EFFECT OF SEAWEED EXTRACT FERTILIZER ON THE GROWTH OF SEAWEEDS

(Kappaphycus alvarezii)

A Thesis Proposal

Submitted to

The Faculty of the Graduate School

Saint Columban College

Pagadian City

In Partial Fulfillment

Of the Requirements for the Degree

Master of Arts in Education

Major in Science

By

SHEKINAH O. CANIEDO

July 2021
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Chapter 1

The Problem

Introduction

Asia is the leading continent of seaweed cultivation, and globally, more than 80% of the

seaweed production comes from Asian countries like China, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, and the

Philippines. In 2017, world seaweed aquaculture grasped its extreme production. But in 2018,

the production dropped to 0.7%. From 2000-2017, the seaweed culture production is increased

by 67.5%, but it decreased to 67.2% in 2018. The total world seaweed production during 2018 is

32.4 million tonnes which is 0.7% lesser than the previous year.This change was mainly

causeddue tothe slow growth in the output of tropical seaweed species and reduced production

in Southeast Asia, while seaweed farming production of temperate andcold waterspecies was

still on the rise. In 2018, farmed seaweeds represented 97.1% by volume of the total of 32.4

million tonnes. (Kaleeswaran & Betsy, 2020)

Seaweed became an export commodity for it has a significant opportunity to develop

because of its promising prospects. In Indonesia, about 555 species of seaweed have been

identified and are being commercially utilized and cultivated. (Akrim, 2014). The demand for

seaweed as raw materials tends to be increasing along with the producing development of its

substance (Afiat, 2017). The Philippines is a significant supplier of seaweeds in the world

seaweed growers, with 1.5 million metric tons worth US$ 136.8 million.

The Zamboanga Peninsula, the third most crucial seaweed-producing region in the

Philippines, contributed around 13% of total national production and 20% of Mindanao's.

Seaweeds in the Zamboanga Peninsula are among the top and champion products identified by

the Regional Development Council. However, Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data show
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that seaweed production in the Zamboanga Peninsula decreases, 206,161 metric tons in 2014,

up from 258,131 metric tons in 2010. One of the many issues that the seaweed industry faces is

seaweed disease. It affects the typical structure and function and alters the growth rate and

appearance of the seaweeds, resulting in poor product quality (Narvaez, 2018).

The municipality of San Pablo, located in the province of Zamboanga del Sur,

Zamboanga Peninsula has a productive coastal area evidenced by the flock of seabirds feeding

on its pelagic fishes. However, seaweed production has decreased due to several issues

encountered by local fishermen in farming seaweeds, such as the 'ice-ice' disease and the

problem of siganids feeding on seaweed plants. The majority of producers accepted the

incidence of the "ice-ice" disease as a regular part of farming, and they clip off the sick part of

the plant and bury or burn the cutting. (Ensuring Success through Active Women Participation in

CRM & Enterprise Development, 2005).

The quantity and quality of seaweed production have both decreased. Overharvesting,

natural disasters, and poor seed stock selection are all blamed for the reduction. During this

time, seaweed prices remain low despite limited supply because of the low quality of the

produce. Several remedies and research have been put in place to prevent ice-ice disease and

so reduce production difficulties. Fertilizer use is another method of improving seaweed

production.

Since the 1960s, numerous Asian countries, including the Philippines, have farmed

Kappaphycus alvarezii (Rhodophyta: Solieraceae). The National Academy of Agriculture

recommends it for commercial carrageenan production due to its pharmaceutic qualities as it is

a source of semirefined or PNG carrageenan. However, these seaweed species face the threat

of ice-ice disease. One of the most severe issues in the cultivation of seaweeds is ice-ice

sickness. Unfavorable environmental circumstances, such as excessive temperature, pH, and

salt, and opportunistic bacterial infections like Vibrio species, can cause this disease, which is
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non-infectious. As a result, the ice-ice disease causes a considerable reduction in seaweed

output and a reduction in carrageen yield, viscosity, and gel strength in affected thalli. The

people in coastal areas who rely on seaweed farming, particularly in significant production sites

like the Zamboanga Peninsula, are affected by the ice-ice disease associated with seaweeds,

which appears to have worsened in recent years with no practical solution. On the other hand,

the problem of ice-ice disease associated with seaweeds seems to have declined in recent

years with no significant explanation; also, the issue of ice-ice illness linked to seaweeds looks

to be getting worse. (Alibon et al. 2019).

Recent research reveals that seaweed fertilizers are favored as bio-inoculants for their

nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium content and trace elements and metabolites similar

toplant growth regulators. Seaweed extract is an organic bio-fertilizer since it contains organic

micronutrients, NPK, and Natural Growth Hormones such as Cytokines, Alginic Acid, Mannitol,

and Gibberellins. For all types of crops, seaweed is employed as a plant growth promoter.

