The Effect of Vermicompost Application on Soil Properties in Olive (Olea europaea L. cv. Memecik) Plant

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to examine the effect of solid vermicompost on soil and plant properties of olive (Olea europaea L. cv. Memecik). The study was carried out in an olive garden in the district of Şarköy, Tekirdağ Province. For this purpose, in olive orchard cv. Memecik were applied to 2?kg/tree 15-15-15 fertilizer and a single dose of 5?kg vermicompost/tree in 2017. The study was carried out with 4 replications. Trial results indicate that the soil in the study area is mostly semi-calcareous, clay-loamy textured, slightly alkaline, and neutral. Following the application of vermicompost in the area, all the samples have been observed to have increased soil organic matter, and reduced amounts of lime and pH value. This is due to the soil regulating effect of vermicompost. After the application, N, P, K, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu levels increased at both depths compared to before the application (0–30, 30–60?cm). The only reduction has been observed in Ca amount. Following the application, the greatest increase occurred in N, P, Mn, Zn and Cu. And in terms of plant analysis results, scopes of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu have been respectively observed as 3.29%, 0.27, 1.66, 1.73, 0.38, 94.15, 123.89, 32.91 and 77.23?mg kg?1. Vermicompost is particularly important for farmers, consumers and for a good soil quality to ensure sustainable agricultural activities. Regarding strategic plants, such as olive, with a solid place in international commercial markets, it is highly important that states are encouraging the application and use of vermicompost to increase soil fertility and quality. © 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Deutschland, ein Teil von Springer Nature.