1

Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION

Situation Analysis

Cassava is a very cheap source of carbohydrate, it is the main carbohydrate source

in the diet of the overflowing population of the third world countries where it is broadly

grown. According to Banjoko et al, (2008) concluded that cassava is a supplementary

food of more than 200 million Africans aside from its uses as livestock feed particularly

for monogastrics. It is one of the most drought-tolerant crops, capable of growing on

marginal soils.

From the study of Okogbenin et al (2006) posited that cassava is local to tropical

tuber in America and was established in Africa by the Portuguese during the sixteenth

century. It can compete with other, more importantly crops such as maize, soybean and

vegetables basically in regions of corrosive and moo ripeness soils, and those with moo

or unusual precipitation. Nigeria is the biggest producer of cassava in the world

(FAO,2008) with approximately 45 million metric tons and its cassava change is the

foremost proposed in in Africa as detailed by (Egesi etal., 2006).

According to Scott et al, (2000), cassava roots are rich in energy, containing

mainly starch and soluble carbohydrates, but are poor in protein.

The fresh peeled tubers are eaten as a vegetable after sweltering. Steamed and

pounded into a paste, the tubers are often added to soups and stews (―Fufu‖ in Nigeria).

Because the fresh tubers deteriorate rapidly once they are harvested (post-harvest

physiological deterioration; PPD), they are often preserved as sundried chips and
 2

consumed after cooking or being grind into a flour. Apart from the processing of cassava

into foods, the crop can also be processed into chips for animal feed and into starch for

many food and non-food uses. Cassava flour is used in the preparation of bread, biscuits,

confectionary, pasta and couscous-like products and in the production of adhesives.

Cassava starch is used in the foodstuff, textile and paper industries, and in the

manufacture of plywood, veneer adhesives, glucose and dextrin syrups.

According to Kannaiyan (2002). Agricultural waste and various other types of

materials have been researched on as carrier materials for bio-fertilizer production.

Agricultural wastes like cassava peel are of huge quantity in the developing countries.

FAO, Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations data prove 230 million

tons of cassava (Manihot esculenta) production geographically pointed to the developing

countries.

In the Philippines, it is commonly called as kamoteng kahoy or balinghoy.

Cassava is extensively cultivated as an annual crop in tropical and subtropical regions for

its edible starchy tuberous root, a major source of carbohydrates. Cassava's starchy roots

produce more food energy per unit of land than any other staple crop. It is a major source

of low cost carbohydrates and a staple food for 500 million people in the humid tropics.

On infertile land where the cultivation of other crops is difficult, unless considerable

inputs are applied, cassava still has a reasonable yield.

The cassava industry in the Philippines is relatively small compared to that of

Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam. The industry is composed of three sectors representing

the main uses of cassava in the Philippines, namely, food, dried chips for feed, and starch.

Though most of the cassava in the Philippines is used for food, its use for starch
 3

processing appears to be the most important in the industry, as much of the commercial

production and trading are associated with this sector. Dried cassava chips for the feed

sector are new, small and more localized compared to the other sectors.

In spite of the lack of development support, cassava is among the top ten crops in

terms of producing carbohydrate per unit area per unit time. Broad adaptability of the

crop makes it an important component in cropping systems in newly opened forest areas

and in farms with highly degraded soils.

The crop has a strong economic relationship with resource-constrained farmers

situated in forest margins and marginal lands. Hence, any development in cassava will

have an implication on food security, poverty alleviation, and on the protection and

utilization of marginal lands in the Philippines that at present contribute very little to

agriculture. (1 Philippine Root Crops Research and Training Center (PRCRTC), ViSCA,

Baybay, Leyte 6521-A, Philippines.)

Present Status

Production

Cassava is developed broadly within the Philippines; it is generally developed in

little patches for subsistence. There are, be as it may, zones within the nation where

cassava is developed as a cash edit and on a commercial scale. These regions incorporate,

Lanao del Sur, Negros Occidental and Bukidnon.

Cassava for Food

As in most Asian countries, rice is the principal and preferred food in the

Philippines. In some islands in the Visayas and Mindanao, where narrow coastal plains
 4

provide little opportunity to grow cereals, people largely subsist on root crops including

cassava.

Cassava figures largely in the diet of the Muslim population in Lanao del Sur,

Lanao del Norte and Cotabato. Highest per capita consumption of cassava in the

Philippines is in the islands situated in the Sulu Archipelago (south of Mindanao) where

cassava is the staple food.

Organic Farming

According to Thippseywanny (2013). Organic fertilization is a general system of

crop and livestock production that promotes and enhances the status of agricultural

system. It contributes to sustainable food security by improving nutrition intake. Organic

farming is a method of farming that involves the use of ecological friendly techniques for

production of crops. Farmers perform crop rotation and composting method to maintain

soil’s health, natural pest control instead of spraying pesticides to eliminate agricultural

pest and diseases (3GE-learning LLC, USA 2017). Organic fertilization is use to increase

crop production of many vegetables in the world. However, people today prefer instant

product such as synthetic fertilizer which resulted to over reliance in inorganic fertilizers.

Intensive chemical agricultural practices reduce soil nutrients or if it is abused it can

cause nutrient buildup which is harmful to environment and health.

People today cannot grasp accurately the concept or system of organic farming or

sustainable agriculture. There are misconceptions about the process leading to wrong

application principles. To have a clearer view according to Njoroge (1994), organic

farming involves using techniques to achieve good crop yield without harming the

environment and people who live in it.

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Organic agriculture is composed of a system of farm design, techniques, and

approaches to create an ecosystem, which can achieve sustainable productivity without

the use of artificial products such as chemical fertilizers and pesticides. The major goals

of organic agriculture are production of quality crop products without chemical residues,

the development of environment friendly production methods, and the application of

production techniques that restore and sustain soil fertility, Birsa Agriculture University

(2009).

In agriculture, soil fertility is vital in improving crop production. Soil quality is

affected by various factors. As stated by Dagoon (1990), texture, cation exchange

capacity, and organic matter are the factors affecting soil fertility. Thus soil texture and

structure affect cultivability as well as porosity. Porosity determines how water

precipitation, irrigation and even moisture infiltrate the soil. Soil with poor structure

tends to puddle and water will tend to run-off rather than infiltrate. There is not much

agronomic activity that can alter soil texture, but soil structure can be managed to

improve crop production.

Ibraham (2012) concluded that organic fertilizer is efficient in improving the

nutritional properties of the soil and increasing crop’s yield. It also decreases soil pH and

increased the nutrients uptake by the plant. Therefore, organic matter plays a vital role in

the chemical behavior of several metals in soil throughout it’s actively which can

maintain the metals in complex and chelate form (Baha dur et. Al.,2006).

Fertilizer is any organic or inorganic material of natural or synthetic origin that is

added to a soil to supply one or more plant nutrients essential to the growth of plants.
 6

Fertilizers are the protein supplements for the plants. They are used to enrich the

soil with nutrients that it does not inherently have. Organic wastes and bio-fertilizers are

the alternate sources to meet the nutrient of crops and to bridge the future gaps. Farming

regions that emphasize heavy chemical application led to adverse environmental,

agricultural and health consequences. Many efforts are being exercised to combat the

adverse consequences of chemical farming as stated by (Faheed et a i, 2008).

