ASSESSMENT OF IMPACT OF THREE KINDS OF FERTILIZERS ON THE CROP YIELD OF BRASSICA CAMPESTRIS (L.)

Farmers of the western Uttar Pradesh state of the country ,applying different kinds of chemical fertilizers into their cropping fields for better crop yield.But continuous use of these fertilizers for a long time period, reduce the fertility power of the soil.Thereby several researchers carried out research work on these lines and proved that as per current requirement, use of chemical fertilizers into the soil system is not suitable for fertile soil.In the present studies, three kinds of fertilizers were used for the better production of Brassica campestris. It was assessed and recorded that maximum production of Brassica was noticed 2.17 times more in those experimental plots who were treated with the vermicompost, prepared by earthworms, of the genus Eisenia fetida than that of plots treated with the market fertilizers (NPK and Urea). Although, Farm Yard Manure (FYM) biocompost also showed better results than the chemical fertilizers and control (without any fertilizers). Hence, these studies concluded that use of chemical fertilizers should be stopped and use of biofertilizers should be accepted and started in the form of vermicompost and FYM into the cropping fields for better crop yield of various crops.

The effects on the root and plant development of soybean of organic fertilizer applications

Organic fertilizers increase soil aeration, water and nutrient holding capacity, improve seed germination and encourage the production of thicker roots, increase the yield and quality of the crop. This study was aimed to determine the effects of organic fertilizer (vermicompost, sheep manure, cattle manure, poultry manure and inorganic fertilizer as control) applications on the root and plant development of soybean during two growth stages, namely third trifoliate stage (V3) and beginning of flowering of the plants (R1) in the pot condition. The experiment was established with a two-factorial randomized plot design with four replications. The fertilizer applications had a significant effect (p<0.01) on the V3 and R1 growth stages of soybean. The highest plant height (36.78 cm) and root length (41.18 cm) were achieved with vermicompost, and the lowest plant height (21.73 cm) was recorded with inorganic fertilizer. The number of nodules was highest for vermicompost and cattle manure applications (17.16 plant-1 and 16.76 plant-1, respectively), and lowest for poultry manure (0.22 plant-1). In the R1 growth stage, poultry manure produced the highest biological fresh and dry weights, root dry weight at 25.08 g plant-1 and 5.67 g plant-1, 3.99 g plant-1 respectively. As a result, it was demonstrated that vermicompost and poultry manure applications promote strong root and plant development due to high organic matter and phosphorus and can be used successfully without inorganic fertilize application in soybean farming.

Effect of different vermicompost doses and water stress conditions on plant growth and biochemical profile in medicinal plant, Moringa oleifera Lam

Aim: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of different vermicompost application rates on growth, protein and chlorophyll content in leaves of Moringa oleifera under water stress in a greenhouse experiment.Methodology: Soil samples and seeds were collected and characterized. Seedlings grown in a greenhouse in polyethylene bags with 4 kg of soil were subjected to water stress. After 90 days, agronomic variables, chlorophyll and protein content and peroxidase activity were estimated for each treatment and each condition in Moringa oleifera. Results: The results showed that under non-water stress conditions, the levels of vermicompost at a fertilization rate of 500 kg N ha-1 resulted in a significant increase in chlorophyll content, as compared to unamended soil. However, under waterlogging conditions, there was a significant difference between control and vermicompost treatments. Interpretation: The results indicated that addition of vermicompost to soil improved the growth and photosynthetic rate of Moringa oleifera under stress-free and water-deficit conditions. However, protein content only increased significantly when vermicompost was added at a fertilizer application rate of 500 kg N ha-1 both under waterlogging and deficit conditions

