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PEDAL-POWERED LEAF SHREDDER: CYCLING LEAVES TO ORGANIC MULCH A

Research Paper presented to the Faculty of Senior High School

Research · May 2018

DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.29953.89443

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PEDAL-POWERED LEAF SHREDDER: CYCLING LEAVES

TO ORGANIC MULCH

A Research Paper presented to

the Faculty of Senior High School

De La Salle Lipa

In Partial Fulfilment of the requirements for the

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Stand

By:

Aguilera, Dickerson

Camitan, Eduard Allen

Franco, Kaycee

Maderazo, Rebekah Angela

Mercado, Anne Makryn

Saculo, Yvann Niño

Tolentino, Ella Jinne

May 2018
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1.0 Introduction

Nowadays, solid waste management is a major challenge in many developing

countries, as it creates environmental problems. In the Philippines, generations of waste,

especially in the urban areas, have increased recently due to fast pace industrialization,

urbanization and population growth. According to the National Solid Waste Management

Status Report (2008-2014), the yearly amount of waste in the country is expected to

increase from 13.48 million tons in 2010 to 14.66 million tons in 2014 to 16.63 million

tons in 2020. In managing this significant volume of waste, the strong option to

households offered by the local government is collection services. Nevertheless, these

services are mostly available to a few number of household due to lack of financial

resources (Ballados, 2010). In the study entitled “Relationship Between the Level of

Knowledge and Solid Waste Management Practices of the Households in Brgy.

Banay-banay I” which was conducted by the project proponents, it was found that the

majority of the respondents, which comprise 47.2% of the total population, prefers

burning their solid wastes. However, according to the National Center for Atmospheric

Research (as cited by Lacurci, 2014), this practice of solid waste management emits

gases and particles that can substantially affect human health and the environment.

With the negative effects of waste burning, which is a dominant solid waste

management practice in Brgy. Banay-banay I Purok IV, San Jose, Batangas, the team

addressed the issue by proposing a product which would enable the households to

practice proper solid waste management. As students studying under the Science,

Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) strand, the team aimed to channel

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scientific research into engineering design. Aside from this, the team would also like to

contribute in achieving the interrelated sustainable development goals specifically Good

Health and Well-Being (Goal 3), Climate Action (Goal 13), and Life on Land (Goal 15)

through the proposed product. Moreover, by bringing effective and efficient real-world

solution to real-world problem such as poor solid waste management, the team would be

able to take steps in doing the Lasallian mission of building a society founded on

sustainable and inclusive development.

This study focused on addressing the issue of poor solid waste management, as

assessed through the research of the group entitled “The Relationship Between the Level

of Knowledge on Proper Waste Management and Household Solid Waste Management

Practices of Residents in Brgy. Banay-Banay I, Purok IV, San Jose, Batangas”. In line

with this, details of the proposed product were presented. Related research was also

included in this study to support the features of the product. Specifically, this study aimed

to address the following problems:

1. The majority of the residents in Barangay Banay-Banay I prefer burning their

waste. It was found out that 42.7% of the respondents practices incineration.

2. It was observed during the ocular visit that dry leaves comprise the largest

portion of wastes being burned.

These were the following objectives that the researchers would like to achieve:

1. To eliminate, if not, lessen the practice of waste burning.

2. To introduce the use of shredded dry leaves as an organic mulch.

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In this study, it was hypothesized that there is no significant difference between

soil with mulch and without mulch with plant height, number of leaves, flowers, bubot

and weeds as indicators.

Meanwhile, the scope of this study was to design and propose a product that

would enable the households of Brgy. Banay-Banay I Purok IV to practice proper solid

waste management. Findings from the study entitled “The Relationship Between the

Level of Knowledge on Proper Waste Management and Household Practices of Residents

in Brgy. Banay-Banay I Purok IV, San Jose, Batangas” was used as basis for addressing

the issue of poor solid waste management. Specifically, the study aimed to objectively

and rationally assess the feasibility of the proposed project for thirty-six households of

the barangay. However, the study did not cover the air quality analysis and related health

problems caused by waste burning which is an improper waste management. Aside from

this, since responses from thirty-six residents in Brgy. Banay-Banay I Purok IV was

considered as a basis for the poor waste management in the community, their responses

in surveys might not reflect the state of other areas. Hence, the conclusions of this study

were limited only to the samples and variables used.

