Optimizing vermicompost rates to enhance soil fertility, nutrient uptake, yield, and fruit quality of organic blackberry under greenhouse conditions

2026-02-26T19:32:27-06:00

Organic agriculture plays a vital role in sustainable food production by improving soil health and enhancing the nutritional quality of horticultural crops. This study aimed to determine the optimal dose of vermicompost for the organic cultivation of blackberries in greenhouses. The experiment was conducted during the winters of 2024 and 2025 at the National Center for Organic Agriculture in Qassim, Saudi Arabia, using the blackberry cultivar Prime Ark 45. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) was used to evaluate five vermicompost doses, ranging from 0 to 2 kg per plant. Vermicompost application improved soil fertility by increasing organic matter and available N, P, and K, while reducing salinity and pH. The 1.5 kg/plant rate produced the highest soil and leaf nutrient levels (28–45% above the control), the greatest yield (4.54 kg/plant), and improved fruit physical and chemical qualities, including sugars, total soluble solids, anthocyanins, phenols, and vitamin C; acidity decreased. Increasing the rate from 1.5 to 2 kg/plant led to a decrease in yield and quality. In conclusion, the study suggests that 1.5 kg of vermicompost per plant is the optimal dose to maximize soil fertility, yield, and fruit quality in organic greenhouse blackberry production.

Thai consumers’ buying decisions for alternative plant-based foods: A means–end chain qualitative study

2026-03-06T03:44:08-06:00

The alternative plant-based foods (APBFs), such as plant-based meats and milks, are increasingly popular among conscious consumers. APBFs are designed to mimic the flavor and texture of animal-based products. This study explores why consumers choose plant-based foods and examines consumer behavior within the context of agricultural economics. A semi-structured interview was conducted in Bangkok from July to December 2024 with 31 experienced consumers. Using Schwartz’s human value theory, the means-end chain framework guided the interviews. Content analysis and a hierarchical value map (HVM) were used to analyze the results. The HVM revealed associations among product attributes (A), consequences (C), and personal values (V). Key product attributes identified include ingredients, price, packaging, and taste. Prominent consequences were health, worthiness, and pleasant flavor. Four primary personal values emerged: security, hedonism, universalism, and benevolence. The findings highlight the importance of Thailand’s agricultural supply chains and rural economy. As demand for plant-based foods increases, the need for agricultural ingredients such as beans, soy, peas, and rice becomes critical. The agricultural sector and Thailand’s Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) economy model are heavily dependent on consumer demand. This study provides insights from theoretical, practical, and societal perspectives, emphasizing the role of consumer preferences in shaping agricultural and economic policies.

Asian Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development

Optimizing vermicompost rates to enhance soil fertility, nutrient uptake, yield, and fruit quality of organic blackberry under greenhouse conditions

Thai consumers’ buying decisions for alternative plant-based foods: A means–end chain qualitative study