Vermicomposted olive oil wastewaters in horticultural practices

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a vermicompost (obtained from olive mill wastewaters and cellulose materials) on soil quality and fertility, and on the yield of different horticultural species (Allium porrum L.; Cichorium intybus L., Brassica oleracea). The results showed an improvement in the chemical (increase in total and soluble nutrients) and biological (increase in enzyme activities) soil fertility also with respect to a soil treated with traditional municipal solid waste compost. Moreover, in vermicompost treatments a higher yield (Allium porrum L.; and Brassica oleracea) or equal (Cichorium intybus L.,) to the traditional compost was observed.