Varietal Response of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) to Vermicompost Application: Enhancing Growth and Yield Components in Tropical Agroecosystems of Sri Lanka
Jul 2026· Turkish Journal of Agriculture: Food Science and Technology· 0 citations· 52 references
Abstract
The excessive dependence on synthetic fertilizers in crop production has raised concerns regarding soil degradation, environmental sustainability, and long-term agricultural productivity. Vermicompost represents a promising organic nutrient source; however, its effectiveness in improving crop performance may vary depending on application rate and crop genotype. This study evaluated vermicompost as a sustainable biofertilizer for improving growth and yield of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.). A factorial experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of vermicompost application levels and cowpea genotype on growth and yield performance. Four cowpea varieties were tested under four vermicompost-to-soil ratios of 25:75, 50:50, 75:25, and 100:0 together with chemical fertilizer and untreated control treatments. Growth and yield parameters were analyzed using analysis of variance in Minitab 15. Vermicompost significantly enhanced vegetative growth and reproductive performance compared with the control and chemical fertilizer treatments (p < 0.05). Improvements were evident across all vermicompost levels, with 25–75% applications already producing substantial gains in growth and yield attributes. Maximum values were generally observed at the 100% level, including plant height (50.94 ± 3.00 cm; Bombay), leaf number (39.00 ± 1.22; MI 35), branch number (14.20 ± 1.48; MI 35), nodes per main stem (20.00 ± 2.45; MI 35), and leaf area index (79.26 ± 14.97 cm²; Bombay). Yield-related traits also responded positively to vermicompost, as indicated by earlier flowering (35 ± 0.83 days; Waruni and Dawala), earlier maturity (47.40 ± 1.14 days; Waruni), longer pods (16.24 ± 0.68 cm; ANKCP 2), higher seed number per pod (11.00 ± 1.58; ANKCP 2), greater pod number per plant (4.40 ± 1.14; Waruni), and increased seed size (0.72 ± 0.08 mm; Bombay). Vermicompost showed beneficial effects under the tested pot conditions; however, further field validation is necessary to assess its effectiveness and suitability as a partial or complete alternative to conventional fertilizers.
The increasing demand for sustainable tomato production has intensified the search for environmentally friendly nutrient management strategies that can improve crop productivity while maintaining soil health. This study evaluated the effects of different rates and combinations of vermicast and vermitea on the growth, yield, fruit quality, postharvest performance, and profitability of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) under the agroecological conditions of Ilocos Sur, Philippines. The experiment was conducted using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with six treatments and three replications. Growth parameters, flowering characteristics, yield components, fruit quality, postharvest attributes, and economic returns were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Results revealed that vermicast and vermitea significantly influenced all measured parameters (P ≤ 0.01). The combined application of 80 g vermicast + 1000 ml vermitea per 16 L water (T3) consistently produced the best overall performance, recording the highest final plant height (86.37 cm), height increment (75.43 cm), number of leaves (86.00), flowers (53.00), fruits per plant (41.00), average fruit weight (98.27 g), total fruit yield (4.02 kg plant⁻¹), marketable yield (21.43 t ha⁻¹), and market quality (97.56%). The same treatment also extended shelf life, minimized fruit cracking, and generated the highest gross income (₱642,000.00 ha⁻¹), net income (₱447,596.24 ha⁻¹), return on investment (230.24%), and benefit-cost ratio (3.30). Meanwhile, vermitea applied alone enhanced stem diameter, fruit firmness, fruit size, and accelerated flowering. Overall, integrating vermicast and vermitea proved to be an effective and economically viable organic nutrient management strategy for improving tomato growth, fruit quality, yield, and profitability. The study demonstrates the potential of vermicompost-based amendments as sustainable alternatives to synthetic fertilizers for enhancing tomato production under local farming conditions.
MARITES U. PERALTA· International Journal of Aqu...· 0 citations
A field experiment was conducted during Kharif 2022 and 2023 at Dr. BRC Agricultural Research Station (ARS), Mandor, Rajasthan, to evaluate the effect of biofertilisers and growth-promoting microorganisms on growth, yield, and profitability of mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek, var. GM-4) under the mungbean–wheat cropping system. The experiment was laid out in a Randomised Block Design with ten treatments and three replications. Treatments consisted of different combinations of the recommended dose of fertilisers and seed inoculation, soil application, or combined seed and soil application of Rhizobium and phosphate-solubilising bacteria (PSB). The results indicated that growth parameters, yield attributes, grain yield, biological yield, and economic returns were significantly influenced by the treatments. The greatest numerical plant heights at 30 DAS (46.8 cm) and 45 DAS (55.9 cm) were recorded under T₁₀, while T₅ recorded comparable values of 45.8 and 55.3 cm, respectively. The highest numbers of pods per plant (39.6) and seeds per pod (13.5), dry matter production (3.50 t ha⁻¹), and test weight (48.1 g) were observed under T₅, whereas the highest numerical chlorophyll content (4.00 mg g⁻¹) was recorded under T₁₀. The highest grain yield (pooled: 1458 kg ha⁻¹) and net return (₹98,855 ha⁻¹) were recorded with 100% RDF (T₅), whereas 75% RDF combined with seed and soil application of Rhizobium + PSB (T₁₀) produced a pooled grain yield of 1400 kg ha⁻¹ and a B:C ratio of 4.41, remaining statistically at par with T₅. Thus, integrated use of biofertilisers with 75% RDF can reduce fertiliser requirement without significant yield loss and improve profitability.
