INFLUENCE OF VERMICOMPOST ON THE TRANSFORMATION AND TRANSLOCATION OF HEAVY METALS IN GROUNDS AND SOIL-PLANT SYSTEM

This study focuses on assessing the effectiveness of vermicompost for stabilizing heavy metals in soils affected by anthropogenic pollution, with the goal of reducing their bioavailability and preventing translocation into agricultural fodder crops (clover, alfalfa). Vermicompost, rich in humic acids, promotes the formation of stable chelate complexes with heavy metal ions (Cu, Pb, Ni, Cr, Zn, Cd), reducing their mobility by 30-40%. These chelate compounds effectively prevent the biotransformation of metals into forms more accessible to plants, thereby contributing to the long-term Phyto stabilization of contaminated soils. The inclusion of vermicompost enhances the soil’s sorption capacity, helping to prevent the vertical and horizontal migration of toxic elements and decreasing their bioaccumulation in the tissues of both clover and alfalfa. Based on the experimentally obtained results, the potential of vermicompost as an environmentally safe remediation method is demonstrated, contributing to the long-term preservation of soil fertility and ecological balance. The application of this method may become an effective strategy for sustainable agroecosystem management and reducing environmental risks in the context of heavy metal contamination.