INFLUENCE OF COW AND PIG MANURE APPLICATION ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF EGGPLANT (SOLANUM MELONGENA L.)

Author Name: Cacho, Chloe B. Deza, Kim B. Pamintuan, Rhian, C. Manabat, Armon Santos, Jerome, Pangilinan, Gian Carlo Macapinlac

Volume/Issue: 06/09

Country: Philippines

DOI NO.: 08.2020-25662434 DOI Link: https://doi-ds.org/doilink/03.2026-24918983/UIJIR

ABSTRACT

This study looked at the comparative efficiency of organic amendments in the reproductive and vegetative productivity of eggplant (Solanum melongena). By combining a variety of methods, the researchers used an experimental setup to measure the growth parameters. At the same time, a qualitative model based on Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis was used to understand the plants' health and the environmental factors from the observational narratives. Whereas the control group yielded the maximum vegetative growth by leaf number, the rest of the findings suggested that cow manure was the most effective treatment in terms of total productivity, as it produced the tallest plants (25 inches), the best flower stability, and the largest fruit yield (9 fruits). Statistical testing showed that cow manure improved the reproduction rate drastically as compared to the control (p=0. 02$) and pig manure (p=0. 00$), whereas pig manure did not bring about any significant benefits. From the qualitative standpoint, the observation records showed that the plants without manure were in poor leaf condition, being dry and having holes, on the other hand, the manured plots of land flowered earlier and were more resistant. Moreover, these environmental factors (heavy rain and strong sunshine) were described by the farmers as "double, edged swords" in that they allow growth on the one hand but cause leaching of nutrients and abiotic stress on the other. The use of cow manure is strongly suggested to the farmers if they want to get the best marketable fruit yield. Subsequent studies could probe into a "hybrid" management approach that is based on the use of natural soil nutrients during the initial vegetative phases.

Key words: Eggplant (Solanum Melongena L.) Cow, and Pig Manure