Effect of vermicompost on the yield of upland rice in outdoor containers

摘要

Upland rice (PSB Rc3 variety) seeds were planted directly in outdoor plastic containers (0.07 sq.m) with garden soil and fertilized with vermicompost and the recommended chemical fertilizers. The following treatments were tested: Control - no fertilization; I - recommended chemical fertilization only; II - vermicompost only at 5 t/ha; III - vermicompost only at 10 t/ha; IV- vermicompost at 5 t/ha and 50% of the recommended chemical fertilization and V -vermicompost at 10 t/ha and 50% of the recommended chemical fertilization. After 123 days from planting, the rough rice yields of the plants were determined.The results showed that the plants with Treatments II, IV and V had yields that were significantly different (p <= 0.05) from that of the Control. The yields of plants with Treatments IV and V were significantly different from that of plants with Treatment Il. These indicated that use of vermicompost at 5-10 t/ha in combination with 50% of the recommended chemical fertilization for upland rice gives a significantly higher yield than use of recommended chemical fertilization alone. Using vermicompost alone at 5-10 t/ha did not significantly increase yield of upland rice compared to that of the Control.The study found that use of vermicompost alone for fertilizing upland rice at 5-10 t/ha can not provide for the nutrient needs of the plant for good yields, Reducing the recommended chemical fertilizer application by 50% and using vermicompost at 5-10 t/ha, however, have greater yield benefit than the use of the recommended chemical fertilization alone. The "sparing effect" of vermicompost on chemical fertilizers by possibly reducing the loss of the latter to leaching and/or volatilization, and the plant growth enhancement of vermicompost were evident.