Effects of vermicompost organicinorganic mixed fertilizer on yield and quality components of cucumber cultivated in greenhouse

Vermicompost, a natural bio-manure, is well known for its high nutrition and helps in sustaining health of the soil, and is highly recommended for horticulture and organic farming. Many previous studies emphasized on the utilization of vermicompost as nursery medium for vegetables, fruits and flowers. In this study, the effects of vermicompost organicinorganic mixed fertilizer, applied as basal fertilizer, on yield and quality of cucumber cultivated in greenhouse were investigated. Results show that the yield performances of cucumber applied with vermicompost and vermicompost organicinorganic mixed fertilizer are close to those with chicken manure and inorganic mixed fertilizer. However, the overall quality of cucumber is improved by the application of vermicompost and vermicompost organicinorganic mixed fertilizer. The ratio of sugar to organic acid in fresh fruit of cucumber applied with vermicompost and vermicompost organicinorganic mixed fertilizer is higher than that with chicken manure and inorganic mixed fertilizer, and the contents of soluble solid, Vc, soluble protein and sugar of cucumber are increased, while the contents of organic acid and nitrate are decreased. In addition, the enzyme activities of POD and CAT are enhanced, but the enzyme activity of SOD does not significant change.