Earthworm Castings as Growth Medium for Chinese Cabbage (Brassica Rapa Pekinensis)
ABSTRACT
The main purpose of this experimental study is to find out what proportion of earthworm casting will yield the best. It also aims to determine whether earthworm casting is a better planting medium than garden soil.
Five set-ups were prepared including one control, with the same amount of water given and exposure to sunlight and temperature. However, they differ in the proportion of earthworm casting in every pot. The earthworm casting and garden soil were weighed and then thoroughly mixed (according to the proportion of earthworm castings, 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% & 100%). Each mixture of soil had a total of two kilograms. The mixtures were placed in different plastic pots. The plants were then transplanted to the soil mixtures after 15 days of germination. The heights of the plants were obtained every week. After the span 45 days (since the day of germination), the plants were harvested and the heights and weight were taken.
Results show that there is a significant difference between the mixtures made. In addition, Chinese cabbages that were planted in the mixtures with earthworm casting were better than those which were planted in pure garden soil. The outcome of study also shows that the best yield were those which were planted on 100% earthworm casting.
INTRODUCTION
Background of the study
Earthworm Castings are the excretions left behind by worms after they finish digesting the organic matter that makes up their diet. It contains rich proportions of water-soluble nutrients. Earthworm Castings allow plants to quickly and easily absorb all essential nutrients and trace elements in simple forms, so plants need only minimal effort to obtain them. They are concentrated and rich in nitrogen, they are gentle enough to be applied in direct contact to sensitive plant roots without fear of burning.
More than just a great plant fertilizer, castings are also a terrific soil amendment, plant growth enhancer, and the gardener’s ultimate compost. Earthworm
The main purpose of this experimental study is to find out what proportion of earthworm casting will yield the best. It also aims to determine whether earthworm casting is a better planting medium than garden soil.
Five set-ups were prepared including one control, with the same amount of water given and exposure to sunlight and temperature. However, they differ in the proportion of earthworm casting in every pot. The earthworm casting and garden soil were weighed and then thoroughly mixed (according to the proportion of earthworm castings, 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% & 100%). Each mixture of soil had a total of two kilograms. The mixtures were placed in different plastic pots. The plants were then transplanted to the soil mixtures after 15 days of germination. The heights of the plants were obtained every week. After the span 45 days (since the day of germination), the plants were harvested and the heights and weight were taken.
Results show that there is a significant difference between the mixtures made. In addition, Chinese cabbages that were planted in the mixtures with earthworm casting were better than those which were planted in pure garden soil. The outcome of study also shows that the best yield were those which were planted on 100% earthworm casting.
INTRODUCTION
Background of the study
Earthworm Castings are the excretions left behind by worms after they finish digesting the organic matter that makes up their diet. It contains rich proportions of water-soluble nutrients. Earthworm Castings allow plants to quickly and easily absorb all essential nutrients and trace elements in simple forms, so plants need only minimal effort to obtain them. They are concentrated and rich in nitrogen, they are gentle enough to be applied in direct contact to sensitive plant roots without fear of burning.
More than just a great plant fertilizer, castings are also a terrific soil amendment, plant growth enhancer, and the gardener’s ultimate compost. Earthworm
Cited: Burns, J.D, 2007, The Miracle Of The Earthworm, Countryside Publications Ltd., Sarasota, Florida Grolier Encyclopedia of Knowledge, 1995, 4: 356, Grolier Inc., United States of America http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/plantanswers/vegetables/chincabb.html Johnson, L.G 1983. Biology, Company Publishers, WM. C. Brown New Standard Encyclopedia, Vol 6: E22, Ferguason Publishing Company, Chicago