Response of yield, grain quality, and volatile organic compounds of aromatic rice to vermicompost application

Vermicompost is a new organic fertilizer. However, the effects of vermicompost on volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and grain quality of aromatic rice have not been reported. The present study conducted a field experiment to investigate the effects of vermicompost on VOCs and grain quality attributes of aromatic rice compared with conventional inorganic fertilizer. 3000 kg ha−1 vermicompost was applied in field production and the treatment applied with 900 kg ha−1 inorganic fertilizer was taken as control. Compared with inorganic fertilizer, vermicompost enhanced the intensities of 89 VOCs and reduced the intensities of 381 VOCs. The application of vermicompost caused the absence of 40 VOCs and the exclusive presence of 10 new in aromatic rice. Seven sensory flavors, including sweet, green, herbal, camphor, fatty, fruity, and woody, were reduced due to vermicompost. 11.45% higher grain yield was also observed due to vermicompost compared with inorganic fertilizer. Moreover, compared with inorganic fertilizer, vermicompost application increased head rice rate and amylose content, and decreased crude protein content, chalky rice rate, and chalkiness degree of aromatic rice.