Savanna Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences 7(1):55-70
Effects of Vermicast and Cowdung on the Growth of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) and Soybean (Glycine max L.)
Olawepo, G. K. Isah, J. O. Fatoba, P. O. and Salami, O.
ABSTRACT
Two essential legumes with both nutritional and financial advantages are groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) and soybean
(Glycine max). Because organic fertilizers like vermicast and cow dung improve soil fertility, nutrient availability,
and microbial activity, they can increase their growth and production. By comparing the impacts of different organic
manures on groundnut and soybean growth performance, this study seeks to increase crop yield and offer insights into
sustainable agriculture methods. The effects of organic fertilizers on the growth performance and physiology of
Arachis hypogaea and Glycine max were investigated. This study used cow dung, vermicast, and a combination of
cow dung and vermicast at three different concentrations: 45 g, 90 g, and 135 g. The following quantitative
characteristics were measured: plant height, leaf area, leaf length, leaf breadth, leaf number, and branch number. Both
species' fresh and dry weights as well as their levels of carotenoid and chlorophyll were measured. Based on the
observed quantitative characteristics, the study found that the effect of three organic fertilizer treatments on Glycine
max growth increases with increasing fertilizer concentration. Of the three treatments, the application of 135 g was
the most effective (69.50±41.72a), while 45 g was the lowest (0.96±0.30abc). Except for cow dung, where the 45 g
(36.00±0.00a) had the highest effect on Arachis hypogaea growth performance and the 90 g treatment had the least,
the same pattern was noted. Vermicast is the least effective, while the combination of cow dung and vermicast is the
most successful for both Glycine max and Arachis hypogaea. The combination of vermicast and cow dung is more
beneficial for Glycine max, although vermicast has the greatest effect on Arachis hypogaea's chlorophyll A and B,
total chlorophyll, and carotene concentration. The most beneficial effect on the fresh (20.78±0.78a) and dry weight
(4.16±0.16a) of both plant species was found in cow dung. Therefore, compared to vermicast, cow dung, and the
mixture are typically more successful at promoting plant development.