Because theycontain growth-promoting hormones (IAA and IBA, Cytokines),trace elements (Fe,

Cu, Zn, Co, Mo, Mn, andNi), vitamins, and amino acids, seaweed concentratesare known

tohave a variety of favorable effects on plants. Most importantly, these concentrates are known

to enhancedisease resistance in field crops(Nedumaran, 2017).

Seaweed farmers in Zamboanga del Sur face a significant threat in declining their production

due to the rise of ice-ice diseases in their seaweed farms. This study was conceptualized to

improve K. alvarezii in selected seaweed farms in the San Pablo, Zamboanga del Sur,

Zamboanga Peninsula, Philippines. The purpose of this research is to see how seaweed

fertilizer affects seaweed development. The findings of this study could help enhance seaweed

production by nourishing the seaweeds and reducing, if not eradicating, the impacts of the ice-

ice sickness by applying seaweed fertilizer to the seaweeds.

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Perspective of the Researcher

The researcher was born on April 7, 1992, and a resident of San Pablo, Zamboanga del

Sur. She is a graduate of Diploma in Chemical Engineering Technology (April 2011) and

Bachelor of Science in Metallurgical Engineering (April 2014) at Mindanao State University-

Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), Tibanga Iligan City. She has 2 yr and a half years of

teaching experience in Saint Columban College, handling science subjects in both Grade 11

and College students. The researcher is currently a senior high school teacher in San Pablo

National High School, Poblacion, San Pablo Zamboanga del Sur. She is handling science

subjects in both Grade 11 and 12 students. Her experiences in teaching and skills helped her

carry out the study.

The researcher is very concerned with the environmental-related issues, especially in

the growth of seaweeds. She wanted to help the seaweed farmer in San Pablo Zamboanga del

Sur wishing to improve their source of food and income from the crops they harvested.
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Conceptual Framework

Figure 1 depicts the research's conceptual framework.

Seaweed (Kappaphycus alvarezii)

Using Slow Release Method:

>Seaweed extract fertilizer
T1= 10% concentration
T2= 25% concentration
T3= 50% concentration
T4= 75% concentration
T5= 10% concentration
>Commercial fertilizer

Effect on the growth:

Weight (grams)
Diameter of stipe (cm)
Color

COMMUNITY LABORATORY
AWARENESS ACTIVITY

Figure 1: Conceptual Framework of the Study

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In this study, Kappaphycus alvarezzi seaweedswill be usedas a sample. There will be

ten (10) replicates per treatment. As shown in Figure 1, the seaweeds will be treated with

varyingconcentrations of seaweed extractfertilizer and commercial fertilizer via the slow-release

method (using a binder: Plaster of Paris); these fertilizers are the two independent variables.

For all types of crops, seaweed is employed as a plant growth promoter. (Chithra et al.

2016). It can improve soil properties such as physical, chemical, and biological properties. As a

result, nutrient content in seaweed extract causes vegetative growth in plants better than in the

control treatment. Seaweed also contains phytohormones as growth regulators such as auxin,

gibberellin, cytokinin. Each of the growth regulators has different functions, auxin, for example,

play a role in plant physiological processes, such as growth, cell division and differentiation, and

protein synthesis; gibberellins are known to affect cambium growth, effectively increase fruit set,

whereas cytokinins play an essential role in cell division resulting in plant responses to plant

growth.

Seaweed fertilizers contain many nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potash and

plant growth hormones, and trace elements. (Ruban et al. 2018)Also, Seaweeds are high in

polysaccharides, which are found in their cell walls and organelles. The content of

polysaccharides differs amongst algal groups, and these compounds have been demonstrated

to protect against infection (Sultana et al., 2005).

To determine the effects of the independent variables mentioned, the researcher will

closely monitor the growth of the seaweed sample where the following parameters will be

considered: weight in grams, stipe diameter in centimeters, and color. These parameters are the

dependent variables.

The results of this study will give awareness to thecommunity that will lead them to help

the farmers on their issues on seaweed farming, its procedure, and how to gain more
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productivity. Moreover, the result will also help future researchers/ students who focus on the

study of seaweed fertilizer. Also, a Laboratory activity will be designedbased on the results of

theinvestigation.

