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Impact of vermicompost on growth of two native Illinois prairie plants in biodiesel contaminated soil.

The use of biofuel is rapidly increasing and is projected to have a positive impact on the economy of Illinois. With its increase in use, the likelihood of accidental spills also increases and methodologies to successfully re-vegetate biodiesel contaminated soils are needed. The objective of this study was to determine if vermicompost enhances growth of big blue stem (Andropogon gerardii Vitman) and partridge pea [Chamaecrista fasiculate (L.) Moench] in biodiesel contaminated soil. The experimental design was a completely randomized 2 x 4 factorial design with 3 replications per treatment. Seedlings of big bluestem and showy partridge pea were germinated in a commercial potting soil and grown for 42 days at which time plugs were transplanted. Plugs were transplanted into pots with dimensions of 10cm x 10cm x 9cm (l x w x h) containing loamy topsoil, loamy topsoil amended with 20% vermicompost (VC), loamy topsoil amended with 5g biodiesel kg, or loamy topsoil amended with both 5g biodiesel kg and 20% VC. Three plugs were transplanted per pot and were grown for an additional 49 days. Plant heights were measured on 49 days after transplanting (DAT) and destructively sampled to measure plant root and shoot biomass. Results show both big bluestem and showy partridge pea were able to survive being transplanted into biodiesel contaminated soil and differences in plant height between amended soils were not significant. Further research to determine if these plants and the added vermicompost can enhance remediation of biodiesel contaminated soils is recommended.