Effect of Vermicomposting and Inorganic Fertilizers on Crop Productivity of Tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum) and Soil Fertility

Author(s): Sriramulu Ananthakrishnasamy

Abstract: In this comparative study the of vermicomposting and inorganic fertilizers on crop productivity of tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum – F1 Hybrid Vaishali) and soil fertility. It was planned to find out the efficacy of vermicomposting on tomato (fruits) productivity and to compare it with the control and vermicomposting + chemical fertilizers (NPK) and on soil fertility. Field experiments were conducted at Sivapuri Village, near Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu and India. The experiment was conducted as follows:T1: Control plots (Without any organic and chemical fertilizer), T2 : plots where recommended dose of vermicompost (5 tons ha ha-1) was applied, T3 : Plots where recommended dose of chemical fertilizer (NPK) alone (110: 40: 75 Kg ha-1) was applied as described by, T4: Plots where 50% vermi composts was supplemented with 50% chemical fertilizers (NPK) W/W. All the treatments were done in triplicates. Experiments were carried out in plot size 2M2. In this experimental period minimum and maximum temperature ranged from 18.3 to 31.70C and relative humidity ranged from 85 to 90%. These data were periodically collected from the Agricultural Meterological observatory, Annamalai University. The selection of soil used for the field experiments was sandy loam soil (SLS). Chemical fertilizers (NPK) were purchased from local fertilizer shop at Chidambaram town. NPK is used in the form of urea (N), Single super phosphate (P) and Muriate of Potash (K). For field experiment vermicomposting from T7 was used, because of high nutritive, microbial content and high enzymatic activity. Among the above the mentioned methods of MSW management there is an urgent need to reduce the MSW loadings into landfill, because they cause the air pollution to land and water (even underground water). Since about 30 – 70% of MSW comprises organic waste such as food waste, bio-waste etc. So, the biodegradable part of the MSW can be regard as nontoxic. So, the MSW can be managed well with earthworms in a sustainable manner. Vermicomposting method of MSW management is gaining interest in the reduction of chemical fertilizer to maintain the soil fertility.

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