Development of organic phosphorus vermicompost from raw phosphate rock using microorganisms and enzymes and its effect on tomato yield

Abstract

Chemical phosphorus and other chemical fertilizers undergo certain changes in the soil. These changes cause crop yield loss because of changes in soil pH and EC. In addition, other toxic compounds accumulate. They also lead to serious soil contamination and threaten the environment. In this study, vermicompost was developed from raw phosphate rock by using microorganisms and phosphorus solubilizing enzymes (protease, lipase, dehydrogénase, hydrolase, urea, nitrogenesis, cellulose) to eliminate phosphorus deficiency in soil. Two-year greenhouse trials were conducted to determine the effectiveness of the organic phosphorus humus produced after six months of mineralization, and tomato plants were grown. As a result of these experiments, the effects on yield and physicochemical properties of the tomato plant were studied. Earthworm fertilizer at a rate of 4500 kg ha−1 increased the tomato yield of 22.12% compared to the control application, in the two-years means. In addition, the effect on nutrient content of tomato plants resulted in statistically significant increases (p < 0.05). When the macronutrient concentrations in the leaves of the plant were examined, they were considered to have reached the level of sufficiency. It was also found that the content of amino acids, chlorophyll and antioxidants in the tomato plant reached the highest levels compared to the control application. Based on our results, it was concluded that this organic fertilizer will contribute to higher crop yields in plants of cultural and commercial importance and to other plant growth parameters.