According to Vessey (2003) a bio-fertilizer is a substance which contains living

microorganism, when applied to seed, plant surfaces, or soil, colonizes the rhizosphere or

the interior of the plant and promotes growth by increasing the supply or availability of

primary nutrients to the host plant. Bio-fertilizers add nutrients to the soil through the

natural processes of nitrogen fixation and solubilizing phosphorus and stimulating plant

growth through the synthesis of growth-promoting substances. Sustainable agriculture,

with the use biofertilizers instead of chemical ones, bears high importance in overcoming

the problems that have arisen from environmental pollution (Darzi et al., 2006).

Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) is one of the most important and in demand

vegetable crops in the Philippines. It is also known as a vegetable having a unique range

of health benefits, including the ability to help build strong bones and prevent

osteoporosis.

Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) is popularly termed as aubergine and brinjal

(English), talong (Tagalog), tarong (Ilocano), or bringhinas (Bisaya). It is developed for

the youthful natural products which are either simmered, fri casseed, stuffed, pickled, or

handled. Youthful natural products are all over the nation. Eggplant is developed in
 7

20,907 ha (Bureau of Agricultural Statistics 2006) all over the nation. Beat makers are

Ilocos, Central Luzon, and Southern Tagalog.

Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) is susceptible to several diseases and bugs that

cause genuine trim misfortunes. This issue has been tended to by hybridizing eggplant

with wild safe Solanum species, which display wide nonspecific differences and are

source of valuable agronomic characteristics.

Statement of Objectives

This research aimed to determine the effectiveness of Cassava Peel as Organic

Fertilizer for Eggplant Production.

Specifically, it sought to achieve the following objectives.

1. To determine the physicochemical properties of the soil

2. To determine the physicochemical properties of raw cassava peel

3. To determine the effectiveness of composted cassava peel organic fertilizer on

eggplant in terms of:

a. Height

b. Number of leaves

c. Number of shoots

d. Number of fruits

e. Length and girth of fruit

f. Weight

4. To determine the numerous distinction of cassava peel as organic fertilizers on the

expansion and yield of Eggplant

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Time and Place of the Study

This study was conducted in Brgy. Nagsabaran, Bangar, La Union from October

2018-July 2019. The Cassava peel was collected at Brgy. Nagsabaran, Bangar, La Union.

Definition of Terms

For a better understanding of this research study, the following terms are

operationally defined.

Border Plant is a plant usually placed along the edge of a garden bed.

Bulk Density is a physical property of soil that refers to the dry weight of soil per

unit volume. It measures how compact the soil is.

Cassava refers to the starchy tuberous root of a tropical plant, used as food in

tropical countries but requiring careful preparation to remove traces of cyanide from the

flesh.

Cation exchange capacity refers to the capacity of soil to exchange positively

charged atoms or molecules.

Chemical Properties refers to the nutrient composition of the soil such as organic

matter, pH level, micro-nutrient, and macro-nutrient.

Eggplant is a delicate, tropical perennial plant often cultivated as a tender or half-

hardy annual in temperate climates.

Girth is the measurement around the middle of something.

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Macro-nutrients are the major nutrients needed by plants for their growth such as

nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, calcium and sulphur.

Marketable Yield refers to the state of yield crop that is fit to be offered for sale in

the market.

Micro-nutrients are the secondary nutrients needed by plants to grow such as

molybdenum, zinc, copper, iron and manganese. They are rated in loss quantities

compared to the micronutrients.

Optimum yield refers to the maximum crop production of a specific plant.

Organic Fertilizer refers to the non-synthetic material that serves as a soil

amendment in the growth of plants. Nutrients are from raw materials.

Organic Matter refers to a matter that has come from a recently living organism.

It is capable of decay, or is the product of decay; or is composed of organic compounds.

The organic matter in soil comes from plants and animals.

Physical Properties refers to the physical structure of soil such as texture, bulk

density, porosity, moisture content and water holding capacity.

Porosity is a physical property of soil that refers to the spaces in the soil that

allow exchange of gasses.

Soil Texture is a physical property of soil that indicates the relative content

particles of various sizes such as sand, silt, and clay.

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Water Holding Capacity is a physical property of soil that refers to the ability of

soil to hold water.

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Chapter 2

METHODOLOGY

Research Design

Experimental research method was employed as a design to determine the effect

of Cassava peel as Organic Fertilizer for Eggplant Production. This study was crafted by

using a Completely Randomized Design wherein, there were three (3) treatments with

three (3) plot replications composed of nine (9) samples of eggplant per plot. Likewise it

also determined the effectiveness of Cassava Peel on the physicochemical properties of

the soil. According to Grant (2010), Completely Randomized Design is a standard design

for agricultural experiments where similar experimental units are grouped into blocks or

replicates. It is used to control variation in an experiment by accounting for spatial effects

in fields or greenhouse.

Materials and Procedure

Phase 1. Preparation and Procurement of the Materials

A. Preparation of Cassava Peel: Fresh Cassava peel was obtained from

Barangay Nagsabaran, Bangar, La Union. The Cassava peel were sun dried, ground

coarsely at a local mill to particles ranging in size from 0.1 – 1.5 mm. At the Department

of Agriculture, the materials were sterilized by autoclaving.

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Phase 2. Laboratory Analysis

Soil samples at the field site and the organic fertilizers (Cassava peel) in the

experiment were first analyzed, before the planting of the eggplants, tests were performed

by Department of Agriculture Regional Soil Laboratory Office. One (1) kg of soil from

the experimental site was submitted for the analysis of macronutrients and

micronutrients. One (1) kg of cassava peel was also submitted for the macronutrients

analysis.

The standard procedure in getting soil sample was followed. The soil was

measured out from different soil unit areas then stone, rubbish, trash or grass on the

surface of the land was removed. A depth of approximately 15 cm was pressed down the

surface of topsoil using a shovel to get one (1) kg of composite soil. The procedure was

done in 5 units of soil area. The soil samples were thoroughly mixed in a container. The

collected soil sample including cassava peel was dried for (1) week before these were

submitted for analysis (Department of Agriculture: Bureau of Soils and Water

Management, 2010).

Oven drying method was used to determine the physical properties of the soil

such as bulk density, porosity, moisture content and water holding capacity. The texture

of the soil was determined by Department of Agriculture Soil Regional Laboratory. A can

with a volume of 89.27 cm3 was used to collect soil samples in each plot. The soil

samples were oven dried for 24 hours. Fresh weight and oven dried weight were taken

before and after oven drying respectively.

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Phase 3: Cultural Management of Eggplant: Cultural management of the eggplants

used in this was based on Eggplant Production Guide: Crop Science Cluster-Institute of

Plant Breeding College of Agriculture, UP Los Banos College, Laguna and are as

follows:

A. Seedling Production: The eggplant seeds variety “Fortuner F1” were

purchased at Agricultural Growers Resource Organization (AGRO) La Union. These

were planted in plastic rays (1 seed/hole). A loamy soil with a ratio of 1:1 (loam soil, rice

hull, and compost) was used. The soil was properly prepared and sterilized for one (1)

hour before potting. Sterilizing Soil with an oven, put some soil (about 4 inches deep) in

an oven-safe container, like a glass or metal baking pan, covered with foil. Place a meat

(or candy) thermometer into the center and bake at 180-200 F. (82-93 C.) for at least 30

minutes, or when soil temp reaches 180 F. (82 C.).

