Ragay National Agricultural and Fisheries School

LiboroRagay, Camarines Sur

Science and Math Oriented Curriculum

EFFECT OF SOIL AND COMBINED BROWN SEAWEED (Fucusvesiculusos)

AND COW MANURE TEA (Bostaurus)

FOLIAR FERTILIZER TO THE GROWTH

OF PECHAY (Brassica rapa)

AIRAH A. REVADINERA
Researcher

MRS. FRANCIA R. CUALA

Research teacher
 CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

Background of the study

Nowadays, there is a big demand in the field of agriculture in our country.

Since most of our crops are soil-based, soil health is the most important

foundation of a farm ecosystem. However, most of the farming techniques

employed are synthetic foliar application and monocropping that degrade the soil

over time. It reduces organic matter and it releases carbon that contributes to

climate change.

As a way of preventing major damages to soil, foliar fertilization was

introduced. It is a technique of applying liquid fertilizer to the leaves of the plants

unlike the traditional soil application of fertilizers. (Oosterhuis 2007) The

advantages of foliar fertilization are quick absorption of nutrients, efficient uptake

of water and stimulation of nutrients in the soil. (Dr. H.B Tukey)

Seaweed has been long used to help plant growth even before the advent

of commercial fertilizer production. It contains potassium, growth hormones,

amino acids and bioactive carbohydrates that are commonly known as plant

growth regulators. (Wikipedia)

The use of cow manure in growing plants has been prominent throughout

the years. It contains 3 percent nitrogen, 2 percentphosphorus and 1 percent

potassium which are significant to plant’s growth. (Wikipedia) Prior to the study,
the cow manure will be turned into tea combined with liquid brown seaweed to be

used as foliar fertilizer.

Apart from determining how the foliar fertilizer will affect the plant, two

different types of soil (coastal soil and loam soil) were decided to use. This will

know how the soil will affect the plant’s growth applied with the same foliar

fertilizer.

Statement of the Problem

The study will determine the effect of brown seaweed and cow manure tea

foliar fertilizer to the growth of pechay.

Further, this study aims to know the effect of different type of soil to the

growth of pechay.

The sub-problems are:

1. How will the use of brown seaweed and cow manure tea foliar fertilizer

affect the following:

a. Germination rate

b. Plant height

c. Number of leaves

d. Weight of the plant

2. How will the use of different type of soil affect the growth of pechay?

3. Is there a significant difference between the effect of foliar fertilizer and

soil to the growth of the plant?

Objectives

1. Determine the effect of brown seaweed and cow manure tea foliar fertilizer

to the growth of pechay in terms of: (a) germination rate, (b) plant height,

(c) number of leaves, and (d) weight of the plant.

2. Determine the effect of soil to the growth of pechay.

3. Determine the significant difference between the effect of soil and foliar

fertilizer to the growth of pechay.

Assumptions

1. The use of brown seaweed and cow manure tea foliar fertilizer has a

remarkable effect to the growth of pechay.

2. The use of different type of soil has an observable effect to the growth of

pechay.

3. The effect of soil and foliar fertilizer has a significant difference to the

growth of pechay.

Hypothesis

Null hypothesis: there is no significant difference between the effect of soil

and foliar fertilizer to the growth of pechay on the following variables: (a)

germination rate, (b) plant height, (c) number of leaves and (d) weight of

the plant.
Significance of the Study

Department of Agriculture – the study will help the department by providing much

innovative strategies in the field of agriculture with regards to the use of foliar

fertilization.

Community – the study will benefit the community by providing alternative

fertilizer through the use of foliar fertilization on plants.

Farmers – this will help the farmers to have a new idea of making healthier and

greater yield of plants using organic foliar fertilizer.

Agriculture teachers- the study will benefit the teachers by providing further

information on their class about the use of organic foliar fertilizer.

Agriculture students – this will help the students to learn new information about

foliar fertilization using organic materials.

Future Researchers – this study will help and act as guide to the researchers

who are conducting experiments related to the study.

Scope and Limitations

The study will focus on the effect of soil and brown seaweed, cow manure

tea foliar fertilizer to the growth of pechay. This will be conducted at Poblacion

Zone 3 Del Gallego, Camarines Sur.

