Evaluation of vermicompost on development and yield of beetroot (Beta vulgaris)

A greenhouse experiment was conducted at Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources for 10 weeks (19 March – 28 May 2019) under irrigated conditions. The objective of the experiment was to evaluate the effect of vermicompost on the growth and yield of beetroot (Beta vulgaris) under (i) four doses of vermicompost, (ii) three doses of mineral fertilizer, and (iii) ordinary soil (as control). A randomized complete design had polyethylene pots with 8 treatments, namely 4 doses (5, 10, 20 and 30 tonne/ha) of vermicompost, 3 doses (50, 100 and 200% of 50 kg bag/ha) of NPK (2:3:2) and ordinary soil (as control), of three replicates. Data on growth and yield parameters were analyzed using the Statistical Analysis Software computer package (SAS version 9.3). Analysis of variance and means were separated using Duncan’s multiple range test at 5% confidence level. The results of this study showed that 30 tonne/ha vermicompost treatment gave great potential to increase the performance, growth and yield of beetroot plant and improvement of soil quality. The four doses of vermicompost gave higher significant growth and yield of beetroot than the three doses of NPK [2:3:2] fertilizer and ordinary soil. The minimum quantity of 5 tonne/ha of vermicompost is, therefore, recommended as a natural fertilizer for root crops, vegetable crops and other crops for increased and sustainable agricultural systems.