ASCOT Library Zabali Campus

Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (Crop Science).

The experimental study was conducted to determine the influence of pre-decomposed rice hull as growing media on the performance of sweet pepper (Capsicum annum) seedling in terms of plant height, number of leaves, diameter of largest leaf, number of roots, length of the root, days to seedling emergence and germination percentage.
The experimental study was conducted for a period of one month inside the net house located at ASCOT Bazal Campus, Maria Aurora, Aurora on April to May 2023.
There were four (4) treatments replicated three (3) times and laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD), and the results were evaluated using ANOVA and LSD in comparing treatment means.
The results of the study found out that the ratio of 1:1:1 (1part vermicast, 1 part hull, 1 part garden soil) had recorded the highest in plant height, largest leaf and the longest roots and highest germination percentage.
While, the ratio of 1:2:1 (1 part vermicast, 2 parts rice hull, 1 part garden soil) had recorded the highest number on leaves, number of roots and shortest days to seedling emergence. 1:1:1 (1 vermicast, 1 rice hull, 1 soil) recorded significant differences among means on plant height, number of leaves, diameter of largest leaf, number and length of the roots, days to seedling emergence and germination percentage were not observed among the four treatments.
The use of pre-decomposed rice hull as growing media on seedling production is recommended for it is readily available in the locality, inexpensive, chemical free, and easy to prepare. Further studies are suggested to be conducted on other crops like solanaceous and cucurbits family. Further studies at different levels and ratios are also suggested to further validate the response of the crop in terms of growth, and germination percentage. The conduct of soil analysis is also necessary as basis of fertilizer application.