College of Agriculture and Fisheries

Eastern Samar State University

Brgy. Maypangdan, Borongan City, Eastern Samar

Name: Score:

Course & Year: Date:

Exercise No. 1

Ecosystem In a Bottle

An ecosystem is defined as a specific area in which biotic, living organisms interact with one another and their

abiotic, non-living surroundings. Plants, animals, fungi, bacteria, and viruses are all biotic members of an ecosystem.

Water, soil, air, light, and temperature are all abiotic components of an ecosystem (Jerrett, 2019). Building an

ecosystem at home is fulfilling and it can add beauty to anyone’s home. A self-sustaining ecosystem is an ecological

system in which energy and material flow from living organisms to non-living resources and back to living organisms.

The organisms of an ecosystem transfer this energy and material through a process known as metabolism (Electric,

2022).

Moreover, A self-sustaining ecosystem is a miniature ecosystem contained in a jar or other transparent

container. Consider it like having a diverse little fish tank that you don't have to add anything to or feed because it

takes care of everything. All it requires is light. Self-sustaining ecosystem terrariums can be terrestrial, aquatic, or a

combination of the two, known as a paludarium (Jerrett, 2019).

Rationale

This activity, Build an Ecosystem aims to provide insights to students to how make a small ecosystem at home

and understands how an ecosystem works even at small space. This will broaden the mind of students to have a clear

view of how the relationship between living and non-living things function together in an ecosystem.

Objectives

This activity aims the student to succeed in creating a self-sustaining ecosystem and could acquire new

knowledge about ecology and this will answer the following objectives:
 1. The student must build a self-sustaining ecosystem.

2. The student must describe its experience on making the self-sustaining ecosystem.

3. The student must understand how living organisms and non-living organisms work together in a self-sustaining

ecosystem through observation three days after building the ecosystem.

Procedure

For your ecosystem in a bottle project, you'll want to use simple elements that allow you to observe your biome

with little interference or interaction. The following procedures should be follow:

1. You'll need a clear container to use for your terrarium that you can seal with a lid to contain the moisture.

2. As for your plants, moss provides the best option for low-maintenance care for an ecosystem in a bottle. It

requires little soil and does well in shaded environments.

3. Before you begin adding your moss, it's important that you provide somewhere for the water to drain.

4. You should assemble a layer of small rocks, stones or pebbles across the bottom of your jar. The excess water

in the jar will drain down through the rocks.

5. For the most surface area, carefully lay your jar on its side rather than standing it upright.

6. Even though most moss doesn't need soil to grow, you will still want to add some soil across the top of your

rock layer. This will create an even surface area in your ecosystem in a bottle. If possible, use soil as close

as possible to the location you collect your moss. This soil should have the ideal pH and nutrients to benefit

the species of moss that was growing there.

7. You can collect and arrange a number of different moss species for your biome in a bottle. Some examples

of moss varieties that you might find include the bright green, soft and springy pincushion moss, the fern-like

plume moss or the long and fluffy shaggy moss. Using several different types of moss helps add variety to

your ecosystem in a bottle.

8. Before arranging your moss, you should ensure it has plenty of moisture. This will be the source of water for

your biome in a bottle. Gently dip each chunk of moss into a small dish of water, and then allow the excess

water to drain off.

9. Place your moss in a single layer over your base of rocks and soil.

10. You should provide a few additional surfaces for your moss to expand and grow onto, such as one or two

good-sized rocks or stones.

11. In addition to these elements, you can also add other natural decorations and surfaces for your moss to grow

on, such as small bits of logs or sticks.

