“FERMENTED IPIL-IPIL (LEUCAENA LEUCOCEPHALA) AND MADRE

DE CACAO (GLIRICIDIA SEPIUM) LEAVES AS AN ORGANIC

FERTILIZER TO ALUGBATI (BASELLA ALBA) PLANT”

A Research / Capstone Project Presented to the

Faculty of Senior High School
Sagay National High School
Sagay City

In Partial Fulfillment of the

Requirements for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

by

Aujero, Aldrich A.
Duerme, Reymark B.
Gregorio, Sofia C.
Lozada, Zella Joy B.
 Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION

Rising population, climate change, and depleting land and fresh water

sources are big challenges in way of ending hunger and achieving food security

throughout the world. To address this, scientists and researchers across the globe

are constantly exploring various novel and nonconventional sources of food.

Kakawate or madre de cacao is a legume, it is useful for fixing nitrogen in

the soil, thus improving soil quality and increasing crop yields. Kakawate has

strong roots. It stabilizes sloping lands and reduces soil erosion.

In this study, the researchers will develop an organic fertilizer from ipil-

ipil and madre de cacao leaves. Restoring and maintaining a high soil organic

matter content is the principal strategy for attaining economic progress and

improving environmental quality. Increases in soil biomass, biological abundance,

and diversity are directly related to increased levels of organic matter and good

management practices, which, in turn, positively influence soil structure, nutrient

cycling and availability, buffering capacity, and pest and disease control in

cultivation systems.

Application of organic matter to soils directly maintains an adequate level

of soil organic matter, a critical component of soil fertility and productivity. Most

of the organic matter can be added to soil without any risk while other synthetic

fertilizers can produce toxic and depressant effects on plants and the microbial

community
Objectives of the Study

The main purpose of this study is to make an organic fertilizer using ipil-

ipil and madre de cacao leaves. Specifically, this study aims to achieve the

following objectives:

1. To determine the feasibility of fermented ipil-ipil and madre de cacao as an

organic fertilizer to alugbati plant.

2. To test the effectiveness of fermented ipil-ipil and madre de cacao as an

organic fertilizer to the growth of alugbati plant in terms of:

2.1. plant height

2.2. leaf area

2.3. number of leaves

Research Hypothesis

This study may able to relate fermented ipil-ipil and madre de cacao

leaves as an organic fertilizer to alugbati plant for the following hypothesis:

1. There is no significant difference between feasibility and fermented

ipil-ipil and madre de cacao leaves as an organic fertilizer to alugbati

plant.

2. There is no significant effect between fermented ipil-ipil and madre de

cacao leaves as an organic fertilizer to the height of alugbati plant.

 3. There is no significant effect between fermented ipil-ipil and madre de

cacao leaves as an organic fertilizer to the leaf area of alugbati plant.

4.There is no significant effect between fermented ipil-ipil and madre de

cacao leaves as an organic fertilizer to the number of leaves of alugbati

plant.

Significance of the Study

This study is significant to the following:

Economy. This study can result into a great performance or improvement of

economy with a great supply of alugbati plant in locality and exporting. This can

promote income and welfare for the community

Farmers. This organic fertilizer can prevent excessive additional financial need

for the farmers.

Ecological services. The impact of organic agriculture on natural resources favors

interactions within the agro-ecosystem that are vital for both agricultural

production and nature conservation. Ecological services derived include soil

forming and conditioning, soil stabilization, waste recycling, carbon

sequestration, nutrients cycling, predation, pollination and habitats.

Soil. Soil building practices such as crop rotations, inter-cropping, symbiotic

associations, cover crops, organic fertilizers and minimum tillage are central to

organic practices. These encourage soil fauna and flora, improving soil formation

and structure and creating more stable systems. In turn, nutrient and energy

cycling is increased and the retentive abilities of the soil for nutrients and water
are enhanced, compensating for the non-use of mineral fertilizers. Such

management techniques also play an important role in soil erosion control.

Water. In many agriculture areas, pollution of groundwater courses with

synthetic fertilizers and pesticides are a major problem. As the use of these is

prohibited in organic agriculture, they are replaced by organic fertilizers and

through the use of greater biodiversity, enhancing soil structure and water

infiltration. Well managed organic systems with better nutrient retentive abilities,

greatly reduce the risk of groundwater pollution.

Scope and Limitations

This study entitled “Fermented Ipil-ipil (Leucaena leucocephala) and

Madre de cacao (Gliricidia sepium) Leaves as an Organic Fertilizer to Alugbati

(Basella alba) Plant”

This study is limited only in Ipil-ipil (Leucaena leucocephala) and Madre

de cacao (Gliricidia sepium) Leaves as an Organic Fertilizer to Alugbati (Basella

alba) Plant. This study will not cover other problems that are not consider as

organic farming. Through experiments, the researchers will be able to know the

effects of fermented sea grapes as an organic fertilizer to alugbati plant.