Statement of the Problem

The study will be conducted to determine the efficacy of the seaweed extract fertilizer vs.

commercial fertilizer to the growth of Kappaphycus alvarezii. The study will be conducted

starting this month of August 2021 to October 2021.Specifically, this study aims to determinethe

following:

1. What is the effect of varying concentrations (10%, 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%) of seaweed

extract fertilizer and commercial fertilizer on the growth of Kappaphycus alvarezii in terms of

the following:

1.1 weight (in grams)

1.2 stipe diameter (in centimeter)

1.3 color

2. Is there a significant difference in the growth of Kappaphycus alvarezii treated with varying

concentrations (10%, 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%) of seaweed extract fertilizer and commercial

fertilizer in terms of the following indicators:

2.1 weight (in grams)

2.2 stipe diameter (in centimeter)

2.2 color

3. Which treatment showed the best effect on the growth of Kappaphycus alvarezii?
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4. What laboratory activity can be designed to improve and enhance students’ knowledge on

the effect of varying concentrations of seaweed extract fertilizer vs. commercial fertilizer on

the growth of Kappaphycus alvarezii?

Hypothesis

The following hypothesis shall be tested using the ANOVA at a 0.05 level of significance:

1. Is there a significant difference on the growth of Kappaphycus alvarezii treated with

varying concentrations on seaweed extract fertilizer and commercial fertilizer in terms of

the following indicators:

1.1 weight (in grams)

1.2 stipe diameter (in centimeter)

1.3 color

Scope and Limitations of the Study

Subject Matter. This study on the effect of varying concentrations of seaweed extract

fertilizer vs. commercial fertilizer on the growth of Kappaphycus alvarezii seaweeds. The varied

treatments to be applied include different seaweed extract fertilizer concentrations: 10%, 25%,

50%, 75%, and 100%, and commercial fertilizer. The growth indicators considered in the study

are limited only to the weight (in grams), stipe diameter (in centimeter), and color.

Research Environment and Timeline. The study will be conducted at Buton Beach, San

Pablo Zamboanga del Sur, from August 2021 to October 2021.

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Research Subject. The seaweed to be studied will be Kappaphycus alvarezii. The

materials to be used to make a seaweed fertilizer will be taken just around the vicinity.

Research Design. The researcher will use the experimental method of research.

Seaweed extract fertilizer and the commercial fertilizer applied are the two independent

variables. The growth of the seaweeds as affected by varying concentrations of seaweed

extract fertilizer are the dependent variables. The development or increase of parts of

Kappaphycus alvarezii seaweed will be measured using a caliper and digital weighing scale.

Research Methods. The statistical tools used to test the validity of the hypothesis are the

Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and the Pairwise Comparison Test. The ANOVA was used to

see a significant difference between varying concentrations of seaweed extract fertilizer and

commercial fertilizer on the growth of Kappaphycus alvarezii seaweeds.

Significance of the Study

Student-Researchers. The study will help the student-researchers provide information

specifically on the correlation of the growth of seaweeds to its yield.

Farmers. The study will provide farmers with tips on the easier way to promote a high

product of seaweeds which is in demand in industries and is also for food consumption.

Government and Administrators. The findings of this study will be helpful in the

government and administration convince their constituents to support a more practical approach

for growing seaweeds by informing them of the method's efficacy.

The General Public. The general population, the recipients of farm products, can obtain

a cost-effective seaweeds product with increased crop nutritional content free of chemical

fertilizer residues and disease.

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Definition of Terms

The following terminology will be used often throughout this study and will be interpreted

by the definitions provided below:

Growth. Growth is described as an unreversible rise in the length, width, diameter, area,

volume, and mass of a plant or organ through time. (Dambreville et al.,2014)

Kappaphycus alvarezii. Refer to the species belonging to Rhodophyta: Solieraceae. It is

a marine macroalga cultivated in several Asia countries, including the Philippines, since

the 1960s. Kappaphycus alvarezzi is also known as the cottonii type which is a source of

the semirefined or Philippine natural grade (PNG) carrageenan and recommended by

the National Academy for Agriculture for commercial production of carrageenan has

several pharmaceutical and industrial applications. (Alibon et al. 2019)

Seaweed extract Fertilizer. It is an organic fertilizer derived from natural seaweed

sources.

Slow-Release Method. It is a preparation released into a body slowly over an extended

period. A method where the fertilizer to be used will be released slowly into the target

crop. These releases nutrients gradually with time (Liu et al. 2018).
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Structure of the Thesis

This thesis consists of five (5) chapters which are characterized as follows:

Chapter 1 introduces the problem. This chapter presents the introduction, researcher's

perspective, conceptual framework, statement of the problem, hypothesis, significance of the

study, scope and limitations of the study, the definition of terms, and the thesis structure.

Chapter 2 represents the review of related literature which provides the framework of the

study. This includes scholarly descriptions from authors and results of scientists' investigations

that support and guide the researcher in writing the thesis.

Chapter 3 gives the research methodology, including the experimental design, research

environment, research specimen, data gathering technique, and the statistical treatment.
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Chapter 2

Review of Related Literature

This chapter reviews the literature and studies related to Seaweed Extract Fertilizer and

Seaweeds, which will provide bases for interpreting the data gathered later.

