Effects of Sewage Sludge Compost and Vermicompost on Wheat Yield and Vitality

Milan Hrčka, Kamil Kraus, Tereza Hřebečková (), Barbora Tunklová, Jan Kubeš and Aleš Hanč
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Milan Hrčka: Department of Agroenvironmental Chemistry and Plant Nutrition, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamycka 129, 165 21 Prague, Czech Republic
Kamil Kraus: Department of Botany and Plant Physiology, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamycka 129, 165 21 Prague, Czech Republic
Tereza Hřebečková: Department of Agroenvironmental Chemistry and Plant Nutrition, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamycka 129, 165 21 Prague, Czech Republic
Barbora Tunklová: Department of Botany and Plant Physiology, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamycka 129, 165 21 Prague, Czech Republic
Jan Kubeš: Department of Botany and Plant Physiology, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamycka 129, 165 21 Prague, Czech Republic
Aleš Hanč: Department of Agroenvironmental Chemistry and Plant Nutrition, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamycka 129, 165 21 Prague, Czech Republic

Agriculture, 2025, vol. 15, issue 5, 1-24

Abstract: This study investigates the effects of compost and vermicompost derived from sewage sludge and moulded pulp on wheat yield, nutrient uptake, photosynthetic activity, and drought resistance. Optimal weather conditions in March facilitated timely wheat sowing, contributing to ideal yields, while subsequent higher temperatures and rainfall influenced grain formation and weight. The experiment demonstrated that vermicompost significantly enhances plant physiological and yield parameters, including photosynthetic activity, chlorophyll content, and water use efficiency. Fertilized variants exhibited improved soil properties, leading to higher grain and straw yields compared to the control. Macronutrient uptake was notably higher in vermicompost-treated variants, with variant VI showing the highest values. Enhanced photosynthetic activity and drought resistance were observed in fertilized variants, attributed to better stomatal regulation and osmotic adjustment under stress conditions. The study underscores the role of vermicompost in promoting sustainable agriculture by improving nutrient availability, soil structure, and plant resilience. These findings suggest that compost and especially vermicompost applications can effectively enhance wheat productivity and resilience, offering a sustainable approach to improving crop performance under varying environmental conditions.

Keywords: compost; vermicompost; sewage sludge; wheat; vitality; photosynthesis (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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