The effect of vermiwash and vermicompost produced from leaves of Azadirachta indica and Citrus aurantifolia on the growth parameters of celery through hydroponic system

Abstract. Ansari AA, Raghubeer H, Jaikishun S. 2019. The effect of vermiwash and vermicompost produced from leaves of Azadirachta indica and Citrus aurantifolia on the growth parameters of celery through hydroponic system. Trop Drylands 3: 11-16. This research was designed to determine the physico-chemical composition of vermiwash and vermicompost produced from neem (Azadirachta indica) and lime (Citrus aurantifolia) and their influence on the growth parameters on celery (Apium graveolens) through hydroponic system. Plants were treated with six treatments-A (nutrient solution for hydroponic systems), B (vermiwash and vermicompost made from T1), C-control (water), D (vermiwash and vermicompost made from T2), E (vermiwash and vermicompost made from T3). All treatments were replicated six times in a complete randomized block design (CRBD). Results indicated that vermiwash and vermicompost when used in combination can be substituted for chemical hydroponic solution used in hydroponic systems. T2 had a significant effect on celery plant where it produced plants with greater heights and stem diameter. Maximum amount of sodium was seen in plants treated with F. Plants treated with T1 had the highest number of leaves and branches. This research will further enhance the need for hydroponic agriculture as it has less detrimental effect on the environment and produces greater yield and better quality of crops.