Developing and testing climate resilient crops and varieties for integration in small hold coconut farms in Quezon Province [Philippines]
2014
Aguilar, E.A. | Sta. Cruz, P.C. | Edaño, M.S. | Magnaye, A.M.A. | Santiago, D. | Libuit, R.M. | Baer, B.T. | Garcia, G.R.
Experiments were conducted in four coconut areas in Tayabas [Philippines] to test climate resilient alternative staples/ crop varieties in rainfed coconut-based farms. The experiment also evaluated the effect of different fertilizer treatments (Farmer's Practice and 25% RR + Biofertilizer) to corn and cassava. The experiment also had a counterpart in open field to serve the unshaded control. Inadequate rainfall during the growing season may have generally affected the growth of test crops. Under coconut, shading caused more than 60% light reduction in both corn and cassava plots with reference to open field. As a result, growth and yield of both crops under coconut were significantly reduced. Compared to open field, there was reduction in total dry matter (48.34%) and yield (75%) of corn under coconut, and in plant height (30.34%), stem girth (36.53%), total number of leaves (40.63%) and total dry matter (81.23%) at 3 months after planting of cassava under coconut. Application of 25% RR + Bio-N in corn resulted in 34.30% higher corn yield than FP, while 25% RR + Mykovam application in cassava resulted in taller plants, thicker stems, more leaves and greater dry weight, which are contributing factors to cassava yield. The use of 25% RR + biofertilizer as fertilizer in intercrops in coconut land is a promising practice as it can result in better yield than farmers' practice at a lower input cost. While corn and cassava growth and yield are more suited in the open area than under coconut to maximize yield, planting these intercrops under coconut may still contribute to farm income, especially if appropriate management strategies are used, i.e. fertilizer management.
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