References

Jerrett, A. (2019, November 22). How to make a self-sustaining ecosystem. Sciencing. Retrieved January 29, 2023,
from https://sciencing.com/make-selfsustaining-ecosystem-6098416.html

Electric, S. (2022, November 11). Components of a self-sustaining ecosystem. Schneider Electric Blog. Retrieved
January 29, 2023, from https://blog.se.com/sustainability/2022/11/07/components-of-a-self-sustaining-
ecosystem/
 College of Agriculture and Fisheries

Eastern Samar State University

Brgy. Maypangdan, Borongan City, Eastern Samar

Name: Score:

Course & Year: Date:

Exercise No. 2

Seed Germination

Seed germination determines continuous plant production necessary for human survival with regards to the

supply of medicinal plants, feed for animal grazing, and food security. The propagation of some plants is only possible

by seed, and if they are difficult to germinate, this threatens their continuous existence. While some seeds remain in

the soil until favorable weather conditions stimulate germination, other seeds do not germinate because of physical

seed dormancy or poor seedling vigor. Fire and fire cues can stimulate seed germination by initiating the physical

and/or physiological processes needed to break seed dormancy which led to seed germination (Staden, et al., 2021).

Rationale

This activity aims to provide knowledge about seed germination and how it relates to ecology. The purpose of

this experiment is to test the differences of the seed germination process according to different temperatures. This

experiment is significant so that individuals get a better knowledge and understanding of how temperature affects the

process of seed germination.

Objectives

The following are the objectives of seed germination tests that needs to aim by the students:

1. Review and observe seed germination test every day and discuss your observation.

2. Discuss how temperature affects in seed germination tests.

3. Demonstrate the importance of a favorable temperature range for successful germination to take place.

Procedure

To investigate the effect of temperature on germination. Temperature and in certain cases light and dark

periods are important extrinsic factors that affect germination. In this experiment, we’ll be investigating the effect of

temperature on seed germination.

For this experiment, we’ll need the following:

• 3 identical petri dishes

• Filter papers or cotton pads

• Pre-soaked seeds

To begin the experiment,

1. Take the 3 petri dishes and label them 1,2, and 3

2. Place a layers of filter paper or cotton pads in the 3 dishes and wet them with water.

3. Place equal amounts of presoaked seeds in all the 3 dishes.

4. Place petri dish 1 at 4° celsius by keeping it the fridge.

5. Place the second dish at room temperature.

6. Place petri dish 3 at about 35 degrees by keeping it inside an oven or in a constantly warm place

7. Leave the dishes in these temperature conditions for a few days.

8. After a few days’ time, observe the dishes to check for signs of germination or the lack thereof.

9. You’ll find that temperature extremes do not favor germination, as plates 1 and 3 show little or no signs of

germination. In plate 2 however, the seeds being exposed to a favorable temperature began germination. This

is evident from the appearance of young shoots and roots in the seeds in dish .2

Reference

Staden, J.V. and Fajinmi, O.O. (2021) Biostimulants for crops from seed germination to plant development,
ScienceDirect. Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/book/9780128230480/biostimulants-for-crops-from-
seed-germination-to-plant-development (Accessed: February 5, 2023).
 College of Agriculture and Fisheries

Eastern Samar State University

Brgy. Maypangdan, Borongan City, Eastern Samar

Name: Score:

Course & Year: Date:

Exercise No. 3

Plant Growth and Light Quality

Plant growth could be defined as the increasing of plant volume and/or mass with or without formation of new

structures such as organs, tissues, cells or cell organelles. Growth is usually associated with development (cell and

tissue specialization) and reproduction (production of new individuals), (Brukhin, et al., 2011).

On the other hand, light quality greatly affects how photosynthesis works in plants. For some instance, blue light

and red light can promote the opening of stomata, while the green light can close stomata. Blue light can improve the

development of chloroplast, complex light of red, blue and green lights can expand leaf area, and red light can increase

the accumulation of photosynthesis production (Zheng, 2008).

Rationale

This activity, Plant Growth and Light quality, aims to provide knowledge to the students on how light quality

affects plant growth. Whereas, all plants require light for photosynthesis, the process within a plant that converts light,

oxygen and water into carbohydrates (energy). Plants require this energy in order to grow, bloom and produce seed.