 Conceptual framework

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

1. Brown 1. Preparation
seawed of foliar
and cow fertilizer
manure tea 2. Preparation
Enhance the
of soil
2. Coastal soil growth of pechay
3. Experimenta
and loam
tion
soil
4. Data
3. growth of gathering
pechay 5. Statistical
analysis

Figure 1. Paradigm of the Study

Theoretical Framework

THEORY OF SEAWEED THEORY OF SOIL NUTRITION THEORY OF COW MANURE

(Singh et al., 2008)
“The findings confirmed our
hypothesis that the
application of
Kappaphycusalvarezii
seaweed can be used for
achieving target yields
sustainably.”
(FAO, 2008)
“Healthy soils maintain a
diverse community of soil
organisms that help to
control plant disease,
improve soil structure and
improve crop production.”
(S. Zhang et al., 2020)
“The application of cow
manure cannot only improve
the diversity of soil bacteria
but also effectively regulate
the bacterial community in
tea plantation.”
 EFFECT OF SOIL AND
BROWN SEAWEED
(Fucusvesiculusos), COW
MANURE TEA
(BosTaurus) FOLIAR
FERTILIZER TO THE
GROWTH OF PECHAY
(Brassica rapa)

Definition of terms

Foliar fertilizer- combination of cow manure tea and liquid brown seaweed

Soil – coastal soil and loam soil

Growth- the change in the number of leaves and height of plant in a certain

period of time.

Yield – number of leaves per plant

Height – the distance between the stem and tip of the leaf .

Weight – this refers to the weight of the heaviest plant.

 CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Foliar Fertilizer

According to the 2009 Indiana CCA Conference Proceedings,

Oosterhuis said on his study that the use of foliar fertilization avoid soil problems

and has relatively low cost. It can react rapidly to symptoms or tissue analysis,

rapid plant response for correcting deficiency and improved yield and fiber quality

parameters. Further, Oosterhuis also stated the disadvantages of foliar

fertilization. The use of foliar fertilizer apply only limited amount of the nutrient at

one time, low solubility of fertilizers especially in cold water and incompatibility

with certain agrochemicals. The complexity of crop growth and sensitivity to the

environment means that the farmers need to understand the development of the

crop, know the specific requirements of each stage and manage the crop

according to requirements, environment and yield potential. Foliar fertilization

provides means of efficiently applying mineral nutrients to a crop when tissue

tests show a need.

YanTing et al., 2009 stated on their study, Advances in Study on

Mechanism of Foliar Nutrition and Development ofFoliar Fertilizer Application that

the foliar uptake of nutrients depends upon plant types and the state of plants

growth, composition of foliar fertilizer, characteristics of nutrient and

environmental factor such as temperature and illumination. Foliar application to

dicotyledon is better than monocotyledon because of different leaf types,

structure of surface wax and of different varietal plants of homogeneity. The

researchers also statedthat soil application cannot be replaced by foliar

fertilizers. Foliar spray can be only the efficient assistant method to soil

application because the quantity of nutrients supplied is limited.

Rahman et al., 2015 on their study, Review of Foliar feeding in

Various Vegetables and Cereal Crops Boosting Growth and Yield Attributes

concluded that foliar application play an important role in the production of good

crop and higher yield. Foliar application of Urea also confirmed advantageous

effects like better yield and enhanced crop quality as stated in many species of

vegetables i.e onion, squash, cabbage and cucumber. Foliar application of Fe,

Mn, and Zn considerably boost the growth and yield parameters of mung bean

plants. Thiyageswari and Ranganathanfound out the effect of foliar application

of nutrients along with the recommended dose of nutrients on the dry matter

production and yield of soybean.

Brown Seaweed

According to S.S Ramya et al., 2015 on their study, Foliar application of

liquid biofertilizer of brown alga Stoechospermummarginatum on growth,

biochemical and yield of Solanummelongena, the study evidence that lower

concentrations were found to show promoting effect on growth and productivity of

brinjal plants. The fertilizing efficiency of liquid extracts of testing marine alga

might be due to the presence of micro and macro nutrients, growth hormones
and vitamins at preferential levels. It can be concluded that seaweed extracts

could be used as eco-friendly liquid biofertilizer to substitute chemical fertilizer

and also play a pivotal role in organic farming practices toward sustainable

agriculture.

According to an article published on 2012, N.A Kumar et al., conducted

anintensive investigation on the efficiency of Liquid Seaweed Fertilizer (LSF)

obtained from the brown seaweed SargassumwightiiGrev. on the germination,

growth and biochemical constituents of green gram (Vignaradiata (L.) R. Wilczek)

under laboratory conditions and in pots. Theanalysis of the experimental plants

showed that the foliar treated plants showed more photosynthetic pigments

compared to root treated plants, whereas the accumulation of total protein, total

carbohydrate and total lipid content was found maximum in root treated plants

than the foliar treated plants.

