Impact of Vermicompost on Biopriming of Raphanus Sativus

Background: Vermicompost is an organic fertilizer used for the production of chemical free safe food in both quality and quantity and an alternative of unhealthy agrochemicals. Vermicompost is the excreta of earthworm, which are capable of improving soil health and nutrient status. Vermiculture is a process by which all types of biodegradable wastes such as farm wastes, kitchen wastes, market wastes, bio-wastes of agro based industries, livestock wastes etc. are converted while passing through the worm-gut to nutrient rich vermicompost.

Aim: Study aimed to assess the impact of vermicompost on biopriming of Raphanus sativus.  Materials and Methods: Analyse the growth of radish plant with comparison of fertilizers between normal soil and soil treated with vermicompost. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of phytochemicals, antioxidant level, chlorophyll level, rhizobium activity was measured. Unknown materials and contamination in leaf extract was done by FTIR method. Radish was grown in normal soil and with different dosage of vermicompost in separate pots and the impact was measured by changes in the radish root and leaves weight on 27^th, 36^th and 42^nd day after emergence of plant.

Results:  The results showed that there is significant increase in the radish root and leaves weight in vermicompost soiled plant compared to normal soil.  The biggest was achieved in SV 4:1 ratio and the smallest in control. However, SV 1:1 ratio shown 50% increase in diameter and weight favouring the radish for tradable and affordable.

The macronutrients 48.7 nitrogen, 29.8 phosphorus, 12874 potassium, 3.92 sulphur, 90295 calcium, 27683 magnesium and micronutrients 145.7 copper, 31063 iron, 518.8 manganese, 953 zinc, 446 chloride levels was measured in mg/kg of soil. Electrical conductivity of the soil at 26.4 degree C (1:2 Ratio) contains 381µS/cm.  The soil sample obtain the neutral PH level and it is the ideal type for the plant growth and Soil PH value – 7.96.  The phytochemical analysis shown presence of flavonoids, alkaloid, tannins, terpenoid, protein, phenol, carbohydrates, amino acid and the absence of steroid, anthraquinone’s, glycosides, saponins. The moisture content of soil 13.3% and improvised to 18.9% suitable for growth. The volumetric soil moisture content remaining at field capacity is about 50%. Vitamin C, more properly called ascorbic acid, is an essential antioxidant. Raphanus sativus leaf contains 80mg/100ml of anti-oxidant. It clearly reveals the leaf contains high anti-oxidant content. In the leaf extract of Raphanus sativus shows its peak in the 3278.99 in normal soil and 3290.56 in vermicompost soil which it has O-H and N-H stretching of amides and amines it is a saturated system.

Conclusion: Based on our results, we conclude Raphanus sativus plant growth on vermicompost gives the gradual growth based on the dosage. The study proves the growth of Raphanus sativus in vermicompost helps the growth of plant.

Keywords: Vermicompost, Raphanus Sativus, Biopriming.