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CHAPTER 1

Introduction

Nature and Importance of the Study

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is the main staple food crop in the Philippines. It is

also the main source of livelihood of more than 5 million farmers all over the

country (Manila Bulletin, 2007). In 2011, the average rice yield per hectare for the

first half improved to 3.8tons (or 76 cavans of 50kilos each). This is roughly three

cavans more than last year’s average yield of 3.64 tons per hectare (DA, 2011).

Rice production in the Philippines is important to the food supply in the country

and economy. The country is the 8th largest rice producer in the world,

accounting for 2.8% of global rice production (FAO, 2011). However, the country

was also the world's largest rice importer in 2010 (Reuters, 2011).

Inorganic, organic and bio-fertilizers are the main sources for replenishing

plant nutrients in agricultural soils (Masarirambi et al., 2012). Continuous use of

inorganic fertilizers leads to deterioration in soil chemical, physical, and biological

properties, and soil health (Mahajan et al., 2008). The negative impacts of

chemical fertilizers, coupled with escalating prices, have led to growing interests

in the use of organic fertilizers as a source of nutrients (Satyanarayana et al.,

2002; Mahajan et al., 2008).

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Vermicompost has been considered as a soil additive to reduce the

use of mineral fertilizers because it provides required nutrient amounts,

increases cation exchange capacity and improves water holding capacity

(Tejada and Gonzaler, 2009). Vermicompost not only increases yield of rice but

can also substitute chemical fertilizer to some extent (Sharma et al., 2008;

Guera, 2010). Many research findings have shown that neither inorganic

fertilizers nor organic sources alone can result in sustainable productivity

(Satyanarayana et al., 2002; Jobe, 2003). Vermicompost, a potential organic

input for sustainable agriculture, contains beneficial microorganisms, both major

(NPK) and micro nutrients, enzymes and hormones (Probodhini, 1994).

Earthworms increase the amount of mineralized nitrogen from organic matter in

soil. The microbial composition changes qualitatively and quantitatively during

passage through the earthworm intestine (Pedersen and Hendriksen, 1993).

Earthworms not only disperse microorganisms important in food

production but also associated with mycorrhizae and other root symbionts,

biocontrol agents and microbial antagonists of plant pathogens as well as

microorganisms that act as pests (Edwards and Bohlen, 1996). Vermicasts are

excellent media for harbouring N-fixing bacteria (Bhole, 1992). Earthworms

directly cycle the nitrogen by excretion in the casts, urine and mucoprotein and

through the turnover of earthworm tissues (Lee, 1985). Joshi and Kelkar (1952)

reported that earthworm casts contained greater percentage of finer fractions like

silt and clay than in the surrounding soils. This change in mechanical

composition of soil was probably due to the grinding action of earthworm gizzard.
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The chemical analysis of vermicasts revealed that they were richer in soluble

salts, neutral or alkaline in reaction and had higher percentage of exchangeable

Na, K and Mg but a lower exchangeable Ca than in corresponding soil.

Earthworm casts also contained greater amounts of Nitrogen (N), Phosphorous

(P) and Potassium (K). The vermicasts contained higher amounts of nitrate

nitrogen and possessed a greater nitrifying power than the corresponding soils.

The researcher’s study if verrmicast has the potential to provide greater

stability in crop production, maintain improvements in soil fertility, reduced the

farmer’s cost in purchasing synthetic fertilizers, and enhance the efficiency of

growth and yield generation in NSIC Rc 216 (also known as TUBIGAN17) and

Red rice (Oryza sativa L.). The most reason why farmers tend to apply inorganic

fertilizer in the field is because it is much easier to apply and they can quickly find

the effect but they do not see by their naked eye that the soil erode, unlike on the

effect organic fertilizer. Therefore, understanding how different rates of vermicast

affect the growth ad yield of two rice varieties is extremely valuable.

