Effects of chemical fertilizer and organic inputs on the population of Eisenia foetida and plant growth parameters of Brassica rapa chinensis

Agricultural farming is a main economic activity in Guyana and agricultural products are produced on a daily basis to provide food security for our growing population. As a result, chemical fertilizers are used extensively in agriculture farming for faster crop yields as opposed to the use of organic fertilizers which promotes healthy fruits, vegetables and a safer environment for soil organisms. This study investigated the effects of chemical fertilizer and organic inputs (cattle dung and grass clipping) on the population of Eisenia foetida and plant growth parameters of Brassica rapa chinensis. The findings revealed that E. foetida were negatively affected by the chemical fertilizer but the organic fertilizer showed positive effects over the study period 2016-2017. The application of chemical fertilizers (urea) and organic inputs (cattle dung and grass clipping) to the various treatments were done in parts based on the recommended dosage which was calculated to be a total of 750 grams for both cattle dung and grass clipping per pot for the organic treatment, a total of 7.5 grams per pot for the chemical treatment and no additives were applied to the soil in the control treatment. A total of 360 adult E. foetida were used for analytical purposes and 20 E. foetida were introduced per pot after a single B. rapa chinensis was planted.