Seaweed Fertilizer

Nutrient requirements for crop or pasture production, according to McGuffog, are

determined by a variety of factors, including soil fertility, crop requirements, and plant nutrient

absorption patterns. Fertilizers are critical for modern agricultural systems and developing

countries with fast-rising populations to sustain or improve agricultural productivity. The Food

and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has proved the massive impact fertilizer can increase food

production (Park, 2001).

The term fertilizer denotes something that nourishes or improving. The Soil Science

Society of America defines it as "any organic or inorganic material added to the soil to give

nutrients to improve soil fertility and crop productivity."Organic fertilizers, often known as

biofertilizers, are made up of naturally occurring substances. Inorganic fertilizers are artificial,

synthetic substances supplemented with micronutrients such as molybdenum, nickel, copper,

zinc, manganese, boron, iron, and chlorine and macronutrients as sulfur, phosphorus,

magnesium, calcium, potassium, nitrogen, oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen. Chemical (or

inorganic) fertilizers are a mix of substances used to enhance crop production. The word

chemical may connote something harmful or poisonous. (Albala, 2015)

According to Panda, fertilizer can be defined as any substance intended to produce

better plant growth by adding it to the soil. Fertilizers contain an appreciable amount of

nutrients. It is the most common currency used by farmers to deposit plant nutrients into their
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soil to ensure that the crop is supplied with enough nutrients. Plant roots do not absorb fertilizer

grains or dung particles directly from the bag or a manure heap. Plants take nutrients in specific

ion forms. A fertilizer provides it when it dissolves in soil water or is converted into local

currencies appropriate to roots by various chemical and biological processes in the soil (Panda,

2013).

Nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), and potassium (K) are the primary (macro) nutrients

required by plants (K). These macronutrients' availability, quantity, and presence are critical for

producing chlorophyll (plant food) (Albala, 2015). Secondary nutrients are calcium, magnesium,

and sulfur. Boron, chlorine, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, and zinc are the

micronutrients. Plants may utilize nitrogen in two forms: ammonium and nitrate. Organic stuff,

such as fertilizers, is nitrogen, although the release rate is relatively slow. The amount of

phosphorus in fertilizer is expressed in percent phosphate. It promotes the production of early

shoots and roots. Plants that have low phosphorus levels grow slowly and have poor fruit or

seed development. In the soil, phosphorus is highly immobile. It cannot pass through the soil

solution, and plant roots must contact phosphate ions to absorb them. In addition, fertilizer

potassium concentration is expressed as a percentage of potash. It promotes root growth and

aids disease resistance in plants. It aids in the development of crops and increases cold

hardiness. Weak plants, poor growth, undersized or shriveled fruit, and leaf burning at the tips

and edges are signs of potassium shortage. The symptoms of potassium deficiency include

marginal and interveinal chlorosis (yellowing), followed by scorching that moves inward.

(Deems, 2015)

Synthetic Fertilizers. Fertilizers are compounds that are applied to soils to replenish nutrients

that crops have depleted. The involvement of nitrogen in several key plant activities, including

photosynthesis, makes nitrogen fertilizersone of the most widely usedfertilizers in agriculture

today (Bassi et al., 2018). The consumptionof nitrogen fertilizersis predictedto triple over the
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next three decadesdue toan exponential increase in cropproductivity required to meet rising

food demands (Tilman et al., 2002). Nitrogen fertilizers are effective, but they can harm the

environment by polluting the air, emitting greenhouse gases, acidifying the soil, and

contaminating ground and surface water. (reviewed by Chen et al. 2018). Currently,half of all

fertilizing nitrogen is not absorbed by cropsand becomes a pollutant in the environment.

Because of disruptions in the nitrogen cycle, more significant reliance on inorganic fertilizers

may emerge over time.) (Dalzell, 2019)

Chemical Fertilizers become hazardous to the environment if they are misused.

Chemical fertilizers have been the principal means of improving soil fertility in small-scale

agriculture for decades. Chemical fertilizers have the advantage of working swiftly and supplying

the crop's particular demands. However, these are costly, as the nutrients are leached out

before being absorbed and discharged into the river, and lakes generate excessive algae

growth, harming the environment.

Chemical fertilizerconsumption increased exponentially throughout the world, causes

serious environmental problems. Fertilization may affect the accumulation of heavy metals in

the soil and plantsystem. Plants absorb the fertilizers through the soil; theycan enter the food

chain. Thus, fertilization leads to water, dirt, and air pollution. Excessive use of chemical

fertilizers in agriculture may result in many environmental problems because some fertilizers

contain heavy metals (e.g., cadmium and chromium) and high concentrations of radionuclides.