B. Soil Preparation: Before transplanting the soil was prepared by plowing the

field with two passing’s using a tractor. Harrowing was done before lay outing of the

different treatments and lines were laid down as guides. Prior to transplanting, the area

was cleared of weeds.

C. Experimental Lay-out: There were three (3) treatments that were replicated

and planted with twenty seven (27) eggplant seedlings as samples. Each plot measures

1.00 m in length and 0.50 m in width. The distance between blocs was 0.50 m.
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The different treatments used were as follows:

T0= No application of fertilizer (Control Group)

T1= Pure cassava peel

T2= 50% Cassava peel and 50 % goat manure

BLOCK 1 BLOCK 2 BLOCK 3

TT2100212120

Fig. 1. Field Lay-out

D. Transplanting: Eggplants were planted in the plots with distance of 1.0 m

between hills and 0.5 m between rows. Transplanting was done late in the afternoon to

avoid rapid transpiration. Twenty seven (27) eggplant seedlings were distributed and

planted in three (3) treatments. There were four (4) border plants per block.

E. Irrigation: Watering depends on the weather. In the first two (2) weeks from

transplanting, the plants were watered every other day. In succeeding weeks until

fruiting, the plants were watered every after ten (10) days.

F. Weeding: The weeds were removed manually near the base of the plants to

minimize competition. This was done three (3) times during the period of the study.
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G. Application of Fertilizer: Application of fertilizer was done before

transplanting. In T0, no fertilizer was applied while in T1, pure cassava peel, 100 g/plants,

was administered. T2 plants were also given a mixture of 50% cassava peel + goat manure

at a dose of 100g/plant.

H. Harvesting: Harvesting was done starting from sixty (60) days after

transplanting. The eggplant fruits were harvested when their color turned purple. The

frequency of harvest was every weekend (Sunday). A total of eight (8) harvesting was

done in this study.

I. Analysis of Data: The data gathered from the experiment was analyzed

following Analysis of Variance One Way without Interaction. The number of leaves and

height of plants 30 days after transplanting were taken manually per plant, and the means

were computed per treatment. Likewise, marketable yield was taken per plant and per

plot. The total yield per plot was converted per hectare.

Data Gathered

Cassava peel Properties: One (1) kg of cassava peel was submitted to the

Department of Agriculture Soil Regional Laboratory to determine the NPK

concentration.

Physical Properties of the Soil: The physical properties of soil such as bulk

density, porosity, moisture content, and water holding capacity were determined. The

following formulas were used.

Bulk density
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Oven dried weight (g)

Bulk density = Volume (cm3)
Porosity

Volume of the void ratio (cm3) x 100

Porosity = Volume of the sample (cm3)

Moisture Content
Fresh weight (g) - Oven dried weight (g) x 100
Moisture Content = Oven dried weight (g)

Water Holding Capacity

Water Holding Capacity = Initial Volume (ml) – Final volume acquired (ml)

Chemical Properties of Soil: One (1) kg of composite soil from experimental

site was submitted to the Department of Agriculture Soil Regional Laboratory to

determine the macro elements present in the soil.

Number of Leaves: The number of leaves was counted manually one month after

transplanting. The number of leaves for each plant was counted and recorded and mean

per treatment was computed.

Height of Plants: The height of plant was measured using meter stick one month

after transplanting. Each plant was measured, recorded, and mean per treatment was

computed.

Number of Shoots: The number of shoots per plant was counted manually and

the mean was computed per treatment.

Number of Marketable Fruit: The number of marketable fruits was counted

manually from the 9 sample plants per treatment.

Percentage Number of Marketable fruit: This was computed following the formula:
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Number of marketable fruit x 100

% number of marketable fruit = Total number of fruits

Percentage Weight of Marketable fruit: This was computed following the formula:

Weight of marketable fruit x 100

% weight of marketable fruit = Total weight of fruits

6 Weeks Decomposition of goat manure and

Phase 1: cassava peel (Traditional Method)

Preparation and Goat manure and cassava peel were

Procurement of
purchased in Nagsabaran, Bangar, La Union
the materials
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The soil sample and the organic fertilizers

used were collected for the analysis,
identifying the physicochemical properties.
Phase 2:
Before the submission of the soil sample and
Laboratory organic fertilizers these were air dried. The
Analysis laboratory analysis was performed before
and after the application of fertilizer.

Phase 3: Seedling preparation

Cultural Soil preparation
management of Experiment layout
Eggplant Transplanting
Application of Fertilizer
Irrigation
Weeding
Data Gathering Application of Pesticide (if needed)
and Analysis of Application of Fertilizer
data Harvesting

Fig. 2. Flow Chart

Chapter 3

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Physicochemical Properties of the Soil

Soil Texture
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The soil texture before and after the experiment are medium and light regardless

of kind of fertilizer being applied in the soil. It implies that applying organic fertilizer did

not alter the texture of the soil however it has sustained the quality of the texture to

remain functional to hold water and nutrients needed by plants to grow. It further implies

that the soil used in the experiment was able to hold the nutrients of the fertilizers

supporting the optimum growth and production of plants (Table 1).

Table 1. Soil Texture

TREATMENTS MEAN
T0- No Fertilizer Light
T1- Pure Cassava Peel Light
T2- 50% Goat manure + 50% Medium
Cassava Peel

Soil Bulk Density

Soil bulk density is an indicator of soil health. It refers to how compact the soil is

and the ability to hold nutrients still (1998). Both soils applied with treatment 1 (1.58

g/cm3) and treatment 2 (1.56 g/cm3) obtained the highest bulk density. However, the soil

applied without fertilizer has 1.50 g/cm3. Despite the differences of the bulk densities all

treatment we're comparable. Understanding TURF Management (n.d) claimed that the

ideal bulk density is between 1.33 g/cm3 to 1.65 g/cm3.

In this study the application of cassava peel result to an increase of bulk density of

the soil with the application of treatment 2 lowers the bulk density of the soil but still

Within tolerable and ideal level. It also implies that the addition of organic fertilizer can

influence the bulk density by improving soil condition for optimum growth and yield of

plants.
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The increase of bulk density in the soil applied with goat manure adheres to the study

of Heiskanen et. al., (2004) that application of different manures as fertilizer increase

bulk density by 1.48% compared to the control. This might due to the high concentration

of organic matter as indicated in Figure 11 that makes the soil compact. High organic

matter can increase bulk density of soil making it more comparable to hold nutrients thus

avoiding nutrients leaching (Bauer, n.d)

Table 2. Soil Bulk Density (g/cm3)

TREATMENTS MEAN SD
T0- No Fertilizer 1.50 0.120552893
T1- Pure Cassava Peel 1.58 0.0610982815
T2- 50% Goat manure + 50%
Cassava Peel 1.56 0.0680661443

Soil Porosity

Soil applied with pure cassava peel has the highest porosity with 55.67% however

the lowest porosity is noted in the soil applied without fertilizer with 53.67%.