Theoretical Framework

The increasing trend in the production of rice will have to be continued to

meet the requirements of the projected global population. Fertilizer use is one of

the major factors for the continuous increase in rice production since the Green

Revolution era. Efficient nutrient management in rice has assumed great

importance because along with high production levels of rice, it ensures minimal

leakage of applied nutrients to the environment. In this chapter, we have

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presented the status of nutrient management in rice including nitrogen (N),

phosphorus (P), potassium (K), sulfur (S), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn),

and boron (B) in lowland rice cultivation, which accounts for more than 92 % of

the total rice production. Soils, climate, cultivars, extent of mechanization vary

considerably among rice growing regions, but the basic principles governing

nutrient transformations in the soil–plant system remain relatively same. The

currently followed management practices for different nutrients have been

discussed in the light of their critical concentration in the rice plant,

transformations in soils, and use efficiency. One of the most effective fertilizer is

the organic, the effect of this, is late but it is efficient than using chemical or

synthetic fertilizer, this may cause leeching, the nutrient of the soil replenish time

by time. (Singh and V. Singh, 2017)

According to Republic Act No. 10068 the Organic Agriculture Act of

2010 that, it is hereby declared the policy of the State to promote, propagate,

develop further and implement the practice of organic agriculture in the

Philippines that will cumulatively condition and enrich the fertility of the soil,

increase farm productivity, reduce pollution and destruction of the environment,

prevent the depletion of natural resources, further protect the health of farmers,

consumers, and the general public, and save on imported farm inputs. Towards

this end, a comprehensive program for the promotion of community-based

organic agriculture systems which include, among others, farmer-produced

purely organic fertilizers such as compost, pesticides and other farm inputs,

together with a nationwide educational and promotional campaign for their use
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and processing as well as adoption of organic agriculture system as a viable

alternative shall be undertaken. This act is made for the reason that we need to

eat a safe and healthy product therefore we live longer.

Conceptual Framework

The researcher aimed to determine the growth and yield performance of

upland rice (Oryza sativa L.) as influenced by different rates of vermicasts

application in order to support organic farming. R.A. 10068, an act providing for

the development and promotion of organic farming of the Philippines, section

5 National Organic Agricultural Program. - There is hereby established a

comprehensive organic agricultural program through the promotion and

commercialization of organic farming practices, cultivation and adoption of

production and processing methods which have already been developed, or to

be developed, continuing research and upgrading thereof, the capacity building

of farmers and the education of consumers thereon, the extension of assistance

to local government units (LGU's), peoples' organizations (POs), nongovernment

organizations (NGOs) and other stakeholders including individuals and groups

who are practicing and promoting these methods as well as those who are willing

to do other pertinent activities, and documentation and evaluation of the program.

Hence, this law has been declared, the researchers aimed to maintain the

fertility of the soil, and to produce safe and healthy product. Humans get affected

by the use of fertilizer through the toxic chemicals found in fertilizers can be
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absorbed into the plants and enter the food chain via vegetables and cereals.

However, the largest health risk is when the chemicals flow into ground water,

which is then extracted for drinking.

Objectives of the study

General Objective:

This research aimed to determine the growth and yield of upland rice

(Oryza sativa L.) as influenced by different rates of vermicast application.

Specific Objective:

Specifically, the study sought answer to the following:

1. Determine the effects of different rates of vermicast on the growth and

yield of rice;

2. Compare the growth and yield of two rice varieties; and

3. Determine the cost and return analysis of rice as applied with different

rates of vermicasts.
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Significance of the Study

Organic Farming Builds Healthy Soil. This study can lead to grow

healthy food; you must start with healthy soil. If you treat the soil with harmful

pesticides and chemicals, you may end up with soil that cannot thrive on its

own. Natural cultivation practices are far better than chemical soil management..

Supporting Animal Health and Welfare. This study supports insects,

birds, fish and all sorts of other critters experience problems when humans

swoop in and destroy their natural habitat. Organic farming not only helps

preserve more natural habitat areas but also encourages birds and other natural

predators to live happily on farmland, which assists in natural pest control.

Additionally, animals that live on organic farms are exposed to clean, chemical-

free grazing that helps keep them naturally healthy and resistant to illness. As a

perk for organic farmers, happy and healthy organic animals are productive

organic animals.

Farmers. This study can helps the farmers, especially those planting rice

will get an idea on how to use and to apply organic fertilizer, and they can also

compare the effect of organic between inorganic fertilizers to their plant.

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Agriculture Entrepreneur. This study can help that they can assure that

their product is organic and no side effects.

Consumer. This study can assure that, they can eat safe and healthy rice.

Scope and Limitation of the Study

The study focused on the growth (height and no. of leaves) and yield (no.

of tillers and weight of grains) of NSIC Rc216 and Red rice varieties. It covers

with different treatments which is T1 (control), T2 (5T of VC/ha), T3 (10T of

VC/ha), and T4 (15t of VC/ha).

