ABSTRACT
A considerable body of scienti¤c literature describes the promotion of plant germination, growth, ¯owering, and yields by vermicomposts (see Chapters 9 and 10), independent of the availability of nutrients. Aqueous extracts from thermophilic composts (teas) are used widely in the United States and Europe to improve plant health and suppress plant pathogens. However, there are very few references in the literature to the use of vermicompost aqueous extracts (teas) to improve plant germination, growth, ¯owering, and yields. Although the chemistry and microbiology of aqueous vermicompost extracts are complex, it seems likely that the soluble mineral plant nutrients, plant growth hormones (PGHs) and regulators, microorganisms, and
CONTENTS
I Introduction .................................................................................................. 235 II Characteristics of Aqueous Extracts (Teas) from Food Waste
Vermicomposts ............................................................................................. 237 III Effects of Aerated Aqueous Extracts (Teas) from Food Waste
Vermicomposts on The Growth and Yields of Greenhouse Tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum) ...........................................................................240
IV Effects of Aerated Aqueous Solutions (Teas) from Vermicomposts on Growth and Yields of Greenhouse Cucumbers (Cucumis sativa) ................ 243
V Conclusions on Effects of Vermicompost Teas on Growth and Yields ........246 References .............................................................................................................. 247
