Effects of Different Levels of Vermicompost on Black Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Cultivation

Abstract

Given the growing need to address the challenges of black rice cultivation and the environmental impacts of synthetic fertilizers, this study seeks to evaluate the response of a black rice variety to different levels of vermicompost application. The development of organic farming would bring a healthier environment, safe for humans, and result in increased food production that addresses Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as Life on Land (SDG 15) and Zero Hunger (SDG 2). The experiment was conducted using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four treatments, each replicated three times. The treatments were as follows: A–20 tons of vermicompost per hectare, B – 25 tons of vermicompost per hectare, C–30 tons of vermicompost per hectare, and D – inorganic fertilizer applied at a rate of 90- 30-30 kg NPK per hectare. The results revealed no significant differences among the treatment means at all stages of plant growth, including growth indicators such as the number of tillers and plant height, as well as yield components, including panicle length, fresh and dry grain weight, and the number of filled and unfilled grains. These findings suggest that applying 20, 25, or 30 tons of vermicompost per hectare produces similar effects to using synthetic fertilizer. The study highlights the potential of vermicompost as a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic fertilizers for black rice cultivation, thereby reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers that may have long-term adverse effects on soil health.