Definition of Terms

In order to clarify terms in this study, conceptual and operational

definition of terms will be used:

Ipil-ipil. a fast-growing tropical tree, Leucaena leucocephala, of the legume

family, that is a source of fertilizer, animal feed, and timber (Pascual, 2017).

Ipil-ipil will be use as a sample in making organic fertilizer.

Madre de Cacao. is nitrogen-fixing tree that can grow from 10 to 12 meters high.

The tree can also be used for medicinal and insect repellant properties (Belieze,

2019).

Madre de cacao will be use as a sample in making organic fertilizer.

Organic Fertilizer. Any fertilizer that originates from an organic source is

considered to be organic. Some examples include fish extracts, manure, and

compost. It can be purchased in bags or bottles and can be ordered in bulk as

trailer loads (Garden Myths, 2019).

Organic fertilizer will be use to enhance the growth and development of mustard

plant.

Fermentation. is an amazing natural tool that can help make food more

digestible, nutritious and flavorful. Fermentation is all down to the actions of tiny

natural microbes, who colonize and cultivate everything from our digestive

systems, to this colorful spring in Yellowstone seen in the picture above, to the

food and drink we eat (Eatcultured, 2018).

Fermentation is a process where ipil-ipil and madre de cacao leaves was

combined with molasses and leave it for 15-20days.

Conceptual Framework

The researchers will conduct the following to present the system approach

(input, process, and output) As shown in the Figure 1, the input consists of ipil-

ipil leaves, madre de cacao leaves and molasses. It was processed using

fermentation. Lastly, fermented ipil-ipil and madre de cacao leaves organic

fertilizer was the output.

 “FERMENTED IPIL-IPIL (LEUCAENA LEUCOCEPHALA)
AND MADRE DE CACAO (GLIRICIDIA SEPIUM)
LEAVES AS AN ORGANIC FERTILIZER TO ALUGBATI
(BASELLA ALBA) PLANT”

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

Ipil-ipil leaves Fermented ipil-ipil and

Fermentation madre de cacao
Madre de cacao leaves
organic fertilizer
Molasses
 Observation and Feedback

Figure 1. Conceptual framework of fermented sea grapes as an organic

fertilizer to mustard plant

Chapter 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

This review includes the conceptual and research literature which are

related to research problem. They are presented using thematic approach.

Mustard plant

According to the study of Sunil Kumar Dwivedi & Rathna Pragnabharathi,

the screening of eight varieties of Indian mustard against aphid Lipaphiserysimi

Kalt. Mustard aphid most destructive and serious pest cause damage to the crop

by suck the sap appeared from germination till maturity of mustard its result

reduction in yield, low oil content and viability of seed get affected. Study
Design: Experiment conducted in Randomized Block Design with three

replication and eight treatments. The incidence of aphid starton eight varieties 8

WAS the peak period of aphid population third week of February, and maximum

population found on the variety Varuna 285.7 aphid/10 cm top shoot portion and

minimum population on the variety Rohini 110.5 aphids/10 cm apical shoot on

the 3rd week of February. Overall maximum mean population of mustard aphid

found on variety Varuna and minimum found on variety Rohini during 2013-14.

The next year maximum population found on the second week of February on

variety Varuna 281.3 aphids/10 cm apical shoot, and minimum found on variety

Rohini 86.3 aphid/10 cm apical shoot on that week.

Another study by MinooDivakaran K. Nirmal Babu, mustard, native of

Europe, is one of the oldest recorded spices. Three varieties are in popular use –

Brassica alba, Brassica juncea, and Brassica nigra. The crop improvement,

management, and protection status are discussed. As a spice unmatched in

nutritional value, mustard is rich in phytonutrients, minerals, vitamins, and

antioxidants, as well as constituents like sinalbin and sinigrin, and serves as a

functional food. Thrust area to be focused on is the production of disease-free

superior brassica, and important varieties developed with desirable traits are

listed. Modern biotechnological tools have been utilized to revolutionize the

classical breeding process and have enabled the combining of traits from distant

species. Primary and varied uses of mustard are also discussed.