Agro-food waste employed to design and develop culture media for fungal growth

Aim: Waste from the agricultural and food industries could be used as a source of nutrients in the culture media for fungal growth and thus reduce environmental pollution and the cost of bioprocesses. In this work, it was determined if some agro-food waste can improve the mycelial growth of fungi and laccase production.Methodology: Culture media with agar and vermicompost, vermiwash, calcined pork bones or fish waste for mycelial growth of fungi were elaborated. The laccase activity of each strain grown in all culture media was also estimated. Results: Pleurotus eryngii, Lentinula edodes, Pleurotus ostreatus, Flammulina velutipes, Pleurotus citrinopileatus and Ganoderma lucidum grew in all culture media, except Lentinula edodes, obtaining in general higher biomass and radial growth rate than those observed on potato-dextrose agar. The maximum laccase activity was found in Pleurotus citrinopileatus cultivated in fish waste medium. The C: N ratio, ashes and pH were important factors for the growth of the strains. Interpretation: There were significant differences in biomass concentration and laccase activity in the designed culture media. These results provide an interesting alternative for the use of wastes and metabolites production of industrial interest.

The effect of chicken manure tea and vermicompost on some quantitative and qualitative parameters of seedling and mature greenhouse cucumber

Nowadays, to produce healthy foods, application of compost and other organic fertilizers has received more attentionas a suitable alternative for utilization of chemical fertilizers. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of chickenmanure tea and vermicompost application on some quantitative and qualitative traits in seedling and mature greenhousecucumber (Cucumis sativus cv. Extreme), in a research greenhouse in Iran’s Tehran Province. The experiment was factorialin a randomized completely block design with four replications. Treatments were control (without any fertilizer), controlwith chemical fertilizer (20-20-20), vermicompost in two levels (20 and 30%), and chicken manure tea (25, 50, and 75%).Results showed that increasing the amount of chicken manure tea (up to 50%) significantly increased shoot length, stemdiameter, true leaf length and width, shoot fresh and dry weights, and chlorophyll content, days until flowering, yield(40, 65, and 90 days after culturing), marketable fruit ratio to second degree fruit, and total fruit weight of cucumber. Byenhancement in content of chicken manure tea (75%) all traits showed the same result as treatment with chemical fertiliz

Physicochemical and micronutrients properties of vermicompost produced from municipal solid waste in National Thermal Power Corporation, Barh, Bihar, India

Background:The present study has been carried out to investigate the physicochemical and micronutrients properties of vermicompost generated from the major municipal biodegradable solid waste (fruits andvegetables) by using two common species of earthworm i.e., Eisenia foetida andEudrilus eugeniain National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), Barh, Bihar (India). Methods:Compost pH was measured in distilled water (free of CO2) using 10g of compost sample and 25 ml distilled water (ratio 1:2.5). The suspension was agitated for 3-5 min and placed for half an hour before measuring the pH value with a glass.Organic carbon was measured by Walkey and Black method, total N by Kajeldahl method, P2O5was determined by means of colorimetric method and K2O, Cu, Zn, Mo, Mn, Fe and B were determined by the means of Hi Media Kit.Results:Among the micronutrients in harvested vermicompost, increase in Zn, Cu and B contents and slight decrease in Mo content were observed when compared to standards given in soil health card of the State Government of Bihar. Mn and Fe were found to be critical in the harvested vermicompost samples. The level of boron (B) in vermicompost was found much higher than the required availability in the soil.Conclusions:On the basis of overall physicochemical as well as micronutrients properties of the vermicompost prepared in NTPC is of better quality in compared to the other vermicompost.

Mineralization and efficiency index of nitrogen in cattle manure fertilizers on the soil / Mineralização e índice de eficiência do nitrogênio de fertilizantes de esterco bovino no solo

ABSTRACT: This research aimed to evaluate the mineralization of nitrogen (N) and to define the efficiency index (EI) of N after the addition of organic fertilizers based on cattle manure on the soil under laboratory conditions. A completely randomized statistical design with four replicates was used. The treatments were set as follows: T1) Soil (control); T2) Soil + vermicompost of cattle manure (CMV); T3) Soil + cattle manure and straw compost (CMS); and T4) Soil + cattle manure (CM). Experimental units were constituted by acrylic flasks with 5 x 5cm (height x diameter). Each flask was added with 135g of wet soil and 2.20, 2.45 and 2.27g of CMV, CMS and CM, respectively. Treatments were incubated at 25°C and the amount of mineral N from the soil (N-NH4+ and N-NO2- + N-NO3-) was determined at the beginning of the experiment and after 7, 14, 28, 56 and 112 days of incubation. The highest concentration of N-NO2- + N-NO3- in the soil were observed within the CMS treatment. The EI of N was of 27, 23 and 22% for CMS, CMV and CM, respectively. The mineralization of N from organic fertilizers based on cattle manure occurs on its vast majority within the first 28 days after its addition to the soil. The EI of N from the organic fertilizers based of cattle manure was higher for CMS>CMV>CM and achieved only 80% of what expected for organic fertilizers derived from cattle manure.

