Effect of different vermicomposts under integrated nutrient management on soil fertility and productivity of rice

Studies on effect of different vermicomposts under integrated nutrient management (INM) on soil fertility status, soil humic substances, grain yield and benefit cost ratio in rice were conducted at Anakapalle during wet season 2009 and 2010. Rice was grown with 12 treatments, consisting of INM practices (where 50 % or 75 % recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) was integrated with vermicomposts prepared from sugarcane trash, weeds, vegetable waste and rice straw) and certified organic manures. The data indicated that, there was no change in the pH and EC of the soil, whereas the values of available macro and micro nutrients (N, P, K, Zn, Fe, Cu and Mn) were higher with INM practices, specially when vermi compost prepared from vegetable waste was applied. A distinct decrease was noticed in all the values, when crop was raised without any external supplement of nutrients. Application of vermicomposts enhanced the humic and fulvic acid content in the soil over initial value. Significantly higher grain yield was recorded in 75% RDF + vegetable market waste vermicompost @ 2.5 t ha-1 and it was on par with 50 % Prathista organic manures + 50% chemical fertilizers. The treatment with 100% Prathista organic manures recorded highest (BCR = 2.92).