Effect of Vermicompost, Vermiwash and Application Time on Soil Micronutrients Composition

Abstract

Vermicomposting is increasingly becoming popular as an organic solid waste management strategy. The technology results in two bio-fertilizers, vermicompost and vermiwash. The bio-fertilizers were applied to the soil and their impact on the soil micronutrients time was quantified. A maximum of 1000g of vermicompost and vermiwash was applied over 40 days. 23 factorial designs were used to determine the effects of the bio-fertilizers and application time on the soil micronutrients. Increasing the vermicompost quantity resulted in increased soil zinc, manganese and iron content. Increased vermiwash quantities resulted in increased soil iron content but resulted in decreased copper content. Furthermore, increased application time of the two bio-fertilizers resulted in enhanced soil copper and iron content but decreased the zinc and manganese content. The loam-clay soil, organic material from the bio-fertilizers and microbial activity played a significant role in altering the soil micronutrients.