Ferdinand Ganotice, MS and Jovita Saguibo, Ph. D.
Edited by Marciano Paroy Jr.
ABSTRACT
This study was conducted to determine the best organic fertilizer suitable for grafted mango under the prevailing climatic condition of Kalinga Province. The research was conducted from July 2005 to January2006. It was laid out using the Randomized Complete Block Design.
There were no significant differences observed among the different organic fertilizers used as to the height and stem diameter of mango plants.
Based on the results of the study, any of the organic fertilizer could be utilized for the growth performance of mango.
I. RATIONALE:
Mango (Mangifera indica L.), particularly the Carabao variety, is one of the commercially and economically important fruit crops in the Philippines. It is the third most important fruit crop, next to banana and pineapple in terms of dollars earned.
Also known as the Philippine super mango or the “Carabao” mango, it is considered as one of the worlds’ best because of its sweet stimulating taste and excellent eating quality. It is the most popularly cultivated variety in the country, placing the country’s competitiveness in the world market. Major importers of mango are Japan, Singapore and Hong Kong.
The Philippines is one of the major producers of mango in the world. The exportation of fresh and processed mango fruit has been generating considerable foreign exchange earnings for the country.
Despite its potential, production is still considered low and inadequate to meet both domestic and foreign needs.
II. REVIEW OF LITERATURE:
Organic fertilizer offers good prospect as alternative or partial substitute for Chemical fertilizers. It is accepted that chemical fertilizers produce more dramatic impact on crops and more convenient to use because of its high nutrient content and greater solubility. However, organic materials, though lower in nutrient composition and are more bulky, can provide additional benefits, where there are longer time periods. Organic fertilizers do not only supply nutrients to plants, but promote favorable soil properties such as granulation and good tilt, giving efficient aeration, easy root penetration and improved water holding capacity.
According to PCARRD, the combined used of organic and chemical fertilizers save on production cost with out sacrificing productivity, and it will reduce the use of inorganic fertilizer which will save the country a significant amount of foreign exchange. At the same time, recycling waste materials for organic fertilizer will reduce pollution.
Department of Agriculture D.A. (1995) cited that organic fertilizer should be used to complement inorganic fertilizer application. Such utilization would loosen soil degradation brought about by continuous use of inorganic fertilizer.
III. OBJECTIVES:
General Objectives:
This study was undertaken to determine the growth performance of grafted mango as affected by different organic fertilizer.
Specific Objectives:
1. To determine the best organic fertilizer for grafted mango; and
2. To find out the effect of different organic fertilizers on the growth
performance of grafted mango.
IV. PROCEDURE/METHODOLOGY
Securing of Planting Material:
The Grafted Mango seedlings were secured from Barucboc, Quezon, Isabela.
Securing of Manure:
Organic fertilizer was collected in Kalinga-Apayao State College.
Land Preparation:
The experimental field was cleared from grasses and other foreign materials to facilitate thorough land preparation.
Soil Analysis:
Soil samples from the experimental area were collected before the experiment for soil analysis.
Experimental Treatment:
The different treatments were as follows using Randomized Complete Block Design:
T1- Chicken manure
T2- Goat manure
T3- Swine manure
Application of Fertilizer:
The application of organic fertilizer was applied per hole two weeks before planting.
Planting:
The plastic bag of grafted mango seedlings was removed using a sharp bolo and was set upright at the middle of the hole.
Care of the Plants:
The plants were given intensive care during and after the planting period. The insects and diseases were prevented in all treatments by spraying insecticide and fungicide to ensure good growth and stand of the plants.
Data Collection:
The following data were gathered based on the sample plants or otherwise stated:
1. Initial Plant Height. The initial height of the sample plants was measured after planting from the base up to the tip of the growing leaf.
2. Plant Height. The height of the sample plants was measured after six (6) months from the base up to the tip of the growing leaf.
3. Diameter of the Stem. The diameter of the mango stem was measured from the ten sample plants.
Statistical Analysis:
All the data gathered were collected and statistically analyzed following the Randomized Complete Block Design and the least significant Difference Test was used for the comparison of means.
V. DISCUSSION OF RESULTS:
1. Initial Height of Mango Seedlings. There was no significant difference among the treatment means. Treatment 2 (Goat manure) measured 79.93 cm. while Treatment 3 (Swine manure) had an average height of 80.06 cm. and Treatment 1 (Chicken manure) had a mean of 80.46 cm. The absence of significant results among the different fertilizers may mean that for these particular characteristics, the heights of mango seedlings tested do not really vary.
2. Plant Height at six (6) Months.The treatment means did not vary significantly as reflected by the analysis of variance. The treatment values ranged from 160.00 cm to 176.00 cm.
3. Average Stem Diameter of Mango Plants. No significant differences were found among the treatment means in terms of stem diameter. This means that regardless of any organic fertilizer used, the diameter of stem was comparable. The average stem diameter of mango ranged from 2.40 cm. to 3.0 cm. respectively.
VI. CONCLUSIONS
Results showed that the best organic matter used was the T1- chicken manure followed by T2- goat manure and T3- swine manure.
Among the organic fertilizers tested, it is concluded that T1-chiken manure produced the best organic fertilizer.
VII. RECOMMENDATIONS
Based on the results of the study, the following are recommended:
1. Application of organic fertilizer (chicken manure) is recommended as basal before planting mango seedlings.
2. Organic fertilization of mango production is also recommended in lieu of inorganic fertilizer.
VIII. READINGS
Bondad, N.D. The mango (especially as observed in the Philippines). Rex Bookstore. Manila, p. 402.
The Mango Technical Committee. The Philippines recommend for mango. Los Baños, Laguna: PCARRD and PARRFI, 1994. 124 p- (PCARRD Philippines, Recommends Series No. 38- A/1994).