Paper Details

Effects  of  different  ratios  of  vermicompost  produced  from municipal solid waste on emergence and seedling growth of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench)

Mohammad Asgharipour, Hossein Gorgini Shabankareh

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.12692/ijb/4.10.285-289

Int. J. Biosci. 4(10), 285-289. May, 2014. (PDF)

Abstract:

To evaluate the applicability of vermicompost produced form municipal solid waste on the emergence and seedling growth of okra under greenhouse condition an experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with four replications. Four treatments based on the mixing ratios of vermicompost with soil in the ratio of 1 to 2.5, 1 to 5, 1 to 7.5 and 1 to 10 were compared with the control (garden soil). The results showed that the greatest rate of germination, seedling growth and dry weight of shoots and roots was observed at the mixing ratio of 1 to 5 soil: vermicompost. Mixing ratio of 1 to 2.5 soil:vermicompost had the least germination and seedling growth of okra among other treatments. Toxic compounds and nutrient imbalances may be responsible for the inhibitory effect of vermicompost on seedlings growth at this treatment. Application of large quantities of vermicompost produced from municipal solid waste may have harmful influence on crops.