RESUMO: Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar em condição de laboratório a mineralização do nitrogênio (N) e determinar o índice de eficiência (EI) do N após adição de fertilizantes orgânicos a base de esterco bovino no solo. Foi utilizado o delineamento inteiramente casualizado com quatro repetições. Os tratamentos avaliados foram: T1) Solo (testemunha); T2) Solo + vermicomposto de esterco bovino (CMV); T3) Solo + composto de palha e esterco bovino (CMS); e T4) Solo + esterco bovino (CM). As unidades experimentais foram frascos de acrílico com 5cm de altura e 5cm de diâmetro. Em cada frasco, foram adicionados 135g de solo úmido e 2,20, 2,45 e 2,27g de CMV, CMS e CM, respectivamente. Os tratamentos foram acondicionados em incubadora a 25°C e os teores de N mineral do solo (N-NH4+ e N-NO2- + N-NO3-) foram determinados na data de instalação, aos 7, 14, 28, 56 e 112 dias de incubação. Os maiores teores de N-NO2- + N-NO3- no solo foram observados no tratamento CMS. O EI do N foi de 27, 23 e 22% para CMS, CM e CMV, respectivamente. A mineralização do N dos fertilizantes orgânicos a base do esterco bovino ocorre em sua grande maioria nos primeiros 28 dias após sua adição ao solo. O EI do N dos fertilizantes orgânicos a base de esterco bovino foi maior para CMS>CMV>CM e atingem apenas 80% do esperado para fertilizantes orgânicos oriundos de esterco bovino.

Evaluation of proline, chlorophyll, soluble sugar content and uptake of nutrients in the German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) under drought stress and organic fertilizer treatments

Objective To investigate the effect of drought stress and organic fertilizer on German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) nutrient uptake, leaf chlorophyll content and osmotic adjustment under field conditions. Methods This experiment was carried out through a randomized complete block design with a split factorial arrangement of treatments in three replications. The main plots were subjected to the following irrigation treatments: irrigation after 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 mm evaporation from Class A pan. The sub-plots were treated with three vermicompost doses (0, 5 and 10 t/ha). Results Although drought stress reduced the nutrient percentages in the shoots, application of vermicompost enhanced the nutrient percentages, particularly when the plants were subjected to moderate to severe drought stress conditions. Moreover, the results of this study showed that the interaction between irrigation treatments and vermicompost rates on leaf chlorophyll content was significant. Comparison between the combined treatments indicated that under normal irrigation and moderate drought stress conditions chamomile plants received 5 and 10 t/ha vermicompost showed significantly higher leaf chlorophyll content comparing to the control treatment. Conclusions Totally, organic fertilization by vermicompost could partly alleviate the effect of drought stress on chamomile by increasing N, P and K uptake and leaf soluble sugar, especially in stressed treatments.

