Integration of edible fern (Diplazium esculentum Retz.) under two types of multistorey agroforestry systems at the Makiling Forest Reserve [Philippines]

Results of the study revealed that after 18 weeks of reading period (130 days after planting) light intensity, relative humidity, air and soil temperature were proven to be essential microclimatic factors in hastening the growth of edible fern as evidenced by the significant positive correlation with plant height, fresh matter weight, dry matter weight and crop yield in both multistorey systems. In particular, relative humidity (RH) above, within, and at ground surface of fern canopy was proven to be significant across spacing and multistorey systems. Light intensity, air and soil temperatures were likewise proven to be significant among canopy covers. The following range of values for light intensity (334.14 113434.65 x 10 E3 luxes), RH (67.42 to 74.85%), air temperature (22.89 to 26.24 deg C) and soil temperature (20.84 to 24.19 deg C) were found to be adequate to cause significant improvement in the growth of edible fern. With regard to spacing pattern, wider spacing produced significantly taller plant height in the second harvest at Ca + Ye stand (87.83 cm) and in third harvest at Lan + Coc stand (113.14 cm). Root length measured at the termination of the study was also longer at wider spacing (45 cm x 45 cm) with values of 24.81 cm for Ca + Ye and 31.67 cm for Lan + Coc multistorey system, respectively. Fresh Matter Weight (FMW), Dry Matter Weight (DMW) and Crop yield (CY) were increased at much closer spacing (20 cm x 20 cm) at both stand although the conditions in Lan + Coc multistorey system yielded significantly higher photosynthates/carbon assimilates with the following values: FMW (42.46 g/sq m), DMW (27.35 g/sq m) and CY (23.65 g/sq m). It can be construed from these results that farmer can realize greater production per unit area provided essential growth requirements are maintained at certain level. Mulch application resulted to significant difference in plant height of edible fern at Lan + Coc multistorey system during the third harvest (101.42 cm) and fresh matter weight at both systems (32.25 g/sq m for Ca + Ye and 101.96 g/sq m for Lan + Coc stands, respectively) which could probably be due to the conserve moisture and nutrients released upon decomposition. Vitamin A content of edible frond (leaves) at Ca + Ye and Lan + Coc multistorey systems was found to be 4,775.093 and 5,423.889 International Unit (I.U.), respectively. The Recommended Daily Allowance for Vit. A (5,000 I.U.) for a normal adult is adequately supplied by the edible fern produced in Lan +Coc multistorey system. This could be attributed to the less light attenuation in this multistorey which facilitates photosynthesis upon which Vit. A is produced. Cost and return analysis showed that raising edible fern could be a very good alternative source of income for the farmers. Based from 12-month production, the Return on Investment (ROI) was 0.354 and 0.635 for Ca + Ye and Lan + Coc multistorey system. The foregoing results indicate that fern farming can be a potential enterprise requiring minimal inputs and capital investment