Response of String Beans (Vigna unguiculata subsp sesquipedalis L.) on Saline Soil Amended with Vermicompost

Abstract

Vigna unguiculata subsp sesquipedalis L. also known as string beans/pole sitao is one of the major vegetable crop produced in the Philippines all year round because of its adaptability to all types of soils except for saline soil. Thus, its response to saline soil amended with vermicompost was determined. Growth and yield of pole sitao in saline soil applied with varying amount of vermicompost was obtained. Level of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and pH were also tested before and after vermicompost application. The study was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design, composed of 5 treatments and replicated 4 times. The treatments were: T1-100% Garden soil, T2-100% Saline soil, T3-75% Saline soil and 25% Vermicompost, T4-50% Saline soil and 50% Vermicompost, and T5-75% Vermicompost and 25% Saline soil. All the data gathered were analyzed using T-test and ANOVA. Generally, vermicompost helps in decreasing soil salinity, increasing potassium content of the soil and increasing root length. To increase pole sitao’s yield and biomass, addition of 75% vermicompost to 25% saline soil is recommended.