Effects of Municipal Waste Compost and Vermicompost on Growth and Nutrients Uptake of Corn

Vermicompost as soil amendment is known for its large surface area and high nutrients holding capacity. A greenhouse trial was conducted to compare the municipal solid waste vermicompost and compost as potting media for the growth of corns. The mixing proportion of compost and vermicompost with soil were 0%, 1%, 3% and 5% of pot weights. Six corn seeds were planted in each pot and moisture contents of the pots were controlled close to filed capacity (FC). Plants were harvested at 60th day after planting. The results showed that all potted mixtures produced significantly higher biomass than the control (only soil). There was a positive significant relationship between the amount of compost and vermicompost added to the soil and the uptake of nutrients by corn. The optimum mixing proportion for vermicompost was 3% and for compost was 5% of pot weight. The results showed that the adding of 5% compost and 3% vermicompost to the soil, respectively, led to 178.82% and 178.42% increase in shoot dry weight and 49. 54% and 51.63% in root dry weight as compared to the control, respectively.