Impact of Vermicompost and Its Residual Effect on Soil Properties, Nutrient Uptake and Yield Of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)

Abstract

Application of vermicompost to soil has been found to play a vital role in soil nutrient augmentation and adequate maintenance of soil organic. Two pot trials were conducted to investigate impacts of vermicompost application and its residual on soil properties, nutrient uptake and yield of cucumber-1 (Cucumis sativus L) in a screen house. Treatments were control (0 kg N ha ), vermicompost providing 70, 80, 90, 100 kg N ha-1 and NPK fertilizer (100 kg N ha-1). Growth, yield and nutrient uptake of cucumber were improved by vermicompost at 90 kg N ha-1 in both cropping cycles. Cucumber applied with vermicompost at 90 kg N ha-1 gave the highest yield of 184.4 and 128.4 g/plant at rst and residual harvest respectively. Result also showed that residual soil pH, organic C, P and K contents increased when vermicompost, 90 kg N ha-1 was applied. A signicant positive correlation exists between cucumber fruit yield and nutrient uptake Vermicompost, 90 kg N ha-1 significantly improved nutrient uptake with higher nutrient residuals than other treatments.