Abstract

Turkey is located in Asian and European continents (Eurasia) and the country’s population is nearly 81 million. Thrace Region which exists in European part of Turkey has a very important agricultural potential. Thrace, gateway of Turkey to Europe, also has an important position with its agricultural potential. Therefore, it is of strategic importance. Sunflower, rice, sugar beet and wheat are the major crops grown in the region. The main sources of income of people in Tekirdag, Kırklareli and Edirne provinces are coming from agriculture. In this region, livestock activities also increase day by day and a lot of waste comes out. Vermicomposting is an environmentally-friendly process used to animal and/or vegetal organic waste. The resulting vermicompost has been shown to have many positive effects on soil quality and plant growth. However, many important benefits of vermicompost on soil-plant systems are not yet fully understood. A case study is presented in which the beneficial effects of vermicompost on soil quality and plant growth are evaluated according to previous researches in the Thrace Region, Turkey. The use of vermicompost is important for the sustainability of agriculture. The structure of agriculture and fertilization, related to Thrace Region, is evaluated in this paper. The aim of the paper is to review recent developments, approaches and examples for use of vermicompost in the agricultural activity of Thrace Region, Turkey. The results can be used to manage next year growing strategies such as low chemical fertilizer and other agricultural input requirements.

Keywords: Vermicompost; Soil quality; Plant growth; Thrace Region