Effect of Vermiwash on Growth, Cadmium and Microelements Concentration of Spinach in a Loamy Cadmium Contaminated Soil

Because of the effect of heavy elements on food chain, monitoring the concentration of these elements, especially cadmium (Cd) in soil, water and plant system is vital. Vermiwash is materials which excreted from the earthworm body and is rich in vitamins, hormones, enzymes, macro- and micronutrients which can help plants to efficient growth. To study the effects of vermiwash on growth and concentration of Cd and micro elements in a Cd contaminated soil by Spinach (Spinach oleracea) an experiment was conducted for 8 weeks. The experiment was on basis factorial randomized complete design and with 2 factor that including vermiwash in four level (0, 25, 50, 100 ml kg-1 soil) and cadmium in four level (5, 10, 20, 40 mg kg-1 soil) which had been done in greenhouse of Zabol University. Results showed that vermiwash has an effective role in improving growth and yield of spinach, and minimum and maximum spinach fresh (33.6 g) and dry (3.91g) weight obtained in control (without vermiwash) and 40 mg kg-1 Cd and 50 g kg-1 vermiwash and 5 mg kg-1 Cd, respectively. Concentration of Fe, Zn and Cu as well as total uptake were increased with increasing vermiwash in all Cd concentrations. Also maximum organic matter in soil was obtained in 100 ml kg-1 level vermiwash which showed significant differences with control. The finding of this research also shows that vermiwash has not significant effect on Mn and Cd Concentrations.