In creating this project would be significant to De La Salle Lipa, as the project

proponents would be able to take steps in doing the Lasallian mission of building a

society founded on sustainable and inclusive development. Aside from this, the Senior

High School Community would be provided with knowledge of the existing problems in

the community. This could motivate them to think of real world solutions to real world

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problems and challenge them to start taking actions by channelling scientific research

into engineering design. In addition, this research would be beneficial to the barangay

officials, as the study could be used as basis in delivering services and designing a waste

management system for the community. Moreover, being the recipients of the project,

which could be implemented, the residents would be given the opportunity to live in an

eco-friendly and healthy environment. The research would also provide them with an

awareness that their community has poor solid waste management, which could have

adverse effects to their health and environment. This could challenge them to practice

proper solid waste management. Lastly, this study could serve as a guide for future

researchers in designing a similar project.

Terms were conceptually and operationally defined for better understanding of the

readers.

Bubot refers to the young small fruit (Depinisyon.com, 2018). In this study, the

number of bubot was used as one of the determinants of plant growth in the experiment to

be conducted.

Cycling ​refers to the activity of riding a bicycle (Oxford Living Dictionaries,

2018). In this study, cycling was used to refer to the act of using the pedal cranks

attached to the blades to shred dry leaves to turn it into an organic mulch.

Incineration ​is a waste treatment process that involves the combustion of organic

substances contained in waste materials (Knox, 2005). One of the simplest form of

incineration is burning piles of waste in an open space.

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Leaf ​refers to a flattened structure of a higher plant, typically green and blade-like,

that is attached to a stem (Oxford Living Dictionaries, 2018). In this study, the term was

used to refer to leaf wastes which are usually dry.

Mulch is defined as a material spread around or over a plant to enrich or insulate

the soil (Dictionary.com, 2018). This material is usually, but not exclusively, organic in

nature. It could be grass clippings, dry leaves, sawdust, or bark chips. In addition, the

process of mulching is used both in commercial crop production and in gardening, and

when applied correctly, can dramatically improve soil productivity (Kindersley, 2008).

Organic refers to a natural matter or compounds with a carbon base (Your

Dictionary, 2018). One example of an organic material is a leaf which is mainly

composed of carbons.

Pedal-powered leaf shredder ​is a simple machine that is used for cutting dry

leaves into small pieces. In this study, this machine is the proposed product of the

researchers to prevent leaf burning in the community.

Plant development ​is an overall term which refers to the various changes that

occur in a plant during its life cycle (Bareja, 2014). In this study, plant development was

measured by the number of flowers and fruits which the calamansi plant bore.

Plant growth is irreversible, quantitative increase in size, mass, and/or volume of a

plant or its parts (Bareja, 2014). In this study, plant growth was measured by the height of

the tallest stem of calamansi plant.

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2.0 Literature Review

Incineration

It was estimated by the Department of Science and Technology (as cited by Ong,

2015) that three billion metric tons of biomass such as wood, leaves, trees, grass, and

trash are being burned worldwide. This solid waste management practice, however, is

prohibited under Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act.

People found to violate this law will be penalized with imprisonment of one to 15 days

and a corresponding fine of P300 to P1,000. In this regard, it was estimated that biomass

burning produces 40 percent of the carbon dioxide, 32 percent of the carbon monoxide,

and 50 percent of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons which pose negative effects to public

health and the environment especially when released in great amount. First, too much

carbon dioxide can lead to global warming and the destruction of the ozone layer.

Meanwhile, when carbon monoxide binds to the hemoglobin in the red blood cells of a

person, it reduces the amount of oxygen in the blood. For this reason, when one is

exposed to large amounts of smoke, that person can collapse and die in a short span of

time. Patients with asthma, emphysema, lung disease, and heart disease are more

susceptible to the ill effects of leaf smoke (Ong, 2015).

In relation to the negative health impacts of waste incineration, the study of

Wielgosinski and Targaszwska (2014) found that pollutants generated in waste

incineration plants, as by-products of the thermal process are mainly heavy metals and

various volatile organic compounds. Results showed that adverse effects on the lungs and

kidneys and possible lung prostate cancer are sufficient with cadmium, skin inflammation

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and lung cancer for chrome and increased risk of lung and nose cancer and frequent

allergic reactions to nickel.