A. Verma, M. Mehriya, Ashish Vishnawat· International Journal of Pla...· 0 citations
Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) production requires sustainable fertilization practices to improve productivity while reducing dependence on synthetic fertilizers. This study evaluated the effects of different BioDeposit Elixir organic fertilizer application rates on the agronomic and economic performance of two tomato varieties under field conditions in Côte d’Ivoire. A field experiment was conducted during the 2024-2025 cropping season using a randomized complete block design with a factorial arrangement of two varieties (Petomech+ and Cobra 26 F1) and five application rates (0, 12, 15, 20, and 25 mL per 10 m²), with three replications. Morphological, phenological, yield, fruit quality, postharvest, and economic traits were evaluated. Data were analyzed using two-way analysis of variance followed by the Newman–Keuls multiple range test at P < 0.05. BioDeposit Elixir significantly affected most traits. Significant variety × BioDeposit Elixir dose interactions were observed for stem collar diameter, plant height, flowering time, fruit diameter, fruit fresh weight, gross yield, and shelf life. The 25 mL rate generally produced the highest values. Cobra 26 F1 showed superior performance for several traits, including plant height, fruit diameter, gross yield, and shelf life. The number of leaves, number of flowers, fruit appearance, harvest timing, and blossom-end rot incidence were mainly affected by the variety and/or BioDeposit Elixir dose without significant interaction. The 25 mL rate also resulted in the highest net economic value under both selling price scenarios (700 and 900 XOF kg⁻¹). Overall, BioDeposit Elixir improved several agronomic, postharvest, and economic traits, with responses depending on the trait and variety. The 25 mL rate provided the best overall performance under the experimental conditions.
Yaya Toure, Laddy Ouattara, Tchoa Koné et al.· World Journal of Advanced Re...· 0 citations
Maize (Zea mays L.) is a staple crop in Nigeria, yet yields remain low due to declining soil fertility and dependence on inorganic fertilizers that are costly and environmentally unsustainable. This study investigated the use of Siam weed (Chromolaena odorata L) residues as an organic amendment under rainforest agroecological conditions in Benin City, Nigeria. Field trials were conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm, University of Benin, Benin City, across two seasons with leaf residues rates of 0, 10, 30, and 50 kg ha–1.Experimental design was Randomised Complete Block with four replications. Soil properties, plant growth, phenological traits, and yield components were measured. Results showed that Chromolaena leaf residues significantly improved soil nutrient status, reduced acidity, enhanced nitrogen uptake, and improved maize growth and yield. Application rates of 30 and 50 kg m–2 increased plant height (155.9, 160.3 cm, respectively), shortened anthesis-silking intervals (2.4,1.5 days) and enhanced nitrogen uptake (3.37, 4.35 g plant–1). These application rates also boosted grain yield (3.0, 3.8 t ha–1) by up to 192 and 268% compared to control plots and enhanced stover yield (2.7, 3.3 t ha–1), offering added value for livestock feeding. Grain yield showed strong negative and positive correlations with phenological traits and growth/yield attributes, respectively. Findings highlight Chromolaena leaf residues as a cost-effective, eco-friendly organic fertilizers, capable of improving maize productivity and supporting sustainable crop-livestock systems in Nigeria
A. Osaigbovo, S. Ewansiha, A. Osaretin et al.· Agro-Science· 0 citations
Background: Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) productivity is declining due to continuous use of chemical fertilizers and deterioration of soil health. Integrated organic nutrient management is considered a sustainable approach to enhance crop growth and maintain soil fertility. Methods: A field experiment was conducted during Kharif 2021-22 at Raichur using a randomized complete block design with eleven treatments and three replications. Different combinations of compost, vermicompost and poultry manure were applied as basal and top dressing along with foliar sprays of panchagavya and vermiwash to evaluate their effect on growth, biomass and physiological parameters of cotton. Result: Treatment T10 recorded the highest plant height (99.5 cm), total dry matter production (408.6 g plant-1), leaf area (85.2 dm2 plant-1), leaf area index (3.15) and SPAD value (45.6). Integrated organic nutrient management significantly improved growth and physiological attributes compared to sole compost application.
Tinku Singh, Sucheta Dahiya, Satyanarayana Rao· Indian Journal of Agricultur...· 0 citations
Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) is considered an important source of dietary protein for rural and urban populations in sub-Saharan Africa. Its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen in the soil further emphasizes its important role in improving soil fertility. However, low yield and poor seed quality are the consequences of poor soil fertility. The introduction of improved varieties in recent decades has required different fertilization recommendations adapted to different ecological conditions. This review is based on approximately 103 research papers and critically discusses the effects of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) on growth, yield and seed quality of cowpea, in terms of crude protein content. The data collected show that recommendations for N, P and K fertilization depend on several factors, including total N content and available P and K in the soil, which vary between agro-ecological zones. The use of N-fertilizers can be harmful to the plant, except in cases of extremely low N content in the soil. Effective seed inoculation with Rhizobium bacteria promotes nodule formation. Many sources indicate 15–40 kg N ha-1, 20–45 kg P₂O₅ ha-1 and 30–40-kg K₂O ha-1 as optimal rates for growth and yield, even in conditions of very low soil supply of these nutrients. These rates have a positive effect on plant height, number of branches, flowers and pods, leaf area, root length, dry matter content, biomass (aboveground and underground parts), grain yield, number and weight of nodules and 100-seed weight, and are therefore also recommended in this review. Since N and P are key components in protein, the use of NPK fertilizers is essential to optimize the crude protein content of cowpea seeds, as confirmed by many authors. Increasing the doses of N and P generally increases the crude protein content, but the optimum yield and protein content were achieved at a dose of 30 kg N ha-1 and 37.5 kg P₂O₅ ha-1 in most agro-ecological conditions in Nigeria, combined with seed inoculation with Rhizobium bacteria.
U. T. Musa, M. Yusuf· Agricultura Scientia· 0 citations