Sea grapes
 According to the study of Hairong Long, the effect of bottom sediment on

the accumulation of nutritional composition in Caulerpa lentillifera (sea grapes) in

Beibu Gulf, Guangxi, China. The proteins, amino acids, lipids, fatty acids,

carbohydrates, and minerals as well as the monosaccharide composition of the

polysaccharides in sea grape samples grown with and without bottom sediment

(S1 and S2, respectively) were analyzed and compared. Calculated by dry weight,

the results showed that the ash contents in S1 and S2 were 55.20% and 41.21%,

the protein contents were 14.08% and 13.91%, the lipid contents were 0.78% and

0.82%, the total carbohydrate contents were 21.32% and 34.99%, and the water-

soluble polysaccharide contents were 2.45% and 3.38%, respectively. The

presence of bottom sediment increased the content of ash, mineral elements, and

heavy metals in sea grapes; decreased the content of carbohydrates and

polyunsaturated fatty acids; and had no significant effect on the content of

proteins, lipids, saturated fatty acids, and monounsaturated fatty acids. Bottom

sediment also had no effect on the monosaccharide composition of the sea grape

polysaccharides. These results provide an additional research concept for

selectively promoting the accumulation of functional nutrients of sea grapes by

regulating the bottom sediment composition and offer a scientific basis for the

further development and utilization of sea grapes as a functional food resource.

Another study by Anuj Kumar, seaweeds present a promising option for

inclusion in the human diet through supplementation in various food systems. Sea

grapes (Caulerpa racemosa), a common tropical green seaweed, has immense

nutritional potential. An attempt was made to utilize the health benefits of sea
grapes in human diet via biscuit as carrying medium. The effect of C. racemosa

incorporation on nutritional, physical, anti-oxidative and sensorial characteristics

of biscuits was assessed. Functional properties of seaweed-flour mix along with

the electrophoretic pattern of dough were evaluated. Caulerpa racemosa addition

increased water and oil absorption capacity of flour mix. Likewise, increase was

noticed in solvent retention capacities (sodium carbonate, lactic acid, and sucrose)

of flour mix. Inclusion of C. racemosa in biscuit enhanced the nutritive potential.

Protein and fiber content of biscuits increased with rising level of C. racemosa

incorporation. With increase in the concentration of seaweed in biscuits, the

phenolic content and anti-oxidant activities (DPPH, ABTS, H2O2 radical

scavenging activity and ferric reducing anti-oxidant power) increased. The

sensory rating of biscuits varied from “neither like nor dislike” to “like slightly”

on 9-point Hedonic scale. The study demonstrated the positive nutritional effect

of C. racemosa inclusion in biscuits. Further, the health benefits of different

seaweeds can be explored via incorporation in various other food systems. This

could give rise to new and significant segment of health foods“composite

seaweed food products.”

Organic Fertilizer

According to the study of Hiren Patel, seaweeds are the important marine

resources available at negligible cost and rich in diverse bioactive compounds like

lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, amino acids, phytohormones, osmo protectants,

mineral nutrients and antimicrobial compounds. They are key component in food,

feed, and medicine since ancient times. Recent trend of organic farming has
exploited the possible application of seaweed as organic/bio-fertilizer in

agriculture. Many studies have demonstrated the benefits of seaweed in enhancing

the plant growth and productivity. Added to this they are known to be a promising

soil conditioner, protect the plants under abiotic and biotic stress and increase

plant resistance against pest and diseases. In this chapter an attempt has been

made to highlight the scientific progress on usefulness of seaweed in the context

of utilization in agriculture as organic fertilizer and prospects for further research

and use.

Another study by Caciana C. Costa & Maila V. Dantas, Organic fertilizers

are a viable alternative to reduce the expenses associated with synthetic fertilizers,

besides improving the chemical, physical and biological attributes of the soil and

promoting the increase of productivity in the cultivation of vegetables. The aim of

this research was to evaluate the effect of goat manure applications on lettuce

yield, cv. Cristina. The experiment was conducted at the Center for Agri-Food

Science and Technology, Federal University of Campina Grande in the

municipality of Pombal, PB, Brazil. The experiment was conducted in

randomized blocks with treatments composed of five goat manure percentages (0,

25, 50, 75 and 100%), considering 100% of the recommended dose being 36.50

ton/ha de goat manure, in five replications, using a spacing of 0.25 × 0.25 m

between plants. Harvesting was performed 30 days after transplanting the

seedlings. The following parameters were analyzed: aerial part height, plant

diameter, number of leaves, aerial fresh weight, root fresh weight, total fresh

weight, aerial dry weight, root dry weight, total dry weight, root volume and
productivity. The data were submitted to polynomial regression analysis. When

the lettuce plants cv. Cristina were fertilized with 75% of the N ratio required for

maximum production, the goat manure application produced the greatest

development and increase productivity.

Synthesis

In today`s generation, farmers usually use synthetic fertilizer for the

growth and development of their crops. But only few of them know the side

effects of using synthetic fertilizer in our environment or even to our health.

Based on the related literatures, Sea grapes have a lot of good

characteristics that can help the growth and development of plants. Unlike

synthetic fertilizers, organic fertilizers that the researchers will develop uses

sustainable, biodegradable and environmentally friendly raw materials.

