Evaluating the Effects of Organic Amendments on the Early Growth Performance of Syzygium jambos Seedlings
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47604/ijns.3557Keywords:
Survival, Organic Amendments, Growth Performance, Syzygium jambosAbstract
Purpose: Syzygium jambos (L.) is a species well adapted to warm, humid tropical climates with well-drained, loamy soils. This study aimed to evaluate the early growth performance of S. jambos seedlings under different organic soil amendments during a three-month observation period following transplanting.
Methodology: The experiment was conducted under semi-controlled nursery conditions using 8×10-inch polyethylene polybags. Four treatments were tested: pure garden soil, 50% vermicast:50% garden soil, 50% cow manure:50% garden soil, and 10% chicken manure mixed with garden soil. Data on seedling survival, height, stem diameter, and number of branches were collected. The results were statistically analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Tukey’s Honest Significant Difference (HSD) test to determine significant differences among treatments.
Findings: The highest survival rate (100%) was recorded in seedlings grown in garden soil alone. Significant differences were observed in percent survival, seedling height and stem diameter among treatments. The 50% vermicast–50% garden soil mixture produced the tallest seedlings (27.64 cm) and the thickest stems (6.80 mm), followed by garden soil and cow manure–soil treatments. The poorest growth was observed in the chicken manure–soil treatment, with seedlings averaging only 14.33 cm in height and 3.93 mm in stem diameter. Branching did not significantly differ among treatments.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Overall, vermicast combined with garden soil consistently promoted both high survival and vigorous early growth of Syzygium jambos seedlings, while chicken manure at the tested concentration was detrimental. Vermicast combined with garden soil is recommended as an effective potting medium for enhancing the early growth and vigor of Syzygium jambos seedlings. Moreover, further studies should test lower or composted forms of chicken manure, extend the growth period to capture branching and biomass, and conduct field trials to evaluate long-term survival and establishment.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Karl Daniel P. AA, Rosalie O. Atilano, Ma. Antonette U. Luna, Edwin C. Dela Cruz, Shierel F. Vallesteros
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