SYNERGISTIC EFFECTS OF COCONUT WATER AND ORGANIC SUPER WATER ABSORBENT (SWA) ON THE GROWTH OF GUYABANO (Annona muricata Linn.) SEEDLINGS
Keywords:
Super water absorbent (SWA), Coconut water, GuyabanoAbstract
Water scarcity, anticipated to intensify as early as 2025, underscored the urgency of developing innovative strategies to sustain agricultural productivity under drought conditions. Super Water Absorbent (SWA), a material capable of retaining and gradually releasing water, had been recognized internationally as a promising technology, yet its application in the Philippines remained limited. This study aimed to evaluate the combined effects of coconut water and SWA on the growth and survival of Guyabano (Annona muricata Linn.) seedlings. Six treatments were applied: C1S1 (control), C1S2 (10 g SWA), C1S3 (20 g SWA), C2S1 (coconut water only), C2S2 (coconut water + 10 g SWA), and C2S3 (coconut water + 20 g SWA). Results revealed that the C2S2 treatment significantly enhanced plant height and stem diameter, while leaf length and leaf area showed no significant differences at p < 0.05. Stress-induced wilting and soil moisture were positively influenced by the same treatment, and seedlings treated with coconut water and SWA achieved a 100% survival rate. These findings demonstrated that the integration of coconut water and 10 g SWA improved growth parameters and ensured seedling survival, offering a sustainable and practical approach to addressing water scarcity in crop production. The study highlighted the potential of combining natural resources with innovative technologies to strengthen climate resilience and advance sustainable forestry and agriculture in the Philippines.
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