It implies that organic fertilizers can provide ideal spaces for the respiration of

plants inside the soil. It also implies that microorganisms which are beneficial in the

mineralization are abundant because of the available gasses in the soil.

The result of the study adheres to the findings of Bouajila (2011) that addition of

compost or manure significantly improved the soil physical properties such as moisture

content and porosity. Heiskanen et. al., (2004), it also affirming that adding manure to the

soil has a long term effect on the physical properties of soil, porosity in particular. They

also found out that animal manure there was an increase of 44.20% after 20 days of
 21

application. Adeleye et. al. (2010) also reported that there is an increase of total porosity

of soil by 7.36% after the application of poultry manure making the plants grew healthier.

Table 3. Soil Porosity (%)

TREATMENTS MEAN SD
T0- No Fertilizer 53.67 2.0816659194
T1- Pure Cassava Peel 55.67 1.5275251225
T2- 50% Goat manure + 50%
Cassava Peel 55.00 2.6457513111

Soil Moisture Content

Moisture content refers to the amount of water present in the soil which

encourages growth of microorganisms that are the essential in the growth of plants (Stell,

1998). The soil applied with treatment 2 (28.47%) has the highest moisture content while

the soil without fertilizer obtained the lowest moisture content (0.95%). The soil treated

with pure cassava peel obtained 11.54% moisture content respectively (Table 4).

This implies that organic fertilizer can improve the moisture content of the soil.

The moisture content of soil can encourage the growth of beneficial microorganisms

especially in the decomposition process and the liberalization of nutrients. Furthermore,

though inorganic fertilizer improved soil moisture but because of a high salt content

microorganisms may die. Jat et. Al., (2014) stated in his study that application of

inorganic fertilizer kills microorganisms that is responsible in increasing organic matter.

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The increase of soil moisture adheres to the finding of Zaller et. al., (2004) that

soil applied with farm yard manure increased the soil moisture by 5.67& compared to the

soil with manure.

Table 4. Soil Moisture Content (%)

TREATMENTS MEAN
T0- No Fertilizer 0.95
T1- Pure Cassava Peel 11.54
T2- 50% Goat manure + 50% 28.47
Cassava Peel

Soil Water Holding Capacity

The soil without fertilizer (55.67%) has the highest water holding capacity while

the lowest water holding capacity was recorded in the soil applied with 50% cassava peel

+ 50% goat manure (54%). Soil treated with pure cassava peel has a 55% water holding

capacity (Table 5)

It implies that organic fertilizer can improve the water holding capacity of soil.

The increase of water holding capacity on the soil treated without fertilizer is due to the

inherent organic matter and the texture of the soil however the increase of water holding

capacity of soil treated with organic fertilizer is due to the additional of organic matter.

Table 5. Water Holding Capacity

TREATMENTS MEAN SD
T0- No Fertilizer
55.67 5.8594649926
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T1- Pure Cassava Peel

55.00 3
T2- 50% Goat manure + 50%
Cassava Peel 54.00 2.645751311

Curell (2011) noted that organic matter has a natural magnetism to attract water

which is one of the agents affecting the water holding capacity of soil. Improving soil

texture and organic matter by adding manure to the soil can improve the water holding

capacity.

The increase of water holding capacity in the soil treated with cassava peel

complements to the result of the study of Elad et. al., (2011). They affirmed that

application of inorganic and organic fertilizer improved the water holding capacity of soil

by increasing the soil surface area as well as pore space to improve drainage problems in

clay soils.

Gulshan et. al. (2013) also added that application to animal manure increased the

water holding capacity by 5% that helps the okra to consume nutrients available in soil

and produce high yields.

Concentration of Macronutrients in Treatment 1 and Treatment 2

 24

30

25

20

15

10
Nitrogen
5 Phosphorus
Potassium
0
l l
P ee P ee
ava ava
ss ss
+Ca Ca
e re
ur Pu
an
m
oat
G

Figure 3. NPK Concentration (%) in Treatment 1 and Treatment 2

NPK Concentration (%) of Goat manure and Cassava Peel Compost: Animal

manures are valuable sources of natural nutrients that contribute to the optimum growth

of plants and production. The concentration of NPK in animal manures was enriched by

microbial activities and naturally occurring minerals.

The result revealed that Cassava peel + goat manure has 12. 10 % nitrogen, 10.6

% phosphorus, and 27.3% potassium while the pure cassava peel compost has 5.87 %

nitrogen, 1.6 % of phosphorus and, 19.8 % of potassium respectively. Based on the

revised Philippine National Standard for Organic Soil Amendments (2006), the NPK

concentrations of treatment 1 and treatment 2 are enough to improve the soil

physicochemical properties. It was also stated that the NPK concentration of 2.5% to 5 %

can enriched the microbial activity in the soil enhancing its fertility.
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It implies that pure cassava peel can supply the needed nutrients of plants for its

growth and production. It also indicates that the application of goat manure and cassava

peel compost can influence the soil condition naturally by mineralization and biological

activities. Lim et al., (2014) noted that vermicompost offers higher nutrient availability

compare to traditional compost. It enhances soil fertility by improving physical,

chemical, and biological properties of soil and Tilley (n.d) also claimed that goat manure

can influence the properties of soil which promotes optimum growth of plants because of

the adequate amount of nutrients that plants need.

Effects of Cassava Peel in the Physicochemical Properties of Soil

Available Nitrogen: Nitrogen is necessary for the formation of amino acids. It is

also essential in plant cell division and vital for the plant growth. It also plays a vital role

in the synthesis of all proteins in plants such as photosynthesis and respiration. The initial

total nitrogen from the soil sample gathered in the experimental site is 1.09 %. It also

revealed that soil applied with T2 has the highest total nitrogen with an increase of 11.01

% (110100ppm) however soil applied with pure cassava peel compost has the lowest total

nitrogen 5.87 % (58700 ppm) with an increase of 4.78%.

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Nitrogen
25

20

15
Nitrogen

10

0
Before To T1 T2

Fig. 4. Total Nitrogen (%) Before and After Application of Fertilizer

Furthermore, it can be noted that there was a decrease of 0.4% total nitrogen in

the soil without fertilizer while soil applied with pure cassava peel had an increase of

4.86. Moreover, soil applied with treatment 1(5.95%) increased by 4.86% and treatment 2

(20.86 %) increased by 19.77 %. (Figure 4).

The increase of the total amount of nitrogen in soil applied with goat manure

implies that goat manure is a good source of nitrogen thus plants have enough nitrogen to

utilize in performing cellular processes and produce more fruits. Mupondi et al., (2016)

detailed that application of goat manure significantly increase the total nitrogen content

compared to the soil treated with cattle manure and controlled enrich by biotic and abiotic

factors.
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The decrease of the amount of nitrogen indicates the uptake and use of plants

needed for their growth and production. It adheres to the result of the study that the plants

treated with treatment 1 produced the highest number of leaves and obtained tallest

height of plans therefore there is a demand for the plants to absorb more nitrogen needed

in the formation of essential amino acids. The decrease of nutrients after termination due

to the nutrient uptake of plants most especially if the plants require big amounts of

nutrients in the production of crops and cellular activities (Karr, n.d).

