Benefits of Vermicompost in Agriculture and Factors Affecting its Nutrient Content

• Published in: Journal of soil science and plant nutrition 2024-09, Vol.24 (3), p.4898-4917
• Main Authors: Cruz, García Santiago Juana, Hermes, Pérez Hernández, Miriam, Sánchez Vega, López, Alonso Méndez
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Agricultural wastes; Agriculture; Agrochemicals; Biodegradation; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Composting; Crop development; Ecology; Environment; Enzymes; Fertilizers; Growth regulators; Hormones; Humic substances; Information processing; Life Sciences; Micronutrients; Microorganisms; Mineral fertilizers; Mineralization; Nutrient content; Nutrients; Organic fertilizers; Organic soils; Organic wastes; Oxidation; Physical properties; Plant growth; Plant Sciences; Pollution control; Review; Soil erosion; Soil fertility; Soil improvement; Soil microorganisms; Soil pollution; Soil quality; Soil Science & Conservation; Vermicomposting; Worms
• ISSN: 0718-9508; 0718-9516
• DOI: 10.1007/s42729-024-01880-0

Vermicompost is an organic amendment rich in nutrients, humic substances, growth regulators, hormones and beneficial microorganisms. Vermicompost is produced by the bio-oxidation of various organic wastes through the combined action of earthworms and microorganisms. Because of its components, vermicompost helps maintain soil health, improve plant development and reduce environmental pollution. Compared to other organic fertilizers, vermicompost provides higher levels of macronutrients and micronutrients. However, it has been reported that the nutrient content of vermicompost depends on the proper management of some factors involved in the vermicomposting process. The main limitation to the widespread use of vermicompost in agriculture has been its low nutrient content compared to inorganic fertilizers. Research has been conducted to improve the nutrient content of vermicompost during the vermicomposting process; however, the available information on optimizing the factors involved in increasing the nutrient content of vermicompost is limited and scattered. This review, in addition to highlighting the effect of vermicompost on soil quality and crop development, has examined and concentrated the current literature on the progress of research aimed at improving the nutrient content of vermicompost by optimizing the factors involved in the vermicomposting process. It is expected that the information provided will encourage and guide new research aimed at improving the nutrient content of vermicompost.