Effect of Adding Vermicompost and Perlite Enriched with Nano-NPK on NPK Availability and Organic Matter in Soil

Abstract

A factorial experiment was conducted during the autumn agricultural season 2023-2024 in one of the fields of Bani Saad district, Diyala Governorate, in a mixed soil (Loam). The experiment included two factors: the first is adding vermicompost worm fertilizer (Vermi Compost) at three levels of 0, 1 and 2% of the soil volume, symbolized byV₀, V₁ and V₂, respectively. The second factor is adding perlite supported by nano-NPK at an amount of 2% of the soil volume and at five levels: O perlite, 2% of the soil volume perlite, 2% of the soil volume perlite + 2 g m2 nano-NPK, 2% of the soil volume perlite + 4 g m2 nano-NPK, and 0 perlite + 2 m m2 nano-NPK, symbolized by P₀ , P₁ , P₂ , P₃ and P₄ , respectively, with the aim of studying the effect of adding vermicompost and perlite on the readiness of NPK and organic matter in the soil, as well as To know the effect of adding vermicompost and perlite supplemented with secondary NPK on the availability of NPK and organic matter in the soil. The experiment included 15 treatments resulting from the combinations between the study factors mentioned above. A factorial experiment was applied according to the randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates. The statistical analysis was done using the (SAS) program, and the averages were compared using the Denkin multiple test. Within the limits and under the probability level of 5%, the results showed that the effect of adding vermicompost 2% of the soil volume and 2% of the soil volume perlite + 4 g m2 of nano NPK was significantly   superior to the NPK availability and organic matter in the soil.