Production of Bioorganic Liquid Fertilizer from Rabbit Manure and Carbonized Rice

Hull Mixture

A Research Paper

Presented to

The Senior High School Faculty of

DR. CECILIO PUTONG NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

Tagbilaran City

In Partial Fulfillment

Of the Requirements for the Academic Track

SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY ENGINEERING MATHEMATICS

RUBILLAR, NIGEL ANNE P.

RUBILLAR, TYRA LYNNE P.
CULGUE, JOANNA D.
AVERGONZADO, ANJELA S.
AROJADO, CLINT N.

MARCH, 2023
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

As grade 12 senior high school students conducting a research study, we would like to

take this opportunity to offer our sincere gratitude to everyone who helped us.

We, the researchers, would like to express our sincere gratitude to Ms. Roxanne Marie

Lomotos, our research adviser, for her valuable time, for providing answers to our never-

ending questions and also patiently correcting our grammatical mistakes. We have been able

to pursue the completion of our research paper because of her ongoing supervision and

counsel.

To Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School, we would like to express our gratitude for

enabling us to use and utilize the necessary equipment needed to conduct our study. And

also for inspiring us, the students, in expanding our knowledge and research expertise.

To our ever-supportive family, we would like to thank your unceasing support and

assistance in the financial needs of our study, as well as for serving as a source of support

and encouragement.

To our group mates who never gave up on making this study despite our hectic

schedule , loaded activities and sleepless nights.

And above all, praise and appreciation to our God, the Almighty, for providing us with

power, guidance, knowledge and for pouring out his wisdom, goodness, and bountiful

blessings in every steps we take and hardships we encounter in life.

 ABSTRACT

Organic fertilizer has the ability to activate nutrients in the substrate, improve the
physical and chemical properties of the soil, promote nutrient absorption by plants,
increase nutrient content, provide nutrients required for dry matter accumulation, and
promote vegetative and reproductive growth. This study aims to prove that the
collection of rabbit manure from the rabbit farm and the collection of rice hulls from the
composting area and processing it into bioorganic liquid fertilizer results in the
characteristics of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) crops such as height and number of leaves.
Bioorganic liquid fertilizer from the mixture of rice hull and rabbit manure can be a
substitute for commercial fertilizers that enhances soil quality and biological properties
of the plant. Thus, this study intends to suggest the implementation and use of rabbit
manure and carbonized rice hull as bioorganic liquid fertilizer that is as competitive as
commercial quality fertilizer. Bioorganic liquid fertilizer not only increases the
bioorganic fertility of the crops but also accelerates their maturation and nutrient
quality. Thus, the study also aimed to provide a new and efficient way of treating plants
as fertilizers that will improve the yield and growth of plant production in specifications
of the study which is the lettuce plant (Lactuca sativa). In this study, 500 grams of
carbonized rice hull (CRH) and 500 grams of rabbit manure are being utilized.
Fermentation is employed in the production of bioorganic liquid fertilizer. The produced
bioorganic liquid fertilizer was included as one of the treatments to be used in the study
to observe the growth of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and compared against the
performance of commercial liquid fertilizer. Experimental group pots were treated with
10ml bioorganic liquid fertilizer and default group pots were treated with 10ml
commercial organic liquid fertilizer. However, in the blank group pots no treatment is
applied only 10ml of water was added during the planting process. Vegetative growth
performance and characteristics of the plant lettuce (Lactuca sativa) were compared
against each group, especially the height and number of leaves before and after the 3-
6 leaf stage where it can help to determine on which of the following treatments is
suitable for lettuce (Lactuca sativa). This study will help provide a solution to farmers
who have a problem with the high cost of commercial liquid fertilizers and the
potentially harmful effects they have on the environment. The justification involved in
this study will also help in reducing the amount of rabbit manure waste, rice hull waste
and its mixture which provides necessary nutrients for plant crops, particularly in
lettuce (Lactuca sativa).

