Jul 2026· Hydrometeorology and ecology· Vol 122, pp. 214-230· 0 citations
Abstract
This study examines the influence of varying vermicompost application rates (0 %, 10 %, and 20 % of the substrate volume) on the growth, development, and yield of cucumber (Cucumis sativus) and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) cultivated under greenhouse conditions in the Turkestan region of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The research is conducted within the framework of chemical and technological transformation of organic matter in soil substrates. The results indicate that the incorporation of vermicompost leads to notable changes in the physicochemical characteristics of the substrate, including an increase in organic matter content, stabilization of substrate pH, and improved availability of key macronutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. These modifications contribute to more active mineralization processes and enhanced biochemical transformation of nutrients, which in turn stimulate root system development, promote vegetative growth, and increase crop yield. The highest overall productivity was recorded at a vermicompost application rate of 20 %, demonstrating its maximum agronomic effectiveness. At the same time, the 10 % application rate also showed a consistently positive effect, suggesting that it represents a balanced and economically viable option for greenhouse cultivation. Overall, the findings support the use of vermicompost as an efficient organic component in the chemical technology of soil substrate improvement for greenhouse vegetable production.
Abstract The soil used is sandy in texture, low in nutrients, and low in organic matter, and therefore has low cation exchange capacity. Therefore, the objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of improving their physicochemical and biological properties by inoculating the roots with a solution of Methylobacterium and liquid compost in cauliflower cultivation, as well as integrating a treatment through an automated drip irrigation system. This biostimulant, biofertilizer, and biocontrol agent solution was used, which has applications in agriculture to improve soil health and crop productivity. The experiment was set up under a completely randomized block design with four treatments (T0, T1, T2, and T3), corresponding to doses of 0, 250, 333, and 400 mL per 200 L of water, respectively. The results indicated that treatment T3 significantly optimized the plant's physiological response to salt stress, increasing both its antioxidant capacity and chlorophyll α concentration. Likewise, physical characterization revealed significant differences in the morphological parameters of cauliflower, suggesting greater metabolic resistance and improved nutritional quality. Finally, ultrastructural analysis of the epidermis and stomata using microscopy showed that, while the control treatment (T0) had a collapsed surface, treatment T3 showed a functional and turgid ultrastructure. This demonstrates that the inoculation applied mitigates the phytotoxic impact of the substrate and optimizes the metabolic potential of the crop.
J. A. Legua Cárdenas, E. Macavilca Ticlayauri, M. S. Sánchez Calle et al.· Brazilian Journal of Biology· 0 citations
The rapid pace of urbanization, coupled with the variability in climatic conditions, has led to a marked increase in global food demand. Simultaneously, this phenomenon has resulted in a decline in the overall quality of food, highlighting the need to improve existing agricultural production systems. In this context, zeolite has emerged as a promising soil amendment for optimizing its physical properties and crop yields. However, there is limited information on its effects during tomato cultivation, particularly for the Saladette variety (Solanum lycopersicum L.) in Hidalgo, Mexico. This includes the use of this zeolite variety, the evaluation of its antioxidant properties, and its antioxidant activity at different applied concentrations. This study evaluated the effect of different concentrations of zeolite applied to the soil on tomato growth and fruit quality. After crop establishment, the treatments were monitored monthly. The results showed that the application of zeolite significantly improved crop yield, with Treatment 3 (5 kg zeolite plant−1) showing the best performance without affecting the physical characteristics of the fruit. The tomatoes maintained adequate commercial standards, with weights ranging from 104 a 169 g, sizes from 5.16 to 6.20 cm, and firmness values between 1.19 and 2.27 N; therefore, this treatment was selected for the determination of the antioxidant activity on the fruits. Furthermore, an increase in antioxidant capacity was observed, reaching 5.50 µmol TE/100 g of dry sample in the DPPH antioxidant capacity test. This demonstrates that zeolite application positively influences the quality and antioxidant capacity of tomatoes. This suggests that zeolite could be used in various crops, potentially improving the quality of the final product and offering health benefits to consumers thanks to the antioxidant compounds generated during harvest. However, further studies are needed to determine the optimal application rates and the long-term effects on soil health and crop productivity.
Jessica Lizbeth Ramirez-Tellez, L. Delgado‐Olivares, Nelly del Socorro Cruz-Cansino et al.· Crops· 0 citations
The increasing demand for sustainable tomato production has intensified the search for environmentally friendly nutrient management strategies that can improve crop productivity while maintaining soil health. This study evaluated the effects of different rates and combinations of vermicast and vermitea on the growth, yield, fruit quality, postharvest performance, and profitability of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) under the agroecological conditions of Ilocos Sur, Philippines. The experiment was conducted using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with six treatments and three replications. Growth parameters, flowering characteristics, yield components, fruit quality, postharvest attributes, and economic returns were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Results revealed that vermicast and vermitea significantly influenced all measured parameters (P ≤ 0.01). The combined application of 80 g vermicast + 1000 ml vermitea per 16 L water (T3) consistently produced the best overall performance, recording the highest final plant height (86.37 cm), height increment (75.43 cm), number of leaves (86.00), flowers (53.00), fruits per plant (41.00), average fruit weight (98.27 g), total fruit yield (4.02 kg plant⁻¹), marketable yield (21.43 t ha⁻¹), and market quality (97.56%). The same treatment also extended shelf life, minimized fruit cracking, and generated the highest gross income (₱642,000.00 ha⁻¹), net income (₱447,596.24 ha⁻¹), return on investment (230.24%), and benefit-cost ratio (3.30). Meanwhile, vermitea applied alone enhanced stem diameter, fruit firmness, fruit size, and accelerated flowering. Overall, integrating vermicast and vermitea proved to be an effective and economically viable organic nutrient management strategy for improving tomato growth, fruit quality, yield, and profitability. The study demonstrates the potential of vermicompost-based amendments as sustainable alternatives to synthetic fertilizers for enhancing tomato production under local farming conditions.
