Vermicompost and vermiwash as supplement to improve seedling, plant growth and yield in Linum usitassimum L. for organic agriculture

Purpose To study the organic production in two varietiesof Linum (Linseed) crop using different proportions ofvermicomposts and combination of vermiwash as anenvironment friendly substitute to chemical fertilizers fororganic farming of Linseed.Method Vermicompost prepared from cattle dung wasmixed in different proportions, i.e. 0, 20, 40, 60, 80, and100% vermicompost v/v with soil and commercial pottingmedia (Perlite, Peat and Coconut coir). To study the germination,vegetative growth, reproductive growth and yieldin two varieties of Linum usitassimum L. LC-54 and LC-2063 were grown in a polyhouse for a 2 years trial. A totalof 960 seedlings and 240 plants were studied for assessmentof result in 24 treatments. Additional treatments withfoliar application of 1:1 v/v vermiwash and recommendeddose of inorganic fertilizer were done to determine andcompare the role of vermicompost, vermiwash and inorganictreatment.Results Substituting soil with 60% (v/v) vermicompost inLC-54 and with 40% (v/v) vermicompost in LC-2063improved the performance of seeds, root morphology andstem growth. Life cycle of crop was shortened in twovarieties of Linseed raised under different treatments ofvermicompost and vermiwash. Performance of LC-54 wasbetter at 60% and that of LC-2063 was at 40%, which canbe attributed to their genotypic differences. Vermicompostproportion above 60% was of no use at any stage of lifecycle in both the varieties of Linum. Germination and yieldwere further improved when foliar application of vermiwashwas integrated with vermicompost for nutrient managementwhen compared with recommended chemicalfertilizer treatment and control.Conclusion Bio-efficacy of vermicompost and vermiwashfor production of organic Linseed crop has been wellestablished with enhanced yield.