ASCOT Library Zabali Campus

Master of Science in Agriculture (Crop Science)

This study was conducted to find out the different substrate materials of vermiworm to the application of vermicast on the seed germination performance of tomato. Specifically, Study 1 aimed to find out the number of days to decomposting; weight gain, feed conversion rate of vermiworm, and the cost and return analysis of one production cycle. Study 2 focused on the performance of vermicast on the seed emergence; number, length of stem, and length of the longest roots after 10 days of seed sowing; and determine the germination percentage of tomato using the different types of vermicast.
The treatments were laid on Complete Block Design (CRD) for both Study 1 and 2, replicated three times. The data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance, Significant results were further tested using the Least Significant Difference.
Those results with highly significant outcomes were noted on weight gain of vermiworms, feed conversion rate, and percent seed germination on the 4th day and 5th day while significant results were observed on number of roots per plant. In addition, the results on the length of stem and length of the longest roots exhibited no significant findings.
The findings show that the performance of ipil-ipil leaves is relatively best as feed for vermiworm and ideal germination media. On the other hand, sawdust, coco peat, and the base substrate materials have comparable results in terms of feed conversion efficiency rate and seed germination performance.
A gross sales of P2, 285.00 was obtained from one cycle of production (450 kilograms substrate materials). It has an operating expense of P1, 325.00 and a net income of P960.00. The return on investment was computed at 75%, which means that for every peso invested, it earns 0.75 centavos.
It is recommended that a research study may be conducted using different leguminous leaves as source of organic nitrogen fertilizer added as substrate material for vermicomposting. Different kinds of manure may be utilized as an activator to hasten decomposition process of substrates. Likewise, the verified technology may be disseminated among the people of the community who are interested in vermicomposting as an enterprise. Ultimately, the cost and return analysis of different substrate materials must be determined in order to be disseminated among farmer clients whish are the most economical combination with the same results.