Varying amounts of vermicomposts(5%～20%)were mixed with normal container nursery medium.Theeffects of vermicompost were studied on microbial populations in rhizosphere

root construction and activity

as wellas the growth and nutrient uptake of Liriodendron chinensis

using non-wave container nursery technique.The results showed that the addition of vermicompost in nursery medium increased the bacteria population and thetotal microorganism amount in rhizosphere of Liriodendron chinensis

while decreased the fungus populationsignificantly.However

vermicompost had no significant effect on actinomycetes amount.Vermicompostshowed beneficial effects on growth and construction of the roots of Liriodendron chinensis

especially theweight and ratio of fine roots.Additionally

more root activities were observed with vermicompost addition.The addition of vermicompost in container nursery medium greatly increased the dry matter accumulation ofroot

stem

and leaf of Liriodendron chinensis.However

no significant influence was found on the nitrogenand phosphorous contents

except for potassium content.Compared with normal container nursery medium

addition of 15% vermicompost increased the nitrogen

phosphorous and potassium uptake by 22.23%

15.58%and 26.66%

respectively.In summary

suitable ratio of vermicompost addition in nursery mediumbenefited the ecological environment

nursery effect

as well as the nutrients uptake and utilization of Liriodendron chinensis.Addition of 15%achieved the best benefits among all the treatments.