Nutrient release patterns from compost, vermicomposting, and long-term effect on soil fertility status

Abstract

: The principal aim of this study was to examine the nutrient release pattern from two types of composts and long-term implications on soil fertility status. An incubation experiment was carried out in the laboratory to determine the nutrient release patterns from compost and vermicompost mixed with soil at different application rates of SC30, SC70, SC120 and SV30, SV70 SV120 respectively for 21 days. Initial pre-incubation analysis of the compost material used for the experiment showed that both the compost and vermicompost had high nutrient content. The results further revealed that the different rates of compost and vermicompost application to soil had significant influence on the slow, gradual release process, indicating the long-term effect the organic fertilizers could exert on soil fertility status