Vermicompost and nitrogen increase black cumin yields

Black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) is an annual herbaceous plant grown for its pungent seeds. It is cultivated in many countries, including Ethiopia where a tropical environment is suitable for its growth. The seeds can be used to spice up dishes and are reported to have medicinal benefits.

Despite black cumin’s importance, not much has been done to improve its production and productivity. In addition, nutrient management is the key to creating high-yielding black cumin fields. Using organic manures instead of synthetic fertilizer can decrease production cost. Among organic manures, vermicompost is being established to create a more sustainable agriculture in Ethiopia. Using worms to mix and process organic waste into compost, vermiculture results in compost faster than traditional methods.

In a recent Agricultural & Environmental Letters study, researchers in Ethiopia report on using vermicompost and nitrogen to increase black cumin seed yields. The results show combined fertilizer management increases growth, yield, and yield components. Vermicompost plays a vital role in improving soil microbial activities and nutrient availability, leading to active nutrient absorbance by plants and hastening growth and development of crops with supplied nitrogen.