Key Terms: Biochar, Bioorganic Liquid, Carbonized Rice Hull, Lactuca sativa, Rabbit
Manure, Substrate
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 01

ABSTRACT ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 02

TABLE OF CONTENTS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 03

CHAPTER I – THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE ------------------------------------------------------ 04

I. INTRODUCTION --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 04
Rationale and Background of the Study ------------------------------------------------- 04
Review of Related Literature --------------------------------------------------------------- 08
Conceptual Framework ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 14
THE PROBLEM ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15
Statement of the Problem ------------------------------------------------------------------- 15
Statement of Hypotheses --------------------------------------------------------------------16
Statement of Significance --------------------------------------------------------------------17
Scope and Limitation ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18
II. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY ----------------------------------------------------------------------
18
Research Design -------------------------------------------------------------------------------18
The Samples ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
19
The Instruments --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
20
Production Methods ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
20
Data Collection Procedures ----------------------------------------------------------------- 21
Data Processing Methods ------------------------------------------------------------------- 22
DEFINITION OF KEY TERMS ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 23
CHAPTER II – PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS
AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 24
CHAPTER III – SIGNIFICANT FINDINGS,
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION --------------------------------------------------------------
40
APPENDICES ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 47
REFERENCES --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 50

CHAPTER I

THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE

INTRODUCTION
Rationale of the Study

Excessive and inappropriate use of chemical fertilizers in crop soils causes global land

degradation and soil fertility losses. Chemical fertilizer use began to rise exponentially in the

Philippines in the late 1950s, with fertilizer applications increasing by 1000% between 1961

and 2005. Rice and maize yields only increased by 200% and 280%, respectively, or doubled

and tripled, while pulse yields remained roughly the same (FAOSTAT, 2007). Fertilizer

policies in the Philippines have typically aimed for the contradictory goals of low-cost,

subsidized fertilizers for farmers and incentives to fertilizer manufacturers. This indicates a

significant loss of fertilizers in the environment due to inefficient use and poor management.

Farmers are becoming aware of these issues and efforts are being made to find the right

"balance" in fertilizer application (Arboleda, 1998). According to the FPA (2007), farmers are

using too much nitrogen fertilizer, while soils are losing other nutrients such as phosphate and

potassium.
 In intensive agriculture, chemical fertilizers are frequently used. They are made

artificially from macronutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium that are necessary

for soil health. Chemical fertilizers may contain ingredients that are harmful to the skin or

respiratory system. Long-term use of these fertilizers alters soil pH, increases insect

populations, and eliminates beneficial bacteria already present (Agrotechnomarket, 2014).

When chemical fertilizers are used frequently, the soil becomes increasingly

contaminated with harmful substances such as cadmium, arsenic, and uranium. These

hazardous chemicals may eventually end up in harvested fruits and vegetables grown by

farmers. The lack of trace elements in chemical fertilizer not only increases the prevalence of

plant diseases, but also reduces the nutritional value of fruit and vegetables.

Organic materials such as manure and agricultural residues can be used as an

alternative fertilizer to chemical fertilizer in plants crop cultivation producing high yields and

improving soil quality. When compared to the separate application of chemical fertilizers, the

application of organic fertilizer benefits the soil's nutrient balance, soil structure, and moisture-

holding capacity (Yuhui Geng, 2019). Organic materials as an alternative fertilizer can be an

excellent plant treatment in aiding crop growth and yield, however organic materials

themselves have limited nutrient availability.

To overcome the initial limited availability of nutrient given as organic material, possible

benefits of combination applications of organic materials should be evaluated in order to

prescribe complementary fertilizer rates. In addition to providing essential nutrients, a proper

percentage of organic substitution also benefits the soil environment (Yuhui Geng, 2019).

Thus, having appropriate organic fertilizer substitution and addition of providing nutrients is
beneficial to crops not only increased content of nutrients but also enhances the physical

properties and growth performance of a plant.

Rabbit manure contains 2.4% nitrogen, 1.4% phosphorus and 0.6% potassium more

nutrient than other manures as seen in Table 1.1, furthermore rabbit manure does not burn

plant roots. It's considered a great soil conditioner for any garden (Allotment-Garden, 2013).

Rabbit manure contains high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus, two essential minerals for

plant growth. Rabbit manure is available in dry, compact pellets that are simple to handle. It

contains more nutrients than chicken and horse poop (Carter,2022). Minerals like calcium,

magnesium, boron, zinc, manganese, sulfur, copper, and cobalt are abundant in rabbit

manure, as are micronutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (Sandborn, 2016).

Although rabbits have long been a part of many Filipino households, the lingering

aversion to and perceived taboo against eating rabbit meat is the most significant impediment

to widespread rabbit production. In the Philippines, rabbit feces have been used as an organic

fertilizer. As a result, nowadays rabbit farmers are competing with one another to increase

rabbit meat production, and the amount of feces produced is also increased (Veneracion,

2017).

