Paper ID: 148
The Growth Response and Nutritional Status of Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) Planted in Soil Incorporated with Oyster Mushroom Waste
W Bisop1,2, M M Hashim1* and H Mohidin2
1Faculty of Plantation and Agrotechnology, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Melaka Branch, Jasin Campus, 77300 Merlimau, Melaka, Malaysia,
2 Faculty of Plantation and Agrotechnology, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Sarawak Branch, Samarahan Campus, 94300 Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia
Email: wellzerlinbisop@gmail.com
Waste disposal have been a primary concern to the mushroom grower as it can lead to various environmental issues without proper waste management. Most of the mushroom grower are unaware of the utilization of organic waste as soil amendment which have proven to improve the soil properties, growth performances and yield of the crops if it is performed precisely. This study intended to determine the growth response and nutritional status of eggplant by utilizing the oyster mushroom waste as part of the growing medium. The experiment design used was Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) and the treatments involved were: T1 (100% Topsoil), T2 (90% Topsoil + 10% OMW), T3 (70% Topsoil + 30% OMW) and T4 (50% Topsoil + 50% OMW). The study showed that there was a significant difference on soil properties which is determined by the soil moisture content and soil pH value between treatment where p<0.0.5. The utilization of OMW in treatment showed to had a higher nutrient content (%) in both soil and plant and recorded to had better yield performances in eggplant cultivation, as it increases the eggplant yield by 30%-50%. Thus, there is a possibility to avoid waste disposal without impacting the growth and yield of the eggplant.