In growing vegetation, one cannot be sustained without nutrients applied to the soil in

exchange for those removed through increased crop production. With the aid of fertilizers,

nutrients can be added to the ground. Inorganic fertilizers are commonly used which include

straight fertilizers containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The source of soil nutrients

is unimportant to plants since the plant takes the nutrient in the same way regardless of the

fertilizer used. Inorganic fertilizers are known to release nutrients quickly since it doesn't require
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decomposition which means that the intensity and timing of nutrient uptake by crop can be

predicted reasonably well. Only, they are highly cost and bring detrimental effects to the

environment if being managed poorly. (Morris, Kelly, Kopicki, & Byerlee, 2007)

Because the price of chemical fertilizer is rising, it is critical to produce and recommend

organic fertilizer to meet the ever-increasing need for food, particularly in the developing globe.

(Lema & Degebassa, 2013)

One example of an excellent fertilizer is seaweed fertilizer. Seaweed fertilizer was

derived from natural seaweed sources. For all types of crops, seaweed is employed as a plant

growth promoter. (Chithra et al., 2016). It can improve soil properties such as physical,

chemical, and biological properties. As a result, nutrient content in seaweed extract causes

vegetative growth in eggplant plants better than the control treatment. Seaweed contains macro

mineral components, such as calcium, manganese and potassium, and micro minerals, such as

zinc, iron, cobalt, molybdate, boron, and contain phytohormones as growth regulators such as

auxin, gibberellin, cytokinin. Each of the growth regulators has different functions, auxin, for

example, play a role in plant physiological processes, such as growth, cell division and

differentiation, and protein synthesis; gibberellins are known to affect cambium growth,

effectively increase fruit set, whereas cytokinins play an essential role in cell division resulting in

plant responses to plant growth, fruit growth. The seaweed fertilizer has been used as additional

nutrients and as biostimulants or organic fertilizers (biofertilizers)to increase plant growth and

yieldbecause they contain plant growth regulators. Growth regulators in seaweed play a role in

the physiology of plants, such as growth, division, cell differentials, and protein synthesis. Plants

can absorb nutrients, including growth regulators, from all surfaces of plant cells. The absorption

of nutrients on almost all plant surfaces causes the competence of cells or tissues to grow and

develop to form new organs so that the plants can form more shoots and leaves.Plant growth

regulatorshaveincreased the content of organic and inorganic substances in cells.

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Subsequently, these substances are converted into proteins, nucleic acids, polysaccharides,

and other complex molecules, which form organs and tissues so that the fresh weight and dry

weight of plants increases. (Yusuf et al., 2021)

In the study of Abdulraheem, 2009there was a significant effectdue to seaweed extract

(sea force1) on stem length,plant dry weight, chlorophyll, carbohydrates, fruits diameter, and

cucumber size. Also, Thomas (2002) found that using Seaweed extract (sea Buckthorn ) causes

increasing growth and fresh weight of vegetative and roots growth significant of the Rose plant.

(Abdulrahman, 2019). Seaweed extracts are listed as environmentally friendly biofertilizers that

reduce mineral fertilizers' harmful socio-economic and environmental effects. (Hassan, 2021)

Seaweeds

Seaweeds have been used as a crop enhancer for thousands of years. They are burying

seaweed, eitheras a raw material or as a composite 3 with an organic medium. Because of their

beneficial properties, seaweed fertilizers have become widely used; European agronomists

cementedthe use of seaweed as a modern crop resource in the 1950s to improve soil quality.

Seaweed biofertilizers could playa crucial partin sustainable agriculture, as theavailability of

seaweeds could assist meet the global demandfor organic fertilizers. Seaweeds are a diverse

group ofaquatic multicellular eukaryotesthat includered, green, and brown macro-algaethat can

be utilized to make biofertilizers. Changes in root shape to promotenutrient uptake (longer,

thinner roots), germinationstimulation, and increased resilienceto environmental stressorsare

amongthe growth benefits provided by seaweed extract biofertilizers. The number of nutrients,

hormones, and chemical substances found in these seaweeds contribute to these benefits.

Seaweeds, for example, are high in polysaccharides, which are found in their cell walls and

organelles. The content of polysaccharides differs amongst algal groups, and these compounds

have been demonstrated to protect against infection, where okra was sprayed with a mixture of

various algae. Ona more fundamental level, seaweedsprovide a rich supplyof essential
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soilnutrients (such asN, P, and K) and contain more mineralsper dry weightthan terrestrial

plants. (Dalzell, 2019)

Seaweeds are the macroscopic marine algae that grow connected to the bottom in

coastal waters that are relatively shallow (Chithra et al., 2016). Macroalgae (seaweeds) are a

diverse collection of primarily marine, multicellular, photosynthetic, chlorophyll "a"-containing,

eukaryotic organisms with basic reproductive structures that can be found from the intertidal

zone to 300 meters deep. The macroalgae or seaweeds are evolutionarily diverse and are

found in two kingdoms, Plantae and Chromista, and four phyla, Charophyta (Chara),

Chlorophyta (green), Rhodophyta (red), and Ochrophyta (brown). Photosynthetic pigment

concentration, carbohydrate food reserve, cell wall components, and flagella construction and

orientation classify the approximately 10,000 documented marine macroalgal species.

