Mechanism of P Solubilization in Vermicompost Treated Red Lateritic Soils

Red lateritic soils are typically low in total organic carbon (TOC) and available phosphorus (AP) content and continuous fertilization is required to obtain desired crop yield. In this experiment, cattle manure in three forms (air-dried, composted and vermicomposted) were applied to red lateritic soil to study their effect on TOC and AP content of soil and probable mechanism of P-solubilization as affected by these treatments were also studied. Vermicompost was the most effective to solubilize insoluble P in red lateritic soil (Alfisols) as compared to other organic amendments (air-dried cattle manure and compost). The highest SPA in vermicompost-treated soil attributed to the comparatively higher concentration of all the three SPA isozymes in these soils. The maximum P-solubilization in these soils might be attributed to the highest SPA and presence of several organic acids like citric, lactic and oxalic acids in vermicompost-treated soils. Since, vermicompost application also increased TOC, mineralizable N and exchangeable K content of soil, vermicompost could be considered as the most rational organic amendment to improve chemical properties of red lateritic soils.