P, K compositions of leaf were measured. Results showed that, the effects of vermicompost application and phosphorus usage on all studied traits were significant. The combined effects of vermicompost and phosphorus application on plant height was significant at 5%, while significance was at 1% on total plant biomass, leaf and root wet and dry weights. Additionally leaf N, P, and K concentrations also increased with vermicompost and phosphorus applications. As a result, we observed increased P uptake levels with increased doses of vermicompost application in limysoils.