Evaluation of proline, chlorophyll, soluble sugar content and uptake of nutrients in the German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) under drought stress and organic fertilizer treatments

Objective: To investigate the effect of drought stress and organic fertilizer on German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) nutrient uptake, leaf chlorophyll content and os-motic adjustment under field conditions. Methods: This experiment was carried out through a randomized complete block design with a split factorial arrangement of treatments in three replications. The main plots were subjected to the following irrigation treatments: irrigation after 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 mm evaporation from Class A pan. The sub-plots were treated with three vermi-compost doses (0, 5 and 10 t/ha). Results: Although drought stress reduced the nutrient percentages in the shoots, appli-cation of vermicompost enhanced the nutrient percentages, particularly when the plants were subjected to moderate to severe drought stress conditions. Moreover, the results of this study showed that the interaction between irrigation treatments and vermicompost rates on leaf chlorophyll content was significant. Comparison between the combined treatments indicated that under normal irrigation and moderate drought stress conditions chamomile plants received 5 and 10 t/ha vermicompost showed significantly higher leaf chlorophyll content comparing to the control treatment. Conclusions: Totally, organic fertilization by vermicompost could partly alleviate the effect of drought stress on chamomile by increasing N, P and K uptake and leaf soluble sugar, especially in stressed treatments.

Effects of organic fertilizers on the growth and yield of bush bean, winged bean and yard long bean

ABSTRACT VC (20%), TC (20%) and N:P:K fertilizer (farmer's practice) were used to determine the growth and yield attributes of bush bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), winged bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus) and yard long bean (Vigna unguiculata). Plants grown with VC (20%) produced the highest fresh biomass for bush bean (527.55 g m-2), winged bean (1168.61 g m-2) and yard long bean (409.84 g m-2). In all the tested legumes the highest pod weight, pod number, pod dry weight and pod length were found in the VC (20%) treatment. Photosynthetic rates in the three legumes peaked at pod formation stage in all treatments, with the highest photosynthetic rate observed in winged bean (56.17 µmol m-2s-1) grown with VC (20%). The highest yield for bush bean (2.98 ton ha-1), winged bean (7.28 ton ha-1) and yard long bean (2.22 ton ha-1) were also found in VC (20%) treatment. Furthermore, protein content was highest in bush bean (26.50 g/100g), followed by yard long bean (24.74 g/100g) and winged bean (22.04 g/100g), under VC (20%) treatment. It can be concluded that legumes grown with VC (20%) produced the highest yield and yield attributes.

Influence of Biofertilizers, Vermicompost and Chemical Fertilizrs on Growth, Nodulation, Nutrient Uptake, Seed Yield and Economics of Black Gram.

The experiment was conducted during rabi season in medium black soil at College Farm, College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar, ANGRAU, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh to study the influence of biofertilizers, vermicompost and chemical fertilizers on growth, nodulation, nutrient uptake, seed yield and economics of Black gram. From the data, it was observed that 50%RDF + Vermicompost + Rhizobium + Pseudomonas significantly increased the plant height, root length, leaf area index and leaf chlorophyll content at 25 and 50 DAS over the other treatments including control. The same treatment recorded highest seed yield (707 kg ha-1) and haulm yield (7067 kg ha-1) as compared to the control. Nutrient uptake recorded significantly highest in the treatment supplied with biofertilizers along with Vermicompost and 50%RDF. Treatment supplied with 50%RDF + Vermicompost + Rhizobium + Pseudomonas recorded highest net return (17784 Rs ha-1) but highest B: C ratio (2.11) was recorded in the treatment supplied with 50%RDF + Rhizobium + Pseudomonas.

Chromium accumulation potential of Zea mays grown under four different fertilizers.

Chromium (Cr) contamination in soil is a growing concern in sustainable agriculture production and food safety. We performed pot experiment with chromium (30 mg/ soil) to assess the accumulation potential of Zea mays and study the influence of four fertilizers, viz. Farm Yard Manure (FYM), NPK, Panchakavya (PK) and Vermicompost (VC) with respect to Cr accumulation. The oxidative stress and pigment (chlorophyll) levels were also examined. The results showed increased accumulation of chromium in both shoots and roots of Zea mays under FYM and NPK supply, and reduced with PK and VC. While the protein and pigment contents decreased in Cr treated plants, the fertilizers substantiated the loss to overcome the stress. Similarly, accumulation of Cr increased the levels of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and peroxidase (POD) indicating the enhanced damage control activity. However, these levels were relatively low in plants supplemented with fertilizers. Our results confirm that the maize can play an effective role in bioremediation of soils polluted with chromium, particularly in supplementation with fertilizers such as farm yard manure and NPK.

