Effects of powdered chicken eggshells as a soil amendment on the vegetative growth of Vigna radiata

JOHAR H. RACHO and VIRNA JANE M. NAVARRO

Philippine Science High School Western Visayas Campus – Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PSHSWVC), Brgy. Bito-on, Jaro, Iloilo City 5000, Philippines

Abstract

The continuous and excessive generation of eggshells as agricultural and industrial waste results in various environmental problems. However, recent studies have shown that eggshells contain essential compounds that promote plant growth and soil condition. Thus, this study aimed to determine the effects of powdered chicken eggshells (PCES) on the vegetative growth of Vigna radiata. Chicken eggshells were air-dried, crushed, and powdered. The plants were then grown on PCES-soil compositions of 0%, 10%, and 15% (w/w). The stalk and root length were statistically compared between treatments using one-way ANOVA and post-hoc Tukey-Kramer test. The results indicate that a significant difference existed for both mean plant length scores between plants grown on untreated soil and PCES-treated soil; PCES was found to improve the vegetative growth of V. radiata. However, adverse effects were observed at 15% PCES due to excessive calcium uptake. Hence, quantifying the amount threshold of PCES is necessary.

Keywords: powdered eggshells, calcium, vegetative growth, Vigna radiata, soil amendment

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