Effect of shading and fertilizer application on growth and yield of vegetable fern (Diplazium esculentum)

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate the optimization of shading and nutrient management on the growth and yield of vegetable fern (Diplazium esculentum) in 2 months harvesting period to be a guideline for the farmers who are interested in safety vegetable fern production. The experiment was carried out using a split plot design in randomized complete block (RCB) with 4 replications. There were 3 levels for main plots; no shading, shading at 50% and shading at 80%. For sub plots, there were 5 levels; no fertilizer application (control), chemical fertilizer (15-15-15 + 46-0-0) at a rate of 14.85 kg N/rai (CF14.85N) and cow manure at the rates of 14.85 kg N/rai (CM14.85N), 29.70 kg N/rai (CM29.70N) and 44.55 kg N/rai (CM 44.55N). The result demonstrated that the higher shading resulted in an increasing of plant height and plant canopy, whereas the number of leaves were decreased. However, 50% shading produced the highest marketable front weight. Although the different of fertilizer application did not affect to the vegetable fern growth, the application of cow manure at the rate of 22.70 kg N/rai gave the highest of marketable front weight. From the result of the combination factors between shading and fertilizer application, it could be concluded that 50% shading with the application of cow manure at the rate of 22.70 kg N/rai was the appropriate management for vegetable fern production, which the highest marketable yield was recorded (14.68 g/plant or 183.11 kg/rai/month) and resulted in yield increase of 13 times, compared to the control (no shading and no fertilizer).