In addition, a critical review of epidemiologic studies was conducted by Hu and

Shy (2001) to enhance understanding of the potential health effects of this waste

management practice. In their study, health effects of waste incineration among

community residents showed some similar and some inconsistent results. It was observed

from the study of Elliott (1995) and Biggeri (1996) that a significant positive relation

with lung cancer incidence and laryngeal cancer deaths. Meanwhile, the study of

Michelozzi (1998) and Elliott (1992), found no excess in lung cancer incidence and

laryngeal cancer deaths with waste burning in the community. Similarly, results for the

association between incineration and reproductive effects were conflicting. In the study

of Lloyd (1998) higher frequency of twinning was found in the areas at most risk in, but

in the study conducted by Rydhstroen (1998), it was stated that the higher frequency of

twinning was not observed in municipalities with incinerators.

Mulching

According to ​Flannery and Flower (2016), ​using a leaf as a compost improves the

physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils. Leaf compost, however, is not

normally considered a fertilizer as it is too low in nutrient content. Leaf compost

primarily serves as an organic amendment and soil conditioner. Moreover, leaf compost

turns into mulch, a material that is placed on top of the soil to moderate its environment

and enhance the landscape. This organic mulch will decompose and needs to be replaced

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eventually, but in the meantime, it improves the fertility and organic content of soil. In

addition, mulches are valuable because they keep the soil friable, therefore easier to

cultivate. Mulches also reduce soil compaction from rain and irrigation water and reduce

rainfall runoff, thereby making more water available for plant growth. Furthermore, as

stated by Anzalone et. al. (2010) and Coolong (2010), mulches can provide weed control.

Weed seeds germinate, but eventually die because they lack adequate light. Loose

mulches, such as compost, manure, peat or gravel must be thick enough to block out

light. These only work when applied to weed-free soil, and in the case of manure and

compost must be well-rotted and weed-free themselves. Organic mulches have to be

topped up every couple of years, because they break down, themselves providing

excellent rooting conditions for blown-in weeds.

In addition to the benefits of using mulch, a study by Ni, Song, Zhang, Yang and

Wang (2016) determined the effects of mulching on the physical properties of soil. It

was found that turf grass used as mulch significantly increased soil moisture at the

0–5-cm depth, but had no effect on soil moisture at the 5–10-cm depth. Moreover, a study

conducted by Teame, Tsegay and Abrha (2017), found that organic mulches have effects

on sesame productivity and soil moisture conservation. According to the researchers,

conserved moisture due to mulch treatments had a positive role in sesame seedling as

compared to no mulch plots which had shown symptoms of water stress such as wilting

and leaf rolling. Another finding in the study of Teame et al. (2017) is that mulching

showed significant differences on plant height. The maximum plant height of 84 cm was

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measured under sesame straw mulch, whereas the lowest which was 54 cm was scored

under the plant without mulch on the surface of its soil.

A similar study conducted by Maggard​, Will, Hennessey, McKinley and Cole

(2010) determined the influence of having mulches on soil properties and its effect to

plant growth. It was proven that mulches increased plant growth and survival, maintained

greater soil moisture, suppressed weed growth, and moderated soil temperature. In

proving these benefits, an actual experiment was conducted by Maggard et al. (2010) to

test the increase of soil nutrients to some plants and trees like lantana, redbud trees,

shumard oak. In this study, mulch had a positive effect on soil moisture, especially during

drier periods. Thus, it was concluded that soils under organic mulch treatments contained

more moisture than other treatments during long periods without rainfall.

In addition, the study conducted by Jodaugiene, Pupaliene, Sinkeviciene and

Marcinkeviciene (2010) found out that the application of organic mulches as a soil cover

is effective in improving the quality of the soil and increasing crop yield. Their research

showed that organic mulches influenced the activity of urease a​ nd the grass mulch

significantly increased the activity of soil enzyme saccharase.

