Growth and yield performance of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) under bat guano tea application in potted conditions
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Abstract
Background and Objective: Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) is an economically important vegetable crop in the Philippines, but productivity is often limited by declining soil fertility and reliance on synthetic fertilizers. Bat guano tea (BG tea), a nutrient-rich organic liquid fertilizer, has the potential to improve crop performance; however, its dose–response relationship under local conditions remains insufficiently quantified. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different BG tea concentrations on growth, biomass allocation, and yield of eggplant under pot conditions.
Methodology: A randomized complete block design (RCBD) with six treatments (0, 10, 25, 55, 75, and 100 mL pot⁻¹) and three replications was conducted. BG tea was prepared from air-dried guano, diluted, and applied weekly for seven weeks after transplanting. Growth traits, root characteristics, phenology, and yield were measured. Data were analyzed using ANOVA, with mean separation by LSD (P < 0.05), and effect size quantified using eta squared (η²).
Main Results: BG tea application significantly affected vegetative growth and yield (P < 0.05). Higher concentrations (75–100 mL pot⁻¹) enhanced plant height, leaf production, root volume, and biomass accumulation. The highest yields were obtained at 75 mL pot⁻¹ (1.43 ± 0.09 t ha⁻¹; +27.68%) and 100 mL pot⁻¹ (1.37 ± 0.08 t ha⁻¹; +22.32%), although these were not statistically different from the control. Lower concentrations (10–55 mL pot⁻¹) resulted in reduced yield. A strong treatment effect was observed (η² = 0.97), indicating that BG tea concentration accounted for most yield variation. Excessive application (100 mL) promoted vegetative growth without proportional yield gain.
Conclusions: Moderate BG tea application (approximately 75 mL pot⁻¹) optimized growth-yield balance under pot conditions. While BG tea shows promise as an organic nutrient source, further field validation and comparison with conventional fertilization are required before broad recommendations.
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