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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY BAUTISTA, FLORIE T. 2017 Supervised Farming on Okra Production Using Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers. College of Agriculture, Food and Sustainable Development. Mariano Marcos State University, City of Batac, Ilocos Norte. Adviser: Ms. Jennifer J. Cabuyadao The Supervised Farming was conducted during the dry season from February to May 2017 and was established at the MMSU experimental area located north of the College of Agriculture, Food and Sustainable Development building. Generally, aimed to provide farm-related activities and practical experience that allow the student entrepreneur to apply her knowledge and skills in actual settings and venture in an enterprise where she can apply relevant methods and technologies from a particular package of technology. Specifically, it aimed to: 1) develop managerial skills in okra production using the recommended package of technology; 2) showcase the profitability of growing okra using organic and inorganic fertilizers; 3) develop values in establishing a vegetable production project; and 4) determine the problems encountered during the duration of the project. A total of 500 m2 area was planted with pre-germinated seeds of native white variety of okra. The plants were spaced following the distance of 75 cm and 50 cm between rows and hills, respectively. Thinning was done at 14 days after planting maintaining two plants per hill and thinned plants were used to replace the missing hills. A total of 100kg vermicompost was basally applied along the furrows prior to planting. Likewise, approximately fourteen kilograms of 14-14-14 (complete) fertilizer was basally applied after sowing of seeds. Twenty-seven kilograms of 46-0-0 (urea) fertilizer was side dressed at 30 DAP at the rate of 10g/hill. Irrigation water was applied through furrow irrigation right after planting and weekly interval up to 30 DAP and biweekly interval thereafter. Manual weeding was done at 30 DAP. Weeds were removed by hand-pulling. However, the occurrence of insect pests was controlled by spraying chemical insecticide following the manufacturer's formulation. Moreover, powdery mildew was controlled by removing the infected plant parts and with the application of fermented plant juice (FPJ). The harvested fruits were sorted in the field at the time of harvesting. Separation of marketable and unmarketable fruits was done. Superior fruits of 10-12 cm length were harvested regularly in the morning starting at 55 DAP. Plant characteristics were also observed at the different growth stages of the crop. It was observed that the okra plants had an increased in plant height from 30 to 60 DAP from 38.34 to 64.2 cm and started to bear fruits at 55 DAP. Gradual increase in pod length was observed from second to third priming. Average fruits per plant is 31 while the average number of fruits per kilogram harvested is 69.5. The total yield for the 500 m production area, was 438.5 kg. The price per kilogram of okra at different marketing periods ranged from Php 25.00 to Php 30.00. A high percentage (99.77%) of marketable fruits was obtained, while the remaining (0.23%) was accounted as unmarketable fruits which were consumed as table food by the family. The total cost of production was Php 5,309.00 and the gross profit was Php 12,242.50. Thus, the project earned a total net income of Php 6,933.50. The project realized a high return on investment (ROI) of 130.5%. Problems encountered include low percent germination of seeds, infestation of thrips, aphids and shoot borer, infestation of weeds and lack of manpower during harvesting. These problems were surpassed by replanting of missing hills, combined application of chemical insecticide and FPJ, manual weeding at regular basis and asking assistance from family member and friends during harvesting. Positive values such as sense of responsibility, patience, perseverance, and persistence was developed. Moreover, the following technical knowledge were acquired that contributed to the success of the project: knowing the proper depth of planting and plant spacing improves sunlight absorption and nutrient and water uptake, harvesting is done with proper determination of maturity indices, success in marketing is laid on good values towards prospect buyers among others. |
