Nutrient composition of Cassia alata and Cordia curassavica Derived vermiwash and vermicompost and their effect on hydroponically grown pak-choi

Experiments conducted during 2015–2016 at University of Guyana, Georgetown, South America focused on the nutrient composition of vermiwash (liquid material collected from vermicomposting units) and vermicompost produced from Cassia alata (carrion crow bush)-[CCB] and Cordia curassavica (black sage)-[BS] singly and in combination [CCB+BS]. The study also investigated the effects of the vermicompost and vermiwash on hydroponically grown Pak-choi (Brassica rapa spp. chinensis). The plants were subjected to four treatments of vermiwash and vermicompost which were replicated three times in a randomized block design. The results obtained showed that vermiwash and vermicompost together can substitute for the nutrient solution in hydroponic systems. Vermicompost harvested with treatment [CCB+BS] contained higher nitrogen content of 2.09% whereas phosphorus content of 0.04% was maximum in treatment [BS]. Potassium content of 1.41% was higher in treatments [BS] and [CD]. Vermiwash collected from treatment [CCB] had higher nitrogen content of 2.45 mg/l whereas phosphorous content of 0.03 mg/l was greater in treatment [CCB+BS]. Potassium content of 1.72 mg/l was higher in treatment [CCB]. Maximum plant height of 128.3 cm was recorded in T4 (vermicompost and vermiwash from [BS] treatment) whereas greater number of leaves per plant (33.3) were noted in T5 (combination treatment). The vermiwash and vermicompost made from black sage leaves and carrion crow bush leaves singly or in combination were found to be equally effective in growth of Pak choi through semi-hydropinic system in comparison to control.