Abstract:

To study the physicochemical properties of vegetable straw compost after fermentation and the effect of the compost combined with vermiculite on the growth of tomato seedlings, different proportions of Bacillus and Pseudomonas, actinomycetes, yeasts and molds were added to crushing straw for mixing and fermentation. The physicochemical properties were determined during and after the fermentation, the best treatment compost was selected and mixed with different proportions of vermiculite to form a matrix, and the tomato growth indexes and root antioxidant enzyme activities were determined. The results showed that after the fermentation by 35% of Bacillus and Pseudomonas, 35% of actinomycetes, 15% of yeast, and 15% of mold adding treatment (T4) with the temperature above 50℃ for more than 10 days, the physicochemical properties of the compost were the best. C/N decreased by 59.31% compared with the initial state, and the bulk density increased by 71.43% compared with CK. The pH value changed from acid to neutral, which was suitable for seedling growth. Combining T4 treatment compost with different proportions of vermiculite to cultivate tomato seedlings, the tomato seedlings grew vigorously, and the activities of antioxidant enzymes in roots were significantly improved. Therefore, vegetable straw can replace peat to form a matrix with vermiculite.

Key words: vegetable straw, fermentation, recycling, substrate seedling, tomato seedlings