E. Nabti et al.,(2016) on their study, Impact of Seaweeds on Agricultural

Crop Production as Biofertilizer stated that seaweeds are rich in diverse

compounds like lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, phytohormones, amino acids,

osmoprotectants, antimicrobial compounds and minerals. Their potential for

agricultural applications is used since antiquity, but recent demands of organic

farming and organic food stimulated much the application of organic treatments

like seaweed extracts in agriculture. The benefits of seaweeds application in

agricultural field are numerous and diverse such as stimulation of seed

germination, enhancement of health and growth of plants namely shoot and root

elongation, improved water and nutrient uptake, frost and saline resistance,
biocontrol and resistance toward phytopathogenic organisms, remediation of

pollutants of contaminated soil and fertilization.

Cow Manure

K.C Uzoma et al., (2011) performed a greenhouse experiment to

investigate the effect of cow manure biochar on maize yield, nutrient uptake and

psycho‐chemical properties of a dryland sandy soil.Results of the study indicated

that cow manure biochar contains some important plant nutrients which

significantly affected the maize crop growth. Maize yield and nutrient uptake were

significantly improved with increasing the biochar mixing rate.

According to the literature review of a journal entitled Nutrient Content of

Livestock Manure, Causes of its Variation and Utility of Various Factors for

Assessment, Cow slurry contains 7.3- 10.0 % dry matter, 2.8-5.3 g/kg total N,

0.6-1.1 g/kg P and 2.1-4.9 g/kg K. There are only a few results on the nutrient

content of liquid cow manure in the literature. According to Virtanen, and Dorph-

Petersen, liquid cow manure contains 6-8 g/kg total N and 10-13 g/kg K, but

practically no P. It was also indicated on the journal the effects of handling on the

nutrient content of liquid manure. Nitrogen in urine ammonifies very rapidly and

can be volatilized already in the cowshed. In order to prevent nitrogen loss, the

separation of urine from solid faeces must be carried out quickly The better the

covering of the liquid manure cistern the smaller the nitrogen loss. Even a small

crack in the covering may result in a significant nitrogen loss.

Pechay

Tagotong, Corpuz (2015) on their study, Bio-organic Fertilizer on

PechayHomegardenfocused on the determination of bio-organic fertilizer and

levels of application that could gave favorable response on the growth and yield

of pechay planted in a home garden at Arakan, Cotabato. Result of the study

revealed that FFJ responded significantly better as compared to FPJ on plant

height, number of plant leaves and yield in grams per plant. In the case of the

levels of application, higher application levels (6tbsp/lit. H2O) excelled on all

parameters tested (plant height, number of plant leaves and yield). This implies

that higher concentration of FPJ diluted on water will promotes better growth and

development of pechay plant emphasizing development of the physical and

biological properties of the soil.

L.R.M Gonzales et al., 2015, conducted a study to evaluate the growth

and yield performance of pechay applied with different levels of compost as

organic fertilizer and determines the effect of organic fertilizer in terms of plant

height, number of leaves per plant, fresh weight per plant and leaf area.

Gonzales et al., found that compost application greatly increased or influenced

the growth and development of the pechay plant.

Soil

According to Molero et al., 2006, to improve soil fertility, efforts need to be

made to increase soil organic matter content. Conventional farming practice

generally leads to a reduction of soil organic matter. This study compared

inorganic and organic fertilisers in a crop rotation system over two cultivation

cycles: first crop broad bean (Viciafaba L.) and second crop mixed cropped

melon-water melon (Cucumismelo-Citrullus vulgaris) under semi-arid

conditions.These results indicated that organic management positively affected

soil organic matter content, thus improving soil quality and productivity.

According to an article entitledPlant Nutrient in Soil,  A soil does not have to

be agriculturally productive to be healthy. Farmers can use soils within their

capability so that the soils can be used productively without being degraded.

According to the same article, soil is a major source of nutrients needed by plants

for growth. The three main nutrients are nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and

potassium (K). Together they make up the trio known as NPK. Other important

nutrients are calcium, magnesium and sulfur. Plants also need small quantities of

iron, manganese, zinc, copper, boron and molybdenum, known as trace elements

because only traces are needed by the plant.

 CHAPTER III

METHODOLOGY

The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of brown seaweed,

cow manure foliar fertilizer to the growth of Pechay and to determine the

significant difference between the effect of foliar fertilizer and soil to Pechay.

