Efficiency of cow dung based vermi-compost on seed germination and plant growth parameters of Tagetes erectus (Marigold). Issue 1 (January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shafique, Irsa; Andleeb, Saiqa; Aftab, Malik Saim; Naeem, Farrukh; Ali, Shaukat; Yahya, Summaya; Ahmed, Fayaz; Tabasum, Tauseef; Sultan, Tariq; Shahid, Beenish; Khan, Abdul Hameed; Islam, Ghafoor ul; Abbasi, Wajid Arshad
• Is Part Of: Heliyon. Volume 7:Issue 1(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-01
• Subjects: Vermi-compost -- Marigold -- Seed germination -- Germination media -- Cow dung -- Plant growth parameters -- Eiseniafetida; Research -- Periodicals; Medical sciences -- Periodicals; Natural history -- Periodicals; Social sciences -- Periodicals; Earth sciences -- Periodicals; Physical sciences -- Periodicals; 507.2
• DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e05895
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2405-8440

Abstract

Abstract: Vermi-composting is an environmental friendly and economic process to decompose organic waste. The objective of this study was to produce vermi-compost using E isenia fetida and to investigate the impact of vermi-compost (VC) and organic manure (cow dung) on seed germination, seedlings, and growth parameters of Tagetes erecta . Physio-chemical parameters of vermi-compost and organic manure were recorded. A potting experiment was designed, germination medium containing soil, sand, and various concentrations of vermi-composts. The composition of germinating media was: TO (Sand + Soil), TCC (Sand + Soil + Cow dung), 10% VC (Sand + Soil + 0.1 kg VC), 15% VC (Sand + Soil + 0.15 kg VC), 20% VC (Sand + Soil + 0.2 kg VC), 25% VC (Sand + Soil + 0.25 kg VC), 30% VC (Sand + Soil + 0.3 kg VC), and 35% VC (Sand + Soil + 0.35 kg VC). Seed germination, seedling, vegetative plant growth, and flowering parameters were evaluated in different germinating media. Pre and post-physio-chemical parameters of germination media were also recorded to check their stability and quality. Results showed that 20% VC was effective for the early initiation of seed germination (2.0 ± 0.0 days) and all growth parameters of marigold seedlings. The germination percentage at 20% VC was recorded as 87.5 ± 1.40 %. The best vegetative plant growth and flowering parameters of marigold plants were observed with 35% VC after transplantation. Findings showed that vermi-compost is the best-suited germination and growing media, which not only improved the soil health but also promoted seed germination and plant growth. Our study undoubtedly indicates that vermi-compost is a more encouraging and advantageous bio-fertilizer and can be used as a powerful and effective for immediate marigold production. Abstract : Vermi-compost; Marigold; Seed germination; Germination media; Cow dung; Plant growth parameters; Eisenia fetida .