Growth and Yield of Potato (Solanum tuberosum var. PO3) Applied with Different Rates of Vermicompost

Abstract

The study was conducted at the BSU Organic Demo-Farm, 16017’19”N 129035’31”E, in Balili, La Trinidad, Benguet from October 2014 to March 2015. The objectives were to determine the best rate of vermicompost on the growth and tuber yield of potato (var. PO3); determine the effect of vermicompost on some soil physical, chemical properties; and determine the return on cash expense (ROCE) of using vermicompost as organic fertilizer for potato production. Applications of different rates of vermicompost significantly affected the initial, final height, weight, and the tuber yield of potato. The application of 25 t/ha of vermicompost produced the tallest plant, higher weight and yield, and the lowest number of non-marketable potato tubers. Conversely, integration of 5 to 25 t/ha of vermicompost significantly influenced the physical properties of the soil. Application of different rates of vermicompost increased the water holding capacity and decreased the bulk density of the soil. More-over, application of 5 to 25 t/ha of vermicompost significantly affected the chemical properties of the soil. Application of vermicompost increased the organic matter, nitrogen and pH of the soil. Cost-effectively, application of vermicompost at the rate of 5 to 25 t/ha increased the yield of potato that results to high return on cash expense. However, application of 25 t/ ha of vermicompost gave the highest net return on cash expense.