Impact of Biofertilizers on Growth and Reproductive Performance of Eisenia fetida (Savigny 1926) During Flower Waste Vermicomposting Process.

The growth and reproductive performance of epigeic earthworm Eisenia fetida in biofertilizers enriched flower waste vermicomposting was studied for 80 days in the laboratory. Six feeding compositions – Co-Flower waste (FW) alone; A- FW + Earthworms (E. fetida); B- FW+ EW + Azospirillum (Azos); C- FW + EW+ Phosphobacteria (PB); DFW+ EW+ Blue green algae (BGA); E- FW + EW + Rhizobium (Rhizo). Maximum number of earthworms was recorded in C and minimum number in A, highest average body weight was observed in E and least in A. Maximum average body length was noted in B and minimum in A. Higher reproductive performance of earthworms under the influence of biofertilizers were clearly visible in C and E than A. The microbial populations and availability of food materials from biofertilizers enriched flower waste increases the biomass, average body weight, average body length and also increases the reproductive performance of earthworms in the vermicomposting process.

Effect of organic and inorganic fertilizers on plant height, spread and flower diameter of gaillardia (gaillardia pulchella).

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of organic and inorganic fertilizers on plant height, plant spread and flower diameter of Gaillardia (Gaillardia pulchella). In Gaillardia the plant maximum height was recorded in the plot treated with 100 per cent recommended dose of NPK + press mud at 10 tones ha-1 followed by 75 per cent recommended dose of NPK + press mud at 10 t ha-1 at 45 days and 75 per cent recommended dose of NPK + press mud at 5 tones ha-1 at 15, 30 and 60 days. Highest plant spread was obtained at 30 and 45 days after planting in the treatments which involved 100 per cent recommended dose of NPK + press mud at 10 t ha-1 and at 60 days no significant differences were recorded. The combination of recommended dose of NPK + press mud at 10 t ha-1 produced maximum diameter of flower.

Contribution of organic bulking materials on chemical quality of sewage sludge vermicompost / Efeito de materiais de volume na qualidade química do vermicomposto de lodo de esgoto

Vermicomposting is at suitable methods for stabilization and converting of sewage sludge into useful products. To investigate the effects of bulking material on vermicompost quality, an experiment was conducted in a factorial design with three replications. In this experiment, the final dried sludge in lagoons was mixed with bulking materials (woodchips, three leaves, and wheat straw) in four mixing proportion with swage sludge (0, 15, 30 and 45 percent, V/V). Chemical properties of bulking materials, sewage sludge, and produced vermicomposts were determined. Vermicomposts had relatively low pH and electrical conductivity (EC). The nutrients content of vermicompost, especially N, P, Fe, and Zn, were high. These properties showed its suitable quality for use in agriculture. Heavy metals concentrations of vermicomposts, except Zn, were lower than recommended values by EPA. Mixing of Bulking materials with sewage sludge decreased pH, N, Pb, Co, and Cd, but increased Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn, and Ni content of produced vermicomposts. In most cases, the concentrations of nutrients were higher in 30 percent mixing proportion. Therefore, 30 percent (v/v) mixing of bulking material with sewage sludge is recommended for vermicompost production.

A vermicompostagem é um métodos adequados para a estabilização e conversão de lodo de esgoto em produtos úteis. Para investigar o efeito de aumentar o volume de material sobre a qualidade do vermicomposto, foi conduzido um experimento em esquema fatorial com três repetições. Neste experimento, o lodo final seco em lagoas foi misturado com materiais de volume (lascas de madeira, três folhas e palha de trigo) em quatro proporções de mistura (0, 15, 30 e 45 por cento V / V) com lodo de esgoto. Propriedades químicas dos materiais de amontoamento, lodo de esgoto e vermicompostos produzidos foram determinados. Vermicomposto apresentaram pH relativamente baixo e CE. O seu teor de nutrientes, especialmente N, P, Fe e Zn foram elevados. Essas propriedades mostrou sua qualidade adequada para utilização na agricultura. Concentrações de metais pesados de vermicompostos, com exceção do zinco, foram menores do que os valores recomendados pela EPA. A mistura de materiais Bulking com lodo de esgoto diminuiu o pH, N, Pb, Co e Cd, mas aumentou a concentração de Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Ni no vermicomposto produzido. Na maioria dos casos, as concentrações de nutrientes foram maiores na proporção de 30 por cento de mistura Portanto, recomenda-se a mistura de materiais ao lodo na proporção de 30 por cento para a produção de vermicomposto.