Similarly, in the study of Sales (2015) results showed that the use of organic

mulch in vineyards provides a range of benefits including soil moisture preservation,

increased vine growth and yield, improved nutrient status, improved soil structure,

decreased soil compaction, soil insulation from extreme temperatures, and weed control

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compared to cultivation. The study revealed that in-row mulch treatments maintained

higher soil moisture concentrations than those without mulch. Moreover, Sales (2015)

stated that the weed suppression and increased water retention observed in this study

could be advantageous to growers in hot or arid climates where supplemental irrigation is

required for production, and for those who wish to minimize the use of irrigation water.

Likewise, Prosdicimi (2016) stated in his study that among the soil conservation

practices that are being used, mulching has been successfully applied to reduce soil and

water losses in different contexts, such as agricultural lands, fire-affected areas,

rangelands and anthropic sites. Mulching with vegetative residues has been proven to be

an important global practice and it is used efficiently in different environments to reduce

soil and water losses.

Moreover, ​Qin​, Hu and Oenema (2015) stated in their study that ​mulching

significantly increased crop yields compared with no-mulching because it helps

moisturize the soil. Soil mulching reduces evaporation, modifies soil temperature and

thereby affects crop yields because crop yields are limited by water and nutrient

availability. The reported effects of mulching are sometimes contradictory, likely due to

differences in climatic conditions, soil characteristics, crop species, and also water and

nitrogen input levels. Qin et al. (2015) conducted an experiment which proved that soil,

mulching can significantly increase maize and wheat yields and thereby may contribute

to closing the yield gap between attainable and actual yields, especially in dry land and

low nutrient input agriculture.

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The theoretical basis of this paper was the Waste Management Theory, which was

introduced by Keiski, Pongrácz and Phillips (2004) to channel environmental sciences

into engineering design. This theory is a unified body of knowledge on waste and waste

management. It is founded on the expectation that the aim of waste management is to

prevent waste from causing harm to human health and the environment and promote

resource usage optimization.

In relation to the concept of waste, the constructed theory by Keiski et al. (2004)

presented the Classes of Waste by Pohjola and Pongrácz (1997) wherein four waste

classes had been defined as can be seen in the Table 1.

Table 1. Classes of waste by Pongrácz and Pohjola (as cited by Keiski et al., 2004)

Class 1 Non-wanted things, created not intended, or not avoided, with no purpose.

Class 2 Things that were given a finite purpose, thus destined to become useless
after fulfilling it.
Class 3 Things with well-defined purpose, but their performance ceased being
acceptable due to a flaw in their Structure or State.
Class 4 Things with well-defined purpose, and acceptable performance, but their
users failed to use them for their intended purpose.

Since the study dealt with solid waste management, the constructed theory which

presents the classes of waste was used to determine the type of waste the researchers

aimed to address. With this, using the table presented above, it was identified that leaf

wastes which the researchers aimed to manage is under Class 1. This is for the reason

that dry leaves are wastes which cannot be avoided since it is natural for trees to shed

their leaves.

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ASince the study dealt with solid waste management, the constructed theory

which presents the classes of waste was used to determine the type of waste the

researchers aimed to address. With this, using the table presented above, it was identified

that leaf wastes which the researchers aimed to manage is under Class 1. This is for the

reason that dry leaves are wastes which cannot be avoided since it is natural for trees to

shed their leaves.

side from the concept of waste, it was also presented in the aforementioned theory

that one of the principal goals of waste management is the prevention of waste creation

which corresponds to the Industrial Ecology principles. Moving towards waste

minimization, the Industrial Ecology principles require the industrial firm to commit

itself to increasing the proportion of non-waste leaving the process. For instance, if the

principles were to be applied in manufacturing, the industrial design and manufacturing

processes should be considered in partnership with the environment (Graedel & Allenby

1995, as cited by Keiski et al. 2004). Since this conservation of resources being reflected

in the Industrial Ecology principles is what sustainable waste management needs to grow

into, the Waste Management Theory was constructed under the paradigm of Industrial

Ecology.

Consequently, the Theory of Waste Management is based on the considerations

that waste management is to prevent waste from causing harm to human health and the

environment, and that the application of waste management leads to conservation of

resources. Moreover, the aforementioned theory was built upon the principles of

Industrial Ecology, as it focuses on manufacturing, and the design of processes and

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products of firms, from a view point of product competitiveness and interaction with the

environment.

