Abstract

Yard leaf manure vermicompost (V) and compost (C) of 0,1,3,6 and 9% of pot weight and corn (Zea mays L.) seeds were grown in pots. Root and shoot dry matters (DM) were greatest in 1 and 3% vermicompost, respectively. Although a decrease in shoot DM was observed in pots containing 3, 6 and 9% compost in comparison with V and control (0%). Macro (N, P, K, Ca, Mg) and micronutrients (Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn) concentrations in the aerial parts of the corn were significantly (P < 0.01) affected by the treatments. The concentrations of N, P, K, Ca and Mg in the treatments were higher than in control (only soil). Fe and Mn concentrations in all treatments were significantly (P < 0.01) higher than control but the concentration of Cu was not affected by the treatments. Zn concentration in treatments having vermicompost was lower than in control. Physical properties of soil were affected by the application of compost and vermicompost.

Key words: Compost, growth of corn, nutrients, physical properties, vermicompost.