Effects of Vermicompost on Plant Growth and Soil Structure

Abstract

Vermicompost is the name given to organic material in which virtually any organic waste is converted into a useful fertilizer and effective soil conditioner. Chemical substances that have been used intensively for many years have adversely affected soil fertility and microbial activity. Vermicompost products confer plant nutrient elements, various hormones, enzymes, humic substances and especially organic matter to the soil. Thus it improves the soil structure while preparing a suitable environment for plant growth as well. It is a material with high water holding capacity and cation exchange capacity. It also has a positive effect on the ventilation of the soil. It also helps plants to more effi-ciently utilize plant nutrients in the soil. The average organic matter content of our country's soils is quite low (2% or less). For all these reasons the use of vermicompost should be encouraged. The aim of this study is to give infor-mation about the properties of vermicomposts, and its effects on plant growth and soil structure and to provide a current literature source.