GROWTH AND YIELD RESPONSE OF SWEET BASIL (Ocimum basicum L.) INFLUENCED BY DIFFERENT FERTILIZERS APPLICATION
Michelle M. Omayon (a) and Archie B. Lauderes (b*)

College of Agriculture and Technology, Northwest Samar State University, Calbayog City, Samar, Philippines

a) omayonshelle[at]gmail.com
b) *archie.lauderes[at]nwssu.edu.ph

Abstract

Sweet basil (Ocimum Basilicum L.) is a symbolic herb, medicinal use and considered as favorites in global cuisine and is one of the most popular herbs grown in the world. Its leaves contain essential oil and strong aroma. The objective of this study were to determine the growth and yield response of sweet basil (Ocimum Basilicum L.) influenced by different types of fertilizers. This experiment was laid out on a Randomized Complete Block design (RCBD). A total of 120 samples were examined having 4 treatments replicated three times. The experimental treatment were: T0 - control (no fertilizer), T1 - urea (0.17g/pot), T2 - vermicast (25g/pot), and T3 - mixed application 50/50 (0.085g urea, 12.5g vermicast).
Based on the findings of the study, the application of 100% vermicast, and application of 50% chemical and 50 % vermicast has comparable yield when applied with 100% chemical fertilizer. The cost and return analysis on the different fertilizer application on basil showed that applying 100 % chemical fertilizer (urea) can increase net profits on basil. However, farmers may use vermicast fertilizer (100% or 50% ) may earn more or less USD. 1,000 per hectare. On the other hand, vermicast is a great organic fertilizer that promote better growth and yield and a soil amendment.

Keywords: basil, herbs, synthetic fertilizer, urea, vermicast

Topic: Waste and environmental management