Wherein this study, the researchers are going to develop an organic

fertilizer from sea grapes because sea grapes have proteins, amino acids, lipids,
fatty acids, carbohydrates, and minerals that can help the growth and development

of plant. Sea grapes are also common in the locality of the researchers.

Chapter 3

Methodology

This chapter includes the materials and procedure as well as the

experimental of the study.

Materials and methods

Procurement of materials

First, the researchers will gather all the materials most especially the

important one, the ipil-ipil leaves, madre de cacao leaves and molasses. Also, the

following materials are needed: (1) Containers for molasses. (2) Basin for soaking

the sea grapes. (3) Manila paper to cover the upper part of the jar. (4) Elastic
bands or strings to tighten the cover of the jar. (5) Gloves, clean clothes and face

mask to look the part when inoculating the sea grapes. (6) Bamboo sticks. (7)

Growing area that can retain the moisture in the air, shaded with some light. (8)

Water to increase humidity within the growing area.

Preparation of Treatment

The researcher had theorized that the leaves of ipil-ipil and madre

de cacao could be as an organic fertilizer to alugbati plant to help reduce the

usage of expensive and environmental unfriendly chemical fertilizers. In order to

prove the theory, researchers will gather fresh leaves of ipil-ipil and madre de

cacao. First the researcher will wash ipil-ipil and madre de cacao leaves and

separate it using different jars. The researchers will prepare 3 jars. First jar

contains 500 grams of ipil-ipil leaves. Second jar contain 500 grams of madre de

cacao leaves and the third jar contain 250 grams of ipil-ipil leaves and 250 grams

of madre de cacao leaves. Next, put 500 grams of molasses in every jar and cover

cover it with manila paper. Then, tighten it with a rubber band. Lastly, leave it for

15 days and let the fermentation process occur.

Selection of crop plant

The crop plant, selected by the researchers for the study will be alugbati.

The seeds were collected from Crown Agri, located near Jose B. Puey Plaza,

Sagay City. The seeds with uniform size, color and weight were chosen for the

experimental purpose. The selected seeds were stored in a sachet.

Media Preparation.
 Soil that will be use in this experiment is loam from Aujero`s residence.

Composite soil sample was collected from top soil (0-20 cm depth). The sample

will be air-dry for 48 hours, and sieve using 2 mm mesh screen. A week before

planting, the soil will be divided into 4 different sets (Set A, Set B, Set C and Set

D).

Preparation of growing area

The researchers will prepare 4 plots. Each plot contains 4 alugbati plant.

The organic fertilizer will be applied to the soil surface. During the experiment,

soil will be kept moist by watering when required. 30 days after planting,

alugbati. Observed variables includes plant height, number of leaves, leaf area.

Experimental Design

This is an experimental study improving the application of fermented ipil-

ipil and madre de cacao leaves as an organic fertilizer for mustard plant.

Experimental research involves a systematic and scientific approach to research,

which the researcher manipulates one or more variables and controls, and

measurers any change in the variables.

This study focuses on the effect of fermented ipil-ipil and madre de cacao

as an organic fertilizer in the height, leaf area and number of leaves of mustard

plant. The data will be gathered from the prepared growing area which consists of

4 sets of alugbati plant (Set A, B, C and D) wherein Set A will be negative

solution, Set B positive solution and Set C will be applied with fermented sea

grapes fertilizer.

Each set will be replicated four times.

 The research design will be completely randomized design (CRD).

D1 D2 D3 D4

B3 C3 A2 B1

C4 A3 C2 B4

A1 B2 C1 A4

Legend:
Figure 2: Research Design
A – Negative solution

B – Positive solution

C - Fermented sea grapes fertilizer

Data Collection and Statistical Analysis

After the harvest of alugbati plants from Set A, B, C and D the researchers

will measure the height (using tape measure), number of leaves (by counting) and

leaf area (using tape measure) of mustard plant. The researchers will list all the

information of the plant and compare every set.

 The data obtained from the study will be subjected to the following

descriptive and inferential statistical treatments using Statistical Package for

Social Sciences (SPSS).

The mean and the standard deviation will be use to describe the data as

computed based on the replicates. One – way analysis of variants (ANOVA) will

be used in the study to determine whether there is a significant difference among

the means with level of significance set at 0.05.

Safety Procedures

The researchers will consider several processes undertaken one by one.

The researchers will plan out the procedures for the experimentation. A letter of

consent for seeking a research adviser will be presented to the team leader and

capstone teacher. The aforementioned letter will be presented to the adviser.

The researchers should review information and procedures about safety

issues which includes an appropriate usage of protective equipment and clothing,

safe handling of materials and hazard assessment processes.

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