Assessment of Soil Health as Influenced under Vermicompost Treatments in Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) Cultivation

Abstract

Vermicomposting, which uses earthworms to convert organic waste into nutrient-rich compost, improves soil health and crop productivity as a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers for okra (Abelmoschus esculentus). This study assesses the effects of different vermicompost treatments on soil physical properties, specifically bulk density and field capacity, in okra cultivation. The present investigation was carried out to examine the effect of treated vermicompost varieties on soil health in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) cultivation at Research Farm, Mewar University, Gangrar, (Chittorgarh) Rajasthan, during the Kharif season of 2024. The results revealed significant variations in physical, chemical and biological properties of soil across 14 treatments. Soil pH remained near neutral (6.92–7.23), while electrical conductivity stayed within safe limits (<2.0 dS m⁻¹), indicating no salinity hazard. Bulk density ranged from 1.46 to 1.63 Mg m⁻³, with lower values observed under higher vermicompost applications, indicating improved soil structure and porosity. Field capacity increased from 11.70% in control (T1) to 15.75% in T13, reflecting enhanced moisture retention due to organic amendments. Soil organic carbon showed a progressive rise from 0.19% to 0.41%, demonstrating the positive role of vermicompost in carbon enrichment. Available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium also increased significantly, with maximum values recorded as 231.01 kg ha⁻¹ (T13), 26.79 kg ha⁻¹ (T11), and 370.61 kg ha⁻¹ (T11), respectively. Biological properties improved markedly, with higher populations of bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes observed in vermicompost-treated plots. Enzymatic activity (dehydrogenase) was also enhanced, with the highest activity recorded in T12 and T13. In conclusion, the application of vermicompost, particularly in higher and integrated treatments, significantly improved soil health, thereby supporting sustainable soil management and improved crop productivity in okra cultivation.