Organic Fertilizer Application for the Optimum Production of Potato (Solanum tuberosum) var. Raniag

Abstract

The study on the organic fertilizer application for the optimum production of potato var. Raniag was conducted at the Benguet State University Organic Demo Farm, La Trinidad, Benguet from January 2011 to March 2011 to: determine the effect of the organic fertilizers on the physical and chemical properties of the soil; to determine the effect of organic fertilizers on the yield of potato tubers and to determine the best combination of different organic fertilizers to produce optimum yield of potato tubers. Application of any organic materials to the soil either separately or in combination with others improves the physical and chemical properties such as bulk density, organic matter, nitrogen and phosphorus content of the soil. Applications of pure chicken manure enhance the marketable and non-marketable yield of potato. Moreover, the weights of classified tubers were significantly influenced by the application of different organic fertilizers. Applications of fresh wild sunflower directly to the soil significantly increase the pH of the soil. Application of 5 tons/ha growers compost plus 5 tons/ha fresh wild sunflower is the best combination for optimum yield of potato. Moreover, application of chicken manure significantly enhanced yield of potato.