Efficacy of Vermicompost against fertilizers on Cicer and Pisum and on population diversity of N2 fixing bacteria.

Vermicompost is a very important biofertilizer produced through the artificial cultivation of worms i.e. Vermiculture. Vermicompost is enriched with all beneficial soil bacteria and also contain many of the essential plant nutrients like N, P, K and micronutrients. It increases soil aeration, texture and jilt. In this work, study is being carried out to find out the effect of different fertilizers such as DAP, FYM and Vermicompost on various morphological parameters and on the in vitro growth of bacterial colonies and its diversity in relation to two important leguminous plants such as Pisum sp. and Cicer sp. Results showed that plant grown in Vermicompost pretreated soil exhibited maximum increase in all morphological parameters such as root length, shoot length, number of root branches, number of stem branches, number of leaves, number of flowers, number of pods and number of root nodules in four months sampling in comparison to untreated, FYM treated and DAP treated soils. Further in Vermicompost pretreated soil, number of N2 fixing bacterial colony was maximum and showed highest diversity indices (1.6 and 0.99 and 2.0 and 0.99 for Cicer sp. and Pisum sp. respectively) than FYM, DAP and untreated control. Thus not only does the Vermicompost stimulate plant growth but also it increases the N2 fixing bacterial population in soil and also its diversity.

DINÁMICA MICROBIANA EN VERMICOMPOSTAS COMERCIALES CON Y SIN INOCULACIÓN DEL HONGO Trichoderma spp / Microbial dynmiccs in commercial vermicomposts with and withot trichoderma sspp. fungus inoculation

En el presente trabajo se presentan los resultados de un ensayo en el cual se evaluó la efectividad de la inoculación del hongo Trichoderma spp, en una vermicomposta comercial, comparándose ésta con la población del hongo presente en un vermicompost sin inocular. El experimento se realizó en el laboratorio de postcosecha de la Universidad de Costa Rica. Se desarrolló en tres fases (cultivo, aislamiento e inoculación de cepas del hongo) y se utilizaron tres vermicompostas comerciales elaboradas a partir de un sustrato de broza de café, procedentes de diferentes composteras. Los resultados muestran que no hubo aumento ni disminución de la población de Trichoderma como producto de la inoculación de cepas del mismo.

In tThis paper, presents the results are presented onof the growthefectiveness of the Trichoderma fungus in a inoculation in a commercial vermicompost, in comparison with the fungus from a vermicompostand without inoculation. In a three-phase laboratory process (cultivation, isolation and inoculation of fungal strains), three different commercial vermicompost, prepared from coffee pulp, have beenwere used, coming from three different commercial vermicomposts. The results of experiments carried out in the Post-Harvest Laboratory of the Universidad de Costa Rica, don’t show any increase or decrease of the Trichoderma population after inoculation. The experiment was carried out in the Post -harvest Laboratory of University of Costa Rica. It was developed following three phases, using three commercial vermicompost prepared with broza of coffee. Results showed no differences in Trichoderma population as product of inoculation of it into the compost.

Effect of vermicompost on soil fertility and crop productivity - beans (Phaseolus vulgaris).

