EFFECTS OF GROWING MEDIA THICKNESS ON THE GROWTH OF ORGANIC GREEN COS CULTIVATED IN RAISED BEDS ON FARMERS’ FIELDS

Abstract

          The objectives of this study was to examine the effects of growing media thickness on the growth of organic green cos lettuce in raised beds. The experiment utilized a planting media composed of loamy soil, pig manure, and filter cake in a volumetric ratio of 1:2:3. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) was implemented, incorporating three treatments: growing media thicknesses of 20 cm, 25 cm, and 30 cm. The experimental blocks were established across four different farmer's fields. Growth and yield parameters recorded included plant height, leaf characteristics, leaf greenness, canopy width, and fresh and dry weights of yield. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and mean comparisons were performed using Duncan’s multiple range test (DMRT). The findings revealed that at 35 days after planting, lettuce grown in 20 cm thick substrate exhibited the largest canopy width, significantly different from other treatments. However, no statistically significant effect was observed for other growth parameters across substrate thickness levels. Furthermore, variations in plant growth across farmer's fields were found to be statistically significant. Based on these results, the study strongly recommended that farmers using raised bed cultivation adopt a growing medium thickness of 20 cm., as it not only could promote optimal yield and canopy development, but could also reduce production costs and enhances the structural durability of raised bed frameworks.