The study will be conducted at Brgy. Navarro Cabayog City, Samar.

During the first semester of school year 2019-2020 and was completed on

second semester of school year 2019-2020.

Definition of Terms

Cost and return analysis. This term refers to an indicator of profitability

in farming activity. However, a general descriptive analysis of costs and returns,

is no substitute for a vigorous production function analysis which serves well as

an indicator of the efficiency of factors’ proportion in production. (Shodhganga)

Growth. This term refers to plants which have recently developed or

which developed at the same time. (Collins dictionary)

Rates of vermicast application. This term refers to organic materials that

have taken up minerals in exactly the ratio in which they were needed to produce
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and sustain growth. Therefore the minerals are contained in castings in a natural

balance such as is required for vigorous, healthy growth. In ordinary soil, plants

usually have to seek them out but, in vermicast, they are readily available when

they are needed. (Davley Organics)

Rice varieties. This term refers to a plant grouping, within a single

botanical taxon of the lowest known rank, defined by the reproducible expression

of its distinguishing and other genetic characteristics. (InforMEA)

Upland rice. This term refers to naturally well-drained soils with bunded or

unbunded fields without surface water accumulation. The general perception

about the upland environment is that it is drought-prone, usually sloping land with

erosion problems, and has soils with both poor physical and chemical properties.

(Rice Knowledge Bank)

Yield. This term refers to a measurement of the amount of agricultural

production harvested per unit of land area. Crop yield is the measure most often

used for cereal, grain or legumes and is normally measured in bushels or pounds

per acre in the U.S. Crop yield can also refer to the actual seed generation from

the plant. (Investopedia)

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CHAPTER 2

Review of Literature

A lot of related literature and studies are published and were combined

pertaining to the organic fertilizer such as vermicast, and different rice varieties.

This different citation and experiments were made and led to construct and aim a

research that concerns with organic. However, all of those aim to distinguish and

identify things that are beneficial to the consumer and especially to the farmer’s

harvest.

In the 1950s, vermiculture was started in the United States for the

production of fish baits. In the 1980s, the United States and United Kingdom

started using earthworms to produce vermicompost from organic wastes. In the

Philippines, the production of vermicompost and vermimeal, or earthworm meal,

started in 1979 (Guerrero 2009). But it was only in 1982 that the composting

earthworm called Africannight crawler (ANC) was introduced into the country

(Guerrero et al. 1984).

Earthworms vermicompost is proving to be highly nutritive ‘organic

fertilizer’ and more powerful ‘growth promoter’ over the conventional composts

and a ‘protective’ farm input (increasing the physical, chemical & biological
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properties of soil, restoring & improving its natural fertility) against the

‘destructive’ chemical fertilizers which has destroyed the soil properties and

decreased its natural fertility over the years. Vermicompost is rich in NKP

(nitrogen 2-3%, potassium 1.85-2.25% and phosphorus 1.55-2.25%),

micronutrients, beneficial soil microbes and also contain ‘plant growth hormones

& enzymes’. It is scientifically proving as ‘miracle growth promoter & also plant

protector’ from pests and diseases. Vermicompost retains nutrients for long time

and while the conventional compost fails to deliver the required amount of macro

and micronutrients including the vital NKP to plants in shorter time, the

vermicompost does according to Sinha, et. al. (2009).

According to Sudhakar, et. al.(2002) earthworms can live in decaying

organic wastes and can degrade it into fine particulate materials, which are rich

in nutrients. Vermicomposting is the application of earthworm in producing

vermifertilizer, which helps in the maintenance of better environment and results

in sustainable agriculture. Earthworm make the soil porous and help in better

aeration and water infiltration. Vermicompost can be prepared from different

organic materials like sugarcane trash, coir pith, press mud, weeds, cattle dung,

bio digested slurry etc. Increased availability of nutrients in vermicompost

compared to non-ingested soil resulted in significantly better growth and yield of

rice has been reported by several workers.

According to Arancon and Edwards (2006), vermicomposting is the non-

thermophilic process by which organic materials are converted

by earthworms and microorganisms into rich soil amendments with greatly

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increased microbial activity and nutrient availability. The term has its origin

from vermis, the Latin word for worm. The term is also used to refer to the

technology of converting raw organic materials into organic fertilizer,

called vermicompost, mainly through microbial action and the use of certain

species of earthworm. In addition, the technology is applied in waste

management by which organic “wastes” are recycled and made available for

plant growth.