Research Design

Experimental-evaluative method will be used in this study to analyse the

effect of combined brown seaweed and cow manure tea foliar fertilizer to the

growth of Pechay and to determine the significant difference between the effect

of soil and foliar fertilizer to the growth of pechay.

Two-way ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) will be used to determine the

significant difference between the effect of foliar fertilizer and soil to the growth of

pechay.

Research Setting

The conduct of experiment will be at Poblacion Zone 3, Del Gallego,

Camarines Sur for the availability of materials and tools to make it sufficient

throughout the experiment. Brown seaweed will be collected at Sabang, Del

Gallego, Camarines Sur. Cow manure will be collected from places within Del

Gallego area where these manures are abundant. Pechay seeds, spray

containers, and pots will be bought at Del Gallego, Camarines Sur.

Research Instrument

The study will use observation data sheet composed of four (4) tables.

There will be two set. For set 1 using loam soil, the first table will be for T1-

combined brown seaweed and cow manure tea and table 2 will be for T2-

controlled. For set 2 using coastal soil, table 1 will be for T1- combined brown

seaweed and cow manure tea and table 2 for T2-controlled. Each table will be

composed of replicates and the means.

Data Gathering Procedures

This will be observed and recorded during germination, growth and

development up to the time of harvest. To analyse the effect of combined brown

seaweed and cow manure tea foliar fertilizer, the growth of pechay will be

measure in terms of germination rate, plant height, number of leaves and weight

of the plant. To analyse the significant difference between the effect of foliar

fertilizer and soil (coastal and loam soil), the growth response will be measured in

terms of the following: germination rate, plant height, number of leaves and

weight of the plant. The initial data will be recorded and will be analysed at the

end of the experiment.

Materials

In conducting this study, these materials will be used: ten (10) gallons of

water, ½ sack of cow manure, 1 sack of brown seaweed, pechay seeds, two

large containers, 1 spray bottle, 2 plastic container for the germination, 12 large
plastic pots, 1 sack of loam soil and 1 sack of coastal soil. Strainer, two

tablespoons, shovel and gloves will also be used in the experiment.

Procedures

a. Developmental phase

Preparation of Cow Manure Tea and Liquid Brown Seaweed Foliar

Fertilizer

Cow manures will be collected and will be dried for 3-5 days. After

the drying process, it will be soaked into a large container containing

enough water to fill the container. It will be fermented for a week and will

be placed to an area that is not directed to sunlight. After the fermentation,

it will be strained to remove the solid residue and the liquid substance will

be collected.

Brown seaweed will be collected and will be washed thoroughly.

Further, it will be soaked into a large container containing enough water to

fill the container. It will be fermented for a weekand will be placed to an

area that is not directed to sunlight. After the one-week fermentation, it will

be strained and the liquid substance will be collected.

1 liter of water will be placed in the spray container. Three

tablespoons of liquid brown seaweed and 1 tablespoon of cow manure tea

will be added on water.

Germination of Pechay Seeds

Two plastic containers with holes underneath will be prepared and

will have the same amount of soil. One contains loam soil and the other
 contains coastal soil. It will be watered before the germination. Six (6)

seeds will be placed on each containers having the same sizes. The

seeds will be germinated for 5 days. It will be watered once a day. After

the germination, the seedlings will be transferred to the respected pots.

Germination rate will be observed and recorded.

b. Experimental Phase

Four groups will be prepared. Each group will have three pots.

Group A and B contains loam soil. Group C and D contains coastal soil.

After the researcher transferred the seeds to the respected pots, it will be

watered once a day and will all be exposed to sunlight. To enable the

seedlings to adjust on environmental condition, foliar fertilizer will be

applied on the third week. However, before the application of foliar

fertilizer, initial measurements of height and leaf counts will be done. After

a week, foliar fertilization will be repeated to sustain the nutrient

requirement of the growing plants. Data will be recorded and summarized

in the table.

For proper care and management, weeds and insects will be

removed by hand to prevent them by competing nutrients to plants.

After the 30-day experimental period, all plants will be uprooted in

groups A,B, C and D. Final measurement of height, weight and leaf

counts will be conducted and data will be summarized in the table.

Statistical Treatment

For the accuracy of the results, two-way ANOVA (Analysis of Variance)

will be used for the analysis and interpretation of the data gathered. It will be

used to determine the significant differences between the effect of soil and foliar

fertilizer to the growth of pechay plants.