Effects of Different Doses of Liquid Vermicompost on The Seed Germination of Nigella sativa L.

The gradual decrease in agricultural lands and the increase in the need for food have made the use of fertilizers widespread in the agricultural sector in order to obtain high quantity and quality products. However, since chemical fertilizers cause environmental pollution, the use of organic fertilizers has become undeniable. In this study, the effects of different liquid vermicompost (VCL) doses (0.1%, 0.25%, 0.5%, 1%, and 2%) on the seed germination and seedling growth on Nigella sativa L. (black cumin) were investigated. Seeds were left to germinate in the dark at 20 ± 2 °C in the climate chamber. After the 14-day development process, germination rate, plumule length, radicle length, seedling length, and radicle fresh weight, plumule and radicle dry weight were measured. Especially 0.25% VCL treatment had the most positive effect on parameters such as germination rate, plant height, plumule and radicle length, fresh and dry weight. On the other hand, 2% VCL treatment suppressed germination likely due to osmotic stress, increased microorganism activity, pH changes or impaired air circulation.