Agraarteadus (Jun 2016)
Short communication: The effect of vermicompost based growth substrates on tomato growth
Abstract
Vermicomposting is a decomposition process involving the joint action of earthworms and microorganisms. Although microorganisms are responsible for the biochemical degradation of organic matter, earthworms are crucial drivers of the process, by fragmenting and conditioning the substrate and significantly altering its biological activity. The purpose of the work was to assess the influence of vermicompost based growth substrates on tomato transplant growth. Treatments were followed (supplier K. Compos): A) 30% vermicompost, peat, sand and dolomite stone; B) 25% vermicompost, peat, gravel, perlite; C) 25% vermicompost, peat, gravel, concrete block; D) commercially produced growth substrate bought from retail centre, as a control. Substrates containing vermicompost had increased stem diameter compared to control treatment. The tomato plant height was increased in substrates containing 25% vermicompost compared to other treatments. The number of leaves was highest in treatment C compared to other treatments. The number of flowers was increased in treatment A and lowest in treatment D. It can be summarized that for tomato the best growth substrate, regarding growth parameters is 25% vermicompost, peat, gravel, concrete block (treatment C).