Without adequate light, carbohydrates cannot be manufactured, the energy reserves are depleted and plants die.

Objectives

The student must be able to accomplish the following objectives at the end of the laboratory exercise.

1. To distinguish between any growth differences of the two plants grown under different colored lights.

2. Identify the relationship between good lighting and good plant growth.

Procedure

To start with exercise, you’ll need the following materials:

1. Herbaceous plants with large leaves: coleus, geraniums

2. Blue or red transparent cellophane, and green cellophane.

 Procedure proper:

1. Make two tents out of blue or red, and one of green cellophane that will fit easily over plant and pot.

2. Place the tents over the plants, cutting holes in the cellophane below the leaf level for ventilation.

3. Care for all three plants in exactly the same manner (water, exposure to light, fertilizer, and so forth)

4. At the end of two weeks, lift the tents and record your observations.

5. At the end of one month, lift the tents and write a report on the differences you noted between the slant growth

under green light and the other two.

Discussion

1. Which light color produced the best plant growth?

2. B. Why is light quality important for plant growth?

3. C. Which is more important, light quality or soil fertility, for good plant growth? Explain.

References

Brukhin, V. and Morozova, N. (2011) Plant Growth and development - basic knowledge and current views, Plant Growth and
Development. Available at: https://www.mmnp-journal.org/articles/mmnp/pdf/2011/02/mmnp201162p1.pdf (Accessed:
February 10, 2023).

YP;, Z.J.H.M.J.G. (2008) [regulation of photosynthesis by light quality and its mechanism in plants], Ying yong sheng tai xue
bao = The journal of applied ecology. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Available at:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18839928/#:~:text=Blue%20light%20and%20red%20light,the%20accumulation%20of
%20photosynthesis%20production. (Accessed: February 10, 2023).
 College of Agriculture and Fisheries

Eastern Samar State University

Brgy. Maypangdan, Borongan City, Eastern Samar

Name: Score:

Course & Year: Date:

Exercise No. 4

Preparing a Compost

Compost is a mixture of ingredients used as plant fertilizer and to improve soil's physical, chemical and

biological properties. It is commonly prepared by decomposing plant, food waste, recycling organic materials and

manure (Wikipedia, 2023).

Composting is the natural process of recycling organic matter, such as leaves and food scraps, into a valuable

fertilizer that can enrich soil and plants. Anything that grows decomposes eventually; composting simply speeds up

the process by providing an ideal environment for bacteria, fungi, and other decomposing organisms (such as worms,

sowbugs, and nematodes) to do their work. The resulting decomposed matter, which often ends up looking like fertile

garden soil, is called compost. Fondly referred to by farmers as “black gold,” compost is rich in nutrients and can be

used for gardening, horticulture, and agriculture (Hu, 2021).

Rationale

The activity, Preparing a compost, aims to provide knowledge to the students on how to make and prepare a

compost. It enables the student to increase their knowledge in compost making. This will broaden the minds of

students on how to have the best alternative choice of using fertilizer by making their own compost.

Objectives

1. To prepare compost given a compost bin, tools and organic materials.

2. Alternate the layers of organic material keeping the surfaces of the top layer flat or slightly concave.

3. To understand how a compost pile works.

Procedure

To start with the activity, you’ll need the following materials:

1. Pitchfork
 2. Water hose

3. Compost bin

4. Ruler

Procedure proper:

1. Add 6 inches of organic material to bin.

2. Add 2 inches of top soil.

3. Add lime and a complete fertilizer.

4. Wet materials.

5. Repeat steps 1-4 until desired compost depth is reached (generally 3-5 feet).

6. Mix the materials frequently.

7. Cap the compost pile with a layer of soil.

8. Leave a slight d depression in the center of the pile to collect water.

Discussion

1. What role does the fertilizer play in the compost pile?

2. In what ways does the addition of compost to the garden help the soil?

References

Wikipedia, (2023) Compost, Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation. Available at:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compost#:~:text=Compost%20is%20a%20mixture%20of,recycling%20organic%20materia
ls%20and%20manure. (Accessed: February 10, 2023).

