Vermichar as nutrient supplement for soil improvement and glutinous corn productivity
Paper Details
Vermichar as nutrient supplement for soil improvement and glutinous corn productivity
Abstract
This study evaluated the effects of vermichar on soil chemical properties, growth, yield, and economic returns of glutinous corn (Zea mays L.). It aimed to determine the optimal vermichar application rate and compare its performance with conventional NPK fertilizers. Treatments included vermichar at 5, 10 and 15 bags per hectare, alone or combined with NPK. Results showed that vermichar significantly improved soil pH, organic matter, and nutrient levels especially nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium when applied with commercial NPK. The best soil improvement and highest yields were observed with 10-15 bags per hectare. Growth metrics such as plant height, ear size, and biomass increased with these treatments. While combining vermichar with NPK boosted yields, the highest return on investment was achieved with vermichar alone at 10 bags per hectare, outperforming the sole use of commercial fertilizer. This highlights vermichars potential as cost-effective and sustainable soil amendment. The study recommends using vermichar at optimized rates, particularly 10 bags per hectare for improved soil health, yield and profitability in glutinous corn production.
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