Phosphorus
7

4 Phosphorus

0
Before To T1 T2

Fig. 5. Total phosphorus (%) Before and After Application of Fertilizer

Available Phosphorus: Phosphorus involves in photosynthesis, respiration, and root

formation. It is also important for the functioning of all parts especially in manufacturing

energy. This element is also important component of all cell wall. It was noted that the
 28

lowest phosphorus content is observed in Treatment 0 0.4% which has a decrease of

0.06%. Furthermore, soil applied with Treatment 1 1.69% has an increase of 1.23%, soil

applied with Treatment 2 has an increase of 6.18% respectively (Figure 5).

The total amount of phosphorus before and after the application of fertilizers was

marked “marginal” which is between 6-20 based on the General Guidelines for the

Fertility Rating of Soils (2018). It implies that the amount of phosphorus in the soil

before and after the application of fertilizers is moderately unfavorable. It also implies

that plants consumed phosphorus for their growth. The result of the study complements

the result of Gondek’s study (2008) that after the application of poultry manure the total

phosphorus decreased by 8.17 % compared to the original total amount of phosphorus

due to the consumption of plants in its growth.

Potassium
40

35

30

25
Potassium
20

15

10

0
Before Treatment 0 Treatment 1 Treatment 2

Fig. 6. Total Potassium (%) Before and After Application of Fertilizer

 29

Available Potassium: Potassium is present in the solution of all plants cells and it is

important in regulating water balance. The available potassium in the soil before the

experiment is 3.46% which marked as favorable. After 60 days of treatment application,

It was noted that the lowest potassium content is observed in treatment 0, 2.4% which has

a decrease of 1.06%. Furthermore, soil applied with treatment 1, 20.7% has an increase of

17.24%, soil applied with treatment 2, 38.04% has an increase of 34.58 % respectively

(Figure 6). Hence, this result can be attributed to the addition of the different organic

fertilizers had increased the total amount of potassium because potassium was not

consumed more by the plants (Figure 6).

The total amount of potassium before and after the application of fertilizers is

considered adequate based from the laboratory result (General guidelines Fertility Rating

of Soils, 2018).

It also indicates that the consumptions of higher amount of potassium is observed

in the plants treated with treatment 1 and treatment 2 because plants used it in regulating

water balance maintaining the supply in its branches.

The result of the study adheres to the finding of Godek (2008), after the

application of the different organic fertilizers such as, hog manure, chicken manure, and

cattle manure increased the total amount of potassium by 20% after 75 days of

application. In addition Mapondi (2006), reported that application of goat manure

increased the potassium level in the soil due to the continuously decomposition of

organic materials in the soil.

On the other hand, the increase of potassium in the soil with treatment 1 and

treatment 2 (20.70% and 38.04%) might due to the inherit amount of potassium and the
 30

surged of other nutrients because of run-off during the irrigation and precipitation. As

Jesu El (2011) stated in his study that urea alone increased soil organic matter, nitrogen,

phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and calcium relative to the control. This could be due

to enhanced microbial activity due to surge in nitrogen availability. It implies that using

organic fertilizers can increase the amount of potassium available in the soil and leaching

of nutrients was avoided. Organic potassium can be stocked for a long period of time

without harming environment.

Zinc
3.5

2.5

2 Zinc

1.5

0.5

0
Before Treatment 0 Treatment 1 Treatment 2

Fig. 7. Total Zinc (ppm) Before and After Application of Fertilizer

Available Zinc: Zinc is involved in the chlorophyll production and aids in the plant

growth hormones and enzyme system. It also helps the plants to be more resistant to pest

and diseases. 60 days after application of organic fertilizers, an increase of the total

amount of zinc in all the treatments was observed. Soil applied with treatment 2 (3.30
 31

ppm) obtained the highest total amount of zinc and had an increase of 0.0141 % while the

soil applied with treatment 1 (2.77ppm) increased to 0.0088% while the soil applied with

treatment 0 (2.76 ppm) has the lowest total zinc but with an increase of 0.0087 %.

The total amount of zinc before the application of fertilizers was marked

“marginal but became “adequate” after the application of fertilizers based from the

General Guidelines for Fertility Rating of Soils (2018).

The increased of zinc in the soil without fertilizer surge of nitrogen from

inorganic fertilizer that enhance the microbial activity and mineralization of organic

matter from the source in soil (Jesu-El. 2011). It was also found out in the study of Chet

et. Al., (n.d.) the availability and increase of zinc in control plants might be due to the

little leaching of inorganic fertilizer because of irrigation. Another reason is the

mineralization which can be due to rain, moisture, and temperature. ( A Garden Organic

Factsheet, http//.www.gotoorganicgardenting.1223456387632//html.com). This might be

the plants planted in this treatment consumed and used the zinc in the production of

chlorophyll and in increasing the plant resistance.

The result indicates that the zinc in the soil without fertilizer was not utilized by

the plants in their growth most importantly in fighting diseases. The severity of diseases

plants in this treatment was high causing the low production. It also indicates that the

consumption of zinc is observed in the plants applied with treatment 2. The zinc was

utilized in fighting diseases making the plants tolerant thus produced higher yield. It

implies that treatment 2 offers more available zinc molecules for the consumption of

plants. Higher yield of crop could not be achieved despite judicious use of inorganic NPK

fertilizers due to deficiency of micronutrients in general and that of zinc in particular. In

 32

addition, zinc is always present in the soil however most of the zinc is in unavailable

forms (Mazumdar et al., 2014). The availability of the micronutrients is due to the

presence of other elements that encourages cation exchange making the micronutrients

mobile for the uptake of plants (Robinson et. al., 2009).

Copper
4

3.5

2.5
Copper
2

1.5

0.5

0
Before Treatment 0 Treatment 1 Treatment 2

Fig. 8. Total Copper (ppm) Before and After Application of Fertilizer

Available Copper: Copper improves quality of fruits and catalyzes several

processes in plants. It also plays a major function in the photosynthesis and intensifies

color. It reveals that the application of fertilizer improved and increased the amount of

copper in the experimental site.

The highest increase of about 0.0212% of the total amount of copper was noted in

the soil applied with treatment 1 (3.38ppm) . There was also an increase of 0.0208 %

copper in the soil applied with treatment 2 (3.34 ppm), an increase of 0.0162 % copper in
 33

the soil without fertilizer (2.88 ppm), respectively. The copper was consumed more in the

plants treated with pure cassava peel because it was used by plants in developing quality

fruits since these plants have higher yield (Table 8).

The total copper before experiment is marked low however after 60 days of the

application of fertilizer the copper went up to adequate amount based from the General

Guidelines for the Fertility Rating of Soils (2018). It adheres to the result of the study in

terms of yield that plants applied with pure cassava peel has higher yield compared to

plants without fertilizer.

It implies that application of cassava peel can encourage micronutrients to be

more available for plants uptake. There was increase of copper in soil without fertilizer

however the copper molecules were not mobile for plants compared to the soil treated

with goat manure and cassava peel.

The result of the study complements the theory of Singh, (2016) that applying

organic fertilizers can increase not only macronutrients available in the soil but also the

availability of micronutrients which are essential for the growth of plants.

