EFFICIENCY OF FERMENTED SEAWEED EXTRACT AS FOLIAR FERTILIZER AT VARYING FREQUENCY AND CONCENTRATION IN PEANUT (Arachis hypogaea L.) PRODUCTION

Abstract

Fermented seaweed extract (FSE) was used as fertilizer in peanut production at MSU Sulu –BARMM, Philippines. The experiment was set up in a 3 x 5 factorial in split-plot randomized complete block design (RCBD), with the main plot (A) as the frequency of the fertilizer applied - once a week, twice a week, and once a month while, the sub-plot (B) as the concentration at 5, 10, 15, and 20%. The application of fermented seaweed extract significantly influenced the growth parameters and yield responses in peanut production. The treatment combinations of once- and twice-a-week application of 5-10% fermented seaweed extract provided the best results in peanut growth and yield. FSE applied twice a week at 5% concentration gave the highest yield of 2.49 tons per hectare. Peanut applied with FSE once a week at a 5% concentration gave the lowest cost of expenses and the highest return on investment of 179%.