3.0 Operational Framework

Figure 1. Operational framework

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The figure shows the input - process - output paradigm which was used in the

study. As can be seen, observation from the ocular visit and survey result in the proper

waste management practices and list of materials served as the initial data in creating the

product. In addition, since an experimental research was conducted, the independent,

dependent and constant variables used in the product testing were included in the input.

Prior to the product testing, which was conducted to determine the number of turns it

would take to shred a certain amount of dry leaves, the independent variable was the

design of the blades while the dependent variable was the number of turns it took to shred

dry leaves. Meanwhile, the amount of dry leaves and person who operated the product

were kept constant. As for the experiment to be conducted, the presence of mulch in one

of the potted plants served as the independent variable. As for the dependent variables,

the growth and development of plant and number of weeds that sprouted on each pot was

measured in the experiment. Meanwhile, the variables which were kept constant include

the amount and frequency in watering the plants, type of soil and the amount of sunlight

received by the pants. As for the process, research was made to support the features of

the product Pedal-powered Leaf Shredder. Then, a low-fidelity prototype which is the

three-dimensional model of the product and high-fidelity prototype which is the actual

product were made. After that, the team conducted product testing to ensure the

feasibility of the product. Lastly, data gathered from the product testing were interpreted

and analyzed.

4.0 Methods and Project Details

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The researchers conducted an ocular visit in Brgy. Banay-Banay I Purok IV, San

Jose, Batangas to assess the needs of the community. After it was found out that solid

waste management is one of the existing social issues being faced by the residents, the

researchers returned to Brgy. Banay-Banay I and asked thirty-six respondents to answer a

survey regarding their household solid waste management practices. In conducting these

activities, ethical considerations required by De La Salle Lipa were observed by the

researchers. As the needs of the community were assessed, the researchers conducted

several consultations regarding their proposed product- Pedal-powered Leaf Shredder.

Product Feasibility Test

In this study, the researchers tested the feasibility of the product Pedal-powered

Leaf Shredder, as well as the feasibility of the output of the product which is shredded

dry leaves. Through the help of their research mentor and work immersion adviser, ​the

researchers conducted trials of prototype testing to determine the number of turns it

would take to shred dry leaves using the proposed product. Meanwhile, an experiment on

the output of the product was performed with the help of their research adviser to

determine if differences exists between soil with mulch and without mulch.

In doing the product feasibility testing, one paper bag of dry leaves weighing .310

grams were shredded for every trial. Aside from this, the same person operated the

shredder for the three trials. These variables were kept constant to yield meaningful

outcomes. The results of the first set of trial are presented on the succeeding page.

Table 2. Number of turns it took to shred dry leaves during the first product testing

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First Product Testing Number of Turns

Trial 1 102

Trial 2 89

Trial 3 97

Average 96

On the first set of trial of product feasibility testing, it took an average of 96 turns

to shred a certain amount of dry leaves. During the first product testing, it was observed

that the tendency of more dry leaves in the feeder is to slip through the spaces between

the blades even if these dry leaves were not yet shredded. With that, dry leaves which

were not shredded but slipped through the blades were returned inside the feeder to be

shredded once again, thus increasing the number of turns. Presented below is the first

proposed design of the blades.

Figure 2. First proposed design of the blades

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As the prototype did not fully met one of the proposed features of the product

which is its capability to reduce human effort in cutting dry leaves into smaller pieces, it

was considered inefficient. Thus, the design of the proposed product had to be changed,

particularly in the design of the blades for improvement. Since the design had to be

changed, another product testing was needed.

Consecutively, an experiment on the expected output of the product which is an

organic mulch was performed by the researchers to determine if there is a significant

difference between soil with and without mulch. In conducting the experiment, different

criteria were considered and certain procedures approved by the research adviser were

followed. The said criteria which were considered in performing the mulch experiment

and schematic diagram of the experiment are presented below.