Ong (2017) also reported that adding organic fertilizers such as manure and

compost can influence the increase of copper available in soil and available for plants

which can be used for the prevention of wilting, stunting of plants, and for cell wall

strength.
 34

Iron
40

35

30

25
Iron
20

15

10

0
Before Treatment 0 Treatment 1 Treatment 2

Fig. 9. Total Iron (ppm) Before and After Application of Fertilizer

Available Iron: Iron promotes formation of chlorophyll, acts an oxygen carrier, it

involves also in cell division and growth. The soil without fertilizer (37.2 ppm) has the

highest total amount of iron with an increase of 0.196 %, the soil applied with treatment 2

(19.53 ppm) with an increase of 0.0191 %. While the lowest is the soil applied with

treatment 1 (18.64ppm) which has an increase of 0.0102 %.

The increased iron in the soil without fertilizer is might be due to leaching during

irrigation and run off of water causing micro nutrients to be available ( A Garden Organic

Fact sheet, http//.www.gotoorganicgardenting. 1223456387632//HTML.com). Moreover,

the increased of iron in the treatments is due to the presence of nutrients that encourage

microbial activity that help enhanced the availability of secondary elements Needed by

plants (Agboola, 1998). The total amount of iron before the experiment (17.62 ppm) is
 35

considered "medium" based from the General Guidelines For the Fertility Ratings of

Soils, 2018 (Figure 9)

The increased of total amount of iron implies that organic fertilization promotes

microbial activity affecting the health of the soil increasing the total concentration of

micronutrients such as iron in particular. There is also increased in iron in the soil without

fertilizer and soil applied with pure cassava peel however it is not available for the uptake

of plants.

The result of the study compliments with the findings of Gondek (2008) that the

application of organic fertilizer with different heavy metal contents result to significant

increase of iron which promotes growth of the plant. Ong (2017), is also reported that

application of biochar (pig manure) and compost gave an impact on the increased of the

availability of iron in the soil.

Manganese
10
9
8
7
6 Manganese
5
4
3
2
1
0
Before Treatment 0 Treatment 1 Treatment 2

Fig. 10. Total Manganese (ppm) Before and After the Application of Fertilizer
 36

Available Manganese: Manganese functions as part of a certain enzyme systems,

aids in chlorophyll synthesis and it also involves in the respiration. There was an increase

of total amount of manganese in all the treatment 60 days after applying fertilizers. The

soil treated with treatment 1 (2.67 ppm) obtained the lowest increased of about 0.007%

of the total amount of the manganese while the soil treated with treatment 2 (3.17 ppm)

has also an increased of about 0.012% . Furthermore, there was an increased of the total

amount of manganese in the soil without fertilizer (8.96 ppm) of about 0.0699%.

It implies that application of organic and inorganic fertilizer can increased the

amount of manganese wherever more molecules of manganese in soil treated with

treatment 2 was not consumed because of its unavailablity. Organic fertilizers made it

available for plant uptake because of the cation exchange capacity enhance by organic

matter.

The finding is the same with the result of the study Heiskanen et. Al., (2004), that

despite the application of animal manure there is no increase of the total amount of

manganese in the soil. This is because of the plant use in the experiment consume large

amount of nutrients such as manganese in particular.

pH of Soil: pH or the power of hydrogen is the measure of the acidity of a

substance or soil based on the concentration of hydrogen in. The pH of the soil is good

indicator of the available nutrients in the soil applied with treatment 1 (8.21 %) obtained

the highest pH value. It is followed by the soil treated with treatment 2 (7. 63 %).The soil

without fertilizer (6.35 %) obtained the lowest pH level however there was an increase

from the level of soil before experiment (6.3 %) this increased in the pH value might due
 37

to the precipitation brought by the rain during the conduct of the experiment. Rain

reaches alkaline elements including calcium, magnesium, manganese and potassium from

the soil into runoff water leaving the soil basic (Morse, 2009). It was recorded that there

we're rain experienced last February 9, 2019 and May 10, 2019.

pH Level
9
8
7
6
5 pH Level

4
3
2
1
0
Before Treatment 0 Treatment 1 Treatment 2

Fig. 11. pH value of Soil after 60 days on application of Fertilizer

Despite this, based from the Department of Agriculture's General Guidelines for

the Fertility Rating of the soils (2018), the pH level of the soil in all the Treatments is

remarked "favorable" which means the soil pH is good for plants.

It implies that application of cassava peel help increase the pH level of soil

making it fertile and favorable for plants. It also implies that organic fertilizers encourage

activities of microorganisms, cation exchange, and mineralization affecting soil pH level.

 38

Ferrer (2016) also reported that application of golden kuhol amino acid increased

pH level making the soil more fertile. On the other hand, Brar et. al. (2015) claimed in

their study that applying inorganic fertilizer (urea) increased the pH level of the soil by

1.57%.

Effects of Cassava Peel to the Growth and Yield of Eggplant

Height of Plant After One Month (cm)

The heights of the plants were measured from the base of the plants to the highest

tip of the stem of the plants with the use of the meter stick. The mean height of the plants

per treatment is shown in Table 6. It was observed from the table that plants fertilized

with T2 measured with the highest mean height and To is the lowest.

The result of the analysis of variance revealed that there is significant difference

on the treatments used on the growth of the eggplants as shown in Table 6. This implies

that plant fertilized with T2 has the tallest height compared to To.

On the other hand the height of the eggplants fertilized with T1 is comparable to

T2 as revealed in the post-hoc test.

Table 6. Analysis of Variance on the Height of the Plants One Month After

Transplanting (cm)

Source of
Sum of Squares df Mean Square F0.05 Sig
variation
Treatment 826.64 2 413.32 64.37 0.000
Error 38.53 6 6.42
Total 865.16 8      

Epstein et. Al. (2005), reported that nitrogen helps in controlling essential

processes in any living organism such as photosynthesis and growth. Therefore it implies
 39

that application of the combination of cassava peel and goat manure can help supply the

amount of nitrogen which is needed in the growth of plants which is the consumption of

nitrogen is very evident (Figure 4)

Treatment Mean Height

To – Control 86.59a
T1 – Pure Cassava Peel 103.21b
T2 - 50% Goat Manure + 50% Cassava peel 109.25b
Table 7. Post-hoc Test on the Height of the Plants

Number of leaves after One Month

Leaf is one of the most important organs of plants. It aids in the collection of

sunlight which is needed in photosynthesis. Plants applied with treatment 1 produced

significantly the highest number of leaves compared to the plants without fertilizer.

Further results revealed that the mean of the number of leaves of the plants per treatment

is shown in Table 8. It was observed from the table that plants fertilized with T 1 counted

with the highest mean of the number of leaves and T0 is the lowest.

Sum of Mean
Source of variation df F0.05 Sig
Squares Square
Treatment 1202.997 2 601.498 47.235 0.000
Error 76.406 6 12.734
Total 1279.402 8      
The result of the analysis of variance revealed that there is significant difference

on the treatments used on the growth of the eggplants as shown in Table 8. This implies

that plant fertilized with T1 has produced the greatest number of leaves compared to T o.

On the other hand the number of leaves of the eggplants fertilized with T 1 is comparable

to T2 as revealed in the post-hoc test.