Field experiments were conducted at Sivapuri, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu to evaluate the efficacy of vermicompost, in comparison to inorganic fertilizers–NPK, on the physio-chemical and biological characteristics of the soils – clay loam soil (CLS) and sandy loam soil (SLS) and on the growth, yield and nutrient content of beans – Phaseolus vulgaris. Results showed that the application of vermicompost @ 5 tonnes ha-1 had enhanced significantly the pore space (1.09 and 1.02 times), water holding capacity (1.1 and 1.3 times), cation exchange capacity (1.2 and 1.2 times). It reduced particles (1.2 and 1.2 times), and bulk density (1.2 and 1.2 times), pH (1 and 1.02 times) and electrical conductivity (1.4 and 1.2 times) and increased organic carbon (37 and 47 times), micro (Ca 3.07 and 1.9 times, Mg 1.6 and 1.6 times, Na 2.4 and 3.8 times, Fe 7 and 7.6 times, Mn 8.2 and 10.6 times, Zn 50 and 52 times and Cu 14 and 22 times) and macro (N 1.6 and 1.7 times, P 1.5 and 1.7 times, K 1.5 and 1.4 times) nutrients and microbial activity (1.4 and 1.5 times) in both soil types, particularly more in CLS. The growth, yield (1.6 times) and quality (protein (1.05 times) and sugar (1.01 times) content in seed) of bean were enhanced in CLS than SLS. On the other hand, the application of inorganic fertilizers @ 20:80:40 kg ha-1 has resulted in reduced porosity (1.03 and 1.01 times), organic carbon (1.04 and 9.5 times) and microbial activity (1.02 and 1.03 times) in both soil types.

Caracterización física según granulometría de dos vermicompost derivados de estiércol bovino puro y mezclado con residuos de fruto de la palma aceitera / Physical characterization according to grain size of two vermicomposts derived from pure bovine dung and bovine dung mixed with African palm fruit residues. / Caracterização física segúndo granulometría de dois vermicompostos derivados de esterco bovino puro e misturado com resíduos do fruto da palma azeiteira.

La demanda mundial de alimentos orgánicos, libres de agrotóxicos, ha crecido significativamente en los últimos años debido a la conciencia que ha tomado el consumidor por su salud, demandando productos con sello "verde". Se hace necesario caracterizar los insumos a utilizar, por lo que el objetivo de esta investigación fue caracterizar físicamente vermicompost obtenido en tres granulometrías, fina (grano <5mm), media (grano >5mm) y sin cernir (con ambos tamaños de granos). Se determinaron densidad aparente (Da) y de partícula (Dp), capacidad de retención de humedad y % de aireación. Se detectaron diferencias según la fuente de alimentación de la lombriz, para las variables Da y Dp, presentando los mayores valores el vermicompost proveniente de estiércol bovino con 0,54 ±0,04 y 1,13 ±0,09Mg·m-3 respectivamente, por lo que se puede concluir que el tipo de alimentación utilizada en la lombriz afecta las características físicas citadas. Se encontraron diferencias entre el tamaño de grano, el grano grueso tiene mayor porosidad de aireación (11,09 ±2,99% diferenciándose estadísticamente (p<0,01) del grano fino con 2,47 ±1,67%), y menor capacidad de retención de agua (35,23 ±5,83 diferenciándose estadísticamente del grano fino con 54,92 ±3,37).

World-wide increase in the demand of organic food, free from agro-toxic substances, has grown significantly in recent years, due to consumers’ concern about their health, demanding products with a "green" seal. It becomes necessary to characterize the consumables to be utilized, and the aim of this study was to physically characterize the vermicompost obtained with three grain sizes, fine grain (<5mm), average grain (>5mm), and non-sifted vermicompost containing both grain sizes. Apparent and particulate densities (Da and Dp), humidity retention capacity and aeration percentage were determined. Differences according to the food source used to feed the worms were detected in Da and Dp, with larger values (0.54 ±0.04 and 1.13 ±0.09Mg·m-3 respectively) in vermicompost obtained from bovine dung than from dung mixed with African palm fruit residues. Thus, it can be concluded that worm feeding affects the measured physical characteristics. Differences (p<0.01) were also found between grain size, the coarser grain having greater aeration porosity (11.09 ±2.99%) than the fine grain (2.47 ±1.67%), as well as a lower water retention capacity (35.23 ±5.83 and 54.92±3.37, respectively.