Figure 3. Setup of the experiment on the presence of leaf mulch on soil

In conducting the experiment, the three criteria- random assignment, control and

experimental group, and appropriate outcomes- were considered in planning for the

experimental procedures to be followed. In considering the first criteria, two potted plants

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of the same kind were the subjects of the study. These test subjects were then randomly

assigned to be the experimental or control setup. In the experiment conducted, the potted

plant with mulch served as the experimental setup while the plant without mulch served

as the control setup. For the second criteria, the independent variable was the presence of

mulch on the surface of the soil in the pot of plant. Meanwhile, to keep other factors

constant, both plants were placed in the same setting to eliminate, if not, minimize any

variation in temperature, lighting, pests, wind and other environmental factors. Aside

from this, all plants received the same amount of water at the same time. In conducting

the experiment, each potted plant received 350 ml of water every 6:00 in the morning.

For the last criteria, the growth and development of plants, as well as the number of

weeds that sprouted on each pot were measured in the experiment. In determining the

plant growth, the height of the tallest stem of the plant was measured in centimeter.

Meanwhile, in measuring the plant development, indicators such as the number of leaves,

flowers and bubot (young fruits) that sprouted during the course of the experiment were

used.

As for the sampling design, convenience sampling was applied in the study. This

type of non-probability sampling relies on data collection using subjects which are

conveniently available. Prior to the experimental research conducted, the subjects were

calamansi plants as these were conveniently available to the researchers. Moreover, this

kind of plant, represented the characteristics needed in the study as it can grow quickly

and can be planted in pots. It is important to take note that the researchers were only

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given limited time to administer data collection from the subjects of the study, thus,

convenience sampling was applied.

For the collection of data, the research tool used was the observation table created

by the researchers. Included in this table was the day when the measurements were

recorded, the identification of each potted plant with mulch (Pot B) and without mulch

(Pot A), and lastly the height of the plant and the number of leaves, flowers, bubot, and

weeds which were measured. The observation table used by the researchers to record data

during the course of the experiment is presented below.

Table 3. Data gathered during the first experiment on the presence of mulch

Date Height of the Number of Number of Number of Number

(2018) plant leaves flowers bubot of
(in centimeters) weeds

Pot A B A B A B A B A B

Week 1 36 36 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
(March 10)

Week 2 36.02 36 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0
(March 17)

Week 3 36.02 36.03 4 5 4 0 0 0 3 0

(March 24)

Week 4 36.02 36.03 4 9 9 6 0 0 7 0

(March 31)

Week 5 36.05 36.08 7 9 5 6 7 0 7 0

(April 7)

Week 6 36.06 36.08 7 9 8 4 7 5 10 0

(April 14)

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With the help of their research adviser, the researchers then tabulated and

processed the gathered data using a spreadsheet application. Specifically, the researchers

employed the mean and t-test as statistical tools for valid and reliable interpretation of

data. The mean is the sum of all the values in the data set divided by the number of values

in the data set. Since the study dealt with a large data set, the mean was useful in

representing the entire data set with a single value that describes the average value of the

entire set. In this study, the sum of all the values in a data set characterized by different

indicators was divided by the number of weeks these measurements were recorded.

T-test, on the other hand, was used to determine whether the means of two groups are

statistically different from one another. When t-test was applied, the probability value or

p-value was automatically generated using the spreadsheet. This value was used to

determine if there is a significant difference between the data gathered from the potted

plant with mulch and without mulch. The computed mean of the gathered data from

every indicator, as well as the results from the t-test and its interpretation are presented on

the succeeding page.

Table 4. Difference between soil with mulch and without mulch during the first

experiment

Indicators Mean p-value Interpretation

Pot A Pot B
(without mulch) (with mulch)
Plant height 30.03 36.04 0.33 Not significant

Number of leaves 3.67 6.17 0.03 Significant

Number of flowers 4.33 2.67 0.13 Not significant

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Number of bubot 2.33 0.83 0.25 Not significant

Number of weeds 4.50 0 0.04 Significant

Data in Table 3 shows that there is a significant difference between soil with

mulch and without mulch in terms of the number of leaves and number of weeds. This

verbal interpretation is attributed by the 0.03 and 0.04 p-value respectively, which both

indicate a significant difference when the 0.05 significance level was applied. On the

other hand, it was found out that there is no significant difference between soil with

mulch and without mulch in terms of plant height, number of flowers and number of

bubot. These interpretations were attributed by each p-value which is greater than the

0.05 significance level.

