Effects of vermicompost application on plant growth and soil enzyme activity in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) monitored by thermal imaging

This research aims to investigate the effects of vermicompost on the growth of wheat plants (Triticum aestivum L.), soil enzyme activities, and nutrient uptake, while also monitoring plant development through thermal imaging. The study was conducted on wheat seeds sown in soil enriched with various rates of vermicompost (Control: 0, T1: 2, T2: 4, T3: 6, and T4: 8 Mg ha(-1)) and continued under greenhouse conditions for 120 days. The results showed that increasing doses of vermicompost application significantly increased the activities of soil enzymes such as beta-glucosidase, urease, and catalase, and promoted the dry weight development of the wheat plant (P < 0.05). Additionally, thermal imaging analysis revealed that vermicompost application significantly reduced the leaf temperatures of wheat plants, significantly promoting the growth of the plant's upper parts (P < 0.05). While vermicompost significantly increased the concentration of essential nutrients such as nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in plants (P < 0.05), its effect on macro elements (K, Mg, Ca) was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). However, a significant increase in the concentration of micronutrients such as iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn) was observed in the plants (P < 0.05). The findings of this study suggest the use of vermicompost application along with thermal imaging techniques to optimize soil enzymes, plant dry matter quantity, macro and micronutrients, and overall plant growth in areas with similar soil properties.