EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF ORGANIC FERTILIZER PLUS INDIGENOUS MICROORGANISM (IMO) ON THE GROWTH AND YIELD OF LOWLAND RICENSIC RC 160 VARIETY

Abstract

The use of organic fertilizers has become increasingly popular due to their potential to improve soil fertility, reduce environmental pollution, and enhance crop yields. This study was carried out at Purok 2, Kipalili San Isidro Davao del Norte, Philippines, from December 2021 to April 2022. This experimental study aimed to investigate the effect of different organic fertilizers plus Indigenous microorganism (IMO) in the lowland with 160 rice variety, specifically, the study aimed: (1.) to determine the effect of different organic fertilizers plus Indigenous Microorganism (IMO) on the characteristics of rice NSIC RC 160 variety and yield components. (2.) to identify which treatment will give the optimum yield of rice NSIC RC 160 variety as affected by different organic fertilizer plus Indigenous Microorganism (IMO). (3.) to evaluate the economic profitability of rice NSIC RC 160 variety as affected by different organic fertilizer plus Indigenous Microorganism (IMO). Additionally, the study was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design with five treatments and three replications, Treatments were as follows. T1 (RR of NPK) T2 (Vermicast + IMO), T3 (Pig manure + IMO), T4 (Chicken Manure + IMO), T5 (Vermicast + Pig Manure + Chicken Manure + IMO). The different data gathered were statistically analyzed using the Analysis of Variance for comparison of means. However, results revealed that Organic Fertilizer plus Indigenous Microorganism (IMO), showed highly significant result in 2 of the data weight of 1000 grains and grain yield. The plant height, number of Panicle length and number of tillers, number of productive tillers showed no significant difference. In terms of economic analysis result revealed that treatment 4 with an RPC Value of 105. 64 % obtained the highest percentage of return on Production while T3 obtained the lowest RPC value. These findings suggest that organic fertilizer can be a viable alternative to chemical fertilizers in promoting sustainable rice production. Further studies on the long-term effects of organic fertilizer on soil quality and plant health are recommended. KEYWORDS: rice, organic fertilizer, Indigenous Microorganism (IMO), NSIC RC 160 variety