Compost and vermicompost enhances the growth, uptake and quality of zucchini plants (cucurbita pepo l.) grown on sandy soils

Abstract

Abstract Producing of safe food from alkaline sandy soils under high rates of chemical fertilization is a serious concern in Egypt. Compost and vermicompost can improve soil fertility and crop production, but their application has not been well evaluated in zucchini (Cucurbita pepo L.) cultivation. This study aimed to determine the effects of compost and vermicompost on the yield, nutrient uptake of zucchini as well as on soil properties under field conditions. Four fertilization treatments, including a control without fertilization (CO), chemical fertilizer (CF), compost (CT), and vermicompost (VC) were arranged in a randomized complete block design with five replications. The results showed that CT and VC application significantly increased the yield of zucchini by 17 and 53%, respectively, in comparison with CF treatment. In addition, CT and VC treatments significantly increased the soil organic matter, soil availability of NPK compared with those in the CO and CF treatments. The application of the CT and VC amendments increased the N, P and K uptake significantly as compared to the CO and CF treatments. The highest values of N, P and K use efficiency were found in the CT treatment. The highly significant and positive correlation was found among different soil properties and zucchini traits. CT and VC are crucial for increasing productivity, improving fruit quality, and yield of zucchini fruit and can be used as an alternative to chemical fertilizers for zucchini cultivation.