Title: Vermiculture for sustainable horticulture agronomic impact studies of earthworms, cow dung compost and vermicompost vis-a-vis chemical fertilisers on growth and yield of lady's finger (Abelmoschus esculentus)

Authors: Sunita Agarwal, Rajiv K. Sinha, Jaya Sharma

Addresses: P.G. Department of Home Science, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur 302015, India. ' Griffith School of Engineering (Environment), Vermiculture Unit, Griffith University, Nathan, Campus, Brisbane, QLD-4111, Australia. ' Department of Home Science, Alankar P.G. Girls College, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302020, India

Abstract: Pot experiment was conducted to assess the performance of live earthworms and vermicompost on growth and yield of lady|s finger (Abelmoschus esculentus). Among the various treatments, live earthworm + cattle dung (as feed), cow dung compost, vermicompost, chemical fertiliser and control were organised. The results indicated that all growth and yield parameters were found superior and significantly higher (bud initiation – 30 days, flower formation – 36 days, number of buds and flowers – 50 and 47, number of fruits – 225, maximum weight of fruit – 70 g, maximum length of fruit – 23.87 cm) in the pots with live earthworms at the 5% level. Results obtained by earthworm application were best followed by results of vermicompost application.

Keywords: earthworms; vermicomposting; cattle dung; plant growth; vermiculture; sustainable horticulture; agronomic impact; cow dung; vermicompost; chemical fertilisers; lady|s finger; Abelmoschus esculentus.

DOI: 10.1504/IJGENVI.2010.037277

International Journal of Global Environmental Issues, 2010 Vol.10 No.3/4, pp.366 - 377

Published online: 01 Dec 2010 *

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