Hu, S. (2021) Composting 101, NRDC. Available at: https://www.nrdc.org/stories/composting-101 (Accessed: February 10,
2023).
 College of Agriculture and Fisheries

Eastern Samar State University

Brgy. Maypangdan, Borongan City, Eastern Samar

Name: Score:

Course & Year: Date:

Exercise No. 5

Composting

Composting is the process in which organic matter such as leaves and food scraps breaks down into soil. It is

an excellent method to recycle waste from your yard and kitchen while also enriching the soil in your garden, enhancing

its ability to retain water, and preventing erosion. Composting, despite its intimidating reputation, is actually rather

easy to do and can be a very satisfying hobby especially if you enjoy gardening and care about the environment. You’ll

be surprised at just how simple it is to compost, even in small spaces. It can also teach you what you can drop off at

your local composting center instead (Planet Natural, 2023).

Rationale

The exercise, Composting, will help the student understand how easy it is to make a compost. It’ll make them

realize how important composting is to environment. Moreover, compost improves soil properties, provides nutrients

in a stable organic form, increases plant growth and health, and conserves water. Mulch reduces weed germination,

moderates soil temperature, and conserves water.

Objectives

The activity, Composting, aims to bring knowledge to the student by answering the following objectives:

How can composting improves the structure and health of your soil by adding organic matter?

How can composting helps the soil retain moisture and nutrients?

How does composting help reduces the potential of soil erosion?

Procedure

To start the making of compost, you’ll need the following materials:

1. Clear plastic bottle (pop bottle)

2. 1 cup of fruit, vegetables, and other organic food waste from the kitchen
3. 1 cup of leaves or grass clippings

4. 1 cup of shredded paper

5. 5 cups of potting soil

6. 1 or 2 cups of water

7. Tape

8. Scissors or sharp object

9. Permanent marker

10. 3 paper plates

11. 1 large bowl

12. 1 measuring cup

13. 1 spoon or cup

Procedure proper:

1. Measure three inches down from the top of the clear plastic pop bottle and draw a line using a marker. With

help from an adult, cut the pop bottle (on the line) so that the top can be removed. Once cut, clean the plastic

pop bottle.

2. Organize the materials to create the composting bottle. Place the organic food items, shredded paper, and

leaves on separate plates. Fill a container with roughly five cups of potting soil.

3. Layer the soil, leaves, paper and organic materials in the clear plastic bottle.

Layer the items as follows:

a. A layer of soil

b. A thin layer of organic food matter

c. Another layer of soil

d. A thin layer of shredded paper

e. Another layer of soil

f. A thin layer of leaves and/or grass clippings

g. A layer of soil

4. Moisten the soil with one to two cups of water. Make sure that the water saturates each layer of the

composting bottle all the way down to the bottom of the bottle.
 5. Place the top of the bottle back on the layered base and tape the bottle closed. The bottle must be airtight for

the composting to take place.

6. Using a permanent marker, label each layer of the composting bottle and also mark the top of the soil level.

7. Place the composting bottle in a sunny location (direct sunlight is needed for most of the day).

8. Once a week, observe the composting bottle and take scientific notes to track the decomposing levels. Make

observations for three weeks. Note: If the soil begins to dry, add water to moisten.

9. After three weeks of observation and note-taking, open the bottle and examine the compost. Dump the

contents out and examine the soil.

Discussion

1. Vary the organic materials placed in the composting bottle. Do different organic food materials decompose at

different rates?

2. Does a composting bottle work better during warmer months? Create a composting container in the winter or

cooler months and one during the summer. Are the results the same?

Reference

Natural, P. (2023) What is compost?, Planet Natural. Available at: https://www.planetnatural.com/composting-

101/soil-science/what-is-compost/ (Accessed: February 11, 2023).