The effect of vermiwash and vermicompost produced from leaves of Azadirachta indica and Citrus aurantifolia on the growth parameters of celery through hydroponic system

Abstract

Abstract. Ansari AA, Raghubeer H, Jaikishun S. 2019. The effect of vermiwash and vermicompost produced from leaves of Azadirachta indica and Citrus aurantifolia on the growth parameters of celery through hydroponic system. Trop Drylands 3: 11-16. Hydroponic is a method of growing plants in water solution with additional elements including vermicompost and vermiwash generated from organic matters. This research was designed to determine the physicochemical composition of vermiwash and vermicompost produced from neem (Azadirachta indica) and lime (Citrus aurantifolia) and their influence on the growth parameters on celery (Apium graveolens) in hydroponic system. Plants were treated with six treatments-A (nutrient solution for hydroponic systems), B (vermiwash and vermicompost made from T₁), C-control (water), D (vermiwash and vermicompost made from T₂), E (vermiwash and vermicompost made from T₃). All treatments were replicated six times in a complete randomized block design (CRBD). Results indicated that vermiwash and vermicompost when used in combination can be substituted for chemical hydroponic solutions used in hydroponic systems. T2 had a significant effect on celery plants where it produced plants with greater heights and stem diameter. Maximum amount of sodium was seen in plants treated with F. Plants treated with T1 had the highest number of leaves and branches. This research will further enhance the need for hydroponic agriculture as it has less detrimental effects on the environment and produces greater yield and better quality of crops.