THE EFFECT OF VERMICOMPOST ON THE GROWTH OF RADISH

Experiments were designed to clarify some physical, chemical and microbial properties of commercial vermicompost that had been mixed at proportions 1:1, 1:2, 1:4 and 1:8 by volume with neutralized peat. Control-neutralized peat was mixed with the inorganic fertilizer (NPK 11:11:22 with microelements) at 50 g m^-2. The influence of the mixed substratum on the growth of radishes under greenhouse conditions was tested. The microbial activity of the substratum was assessed by soil respiration and enzymatic activity. Plant growth was evaluated by plant length, weight and the pigment content in leaves. A mixture of vermicompost and peat in a ratio 1:1 and 1:2 significantly depressed the germination of radish seeds. A vermicompost and peat ratio 1:1 stimulated the accumulation of assimilates in the radish leaves, but a ratio of 1:2 higher root weight. Further dilution of the vermicompost significantly decreased plant length and weight. Radish leaves grown in the vermicompost and peat mixtures have significantly better water retention ability during the first hour after cutting in comparison with control plants. A positive correlation between the vermicompost dose and soil respiration intensity, activity of FDA hydrolysis and dehydrogenase was observed.