Effect of Aerobic Compost and Chemical Fertilizers on Water Convolvulus Yield

Abstract

The study compared the effects of aerobic compost (organic fertilizer) and chemical fertilizers on water convolvulus growth and yield at Nan Agricultural Research and Development Center. Both organic fertilizer and chemical fertilizers rates applied were based on soil analysis results and water convolvulus’s needs,i.e. 15N-5P2O3–5K2O kg./rai. Experimental design was RCBD with 5 treatments; control, 100% organic fertilizer, 100% chemical fertilizers, 75% chemical fertilizers and 75% chemical fertilizers+25% organic fertilizer. Results showed that applying of 100% chemical fertilizers, 75% chemical fertilizers and 75% chemical fertilizers+25% organic fertilizer significantly increased plant weight, leaf number, plant height, stem diameter, leaf width, leaf color and yield when compared to control, and with the exception of leaf number when compared to organic fertilizer treatment.. Applying 75% chemical fertilizers resulted in lowest cost and maximum profit of 41,927 baht/rai. Therefore, applying chemical fertilizers at 75% rate of soil analysis result is the most suitable way to grow water convolvulus because of the highest profit gained.