The Effect of Different Types of vermicompost fertilizers in some Physical properties of the soil in Al – Hasaka Governorate

Abstract

Vermicompost represents one of the most important eco-friendly organic fertilizers due to its effective role in improving the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils, as well as enhancing agricultural production in a sustainable manner, particularly in areas suffering from soil fertility degradation. Cumin is considered one of the major economic crops in Al-Hasakah Governorate, as it requires suitable nutritional and environmental conditions to achieve high productivity and superior quality. This study was conducted over two agricultural seasons (2023–2024) and (2024–2025) in Al-Hasakah Governorate in Syria, with the aim of evaluating the effect of different types of vermicompost derived from (sheep, cow, and horse manure), applied at graded rates (0.3, 0.6, 0.9, and 1.2) t ha-1 on selected physical soil properties. The experiment was carried out using a factorial design based on a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Field measurements included bulk density, particle density, total porosity, solid space percentage, and field capacity. The results showed significant improvements in all physical properties with the use of vermicompost compared to the control. Bulk density gradually decreased with increasing compost rates. The treatment with horse manure vermicompost at 1.2 t/ha recorded the best results, reducing bulk density by 9.61%, increasing total porosity by 7.67%, and enhancing maximum field capacity by 7.68%. Although particle density showed slight changes, they were statistically significant in some high-rate treatments, reflecting the cumulative effect of the added organic matter. Moreover, horse manure vermicompost proved superior in enhancing soil physical properties, followed by cow vermicompost and then sheep vermicompost.