Effect of the Genotype, Vermicompost Type and Dosage on Tomato Growth and Nutrient Uptake at Nursery Stage

The aim of this work was to evaluate (i) the effect of the type of vermicompost and (ii) the effect of the dosage of vermicompost on nutrient status and growth characteristics of tomato transplants; (iii) the variety response of tomato to vermicompost type and dose. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse at Maritsa Vegetable Crops Research Institute, Bulgaria. The results revealed that synthetic fertilizers could be fully replaced by the vermicompost and there was no specific variety response to the treatments. The optimal dose for growing of tomato transplants is 25% from the volume of the potting mixture for two of the vermicomposts tested – Biohumus CM and Biohumus MM, while optimal dose of Lumbrical is 10% from the potting mixture volume. The results presented here constitute a new proof of feasibility of vermicompost as potting media constituent in sustainable culture practices and specifically in organic production.