Evaluation of the effectiveness of leachates derived from the vermicomposting of different organic wastes on the growth of mint (mentha sp.) in hydroponic culture in Senegal

This study evaluates the effectiveness of different vermicompost leachates derived from various organic sources (horse manure, cow dung, green wastes, and poultry droppings) on the growth of mint in hydroponic cultivation. For each type of leachate, the plants were subjected to three different doses (D1, D2, D3), along with a chemical control (Tc) and a neutral control (Te). The parameters assessed included the number of leaves, plant height, and fresh leaf biomass. The results show that treatments based on vermicompost leachates produced a number of leaves comparable to the chemical control, with approximately 140 leaves per plant. Regarding plant height, the D2ch treatment exhibited the best growth, reaching 30 cm. For fresh aerial biomass, the D2ch, D2va, and Tc treatments yielded similar weights, ranging between 30 and 35 g. These findings highlight the potential of vermicompost leachates as viable alternatives to liquid chemical fertilizers in hydroponic systems