Seaweeds are vital marine resources that contribute significantly to the sea's vast

biodiversity. Seaweeds have longbeen used for a variety of reasons around the world. However,

edible seaweeds have historically been consumed by coastal populations.Presently,

consumption has expanded the range of uses including food, fertilizers, biofuel, and bioactive

compounds, but they are still underexploited and have not reached their full application

potential. In addition to these direct uses, seaweeds play a role in combating global climate

change and provide diverse habitats for shelter and reproduction. Seaweeds' consumptive

value results in international, large-scale commercial cultivation. (Fleurence & Levine, 2016)

Since the demand for rough carrageenan material, seaweed cultivation has grown in

popularity in many countries, particularly Southeast Asia. The seaweed cultivation has

accelerated the growth of seaweed production rapidly and raised hopes for a better farmer's life.

Seaweed cultivation in some countries such as the Philippines, has started with the cultivation
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of Kappaphycus alvarezii since 1971 (Doty & Alvarez 1973; Doty 1973; Parker 1974). (Kasim et

al., 2016)

The Philippines is a world leader in carrageenan and seaweeds, and it was one of the

first countries to set up processing facilities. Its annual seaweed and carrageenan exports are in

the range of USD200 million to USD250 million. The Philippines was the first in the world to

commercialize the seaweeds Euchema and Kappaphycus for the production of carrageenan.

The seaweed business in the Philippines is ready for investment, according to Pedrosa,

because domestic demand exceeds supply. (Cudis, 2021)

The ice-ice disease is one of the most critical problems in seaweed agriculture.

Unfavorable environmental circumstances, such as excessive temperature, pH and salinity, and

opportunistic bacterial pathogens like Vibrio species, can cause this disease, which is non-

infectious. As a result, the ice-ice disease causes a significant reduction in seaweed output and

a reduction in carrageen yield, viscosity, and gel strength in affected thalli. The problem of ice-

ice illness linked to seaweeds appears to have gotten worse in recent years, with no apparent

cure in sight. It is one of the several problems faced by seaweed farmers. It modifies seaweeds'

growth rate, appearance, and even product quality by affecting their usual structure and

function.

Aside from the loss of seaweed productivity due to diseases and fish grazing, the quality

and amount of products have both declined. Overharvesting, natural disasters, and poor seed

stock selection are all blamed for the reduction. During this time, seaweed prices remain low

despite limited supply because of the low quality of the produce. To lessen the problems of low

production, several methods have been implemented and many studies have been conducted

on preventing ice-ice disease. Another way of increasing seaweed produce is through the

application of fertilizers.
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In 2017, world seaweed aquaculture grasped its extreme production. But in 2018, the

production dropped to 0.7%. From 2000-2017, the seaweed culture production is increased by

67.5%, but it decreased to 67.2% in 2018. The total world seaweed production during 2018 is

32.4 million tonnes which is 0.7% lesser than the previous year. This change was mainly

caused due to the slow growth in the output of tropical seaweed species and reduced

production in Southeast Asia, while seaweed farming production of temperate and cold water

species was still on the rise. In 2018, farmed seaweeds represented 97.1% by volume of the

total of 32.4 million tonnes. (Kaleeswaran & Betsy, 2020)

Kappaphycus alvarezii is a kind of red seaweed that can be cultivated to produce

carrageenan. (Hiariey et al., 2021)Incentive programs in the Philippines, which began in the

mid-1960s in response to rising demand for the kappa-carrageenan hydrocolloid by the food

sector, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, aided the expansion of K. alvarezii seaweed cultivation

(Hayashi et al., 2012).

Seaweed can be generated as biofertilizers or agricultural stimulants, bioethanol,

hydrogen, and used in human or animal nutrition, in addition to the species being cultivated to

extract bioactive. This seaweed's growth strategy does not necessitate advanced technology or

significant investments; the seaweed will quickly adapt since it reproduces by vegetative stems;

also, it grows at a paceof 4 to 8% each day,producing large amounts of biomass in 30 to 60

days. These and other factors have undoubtedly aided the expansionof its cultivation worldwide

(Zuniga-Jara and Marin-Riffo, 2016). According to studies, this extract contains phytohormones,

micro and macronutrients, vitamins, and amino acids. It is also biodegradable, and it has the

potential to eliminate agricultural illnesses, boost output, and shorten production time (Shah et

al., 2013). These qualities encourage its use in the environment, allowing for adopting FAO-

recommended sustainable agriculture techniques (Babu et al., 2012). Layek et al. (2015) said
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that the extract was environmentally friendly, contained minimal carbon, and could be utilized in

horticulture and forestry.

