ORIGINAL RESEARCH
Enhanced Seedling Growth Effect of Cocopeat by Supplementation with Earthworm Manure as Nutrient Amendment
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1
Institute of Organic Recycling (Suzhou), China Agricultural University, Suzhou 215100, China
2
College of Resources and Environment, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100091, China
3
Jiangsu Kunshan Fruit and Vegetable Science and Technology Centre, Suzhou 215300, China
4
Xinjiang Institute of Technology Two Mountains Theory and Research Center for High Quality Green Development
in Southern Xinjiang, Akesu 843100, China
Submission date: 2024-04-16
Final revision date: 2024-05-13
Acceptance date: 2024-05-24
Online publication date: 2024-10-28
Corresponding author
Xinyu Liu
Institute of Organic Recycling (Suzhou), China Agricultural University, Suzhou 215100, China
Huaju Chi
Xinjiang Institute of Technology Two Mountains Theory and Research Center for High Quality Green Development
in Southern Xinjiang, Akesu 843100, China
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ABSTRACT
To investigate the impact of earthworm manure supplementation on cucumber seedling growth
in cocopeat, various concentrations of earthworm manure were prepared in 20% volume increments.
Six treatment groups were established: 100% cocopeat (CK), T1 (20% earthworm manure + 80%
cocopeat), T2 (40% earthworm manure + 60% cocopeat), T3 (60% earthworm manure + 40% cocopeat),
T4 (80% earthworm manure + 20% cocopeat), and T5 (100% earthworm manure). Seed germination
and seedling growth were evaluated for each treatment, along with an assessment of the physicochemical
characteristics of the seedling substrate, to ascertain the optimal earthworm manure dosage. Findings
revealed that the optimal range for earthworm manure supplementation was between 40% and 80%,
with the total porosity of the earthworm manure emerging as the primary constraint on seedling growth.
Based on the study findings, additional enhancements to the physicochemical properties of the seedling
substrate composed of “earthworm manure-cocopeat” are advised to optimize cucumber.