Utilization of Distillation Waste-Based Vermicompost and Other Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on Improving Production Potential in Geranium and Soil Health

Vermicompost (VC) produced from distillation waste of geranium (Pelargonium graveolens), farmyard manure (FYM) produced from animal excreta mixed with pine needle (Pinus sp.), and biofertilzer (Azotobacter) were utilized for this experiment. The plant growth attributes, biomass, and oil yield of geranium were significantly increased with integrated nutrient supply, and maximum increase was found in T-8 treatments (N100P60 K-60 + 5t VC). Soil organic carbon (C-org) significantly increased by 4.2% to 81.8% in T-4 and T-8 treatments, respectively, over the control. Data obtained on total nitrogen (N-t) and available N, phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) clearly showed that the integrated nutrient supply considerably improved the soil health and sustainability. The soil respiration and microbial biomass C (C-mic) and N (N-mic) were increased by the manures according to the application rate. The C-mic accounted for 1.8 to 2.7% of the soil C-org content and microbial N accounted for 3.9 to 5.8 % of N-t under different treatment combinations.