Comparison of biodynamic preparation 500, tank, biodung and vermitech composting systems in compost production and its influence on the agronomy of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

About 50% of wastes produce globally are categorised as organic in nature and most of agricultural industries using chemical fertilizers, weedicides and pesticides for crop cultivation. A combination of different organic farming techniques can be used to overcome these and produce better quality of food in an environmentally acceptable manner. This study focused on the production, microbial composition and physicochemical characteristics of compost from biodynamic preparation 500, biodung composting, tank composting and vermicomposting systems from sugarcane leaves (Saccharum officinarum), water hyacinth {Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.)} and Bermuda grass {Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.}, and their subsequent application to tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) plant. Results indicated that that biofertilizers are healthier, safer and beneficial to use as compared to chemical fertilizers. For microorganism colony count, Heterotrophic count on the PDA plate there was more colonies for the Biodynamic preparation 500 compost (>50 colonies), for the bacterial count they were more colonies in the tank compost (>250 colonies), and for the Aspergillus count showed more colonies present for the biodung compost {∼25 colonies}. The Anova analysis at p F crit (1.99, 1.94), indicating that there was significance in plant height with respect to treatment and growth period. Hence, compost produce do have a positive influence on soil and plant health.