Response of Abaca (Musa textilis N.) to Vermicast Application

Abstract

Abaca (Musa textilis N) is endemic in the Philippines, which proven to be an income provider in Caraga Region and as an alternative livelihood for tree farmers. It is also a good substitute of trees in making paper fiber. Despite of the setback, abaca experiences a revival in the world market due to the discovery of various uses for its fiber. The study was conducted using Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) utilizing various levels of vermicast and ammonium phosphate as treatments. The potential of fertilizer application plays an important role in increasing fiber production of abaca. Abaca applied with 2000g vermic ast was statistically comparable with the abaca plants applied with 200g ammonium phosphate and 1000g vermicast. It significantly produced taller and bigger pseudostem diameter of abaca. Vermicast could be an excellent substitute for inorganic fertilizers like ammonium phosphate.