Influence of inorganic fertilizer on the growth and yield of Ipomoea reptans Poir. and their combined effect with humic acid
JOHN ONEIL M. ALCOBILLA, NADINE T. BAUTISTA, JAY VANERI T. PORRAS, and JULNAFE B. LIBO-ON
Philippine Science High School Western Visayas Campus – Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PSHSWVC), Brgy. Bito-on, Jaro, Iloilo City 5000, Philippines
Abstract
Humic acid, a plant growth stimulator, has not yet established its credibility despite being utilized for several decades in agriculture. Therefore, this study determined the effect of humic acid and its combined effect with inorganic fertilizer on the growth and yield of I. reptans. Four plots replicated thrice were constructed with three treatment groups (T0B, T1, and T2) and one control group (T0A). The plant height and stem diameter of ten randomly chosen plants were measured every 7 days for 21 days while the crop yield was determined 35 days after sowing. Data collected were subjected to One-way ANOVA (95% CL, ɑ=0.05) and LSD test to determine the significant differences among groups. Results showed that the treatment with HA only was significantly higher in plant height and crop yield. Thus, HA improves I. reptans growth and yield as it can increase nutrient uptake and facilitate growth-triggering plant hormones.
Keywords: Ipomoea reptans, urea, humic acid, plant growth and yield, randomized complete block design