Effects of Vermicast and Inorganic Fertilizer on the Yield of Spring Onion

Alverastine, Analee S. Antiporta, Irish G. Bocabal, Cheenee Marie D. Sabacajan, Argeloiza Angeline

Chapter I Introduction

The use of inorganic fertilizer has now become a setback worldwide. Although inorganic fertilizer can hasten the growth of the crops but due to its chemical composition it destroys more than it helps. And with this reason, people tend to go back in using organic fertilizer. And one of the most largely populating techniques of organic fertilizer is the use of vermicast. Vermicasting, also called vermicomposting, is the processing of organic wastes through earthworms. It is a natural, odourless, aerobic process, much different from traditional composting. Earthworms ingest waste then excrete casts dark, odorless, nutrient- and organically rich, soil mud granules that make an excellent soil conditioner. Earthworm casts are a ready-to-use fertilizer that can be used at a higher rate of application than compost, since nutrients are released at rates that growing plants prefer. (Ndegwa, et.al. 1999) Vermicasting can be done on a small scale by homeowners with household organic wastes, on a large-scale by farmers with manure or by the food industry using organic wastes such as fruit and vegetable cull materials. Through proper design, Vermicasting is a method of waste handling that: (a.) is clean, socially acceptable, with little to no odor (b.) requires no energy input for aeration, (c.) reduces the mass of waste by 30%, (d.) produces a valuable vermicast byproduct, (e.) even generates worms as fishing bait.

Indeed vermicast is the way to go for better production of crops but only few studies are conducted on what reasons are behind the vermicast fertilizer. One of the reasons for making this study is to be able to prove the effectiveness of the vermicast over the use of inorganic fertilizer. Spring onions are one of the simply planted crops and would not take long to be harvested and are perfect for this study. The spring onion (Allium fistulosum) has been the favorite onion of China and Japan for centuries. Its origins are believed to be in Siberia and Mongolia. All spring onion types are characterized by slightly enlarged bulbs. The type grown in Australia does not produce offshoots; it has straight, hollow leave and a distinct white 'stem' consisting of a collection of leaf bases. The 'stem' is the main edible part of the plant and is used mainly in salads. The best soil for this crop is slightly acid, with a pH between 5.3 and 5.8. Spring onions mature in 8 to 10 weeks in summer and 12 to 14 weeks in winter.

Statement of the Problem: a. What is the different yield of spring onions between vermicast and inorganic fertilizer? b. Which of the treatments provide improved yield on spring onions? Objectives: a. To determine the different yield of spring onions between vermicast and inorganic fertilizer. b. To identify the best treatment that can enhance the yield of spring onions.

Importance of the Study: The outcome of this study can be useful as baseline data for students, farmers, researchers and also to those who are willing to engage in vermicomposting as fertilizer. in addition, this also serves as guide in determining the effectiveness of the various treatment applications in terms of spring onion yield. Scope and Limitation: This study covers only on the effect of the various treatments between vermicast and the application inorganic fertilizer on spring onions. The analysis of the soil as media is not covered in the context of this study. Research Hypothesis: a. Ho: There is no significant difference on the yield of spring onion between vermicast and inorganic fertilizer. b. H1: There is a significant difference on the yield of spring onion between vermicast and inorganic fertilizer. c. Ho: There is no significant difference in the three treatments on the yield of spring onions. d. H1: There is a significant difference in the three treatments on the yield of spring onions.

Chapter III METHODOLOGY Selection of Species Spring onion was selected as the study species due to its fast-growing characteristics. This species is also commonly planted not only in the Philippines but throughout the world. Considering the time-constraints of this study spring onion was chosen. Location and Duration The study will be conducted during the month of January to February 2011 at the Greenhouse of the College of Forestry and Environmental Studies, Mindanao State University, Marawi City. Nature of Fertilizer used The fertilizers that will be used in the study is the vermicast and a complete fertilizer. Vermicast nutrient content varies with earthworm feed type, but feeding waste to earthworms does cause nitrogen mineralization, followed by phosphorous and sulfur mineralization after ingestion. The slow-release granules structure of earthworm casts allows nutrients to be released relatively slowly in sync with plant needs. A complete fertilizer includes nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in appropriate forms for increasing fertility.

Preparation of the Experimental Materials In conducting the study certain equipments will be needed. Devices that will be used are (35) plastic pots, (4) trowel, (4) garden gloves. Treatment Application Thirty-five (35) seedlings will be used as experimental units in this study. Five seedlings will be used in Treatment 1 (T1) with 50g of vermicast as its fertilizer. Five seedlings will be used in Treatment 2 (T2) with 100g of vermicast in it. Another five seedlings will be used in Treatment 3 (T3) with 150g of vermicast. Five seedlings will be used in Treatment 4 (T4) with 50g of inorganic fertilizer. Five seedlings will be used for Treatment 5 (T5) with 100g of inorganic fertilizer. Five seedlings will be used for Treatment 6 (T6) with 150g of inorganic fertilizer. And lastly, five seedlings will be used for the Control group (T0) with pure garden soil. Experimental Design and Lay-out The experimental design of the study will be Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The experiment will be conducted at the Greenhouse of the College of Forestry and Environmental Studies, Mindanao State University, Marawi City. The total numbers of experimental units will be thirty-five seedlings. T6,R3 T0,R5 T3,R1 T3.R4 T3,R2 T1,R5 T2,R4 T1,R2 T0,R4 T0,R3 T3,R1 T3,R5 T2,R1 T3,R2 T4,R3 T5,R3 T6,R5 T2,R1 T1,R4 T5, R2

T6,R1 T4,R3 T5,R5

T5,R2 T6,R2 T0,R1

T6,R5 T1,R3 T4,R5

T0,R4 T5,R5 T4,R1

T1, R5 T4,R2 T1,R1

Legend: R-Replication T-Treatment Data Gathering After the application of the vermicast and complete fertilizer to the seedlings, the yield of the spring onion will be measured. A weighing scale will be used to measure the yield of the spring onion, measurement will be done after two months of planting. Data gathered will be entered in a tabulation paper. Data Analysis Data in the yield of the spring onion will be subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) to determine the effects of the application of vermicast and inorganic fertilizer.

References: Ndegwa, P.M., Thompson, S.A., Das, K.C. 1999. Effects of stocking density and feeding rate on vermicomposting of biosolids. Biores. Technol. 71 (1), 51. John Burt, 2007. Farmnote, Growing Spring Onions
Chaoui, I.H., Zibilske, L.M., Ohno, S. 2003. Effect of earthworm casts and compost on microbial activity and plant nutrient uptake. Soil Biology and Biochemistry, 35, 295302.