Impact of increasing vermicompost applications on the growth performance of radish (Raphanus sativus) in cadmium-contaminated soil

Abstract

Soil contamination by heavy metals, including cadmium (Cd), adversely impacts plant growth and affects agricultural productivity. Organic improvements, especially vermicompost (VC), may reduce metal toxicity. This study investigated the impact of increasing VC dosages on the growth of radish (Raphanus sativus) under Cd stress. A greenhouse experiment was performed using a randomized plot design with four replications. In this experiment, four different vermicompost (VC) rates (0%, 1%, 2%, and 4%) and three Cd concentrations (0, 5, and 10 mg kg-1) were applied. The Cherry Belle cultivar was cultivated and harvested 45 days post-sowing. The shoot's length and weight (fresh and dry), the tuber's diameter, and the tuber's weight (fresh and dry) were all measured. The vermicompost treatment significantly (p≤ 0.01) enhanced all parameters. The lowest values have been determined without vermicompost at 10 mg Cd kg-1. The maximum shoot length and tuber diameter were achieved with 4% vermicompost and no cadmium, whereas the highest shoot and tuber weights were obtained with 4% vermicompost at 10 mg Cd kg-1. In summary, vermicompost reduced Cd toxicity and improved radish growth and yield, suggesting its potential as a sustainable solution for soils contaminated with heavy metals.

Keywords

• Cadmium
• Radish
• Soil
• Vermicompost
• Yield parameters

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