Table 8. Analysis of Variance on the Number of Leaves of the Plants One Month
 40

After Transplanting (cm)

It implies that a combination of organic fertilizer has increased significantly the

number of leaves of the plants. It also implies that high number of leaves encourage

efficient process of photosynthesis thus leaves are the ones responsible in catching sun

light which is one of the requirements in photosynthesis. This efficiency of the plant in

performing this process supplies the food and energy needed by the plant in the whole

cycle making plant more productive.

However, Chen (2006) discovered that the use of excess organic fertilizer can

result in a number of problems, such as nutrient loss, surface water and groundwater

contamination, soil acidification or basification, reductions in useful microbial

communities, and increased sensitivity to harmful. Organic manure has a number of

shortcomings, including low nutrient content, slow decomposition, and different nutrient

compositions depending on its organic materials, compared to chemical fertilizers.

Table 9. Post-hoc Test on the Mean Number of Leaves of the Plants

Treatment Mean Number of Leaves

To – Control 30.80a

T1 - Pure Cassava Peel 58.88b

T2 –50% Goat Manure + 50% Cassava peel 48.02c

Number of shoots

Growing of shoots is an indicator of good growth of plants thus number of shoots

encourages more production. The mean shoots of the plants per treatment is shown in
 41

Table 10. It was observed from the table that plants fertilized with T1 counted with the

highest mean shoots and To is the lowest.

The result of the analysis of variance revealed that there is significant difference

on the treatments used on the growth of the eggplants as shown in Table 10. This implies

that plant fertilized with T1 has the greatest number of shoots compared to T o. On the

other hand the shoots of the eggplants fertilized with T1 is comparable to T2 as revealed in

the post-hoc test.

Table 10. Analysis of Variance on the Number of Shoots of the Plants One Month

After Transplanting (cm)

Sum of Mean
Source of variation df F0.05 Sig
Squares Square
Treatment 210.667 2 105.333 17.1 0.003
Error 36.958 6 6.16
Total 247.625 8      
Table 11. Post-hoc Test on the Mean Number of Shoots of the Plants
Mean Number of
Treatment
Shoots

To – Control 7.17a
T1 – Pure Cassava Peel 18.50b
T2 –50% Goat Manure + 50% Cassava peel 15.83b

It implies that cassava peel can significantly increase the number of shoots. As

cited by Hafsi et al., (2011) major nutrients (N, P, K) individually or in combination

maintain growth, yield, and quality of plants. Potassium plays catalytic roles and

regulates functions of various minerals in plants, and promotes N uptake efficiency of

 42

plants. Insufficient K causes shoot yellowing, poor growth, and low resistance to cold and

drought of plant.

The increase of branches adheres to the study of Ojenlyi et. Al., (2007) that

applying goat manure increase growth and yield parameters of pepper as indicated by

number of leaves and number of branches. On the other hand the result of the study is in

opposite with the findings of Cardinez (2013) in his study about dragon fruit cacti

plantation. He concluded that inorganic fertilizer and organic fertilizer (cattle and sheep

manure) has comparable result in the number of branches.

It indicates that the combination of organic fertilizer supplied the essential

nutrients needed for the development of shoots. It also implies that more branches of

plants encourage more development of fruits.

Number of Marketable Fruit per Plant

Marketable fruits are the products which are free from damage of insects and free

from mechanical injuries. The mean of the marketable fruits of the plants per treatment is

shown in Table 12. It was observed from the table that plants fertilized with T 1 counted

with the highest mean of the marketable fruits and To is the lowest.

The result of the analysis of variance revealed that there is significant difference

on the treatments used on the number of fruits of the eggplants as shown in Table 12.

This implies that plant fertilized with T1 has the greatest number of marketable fruits

compared to To. On the other hand the shoots of the eggplants fertilized with T 1 is

comparable to T0 as revealed in the post-hoc test.

 43

Table 12. Analysis of Variance on the Number of Marketable Fruits of the Plants

One Month After Transplanting (cm)

Sum of Mean
Source of variation df F0.05 Sig
Squares Square
21.5
Treatment 6.953 2 3.476 0.002
5
Error 0.968 6 0.161
Total 7.921 8      

Large amount of potassium was also used in the plants treated with treatment 1.

The least consumed potassium is noted in the plants without Fertilizer causing low

production of fruits (Figure 6).

The high yields of the plants applied with organic fertilizer parallels to the study

of Rodriguez (2014) claiming that highly significant result was obtained in the yield of

corn applied with 300g of vermicompost compared to the controlled group.

Adeleye et. al. (2010) also reported that application of poultry manure

significantly increase the yield production of maize compared to the plants without

fertilizer applied and plants treated with inorganic fertilizer.

Table 13. Post-hoc Test on the Mean on the Number of Fruits of the Plants
Mean Number of
Treatment
Marketable Fruits
To – Control 2.67a
T1 - Pure Cassava Peel 4.80a

T2 –50% Goat Manure + 50% Cassava peel 3.46b

 44

Length of Fruit

The length of marketable fruits depends on the adequate soil moisture. A fruit

which is free from any damages will lead to better size and more development of fruits.

The mean of the length of fruits of the plants per treatment is shown in Table 14. It was

observed from the table that plants fertilized with T 1 measured with the highest mean of

the length of marketable fruits and To is the lowest.

The result of the analysis of variance revealed that there is significant difference

on the treatments used on the length of fruits of the eggplants as shown in Table 14. This

implies that plant fertilized with T 1 has the longest length of marketable fruits compared

to To. On the other hand the length of fruits of the eggplants fertilized with T 1 is

comparable to T2 as revealed in the post-hoc test.

Table 14. Analysis of Variance on the Length of Marketable Fruits of the Plants

One Month After Transplanting (cm)

Sum of Mean
Source of variation df F0.05 Sig
Squares Square
Treatment 32.6 2 16.3 16.781 0.003
Error 5.828 6 0.971
Total 38.428 8      

The result implies that the application of organic fertilizer such as cassava peel

can improve the length, size, weight, and the production of fruits and can keep the fruits

away from the damage of insects and diseases. It also implies that applying organic
 45

fertilizer can sustain the quality of fruits from developing to mature stage because of the

sustainable supply of nutrients.

The consumption of zinc and copper are noted in the plants treated with organic

fertilizers (Figure 7 and Figure 8). The result of this study adheres to the study of Sagun

et. al. (2014), regarding bio-organic fertilizer as supplement to inorganic fertilizer on

cucurbits proves that adding compost increased the yield and obtained the highest

income. Siavoshi et. Al. (2010) also reported that the highest yield of rice was noted in

the plants with the combination of organic fertilizer and inorganic fertilizer.

Table 15. Post-hoc Test on the Mean Length of the Fruits of the Plants
Treatment Mean Length of Fruits

To – Control 12.79a
T1 - Pure Cassava Peel 17.08b
T2 – 50% Goat Manure + 50% Cassava peel 16.51b

Girth of Fruit

The girth of marketable fruits depends on the adequate soil moisture. A fruit

which is free from any damages will lead to better size and more development of fruits.

The mean of the girth of fruits of the plants per treatment is shown in Table 16. It was

observed from the table that plants fertilized with T 2 measured with the highest mean of

the length of marketable fruits and To is the lowest.

