Effect of Vermicompost Applications on Quality, Yield and Some Macro and Micro Elements Content of Bread Wheat

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the effect of different rates of vermicompost applied to the soil on yield and certain yield characteristics of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The research was conducted under Mardin conditions during the 2019-2020 production season. The study used varying rates of vermicompost and two wheat varieties, Dinç and Tekin, as plant materials. The experiment was set up in a factorial design with three replications. The rates of vermicompost applied were 0, 100, 200, and 300 kg da⁻¹. The study evaluated protein content per grain, starch content per grain, macro and micro element concentrations. After the production season, the plants were harvested, and necessary analyses and measurements were performed. The findings indicate that vermicompost applications affected the yield by 12.5% in the Dinç variety and 17.9% in the Tekin variety. In both wheat varieties, the highest protein content and the lowest starch content were observed with 300 kg da⁻¹ vermicompost applications, showing an increase in protein and a decrease in starch compared to the control (0 kg da⁻¹) groups. Overall, increasing vermicompost applications led to higher K and P levels in both wheat varieties compared to the control (0 kg da⁻¹). In the Dinç variety, Cu, Zn, and Fe concentrations increased with higher rates, while Mn concentration varied. In the Tekin variety, significant increases in Cu, Zn, Fe, and Mn concentrations were observed, with the highest levels of Cu, Zn, and Fe found at 300 kg da⁻¹.