Slow-release fertilizers are those that release nutrients at a slower rate, but the release

rate, pattern, and duration are not adequately controlled and can be heavily influenced by

handling conditions like storage, transportation, and field distribution, as well as soil conditions

like moisture content and biological activity. (S. Shahena et al., 2021)

Slow-release fertilizers slowly release nutrients, but this occurs primarily due to microbial activity

and chemical hydrolysis (Morgan et al., 2009). To commence and encourage microbial activity,

sufficient moisture and warm temperatures (usually above 20°C) must be present. Slow-release

qualities are SRF compounds are only marginally soluble and require more time for

mineralization. Organic or inorganic materials can be used in SRF (Shaviv and Mikkelsen,

1993).

Slow-release fertilizer is used, mainly when the fertilizer used has a higher dissolution

rate. This method was developed to solve the problem of those fertilizers related to

environmental pollution, increasing yield efficiency in crop productivity. Beig. et al., 2020studied

the usage of polymeric materials in combination with inorganic substances like sulfur and

plaster ofparis as effectivebiodegradable coating substanceswith the raw material of the

fertilizer. (Beig et al., 2020). Plaster of Paris is produced from gypsum. Three significant markets

exist for gypsum: wallboard manufacture, cement production, and soil stabilization. (Buecker,

2007)

The introduction of seaweed extract fertilizer could be a solution to the problems incurred

in Kappaphycus alvarezzi growth. There are already studies on using fertilizers to the

Kappaphycus alvarezii but no analysis in using seaweed extract fertilizer vs. complete fertilizer

to develop Kappaphycus Alvarezzi using the Slow Release Method. With this study, the more
 22

productivity of the seaweeds could help the local farmers and, of course, the industries needing

the raw material, especially in the making of Carageenan. Thus, providing more raw materials

for industrial uses and others.

Chapter 3
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Research Methods

This chapter presents the experimental design, research environment, research

specimen, data gathering technique, statistical treatment, and ethical consideration in the

research.

Research Design

This study will use the experimental research design that falls under quantitative

research. It describes how the variables and participants interacted. The empirical research

designs involve manipulating treatments or environmental conditions to observe how such

manipulations affect the behavior of the subject being studied (Knight, 2010). It's a strategy for

assigning subjects or participants to different experimental conditions. (Alferes, 2012). It

precisely will use a Complete Randomized Block design wherein every issue is assigned to a

treatment group at random (Bevans, 2019).

This study will have ten replicates of each treatment (varying concentrations of seaweed

extract fertilizer and commercial fertilizer). The specimen will be arranged two spans or about

10-12 inches from each other and at least 2 meters from the other line. The dependent variables

are the weight of the specimen, diameter of the stipe, and color. And the independent variables

are the seaweed extract fertilizer and the commercial fertilizer.

Research Environment

This study is to be conducted in the Municipality of San Pablo, Zamboanga del Sur.

Specifically, the study will be shown along the coastal area at barangay Buton San Pablo,

Zamboanga del Sur. Buton is located on the island of Mindanao at roughly 7.6356, 123.4543. At

these coordinates, the elevation is calculated to be 107.4 meters or 352.4 feet above sea level.
 24

The area is open and is accessible to external natural forces as rich illumination from the sun,

rain, and wind the whole year-round.

It will take 5 minutes only from Buton port to go to the study area using a pump boat.

The study area faces Ticala Island, which makes it an excellent place to farm seaweeds. The

water's physical properties in the research area are: in terms of its color it appears, blue on the

surface due to the depth, it is composed of clean and clear water that is not polluted, the

temperature is around 29-37 degrees Celsius during the day and lowers during the night, pH is

8.5 using a pH meter, salinity is 30 ppt, and for the water movement, it is about 29-37 degrees

Celsius during the day and lowers during the night, pH is 8.5 using a pH, the waves are calm

and not that disturbed due to the barrier island opposing to the Buton.

Figure 1. Satellite map of the study area(Source: https://bit.ly/376nagZ)

Research Specimen

The research specimen of the study is the seaweed Kappaphycus alvarezii. It is a

marine macroalga cultivated in several Asian countries, including the Philippines, since the
 25

1960s. It's also known as the cottonii type, and it's a source of semirefined or Philippine natural

grade (PNG) carrageenan, which the National Academy of Agriculture recommends for

commercial carrageenan production. It has a variety of pharmacological and industrial uses.

