Trichoderma strains accelerate maturation and increase available phosphorus during vermicomposting enriched with rock...

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Microbiology
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Organic residues require effective stabilization methods for nutrient recycling.
• Rock phosphate (RP) solubilization is crucial for enhancing phosphorus availability in soils.
• Vermicomposting offers a sustainable approach to waste management and nutrient enrichment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate microbial inoculation with Trichoderma strains for accelerating vermicompost stabilization.
• To assess the impact of Trichoderma inoculation on rock phosphate (RP) solubilization.
• To enhance nutrient content in vermicompost for agricultural applications.

Main Methods:

• Two Trichoderma strains were inoculated alone or in combination into RP-enriched vermicompost.
• Organic residues stabilization was monitored over 120 days.
• Plant-available phosphorus and humic acid content were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Combined Trichoderma inoculation significantly reduced total organic carbon.
• Humic acid content increased by up to 38.2% with combined Trichoderma strains.
• Citric acid soluble-P increased by up to 83.2% with T. asperellum inoculation.

Conclusions:

• Combined Trichoderma inoculation effectively accelerates vermicompost stabilization.
• T. asperellum significantly enhances citric acid soluble-P in the final vermicompost.
• This approach improves vermicompost quality, recycles nutrients, and reduces reliance on phosphate fertilizers.