Abstract

Background: Soil depletion due to intensive agricultural practices, industrialization, and climate change has resulted in significant loss of soil microbial diversity and activity, compromising ecosystem functionality and agricultural productivity. Vermicomposting, a biological process utilizing earthworms to decompose organic matter, has emerged as a sustainable approach for soil restoration.
Objective: This study investigates the potential of vermicomposting in restoring soil microbial activity in depleted soils through comprehensive analysis of microbial biomass, enzymatic activity, and community structure.
Methods: Laboratory and field experiments were conducted using depleted agricultural soils treated with vermicompost at various concentrations (0%, 10%, 20%, and 30% w/w). Soil microbial parameters including total microbial biomass carbon (MBC), soil enzymatic activities (dehydrogenase, phosphatase, and urease), and microbial community diversity were assessed over a 180-day period.
Results: Vermicompost application significantly enhanced soil microbial activity. The 20% vermicompost treatment showed optimal results with 145% increase in MBC, 180% increase in dehydrogenase activity, and 160% increase in microbial diversity indices compared to control soils. Bacterial and fungal populations increased by 210% and 185% respectively.
Conclusion: Vermicomposting demonstrates significant potential in restoring soil microbial activity in depleted soils, with 20% application rate being most effective for microbial restoration while maintaining soil physicochemical balance.