Microbial–Organic Synergy for Soil Fertility and Growth in Guadua angustifolia Kunth

Aims: To evaluate the effects of vermicompost and efficient microorganisms on soil nutrient composition (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and organic matter) and the biometric parameters of Guadua angustifolia Kunth.
Material & Methods: A completely randomized factorial design of 2 (presence and absence of efficient microorganisms) × 3 (20, 30, and 40 % vermicompost dosage),  plus a control treatment, was employed, with three replicates. Efficient microorganisms were applied only in three treatments. Soil analyses were performed at the beginning (0 days) and end (90 days) of the experiment for each replicate, and biometric parameters, including shoot height and diameter, shoot number, root length, and survival rate, were assessed.
Findings: Increases in nitrogen concentrations (since 3.66 kg to 16.03 kg)were observed in five treatments, also in potassium (increased from 32.75 kg to 52.86 kg)  in six treatments, and organic matter (increased from 7 816.77 kg to 35 812.10 kg ) in five treatments, while phosphorus levels decreased in five treatments (lost from 29.70 kg to 49.93 kg). In the same way, the application of vermicompost and efficient microorganisms improved the biometric results, with shoot height of 48.08 cm, shoot diameter of 5.61 mm, 2.80 shoots per plant, root length of 26.32 cm, and a survival rate of 86.67%. In contrast, treatments with only vermicompost yielded values of 37.30 cm, 4.85 mm, 1.67 shoots, 20.28 cm, and 73.33 %, respectively.
Conclusion: Vermicompost mixed with efficient microorganisms improved soil fertility and biometric growth of G. angustifolia. Its use is recommended to enhance nursery productivity.