1Department of Chemical and Process Systems Engineering, Harare Institute of Technology, Harare, Zimbabwe
2Dean, School of Engineering and Technology, Harare Institute of Technology, Harare, Zimbabwe
Online published on 4 November, 2017.
Vermicomposting is the bio-conversion of organic waste into bio-fertilizers using earthworms. The bio-fertilizers obtained vermicompost and vermiwash were applied to Zea Mays plants. The effect of the bio-fertilizers over time on the Zea Mays plant height, number of leaves and cob web weight were determined. 23 full factorial designs were used to determine the trends in the effects. Addition of vermicompost, vermiwash and application time increased the plant height by more than 30cm. In addition, the Zea Mays leaves production increased by more than 2 leaves upon addition of vermicompost, vermiwash and increased application time. Furthermore, the Zea Mays cob weight increased by more than 120g with increased vermicompost and vermiwash quantities as well increased application time. The dynamics that occur on the soil macro and nutrients due to addition of the bio-fertilizers play a significant role in Zea Mays growth.
Application time, Bio-fertilizers Vermicompost, Vermiwash, Zea Mays
