Vermicompost as an effective organic fertilizer and biocontrol agent: effect on growth, yield and quality of plants

In the present review, vermicompost is described as an excellent soil amendment and a biocontrol agent which make it the best organic fertilizer and more eco-friendly as compared to chemical fertilizers. Vermicompost is an ideal organic manure for better growth and yield of many plants. It can increase the production of crops and prevent them from harmful pests without polluting the environment. Application of vermicompost increased seed germination, stem height, number of leaves, leaf area, leaf dry weight, root length, root number, total yield, number of fruits/plant, chlorophyll content, pH of juice, TSS of juice, micro and macro nutrients, carbohydrate (%) and protein (%) content and improved the quality of the fruits and seeds. Studies suggested that treatments of humic acids, plant growth promoting bacteria and vermicomposts can be used for a sustainable agriculture discouraging the use of chemical fertilizers.