Changes in chemical properties of sawdust and blood powder mixture during vermicomposting and the effects on the growth and chemical composition of cucumber

The aim of this study was to convert sawdust (SD) amended with blood powder (BP) into vermicompost and evaluates their effects on the growth and nutrition of cucumber. BP was mixed with SD in different proportions i.e., 5% and 10%BP along with control and allowed to pass through earthworm guts during 4 months. The vermicomposting caused a decrease in organic C (22.5-41.2%) and C:N ratio (42.4-57.8%), while increase in electrical conductivity (18.2-94.7%) and total N content (45.2-71.8%). Addition of BP with SD yielded vermicomposts which have significantly higher nutrients as compared to SD vermicompost. Application of SD + 5%BP vermicompost increased concentration of N, P, Fe, Zn and Cu in the leaves of cucumber. The results obtained indicated that mixing of 5%BP with SD was probably the optimum condition to obtain the best quality vermicompost which was demonstrated by enhanced nutrients uptake and growth of cucumber.