Booth Id:
PLNT052
Category:
Plant Sciences
Year:
2024
Finalist Names:
Garcia, Kim Gerald (School: Fa'asao Marist High School)
Abstract:
This study compares the impact of applying Indigenous Microorganisms (IMOs) cultivated
through Natural Farming practices (IMO2-5) and the legume Coastal Jack-bean (Canavalia rosea)
with synthetic fertilizer (Triple-19) on the growth of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus). The IMOs
made through Natural Farming, IMO2-5, were applied to okra alongside Triple-19 fertilizer, and
the legume was companion planted with the okra, while a control group was kept with no
treatments. During a span of 12 weeks the height, number of leaves, and the yield of the okra was
measured weekly. After that, the leaves were scanned for leaf surface area and nitrate levels. The
soil was also tested to assess electrical conductivity (EC), potential of Hydrogen (pH), and soil
nitrate levels. Results show that the fertilizer excels in impacting the height and yield, although
IMO2 came second, it had the largest leaf surface area. IMO4 exhibited the highest plant nitrate
level and IMO5 with the most numerous leaves. The legume treatment shows minimal growth
effects but had the highest soil nitrate levels, likely due to competition between the plants. Lastly,
the soil EC and pH had no drastic effects between the treatments. Utilizing IMOs as an alternative
to synthetic fertilizer could be a way to offset its harmful effects on the environment and human
health, aiding many farmers here in American Samoa. Future research could explore varieties of
different formulations of IMOs and its application to more plants in American Samoa; more
testing would also be needed on the specific varieties of microbes present.