With these results, the hypothesis that there is no significant difference between

soil with mulch and without mulch in terms of the number of leaves and weeds is

rejected. Meanwhile, the hypothesis is accepted in terms of plant height, number of

flowers and the number of bubot since it was found out that there is no significant

difference between soil with mulch and without mulch based on the results from the

aforementioned indicators.

In relation, some of the significant findings were similar while others were

contrary to the findings of different related studies. In the study conducted by Teame et

al. (2017) on the effect of mulching on soil moisture content during their thirty days of

experiment, it was found out that soil moisture conserved by the mulching treatment was

vital for a number of leaves, other growth parameters while the lowest soil moisture

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conserved by bare plots was responsible for poor growth performance. This result

supports the findings of this study wherein it was found out that there is a significant

difference between soil with mulch and without mulch with plant height as the indicator.

Since the number of newly-grown leaves in Pot B (with mulch) is greater than that of the

plant in Pot A (without mulch) with a mean of 6.17 and 3.67 respectively, it can be

concluded that soil under organic mulching treatment is essential in increasing the

number of leaves. In the same light, the findings of this study that there is a significant

difference on the number of weeds that grew on soil with mulch and without mulch is

supported by the study of Anzalone et. al. (2010) and Coolong (2010). In their study, it

was found out that mulches can provide weed control. According to their study, weed

seeds germinate, but eventually die because they lack adequate light. Since mulches

cover the soil and block out sunlight, it provides weed control. This benefit of mulch is

reflected in the results of the study wherein no weeds grew on Pot B (with mulch) during

the course of the experiment.

On the other hand, the findings of this study that there is no significant difference

between soil with mulch and without mulch with plant height, number of flowers and the

number of bubot as indicators is contrary to the findings of various studies. In the study

of Teame et al. (2017) mulching showed significant differences on plant height. The

maximum plant height of 84 cm was measured under sesame straw mulch, whereas the

lowest which was 54 cm was scored under the plant without mulch on the surface of its

soil. Meanwhile, the study conducted by Teame, Tsegay and Abrha (2017) found that

organic mulches have effects on sesame productivity and soil moisture conservation.

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According to the researchers, conserved moisture due to mulch treatments had a positive

role in sesame seedling as compared to plots without mulch. Moreover, ​Qin​, Hu and

Oenema (2015) stated in their study that ​mulching significantly increased crop yields

compared with no-mulching because it helps moisturize the soil. Soil mulching reduces

evaporation, modifies soil temperature and thereby affects crop yields because crop

yields are limited by water and nutrient availability.

Design and Set-Up

The proposed product Pedal -powered Leaf Shredder had undergone a certain

process as suggested by the needs that the researchers had initially assessed and also by

the results they gathered from the prototype testing. Accordingly, this product is

supposed to shred dry leaves in a faster and easier way to promote the use of shredded

dry leaves as an organic mulch. Since the researchers aimed to reduce the practice of leaf

burning, they wanted to introduce organic mulching as an alternative way to manage leaf

wastes.

As the researchers were able to seek and complete all the required and suggested

materials for the Pedal-powered Leaf Shredder, the researchers looked for a machine

shop that could create the product since it requires welding skills which the researchers

do not have. Despite that, the researchers still visited the machine shop during the making

of the product to explain the design and guide the laborer. The three-dimensional model

of the product is presented on the succeeding page.

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Figure 4. Pedal powered Leaf Shredder Model

Pedal-powered Leaf Shredder is a simple machine which can allow the

households to grind large piles of dry leaves. Unlike other shredders, this product is fully

mechanical and avoids the use of electricity making it environmentally-friendly. Since

the legs are doing the work, its efficiency can be maximized more as compared to manual

shredders. The final output is presented on the succeeding page.

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Figure 5. Pedal powered Leaf Shredder

Inside this simple machine, there are two cutting wheels that will shred the

organic material. Bicycle cranks from an old bike are then connected to the cutting drum

wheel, directly driving the unit. Dry leaves which are fed into the top will be shredded

and spit out from the bottom. The end result can be used as an organic mulch to put on

the surface of the soil.

Product Testing

As the creation of the product was completed, further testing was done

consecutively to ensure the effectiveness of the research output. Another product testing

for determining the number of turns it would take to shred a certain amount of dry leaves

and experiment on the presence of mulch were then performed. The gathered results were

then analyzed and compared with results from previous testing.

