Vermicompost Treatment Boosts Root System Architecture in Lentil Under Low-Organic Matter Field Conditions

The Although the above-ground parts are important in most cultivated plants, all plants need to have a healthy and strong root system to appear healthy, meet their water and nutrient needs properly, and produce high yields and quality products. This study aims to monitor the effects of different vermicompost doses on the root system architecture of lentils under field conditions at periodic intervals. The study was conducted as a field trial at the Faculty of Agriculture of Siirt University during the 2018-19 season. Four different vermicompost doses were used in the study, and examinations were made on plant materials collected at three different periods. According to the research results, it was determined that root development significantly accelerated after 40-60 days from emergence. Lateral root formation increased by 119% from the 40th to the 60th day. The results denoted that vermicompost doses up to 10 t ha-1 promoted total root biomass and dry matter accumulation, however, higher than 5 t ha-1 inhibited lateral root formation and growth. As a result, the use of vermicompost in lentil production areas, not exceeding 5 tons per 5 hectares, has been identified as a sustainable and organic practice that positively affects root development and lateral root formation.