Restoring soil functionality in drylands: Soil texture-specific impacts of vermicompost as an organic waste-based amendment

Abstract

In semi-arid agroecosystems, where climate constraints limit soil productivity, sustainable management strategies are essential. This study evaluated the influence of soil texture on vermicompost efficacy in western Iran (Hamedan province) over 12 months during the 2023 growing season. A factorial field experiment was conducted on clay loam and loam soils with two vermicompost levels (0 and 15 ± 2 t ha⁻¹), each replicated three times (n = 12 plots). We assessed short-term changes in key physical, chemical, and mechanical soil properties, hypothesizing that loam soils—due to higher porosity and organic matter retention—would show greater improvements. Vermicompost significantly enhanced aggregate stability and reduced bulk density by up to 11.93 % in loam soils. Organic carbon increased by 84.76 % in clay loam, and cation exchange capacity rose by 20.51 %. Saturated hydraulic conductivity improved by 56.30 % in clay loam and 110.85 % in loam soils, indicating enhanced infiltration. A 55.42 % decrease in water-dispersible clay also suggested better structural resilience. These findings highlight the value of texture-specific organic amendments for improving soil quality, reducing erosion risk, and supporting adaptive land management. Incorporating vermicompost into dryland agriculture supports sustainable land use and offers a scalable strategy for maintaining soil productivity under challenging climatic conditions.