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With the changed design of the blades, another product testing was conducted.

Same procedures from the previous testing were followed. In performing the final

product testing , 0.310 grams of dry leaves were shredded for every trial. Also, the same

person operated the shredder for the three trials.The results of the first and final sets of

trial are presented below.

Table 5. Number of turns it took to shred dry leaves during the first and
final product testing

Product Testing Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3 Average

First Product Testing 102 89 97 96

Final Product Testing 38 56 42 45

On the first set of trial of product feasibility testing, it took an average of 96 turns

to shred a certain amount of dry leaves. With this result, it was analyzed that the

numerous turns needed to shred dry leaves was attributed by the large spaces between the

blades. Meanwhile, it can be seen from the results of the final product testing that it only

took an average of 45 turns to shred 0.310 grams of dry leaves. This result was attributed

by the changed design of the product wherein the blades were more compressed, thus not

allowing the unshredded dry leaves to slip through the spaces.

Consecutively, another experiment on the presence of mulch was conducted to

verify the results from the previous experiment. In performing the experiment, same

procedures were followed. The observation table used by the researchers to record data

during the course of the experiment is presented on the succeeding page.

Table 6. Data gathered during the final experiment on the presence of mulch

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Date Height of the Number of Number of Number of Number of

(2018) plant leaves flowers bubot weeds
(in
centimeters)

Pot A B A B A B A B A B

March 34 34 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
24

March 34.25 34.10 0 0 4 6 0 0 0 0

31

April 7 34.45 34.15 0 0 4 6 0 0 4 0

April 14 34.45 34.20 0 0 7 10 4 5 7 0

Similar to the statistical tools used in the results gathered from the first

experiment, mean and T-test were utilized in treating the data. The computed mean of the

data from every indicator, as well as the results from the t-test and its interpretation are

presented below.

Table 7. Difference between soil with mulch and without mulch during the final

experiment

Indicators Mean p-value Interpretation

Pot A Pot B
(without mulch) (with mulch)

Plant height 34.2875 34.1125 0.08 Not significant

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Number of leaves 0 0 0 Significant

Number of flowers 3.75 5.5 0.07 Not significant

Number of bubot 1 1.25 0.39 Not significant

Number of weeds 2.75 0 0.20 Not significant

Data in Table 7 shows that there is a significant difference between soil with

mulch and without mulch in terms of the number of leaves. This verbal interpretation is

attributed by the 0 p-value which indicates a significant difference when the 0.05

significance level was applied. On the other hand, it was found out that there is no

significant difference between soil with mulch and without mulch in terms of plant

height, number of flowers, bubot, and weeds. These interpretations were attributed by

each p-value which is greater than the 0.05 significance level.

Comparing these results with that of Table 4 which shows the difference between

soil with mulch and without mulch during the first experiment, it can be observed that

same verbal interpretations were obtained except by one of the indicators which is the

number of weeds. In the first experiment, it was found out that there is a significant

difference bet between soil with mulch and without mulch with the number of weeds as

the indicator. However, in the final experiment, it was found out that there is no

significant difference. This result might be attributed by the lesser number of weeks the

final experiment was conducted due to limited time. However, it is important to take note

that each pot with mulch in the first and final experiment are similar in terms of the mean

value since no weeds sprouted on both pots.

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Maintenance

It is important to have proper care and routine maintenance on the product

Pedal-powered Leaf Shredder to ensure its longevity and avoid permanent damage.

Hence, it is advised to lubricate the blades of the shredder at least once a month. By

keeping the blades oiled, minimal friction is ensured and the performance of the shredder

is optimized. Aside from the blades of the shredder, the plastic gears should also be

lubricated. However, after a few weeks of lubrication, there might be bulks of oil remain.

To dissolve the old lubrication., alcohol applied with a cloth can be used. In addition, it

is also advised to clean the shredder regularly depending on how often the shredder is

being used. Dry leaves stuck on the blades must be removed by using a stick. In cleaning

the blades, bare hands should not be used to ensure safety. Lastly, it is important to take

note that the product is made to shred dry leaves only, thus shredding food wastes,

plastic wrappers and other kind of wastes must be avoided to avoid damage and ensure

optimal performance of the product.

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