Agronomic performance and profitability of coffee wildlings using different soil media mixtures

Abstract

The study was conducted from November, 2021 to April, 2022 at Cagayan State University Lal-lo, Cagayan, Philippines, to evaluate the agronomic performance and profitability of robusta coffee wildlings under nursery management using these parameters: (a.) NPK and pH analysis; (b) plant height; (c) number and length of leaves; (d) Stem girth; (e) Leaf Area Index, and (f) Cost and Return Analysis. A Randomized Complete Block Design was utilized using these treatments: Treatment 1- Alluvial soil (control), Treatment 2- Composted animal manure and Forest soil: CRH (1:1:1), Treatment 3- Alluvial soil, Composted animal manure, Forest soil and CRH (1:1:1:1),Treatment 4- Alluvial soil, Composted animal manure and CRH (1:1:1), Treatment 5- Composted animal manure and Forest soil (1:1) and Treatment 6- Alluvial soil and CRH (1:1). The result of the study revealed that all the treatment tested were suitable for seedling propagation. The Analysis of Variance found that Treatment 4 acquired the tallest plant height, most numbered of leaves, stem girth, Leaf Area Index, Net Income, and Return On Investment at 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180 days after transplanting. However, the latter produced equivalent outcomes to Treatment 3. The results implied that whatever of the two (2) treatments used in the study had the same effects on the growth and development of coffee wildlings. Furthermore, all the treatments used resulted in a net profit and a strong Return on Investment. Hence, this study particularly Treatment 4 is highly recommended. Additionally, another trial of the study during wet season is also advised.