The effects on rice germination and seedling growth of volcanic soil from Bacolor, Pampanga.

Abstract

The eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in 1991 caused drastic changes in the geomorphology and soil of the area. Pampanga is one of the provinces that was greatly affected by the eruption. Agriculture is the major industry in the province, and rice is their principal crop. Since a vast expanse of the area around Mt. Pinatubo was covered by volcanic soil during its 1991 eruption, the lahar-covered areas have not been utilized for agricultural purposes. To determine whether volcanic soil can be used in growing rice, the effects on rice germination and seedling growth of volcanic soil were compared with loam soil. Rice seeds were germinated and planted on volcanic soil and loam soil. The differences in the growth of the rice seedlings were related to the physio-chemical properties of their respective soils. Both setups have the same percent seed germination despite the low moisture content of volcanic soil. Rice seedlings sown in volcanic soil have significantly lower root length. In spite of this, the rice seedlings that were sown in volcanic soil have significantly higher shoot length and number of leaves. There were no significant differences observed in fresh weight, dry weight, and leaf area. The effects of volcanic soil on seed germination and seedling growth are either better or comparable with loam soil. The study has shown that volcanic soil can be an alternative substrate for rice germination and seedling growth.