INTEGRATED EFFECT OF VERMICOMPOST AND CHEMICAL FERTILIZER ON STEVIA (STEVIA REBAUDIANA) PRODUCTION
Author: ELMER GALO
ELMER GALO: Ph. D. in Horticulture, Western Mindanao State University, College of
Agriculture, Zamboanga City, 7000, Philippines.
ABSTRACT
Stevia is a natural, non-caloric sweetener that has recently emerged as a promising sugar substitute for diabetes management in the Philippines. However, research on sustainable methods for producing stevia that balance high yields with soil health is lacking. The study conducted at Western Mindanao State University aimed to find out the effects of vermicompost and inorganic fertilizer (IF) on the agronomic performance of stevia. A randomized complete block design with seven treatments replicated three times was used. The treatments (T) were as follows: T1 (Control – no fertilizer applied); T2–50% Recommended Rate (RR) of vermicompost; T3-50% RR of IF; T4-100% RR of vermicompost; T5-100% RR of IF; T6-50% RR vermicompost and 50% RR IF; and T7-100% RR vermicompost and 100% RR IF. The study revealed that the application of 100% vermicompost and 100% IF (T7) resulted in the highest herbage yield (8.53 t ha-1) and DMY (1.29 t ha-1). Treatment 6 (50% vermicompost + 50% IF) was most successful at producing the highest percent leaf (92.98%) and lateral branching (15) while maintaining yields statistically similar to entirely IF. Therefore, to achieve the best balance of yield, leaf quality, and sustainable practices for stevia production, an integrated nutrient management approach (specifically a 50/50 mix of vermicompost and IF) is the recommended strategy.
Keywords: Stevia, organic fertilizer, inorganic fertilizer, vermicompost, integrated nutrients management