LAUSR

Abstract Vermicompost is the solid excreta of earthworms, produced through the metabolism of organic matter under aerobic conditions. Thus, vermicompost is a product of bio-degradation, non-thermophilic process, of organic materials through interactions between microorganisms and earthworms. This odorless, light organic product of the vermicomposting process is rich in humus, large amounts of macro and microelements, large and active microbial biodiversity. Vermicompost improves soil health, enhances crop production, and improves soil physical properties such as texture, structure and tilth that determine the agronomical potential of a land. Soil physical properties largely influence penetration of plant roots, potential rooting volume, nutrient mobility and uptake, water availability, and aeration. Soil texture is also a key factor in affecting soil moisture contentand its chemical properties, such as cation exchange capacity. Therefore, application of vermicompost to sandy soils is very beneficial, as it helps increase the soil organic matter composition, which in turn aids in improving soil aeration, sustaining good soil aggregation, protecting against soil erosion, and increasing nutrient availability. Moreover, vermicompost also contains various plant nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, iron, manganese, zinc, copper, and boron that improve the nutrient content of plants. There have been many studies on the application of various organic fertilizers to plants for alleviating the negative effects of salinity. Vermicompost has been shown to promote plant growth and salinity tolerance. Therefore, this review article will cover the contribution of vermicompost as a biological fertilizer and its effects on the growth, nutrient contents of the salt-stressed plants.