MARITES U. PERALTA· International Journal of Aqu...· 0 citations
This paper presents the results of long-term studies (2021-2023) on the effect of humic fertilizers and plant growth bioregulators on the chemical composition of fruits and the above-ground part of cucumber plants (Cucumis sativus, hybrid F1 Orzu). The content of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium was analyzed. It was found that the nitrogen content in cucumber fruits varied depending on the year, but treatment with humic fertilizers and biostimulants led to an increase in nitrogen content by 0.09–0.18% compared to the control. The concentration of phosphorus in fruits also varied annually, while the potassium content remained relatively stable and did not depend on the application of fertilizers. In the above-ground part of the plants, differences in nitrogen content were observed depending on the preparation used and the stage of development. Foliar feeding with humic fertilizers during the flowering and fruiting phases contributed to an increase in the level of nitrogen in plant tissues by 0.08–0.15% compared to the control. The phosphorus content in the above-ground part of the plants was relatively stable over the three years. The use of humic fertilizer "Cytogumat" and other treatment options led to an increase in the potassium content in the above-ground part of the plants by 0.24–0.30%, which indicates an improvement in potassium transport and assimilation.
N. Tanakov, Z. Karimova· Bulletin of Science and Prac...· 0 citations
The intensive use of mineral fertilizers in horticultural systems has improved crop productivity but also increased concerns regarding soil degradation and environmental sustainability. In this context, vermicompost derived from buffalo manure may represent a sustainable alternative for nutrient management and organic waste valorization. This study evaluated the effects of four fertilization strategies on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) grown in loam and clay soils: unfertilized control, mineral fertilization, vermicompost applied at an equivalent nitrogen rate, and the residual effect of vermicompost from a previous cauliflower crop. Agronomic performance, fruit quality, carbon and nitrogen metabolism, and antioxidant-related traits were assessed. Mineral fertilization produced the highest marketable yield, reaching 9.68 and 7.69 kg m−2 in loam and clay soils, respectively, mainly through increased fruit number. Direct vermicompost application maintained substantial productivity, with yields of 7.55 and 5.18 kg m−2 in the two soils. The fertilization strategies also induced distinct changes in fruit composition. Mineral fertilization increased total free amino acids to approximately 160 mg g−1 DW, mainly through the accumulation of glutamine, glutamate, asparagine and γ-aminobutyric acid, but was associated with lower soluble solids and antioxidant activity. Vermicompost promoted the highest lycopene concentration, approximately 2.1 mg g−1 DW, in clay soil and maintained intermediate antioxidant activity and amino acid concentrations. Soil texture also influenced carbohydrate partitioning, with greater fructose accumulation in clay soil and greater starch accumulation in loam soil. The residual vermicompost treatment alone did not adequately sustain tomato productivity or metabolic activity, particularly in clay soil. Overall, vermicompost partially replaced mineral fertilization while maintaining satisfactory yield and modulating fruit metabolic quality, although its effectiveness depended strongly on soil texture.
G. M. Fusco, I. Mola, E. Cozzolino et al.· Agriculture· 0 citations
Abstract The valorization of agroforestry residues, such as Caryocar brasiliense (pequi) shells, through biochar production represents a promising strategy for developing sustainable substrates for forest seedling production. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of incorporating pequi shell biochar, produced at different pyrolysis temperatures (350, 400, and 450 °C), on the physicochemical properties of substrates and the germination performance of Anadenanthera colubrina (angico-vermelho) seeds. A total of 26 substrate formulations were tested, containing different proportions of biochar (2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10% v/v), combined with subsoil and commercial substrate. The results showed that increasing the pyrolysis temperature led to higher pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC), and availability of nutrients (P, K, Ca, Mg), significantly improving germination conditions. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed a positive correlation between germination performance and attributes such as pH, CEC, P, Ca, and Mg, and a negative correlation with aluminum content. The treatment with 5% biochar produced at 450 °C combined with commercial substrate yielded the highest emergence rates. It is concluded that pequi shell biochar, especially when produced at higher pyrolysis temperatures, has high potential as an input for substrate formulation in the production of Anadenanthera colubrina seedlings, with promising applications for other forest species as well.
L. A. Silva, M. D. C. Arantes, F. Colen et al.· Brazilian Journal of Biology· 0 citations