The spread of rice varieties in different water regimes and the factors

affecting adoption of rice varieties have been studied using information collected

from farmers in the rainfed. The coverage of modern varieties has been found to

be only 37 percent in mediumland plots and 11 percent in lowland plots. A

multivariable probit model has been used to study the factors affecting adoption

of rice varieties. The important factors influencing adoption of a rice variety have

been found as rainfed, tenurial status and irrigation. But, the most important

factor emerged from the present study is ‘rainfed’. Therefore, a wider spread of

modern rice varieties in these areas depends on the development of new

varieties that are specifically adapted to these environments. The study has

suggested that development of rice varieties and rainfed along with adoption of

land reform measures will facilitate a faster spread of modern rice varieties in the

rainfed. Rice growth performance is subjected to environmental factors which

affect the physiological processes inside rice plant cells. Improving rice

physiological characteristics is considered to be desirable due to its agronomic

importance towards the achievement of high rice yield.

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Keeping this fact in mind, the researchers wants to conduct a study if the

vermicompost has the ability to grow rice and capability to produce higher yield

on rice production.

Chapter 3

Materials and Methods

The following methods and materials are to be done before, during, and

after the testing and observations of the products under investigation.

Land preparation. A total land area of 34m x 21.5m (731 m2) will be used

as field experiment. Each plot per treatment replication is measured 4m x 5x

(20m2). This is thoroughly prepare one month before planting using carabao and

tractor drawn implements. Plowing one and harrowing is done twice at one week

interval using tractor to allow decomposition of weed and rice stubbles.

Experimental design. The study will be conducted using the split-plot in

randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Variety of rice

is the main plot variables, while different rates of vermicast served as sub-plot

variable.

The treatment are as follow:

Main plot (Kinds of Variety)

V1 = NSIC Rc216

V2 = Red rice
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Sub plot (Rates of Vermicast Application)

VC1 = Control (no fertilizer application)

VC2 = 5 tons per hectare vermicast

VC3 = 10 tons per hectare vermicast

VC4 = 15 tons per hectare vermicast

Seedbed and Seedling preparation. Seedbed of 1m x 10m long will be

prepared. This is divided into two plots with a distance of 0.25 separating each

plot. Approximately 500 grams of seeds of each variety (NSIC Rc216; Red rice)

will be prepared. These is sun dried to break the dormancy of the seeds for about

24 hours the seeds are soaked in water, and then remove and place in mat to

drain the water. Drained seeds are incubated by covering these with a wet sack

for another 24 hours to allow pre-germination of seeds. Later the seeds are sown

in the prepared seedbed. The seedlings in the seedbed will be applied with urea

exactly one week after emergence for fast and uniform seedling growth.

Soil sampling and analysis.Before transplanting and after harvesting,

soil samples were collected with a depth of 20 cm at random from the

experimental area. This will be composted, air dried, pulverized, and will be
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submitted to Philippines Root Crops Soil Laboratory, VSU, ViSCA Baybay Leyte,

for the analysis of pH, organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium

contents of the soil.

Fertilizer application. Application of the fertilizer will be applied once by

broadcast method. These would be applied after the preparation of the plot. The

amount of vermicast as source of organic fertilizer to the rice plants will be based

from the formula stated as follows;

The application of fertilizer will be applied as follows:

Amount of fertilizer = weight of vermicast (kg/ha) x 1000 g

Plant population/ha kg

Transplanting of seedling. Rice seedlings of each variety will be pulled-

up exactly 14 days after seedling emergence will be transplanted in the

experimental area at the rate of 2 seedlings per hill, one day after vermicast

applications. The planting distance of rice seedling will be 25 cm per hill by 25 cm

per row.

Water management. Water is applied at the most critical stages of rice

plants growth like during transplanting time, booting stage and flowering flowers

initiation stages. Water will be applied as furrow irrigation along the furrows of

every plots
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Weed control. All weeds that grow in the experimental area and within

the vicinity will be removed regularly by hand weeding using bolo for them not to

disrupt the growth of rice plants.

Control of Insects Pest and Diseases . As soon as pest and disease will

be observed, plants will be sprayed with insecticide at the rate of 1 tbs/16L water.

