Growth performance of pechay (Brassica rapa) in household derived composts

Vermi worms (Eisenia fetida), Trichoderma harzianum and Effective Microorganism are organisms commonly used as inoculant in composting which are capable of enhancing compost quality. This study was conducted to assess the growth performance of pechay (Brassica rapa) in composts produced from single and combined applications of these organisms applied as mulch. The experiment was laid-out in Randomized Complete Block Design replicated three times. Pechay seedlings were grown in polyethylene bags for four weeks and the number of leaves, width, and length, wet and dry weights were determined. Positive (urea applied at 0.65 grams plant-1) and negative (soil only) controls were likewise set-up. Results show that T. harzianum + Vermicompost (T4) turned to have superior effects to plant growth as it produced higher number of leaves, widest leaf diameter, highest leaf length and heaviest fresh and dry weights among the six compost treatments and is comparable to plants applied with inorganic fertilizer. Thus, application of compost from T. harzianum + Vermi worms can be recommended for pechay production.