Efficacy of Vermicompost as a Biostimulating Agent to Combat Residual Chlorpyrifos in Soil Matrix for Food Safety

A study was carried out to assess the effectiveness of vermicompost (VC) at 1, 3 and 5% doses for biostimulation of chlorpyrifos (CPF) contaminated soil at ambient environment. Different doses of vermicompost (1, 5 and 3% application) were found effective in CPF degradation with half-life period of 18.7, 19.5 and 20.1 days, respectively whereas in untreated soil CPF half-life period was found to be 23.6 days. As compared to control, vermicompost application shortened the half-life value ranging from 14 to 21% which signify good quality produce in next crop sowing. Findings clearly reveal the potential of vermicompost as suitable biostimulating agent to sustain the microbial activity for fast detoxification of CPF contaminated soil for achieving food safety.