This is specifically done during the critical period of rice growth or reproductive

stage like flowering and milking stage to control insect pest that will attacked the

grains particularly the stem borers, armyworms, rice bug, leaf folder, green and

zigzag leafhopper. Snail will be was controlled by manually by hand picking.

Finally, to scare and drive away birds, scarecrows are strategically installed the

experimental area especially wear ripening stage of rice grains.

Harvesting. Harvesting will be done when 90% of the grains of each

panicle are ripened. The panicles from harvestable area will be cut at the base

using sharp sickle. All sample plants will be threshed and sundried for about two

(2) days. The grains will be cleaned by winnowing before gathering the

necessary data.

Data to be gathered

A. Agronomic characteristics

Days from transplanting to heading. This will be determined by the start

of the reproductive phase of rice development. It is when the actual panicle or

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head begins to form in the base of the shoots or stem, just above the soil

surface.

Days from planting to maturity. This will be determined by counting the

number of days from planting up to the time when 90% of the panicle in each

treatment turned yellow which indicate that the rice was already ripe and ready to

harvest.

Days to flowering. This will be determined by counting the number of

days from planting up to the time when 80% of the plants in every treatments

produced flowers.

Number of total tillers. This will be determined by counting 10 sample

the total number of tillers produced per hill. At least 10 sample plants per

treatment will be used for their data.

Plant height (cm). This will be determined by measuring the height of ten

(10) randomly sample plants per treatment from the ground level up to the tip of

the tallest panicle at maturity one (1) week before harvesting.

Straw yield t/ha. All the plants within the inner rows in each plot excluding

the borders rows and the end hills of each rows will cut from the ground level and

the weighed immediately after the panicles being harvested.

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The yield will be converted into tons per hectare basis using the formula.

Straw yield = grain yield (kg) x 10,000 m2

1,000 kg/ha Harvestable area

Leaf Area Index (LAI). This was determined by measuring one healthy

leaf of the ten (10) sample plants at the grain filling stage. The area of each leaf

obtained by multiplying each width measured at the broadest and then multiplied

by a correction factor (9.39) and the divided by the ground allotted per plant. The

total leaf area occupied by the one sample as shown from the formula below;

LAI = TOTAL LEAF AREA (TLA)

GROUND AREA ALLOTED PER HILL
TLA = (Length x Width) x Correction Factor (9.39)

B. Yield and Yield component

Panicles weight (g). This will be obtained by weighing each ten (10)

sample panicles per treatment plot at harvest.

Panicle length (cm). This will be determined by measuring fee length of

at least ten (10) samples panicle per treatment plot from the base up to the top of

the panicle using a ruler at harvest.

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Number of Filled Grains per Panicle. This will be determined by

counting ten (10) randomly selected panicles of the number of filled grains to

obtained from each treatment plot at harvest.

Number of grains per Panicle. This will be determined by counting the

number of grains from the ten (10) randomly sample selected panicle obtained

from each treatment plot.

Weight of 1,000 Grains (g) per treatment replicate. This will be

determined by weighing 1,000 seeds obtained at random from the sample

panicles per treatment plot. The seeds are sundried at approximately 14%

moisture content for three consecutive days before weighing.

Weight of grains per plot (kg). All the filled grains harvested in the inner

rows excluding borders rows and hills per treatment per replicate will be sun-dry

for 3 consecutive days and will be weight using a triple bean balance.

Grain yield (ton/ha). All the panicle in the harvestable area in each

treatment plot will be harvested and threshed. These will be sundried for three (3)

days before weighing. The weight of the total harvest per plot was converted into

per hectare basis using the formula;

Grain yield (t/ha) = Plot yield (kg) x 10,000 m2 ha

1,000 kg/ton Harvestable area (m2)

C. Production Cost and Return Analysis

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Cost and production determine by recording the all expenses are

incurred starting from the land preparation to harvesting the gross net is

determine by multiplying the grains of sweet corn per hectare by its current

price (per kilo) in the market the net profit obtaining by subtract the gross

income with total expenses incurred per treatment using the formula:

Net profit = Gross income – Total cost.

Data Analysis

Data analysis is a process of inspecting, cleansing, transforming and

modeling data with the goal of discovering useful information, informing

conclusion and supporting decision-making.

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References

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