Characterization of pigeon pea based vermicompost for macro and micro nutrient availability

Abstract

This pot and lab study, conducted from May, 2023 to January, 2024 at Navsari Agricultural University, Bharuch, India, analysed the chemical properties of vermicomposting pigeon pea stalks using different ratios of cattle dung (CD) and pigeon pea stalk (PPS), supplemented with bacterial biodecomposer consortium (BBC) and earthworms (EE).The treatment of 60% CD + 40% PPS + 10 g BBC + EE (T7) exhibited significantly higher nitrogen content at 30, 60, 90, 120, and 150 days, as well as 30, 60, and 90 days after harvest. Phosphorus content was also significantly greater in T7 at each of these intervals and was at par with the 50% CD + 50% PPS + 10 g BBC + EE (T8) treatment at 30, 60, and 90 days. For potassium, T7 recorded significantly higher levels at 30 days, 60 days, 90 days, 120 days and 150 days, along with 30, 60, and 90 days post-harvest. T7 also showed significantly higher sulphur content at 30 days, 60 days, 90 days, 120 days, and 150 days. Iron content in T7 was significantly higher at 30 days, 60 days, 90 days, 120 days, and 150 days. Manganese content also peaked in T7, recorded at 30 days, 60 days, 90 days, 120 days, and 150 days. Zinc levels in T7 were significantly higher at 30 days, 60 days, 90 days, 120 days and 150 days. T7 had higher copper content at 30 days, 60 days, 90 days, 120 days and 150 days, and was statistically comparable to 60% CD + 40% PPS + 10 g BBC (T4) at 30 and 60 days, 60% CD + 40% PPS + EE (T1) at 90 days, and 50% CD + 50% PPS + 10 g BBC + EE (T8) at 60, 90, and 150 days.