Vermicompost effects on cucumber growth and yield

An experiment was conducted to determine the effects of vermicompost of an cow manure origin on the growth and yield of cucumber grown under glasshouse conditions in the University of Mohaghegh Ardabili in 2008. Experiment was conducted in completely randomized design with 5 replications. The base medium (control treatment) was a mixture of 75% farm soil and 25% sand. The treatment media was vermicompost incorporated at six rates (10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60%). Stem height, leaf area, stem and root dry weight, fruit number and size and chlorophyll content were also measured. The results of experiment revealed that Plants were grown in 20% vermicompost medium significantly (P < 0.05) produced the highest stem height, leaf area, stem and root dry weight, fruit yield and chlorophyll content compared to control. Further increasing the vermicompost content in the base media decreased Stem height, leaf area, stem root dry weight and chlorophyll content. No significant differences (P < 0.05) were found between 10 and 20% vermicompost medium. Plant performance was poorest in the 50 and 60% vermicompost medium. Vermicompost application significantly increased the nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, Fe, Zn, Cu and Mn in aerial part s of plants in comparison to control.