Efficiency of Vermicompost on Growth and Nutrients Content of Young Rubber Trees (Hevea brasiliensis)

Abstract

Vermicompost originates from the breakdown of organic matter by earthworms. Its microbial activity is 10 to 20 times higher than in the soil and contains a higher saturation of nutrients than organic materials. Moreover, vermicompost is also believed to contain hormones and enzymes which it acquires during the passage of the organic matter through the earthworm gut. The hormones and enzymes are believed to stimulate plant growth and discourage plant pathogens. The analysis of the ability of vermicompost through their interactions on seedling growth and nutrients content of Hevea brasiliensis will enable to decrease the use of chemical fertilizers while increasing crops yield and for sustaining crop production. In this study, the effect of using vermicompost on growth and nutrients content of rubber seedlings has been studied. Four treatments were supplied with ratios of 1) 100 g/plant of 15-15-15, 2) 50 g/plant of 15-15-15 combined with 500 g/plant of vermicompost, 3) 500 g/plant of vermicompost and 4) 100 g/plant of 15-15-15 combined with 500 g/plant of vermicompost. The results showed a significant rise in growth and nutrients content of rubber seedlings by increasing ratio of vermicompost combined with 50 g/plant of 15-15-15. Obviously, rubber seedlings were mostly appeared in the stem dry weight, N and K content in the leaves part and N, P and K content in the stem part after 6 months in vermicompost applying.