A demanda mundial de alimentos orgânicos, livres de agrotóxicos, tem crescido significativamente nos últimos anos devido à consciência que tem adquirido o consumidor por sua saúde, demandando produtos com selo "verde". Torna-se necessário caracterizar os insumos a utilizar, pelo qual o objetivo de esta investigação foi caracterizar fisicamente vermicomposto obtido em três granulometrias, fina (grão <5mm), media (grão >5mm) e sem cernir (com ambos tamanhos de grãos). Determinaram-se, densidade aparente (Da) e de partícula (Dp); capacidade de retenção de umidade e % de aeração. Detectaram-se diferenças segundo a fonte de alimentação da minhoca, para as variáveis Da e Dp, apresentando os maiores valores o vermicomposto proveniente de esterco bovino com 0,54 ±0,04 e 1,13 ±0,09Mg·m-3 respectivamente, portanto se pode concluir que o tipo de alimentação utilizada pela minhoca afeta as características físicas citadas. Encontraram-se diferenças entre o tamanho de grão, o grão grosso tem maior porosidade de aeração (11,09 ±2,99% diferenciando-se estatisticamente (p<0,01) do grão fino com 2,47 ±1,67%), e menor capacidade de retenção de água (35,23 ±5,83 diferenciando-se estatisticamente do grão fino com 54,92 ±3,37).

Evaluación de la interacción vermicompost-Pb²+ a través de isotermas de adsorción y espectroscopia FTIR / Evaluation of interaction of vermicompost-Pb²+ through adsorption isothermals and FTIR spectroscopy

La adsorción de plomo por un vermicompost comercial fue estudiada a 284, 306 y 323 K aplicando los modelos de Langmuir y Freundlich, los cuales describen adecuadamente el proceso de adsorción. Las capacidades de adsorción máximas de 116,3; 113,6 y 123,5 mg.g-¹. De acuerdo a las funciones termodinámicas, la retención de plomo involucra una reacción endotérmica (ΔHadsorción = 4,25 ± 0,92 kCal.mol-¹) con un aumento de la entropía del sistema (ΔS = 7,55 a 8,62 kCal.K-1mol-¹) asociado a la ionización de los grupos carboxílicos. La baja espontaneidad de la reacción fue determinada por los valores positivos de la Energía Libre de Gibbs (ΔG = 2,11 a 1,49 kCal.mol-¹). Las diferencias observadas en los espectros FTIR del compost en la región de 1800 a 1300 cm-¹ a diferentes condiciones de pH fueron interpretadas como el resultado de la ionización de los grupos carboxílicos, reduciendo la intensidad de las bandas alrededor de 1725 cm-¹, generándose las señales a 1550 cm-¹ y 1390 cm-¹ de los grupos carboxilato. Los mismos cambios fueron observados a pH 3,8 en presencia del ión Pb²+, lo que sugiere que el acomplejamiento con el metal pesado se produce por medio de una reacción de intercambio catiónico.

The adsorption of Pb2+ by a comercial vermicompost was studied at 284, 306 and 323 K using Langmuir and Freunldich isotherms. The maximum adsorption capacities were 116.3; 113.6 and 123.5 mg.g-¹. Thermodinamic functions showed that the retention takes place by an endothermic reaction (ΔHadsorción = 4,25 ± 0,92 KCal.mol-¹) in which entropy increases (ΔS = 7,55 to 8,62 kCal.K-1mol-¹) along with the acidity of the solutions due to the ionization of carboxylic groups. The low spontaneity was reflected by positive values of the Gibbs free energy (ΔG = 2,11 a 1,49 kCal.mol-¹). The differences in FTIR spectra of vermicompost at pH 3.8 and 7.0 in the region between 1800 to 1300 cm-¹ were interpreted on the basis of caboxylic acids ionization thet reduced the band intensity around 1725 cm-¹, producing signals at 1550 and 1390 cm-1of the carboxylate groups. Similar changes were detected at pH 3.8 when ionic lead was present which suggested that heavy metal complexation by a cationic exchange reaction.