Philippine E-Journals

Temporal and Rate of Vermicompost Application on Early Growth of Physic Nut (Jatropha Curcas L.) in Degraded Soil

Richmund A. Palma

 

Abstract:

This study was conducted to determine the effects of rate and timing of vermicompost application on: root collar diameter; height increment; number of leaves; and root – shoot ratio of Jatropha curcas L. planted in degraded soil. The generative characteristics of Jatropha in response to the treatments were evaluated under field conditions. The results showed that addition of vermicompost significantly increased root collar diameter, number of leaves and height increment while, timing of application has also increased the root collar diameter and number of leaves but not the height increment. Both treatments had no significant effect on the root – shoot ratio. Based on the study, Jatropha pits filled with vermicompost during outplanting will performed better than those applied 10 to 20 days after planting in degraded soil.