Productivity and profitability of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L. var. NSIC Pn18) as affected by indigenous microorganisms 6 (IMO6) bio-fertilizer application

Abstract

Bio-fertilizers provide essential nutrients that contribute to healthy plant growth and facilitate normal physiological development and are considered environmentally safer alternatives to conventional fertilizers. This study aimed to determine the effects of IMO6 bio-fertilizer on the productivity and profitability of peanut production. The treatments consisted of T₁, zero fertilizer; T₂, 2 t ha⁻¹ IMO6; T₃, 4 t ha⁻¹ IMO6; T₄, 6 t ha⁻¹ IMO6; and T₅, 30–30–30 kg ha⁻¹ N–P₂O₅–K₂O as the positive control. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The results revealed that the application of IMO6 bio-fertilizer significantly increased the number of days from planting to flowering, maturity duration, and plant height. Similarly, the highest leaf area index (LAI) was recorded in peanut plants treated with 30–30–30 kg ha⁻¹ N–P₂O₅–K₂O (2.65), followed by 6 t ha⁻¹ IMO6 (1.93). In contrast, the highest fresh herbage yield was recorded with 6 t ha⁻¹ IMO6 (8.87 t ha⁻¹), followed by 30–30–30 kg ha⁻¹ N–P₂O₅–K₂O (8.32 t ha⁻¹). The highest gross margin of PhP 92,110.00 ha⁻¹ was obtained from plants treated with inorganic fertilizer, followed by those treated with 6 t ha⁻¹ IMO6, which recorded a gross margin of PhP 72,070.00 ha⁻¹. The lowest gross margins were obtained with 2 and 4 t ha⁻¹ IMO6, primarily due to lower grain yield and the relatively high cost of IMO6 application. Based on the results, the application of 4–6 t ha⁻¹ IMO6 may be considered as a potential bio-fertilizer option for peanut production to improve crop performance while supporting the maintenance of soil fertility. © 2026 The Author(s)