Publication: Effects of Kakawate (Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) kunth ex walph.) Biochar and Oyster lime soil amendments on the early growth of Cacao (Theobroma cacao l.) seedlings under acidic soils
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Date
2025-05
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Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University - North La Union Campus
Abstract
Cacao production is challenged by soil degradation and acidity, often worsened by improper fertilizer use. Effective soil management is essential for sustainable Cacao cultivation. This study investigated the effects of kakawate biochar and oyster lime on the growth and survival of UF18 Cacao seedlings in a nursery setting, using a Completely Randomized Design with the following treatments: T₀ – acidic garden soil (100%); T₁ – acidic garden soil (100%) + complete fertilizer; T₂ – acidic garden soil (50%) +
kakawate biochar (50%); T₃ – acidic garden soil (50%) + oyster lime (50%); T₄ – acidic garden soil (50%) + kakawate biochar (25%) + oyster lime (25%). Results showed no significant effects on seedling height, diameter, leaf count, root length, or dry weights after 150 days, but a 100% survival rate was achieved. Biochar and lime applications raised soil pH from 5.18 to 8.36, with T₁ leading to acidification (pH 4.54). Treatment T₁ increased available phosphorus to 34.32 mg/kg and cation exchange capacity to 38.97
cmol/kg, while T₂ had the highest organic matter at 3.57% but lower cation exchange capacity (21.09 cmol/kg). Treatments T₃ and T₄ maintained stable calcium levels, with T₄ increasing sodium to 0.74 cmol/kg. The study emphasizes the importance of selecting appropriate soil amendments, such as T₁ for phosphorus availability and T₄ for balanced soil health, to enhance soil properties and nutrient access in Cacao production.
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Atiga, M. L., Calaunan, J. F. (2025). Cacao production is challenged by soil degradation and acidity, often worsened by improper fertilizer use. Effective soil management is essential for sustainable Cacao cultivation. This study investigated the effects of kakawate biochar and oyster lime on the growth and survival of UF18 Cacao seedlings in a nursery setting, using a Completely Randomized Design with the following treatments: T₀ – acidic garden soil (100%); T₁ – acidic garden soil (100%) + complete fertilizer; T₂ – acidic garden soil (50%) + kakawate biochar (50%); T₃ – acidic garden soil (50%) + oyster lime (50%); T₄ – acidic garden soil (50%) + kakawate biochar (25%) + oyster lime (25%). Results showed no significant effects on seedling height, diameter, leaf count, root length, or dry weights after 150 days, but a 100% survival rate was achieved. Biochar and lime applications raised soil pH from 5.18 to 8.36, with T₁ leading to acidification (pH 4.54). Treatment T₁ increased available phosphorus to 34.32 mg/kg and cation exchange capacity to 38.97 cmol/kg, while T₂ had the highest organic matter at 3.57% but lower cation exchange capacity (21.09 cmol/kg). Treatments T₃ and T₄ maintained stable calcium levels, with T₄ increasing sodium to 0.74 cmol/kg. The study emphasizes the importance of selecting appropriate soil amendments, such as T₁ for phosphorus availability and T₄ for balanced soil health, to enhance soil properties and nutrient access in Cacao production. [Unpublished Undergraduate Thesis]. Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University - North La Union Campus, Sapilang, Bacnotan, La Union. Lakasa ti Sirib, DMMMSU Institutional Repository.