Effects of Different Manures on the Growth Performance of Pechay (Brassica rapa L.) Under Visayas State University Condition

Abstract

The sudden rise of the demand for food in global markers has led farmers to adopt sustainable agricultural practices to reduce the negative impacts of synthetic fertilizers on soil, water, and ecosystems. This study assessed the effectiveness of vermicast, cattle manure, and goat manure and their combinations on the growth performance, nutrient content, and heavy metal accumulation in pechay. The study used a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with six treatments and three replicates each and collected the data on plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, chlorophyll content, root biomass, and fresh and dry weight. Proximate tissue analysis was done to determine the NPK content and accumulated heavy metals. Data were analyzed using ANOVA in CRD, and a post-hoc analysis using Tukey’s HSD test was conducted after significance was found. The results indicated significant differences (P<0.05) in several growth parameters like plant height with cattle manure, number of leaves with vermicast, leaf area with vermicast, and chlorophyll content with mixed manures. Significant differences (P<0.05) were also found in fresh weight with vermicast and root biomass with mixed manures. These treatments improved soil nutrient profiles post-harvest, although there were reductions in available phosphorus and exchangeable potassium. The findings highlight the potential of organic fertilizers to enhance pechay growth performance, supporting sustainable agricultural practices that align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Further research on organic fertilizer applications and their long-term effects on soil health and crop nutrition is recommended.