This is the specimen to be used by the researcher because it is readily available to the

researcher's reach, aside from its benefits and wide range of applications.

Preparation of Treatments

Seaweed Extract Fertilizer. The method of making seaweed extracts is adapted from Yusuf et

al. Dried Kappaphycus alvarezii will be cut into small pieces using scissors. It will then be finely

blended using a blender. One hundred grams of finely blended Kappaphycus alvarezii will be

placed into a sterile container and added with 2 liters of distilled water. The mixture will be

heated using a hot plate with a temperature of 70 °C and stirred with a spoon for one and half

hours. After which, the preparation will be filtered using a filter and will be allowed to cool down

and set aside in preparation for the application of the treatments. In this experiment, the

researcher will use five (5) different seaweed extract fertilizer concentrations: 10%, 25%, 50%,

75%, and 100%.

In preparing the 10% concentration, 10 mL of seaweed extract will be added with 90 mL

of distilled water. In preparing for the 25% concentration, 25 mL of seaweed extract will be

added with 75 mL of distilled water. Also, for the 50% concentration, 50 mL of seaweed extract

will be added with 50 mL of distilled water. For 75% concentration, 75 mL of seaweed extract

will be added with 25 mL of distilled water. And for 100% concentration, 100 mL of seaweed

extract will be used. Plaster of paris will be added to each mixture until the fertilizer is bound.
 26

Commercial Fertilizer. For the commercial fertilizer, NPK 14-14-14 fertilizer will be used. The 14-

14-14 represents the equal percentages of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium. These

elements are known to help plants carry out their entire cycle. It is readily available in the

Agricultural supply in San Pablo market. The fertilizer will be mixed with 10mL of water and

plaster of paris will be added until the fertilizer is bonded to it.

The prepared seaweed and commercial fertilizers will be placed in a small net bag and

are then placed near their respective assigned specimen and will then be enclosed with a big

net bag with small holes. For the negative control, no treatment shall be given.

Preparation of Seaweed Nursery. Seventy (70) pieces of Kappaphycus alvarezzi seaweeds

cuttings will be prepared with ten cuttings per rope. Each of them will be weighed, and the

diameter and color will be taken and noted. It will be made sure that the cuttings are of almost

the same age, size, and height, and it will be recorded in the data notebook. Afterward, ten

cuttings will be tied using a transparent straw to the rope, which is approximately 20 meters long

(that is already installed in the study area). The distance of the cuttings from each other will be

two (2) span approximately 10-12 inches apart in the line, while its distance to the other line is

two (2) meters from each other. The study will use six (6) lines only for the experiment will use

six treatments which are T0+ (positive control- commercial fertilizer), T0- n (no fertilizer), and

T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, which are those treated with 10%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% respectively.

The treatments in this study will be arranged randomly using the Complete Randomized Block

Design.

Application of the Treatments

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The five (5) different concentrations of seaweed fertilizer which are 10%, 25%, 50%,

75%, and 100%, and the commercial fertilizer, which are placed in a net bag, will be placed two-

span or 10-12 inches from the seaweeds in 10 replicates. All set-ups will be left for 45 days with

monitoring and data gathering on the 15th, 30th, and 45th day after application of the

treatments. The fertilizer utilizes a slow-release method. The slow-release way is a gradual

release of nutrients with time. The set-up is a slow-release method because the fertilizer is

being bound with plaster of paris and is then exposed to the seaweeds when it gradually

reaches the water.

Data Gathering Technique

The control and experimental set-ups will be allowed to grow with their respective

treatments within 45 days. There will be three (3) observations to be done. The first observation

will be done on the 15th day after the first day of applying the fertilizers. The second

observation will be done on the 30th day and the third on the 45th day. For the first and second

observations, the stipe diameter of the cuttings will be measured in centimeters, and the color of

the cuttings will be noted. On the third and final observation, the diameter of the cuttings will be

measured, the color will be emphasized, and the weight in grams will be taken. In measuring the

diameter of the stipe of the cuttings, a vernier caliper will be used while ocular inspection will be

done in determining the color of the seaweeds, and a digital weighing scale will be used to

measure the weight of the harvest.

Before the conduct of the study, the temperature, salinity, pH, and movement of water

will be noted. The same data will be gathered on the first, second, and third observation periods.

Statistical Treatment
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The Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to test the hypothesis to see if there was a

significant difference in the effects of varying concentrations of seaweed extract fertilizer on the

growth of Kappaphycus alvarezzi Pairwise Comparison Test will be done to know which

treatment shows the best results.

Ethical Considerations in Research

To carry out this experiment, the researcher will seek permission from the farm's owner,

ensuring that the farm's area will be cared for by the researcher so that it will be cleaned during

the time of the experiment, including the process to be carried out. Assure them that the area

will be closely supervised.