The result of the analysis of variance revealed that there is no significant

difference on the treatments used on the girth of fruits of the eggplants as shown in Table
 46

16. This implies that plant fertilized with T2 has the longest length of marketable fruits

compared to To. On the other hand the girth of fruits of the eggplants fertilized with T 1 is

comparable to T0 and T2 as revealed in the post-hoc test.

Table 16. Analysis of Variance on the Girth of Marketable Fruits of the Plants One

Month After Transplanting (dm)

Sum of
Source of variation df Mean Square F0.05 Sig
Squares
Treatment 12.042 2 6.021 2.852 0.135
Error 12.667 6 2.111
Total 24.708 8      

The result implies that the application of organic fertilizer such as cassava peel

can improve the girth and the production of fruit. It also implies that applying cassava

peel can sustain the quality of fruits from developing to mature stage because of the

sustainable supply of nutrients.

Table 17. Post-hoc Test on the Mean Girth Diameter of the Fruits of the Plants
Treatment Mean Length of Girth

To – Control 9.25a
T1 - Pure Cassava Peel 11.45a
T2 –50% Goat Manure + 50% Cassava peel 11.90a

The result of this study adheres to the study of Mitra et al. (1990) who reported

that nitrogen in combination with P and K increase the girth of the plant. Similar results

were recorded by Khadir et al. (1991) who observed maximum head girth in cabbage

with maximum fertilizer inputs.

 47

Weight on Marketable Fruit

The weight of marketable fruits depends on the number, length and girth and the

size of the fruits. A fruit which is free from any damages will lead to better size and more

development of fruits. The mean of the weight of fruits of the plants per treatment is

shown in Table 18. It was observed from the table that plants fertilized with T 1 weighted

with the highest mean of the weight of marketable fruits and To is the lowest.

The result of the analysis of variance revealed that there is significant difference

on the treatments used on the weight of fruits of the eggplants as shown in Table 18. This

implies that plant fertilized with T1 has the heavier weight of marketable fruits compared

to To. On the other hand the weight of marketable fruits of the eggplants fertilized with T 1

is comparable to T2 as revealed in the post-hoc test.

Table 18. Analysis of Variance on the Weight of Marketable Fruits of the Plants

One Month After Transplanting (cm)

Sum of Mean
Source of variation df F0.05 Sig
Squares Square
Treatment 1978.05 2 989.03 38.43 0
Error 154.43 6 25.74
Total 2132.48 8      

It implies that applying organic fertilizer can sustain the quality of fruits from

developing to mature stage because of the sustainable supply of nutrients. This might be

because of the increase organic matter that makes the micronutrients available for plant

uptake particularly zinc and copper for the quality of fruit. Zinc and copper in soil can be
 48

improved and be more available by increasing organic matter and soil moisture (White,

2007).

The result of this study supports to the study of Sagun et. al. (2014), regarding

bio-organic fertilizer as supplement to inorganic fertilizer, the cucurbits proves that

adding compost increased the yield therefore obtained the highest income for the

produce. Siavoshi et. Al. (2010) also reported that the highest yield of rice was noted in

the plants with the combination of organic fertilizer and inorganic fertilizer.

Table 19. Post-hoc Test on the Mean Weight of the Fruits of the Plants
Treatment Mean Length of Girth

To – Control 42.68a
T1 - Pure Cassava Peel 74.23b
T2 –50% Goat Manure + 50% Cassava peel 74.04b
 49

Chapter 4

SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECCOMENDATIONS

SUMMARY

This study was conducted to determine the effect of cassava peel on the physical

and chemical properties of the soil. This study is also conducted to determine which

organic fertilizer can produced the highest yield.

The study was conducted at Barangay Nagsabaran, Bangar, La Union from

October 2018 to July 2019. It was laid out following Completely Randomized Design

with three (3) blocks. Each block was divided with three (3) corresponding treatments in

plots with 1.00 m length and 0.5 m width which has a 0.5 m distance per plot. There are 9

eggplant seedlings planted in each block, and has four (4) border plants per block. Listed

below are corresponding treatments in the experiments.

T0= No application of fertilizer (Control Group)

T1= Pure cassava peel

T2= 50% cassava peel and 50 % goat manure

The transplanting of eggplant seedling (30days old) was performed during late

afternoon. The cultural management of eggplant was based on PCAARRD Information

Bulletin No. 55 (2015)

Findings:

1. Based on the laboratory analysis, Soil applied with pure cassava peel obtained the

highest bulk density (1.58%) and porosity (55.67%). Soil treated with treatment 2
 50

obtained the highest Soil moisture content (2.26%). While the soil without fertilizer

obtained the highest water holding capacity (55.67%) due to compaction.

2. Based on the laboratory analysis, pure cassava peel sample has 5.87% of nitrogen.

Moreover, phosphorus in pure cassava peel is 1.6%. The potassium content of pure

cassava peel is 19.8%. This indicates that cassava peel as organic fertilizers have a

favorable amount of NPK. It implies that pure cassava peel can supply the needed

nutrients of plants for its growth and production. It also indicates that the application of

goat manure and cassava peel compost can influence the soil condition naturally by

mineralization and biological activities.

3. Plants applied with pure cassava peel had the highest height, number of leaves, number

of shoots, highest number of marketable fruits and the length of all the plants. While

plants applied with treatment 2 obtained the biggest girth.

4. Analysis of Variance One Way without Interaction were performed to test the

significant difference of treatment means. The height of plants treated with treatment 1 is

significantly different from the plants treated with treatment 0 and treatment 1 is

comparable to treatment 2. The number of leaves of the plants applied with treatment 1 is

significantly different from the plants applied with treatment 0 and 2 and the number of

shoots of the plants with treatment 1 is significantly different from the plants treated with

treatment 0.Treatment 1 is comparable to the plants treated with treatment 2. On the other

hand, the number, length and weight of the fruits of the plants treated with treatment 1 is

significantly different from the plants treated with treatment 0 and it is comparable to

treatment 2. Moreover, the weight of marketable fruit on the plants applied with

treatment 1 is comparable to the plants applied with treatment 2.

 51

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the findings, the following conclusions were derived:

1. Cassava peel is a good source of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium which are

essential in the optimum growth and production of plants.

2. Cassava peel made the macronutrients (N, P, K) and micronutrients (Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn)

available for the uptake of plants. The application of cassava peel increased the organic

matter. Moreover, application of cassava peel also increased the pH level of the soil

making it more fertile. Cassava peel also improved the physical properties of soil such as

bulk density, porosity, moisture content and water holding capacity but sustained the

texture of the soil.

3. Cassava peel could be used as fertilizer in farming since they have adequate total

amount of NPK concentration.

4. Cassava peel significantly increased the height of the plants, number of leaves, number

of shoots, number of marketable fruit per plant, length and girth and weight of marketable

fruits.

RECOMMENDATION

1. Conduct a longer term similar study in order to determine the effect of organic

fertilizers such as Cassava peel on the physical properties of soil.

2. A similar study should be conducted integrating plants tissue analysis in order to

determine the amount of nutrients taken by plants.

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3. Cassava peel as organic fertilizer is highly recommended in order to increase the

height of the plants, number of leaves, number of shoots, and number of marketable fruit

per plant, length and girth and weight of marketable fruits.