Effect of vermicompost using different substrates on the growth and development of pak choi, Brassica rapa subsp Chinensis Chin Kelly, Ansari Abdullah1,*, Hamer Seon Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Guyana, Georgetown, Guyana 1Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Guyana, Georgetown, Guyana *Email for correspondence: abdullahadilansari@gmail.com
Online published on 21 August, 2018. Abstract Present research work was carried out during 2017 with the objective of using different animal dungs (cow and horse dung) as substrate in vermicomposting (Eisenia fetida) and subsequent use in cultivation of Pak Choi. Physico-chemical analysis of substrates and vermicomposts obtained was carried out for assessment of quality of nutrients. The plant growth parameters were recorded during the cultivation of Pak Choi. The results indicated that vermicomposts from different substrates were significantly effective in promoting the plant growth parameters. Cow + horse dung vermicompost had greater overall effect on plant growth. Horse dung vermicompost showed lower levels of nutrients as well as had least impact on development of plants. However the cow dung vermicompost treatment was better in terms of nutrient quality and was on par with cow + horse dung vermicompost in terms of effect on plant growth. It indicates that vermicomposting is better way of recycling organic waste that can be better used as end product in cultivation of crops rather than chemical fertilizers for effective promotion of sustainable farming systems. Top Keywords Vemricompost, cow dung, horse dung, organic waste, plant growth. Top |