Filipinos have forgotten that after World War II, the US Peace Corps and some

religious missionaries brought rabbits to the country to help alleviate the problem of food

scarcity caused by the devastation of war. Instead, rabbits have become popular as pets. The

use of rabbit feces as fertilizer was discovered to be less expensive and better for the plants

and the environment than the chemical/known organic fertilizers we currently have (Johnson,

2009).
 Carbonized rice hull on the other hand, is produced when rice hull is burned only

partially or ineffectively. Carbonized rice hull is the best soil fertilizer and conditioner because

it contains micronutrients such as phosphate (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and

magnesium (Mg), all of which are necessary for crop growth. Because of loose composition, it

has the ability to improve soil structure by increasing bulk density, water holding capacity, and

aeration. CRH also contains microorganisms and beneficial bacteria. Because of these

advantages, CRH is an excellent potting material for seed germination and seed planting

(Medinella, 2021).

The Philippines food supply and economy both heavily rely on the cultivation of rice.

The Philippines ranked eighth in the world rice production in 2018 (FAOSTAT, 2020). Rice

wastes increase as more rice is produced to feed the growing human population. Rice wastes

grow in high rice production areas and are burned or discarded as production in milling yard.

The Philippine Biochar Association (PBiA) acts as a liaison between local government and

farmers. Many farmers now understand how to use rice hulls to produce biochar as soil

additive. Using biochar instead of chemical fertilizers increases farmers' yield by at least 10%

(PbiA, 2013).

Rice hull is considered one of the Philippines' most abundant biomass resources and

is a major by-product of the rice milling industry. The Philippines' estimated rice hull

production is more than 2 million tons per year, which equates to approximately 5 million BOE

(barrels of oil equivalent) in terms of energy (V. Fung and B. Jenkins, 2003). Around 20

percent of paddy weight is husk and rice production in the Philippines produces an average

two million metric tons of husk annually (Simeon, 2016). Recognizing the potential of rice hull

wastes, numerous firms have made the effort to build a cost-effective carbonizer as an
organic material in production of fertilizer. Many crops yielded better results when soil was

modified with rice husk as a potential supplementary fertilizer source (Vinluan, 2002).

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is a well-known leafy vegetable with numerous applications

ranging from salads to medicinal products (Rana Das, Chiranjib Bhattacharjee, 2020).

Furthermore, in the Philippines, where heavy rains can damage the delicate leafy crop,

lettuce can be a difficult crop to grow (Gonzaga et al., 2017). It takes a lot of work to grow

lettuce as lettuce requires good soil. It must be able to hold a large amount of water as well as

nitrogen and other nutrients (Tropical Premaculture, 2022).

Organic fertilizer has the ability to activate nutrients in the substrate, improve the

physical and chemical properties of the soil, promote nutrient absorption by plants, increase

nutrient content, provide nutrients required for dry matter accumulation, and promote

vegetative and reproductive growth (Shenglan Ye et al., 2022).

This study aims to prove that the collection of rabbit manure from the rabbit farm and

the collection of rice hulls from the composting area and processing it into bioorganic liquid

results in the characteristics of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) crops such as the plant height and

number of leaves. This study also intends to suggest the implementation and use of rabbit

manure and carbonized rice hull as bioorganic liquid fertilizer that as competitive as

commercial quality fertilizer. An environmentally responsible investment in the future of the

soil and plants is organic fertilizer. They originate from nature itself since they are made from

the byproducts or final products of naturally occurring processes. It gives plants a good food

source and safeguards your small piece of the environment. Commercial fertilizer delivers

precisely timed injections of nutrients when you need them most. They have the potential to

easily disrupt the entire ecosystem, accumulate harmful compounds, modify the pH of the soil
over time, exacerbate pest issues, and produce greenhouse gases. This study will help

provide a solution to farmers who have a problem with the high cost of commercial liquid

fertilizers and their hazardous environmental effects. The justification involves this study also

helps in reducing the amount of a rabbit poop and the waste of rice hull and its mixture, which

provides necessary nutrients for lettuce (Lactuca sativa).

Review of Related Literature

A commitment to a sustainable environment is becoming more and more prevalent in

agricultural practices. Composted plants and animal dung are two examples of naturally

occurring materials that are used to make organic liquid fertilizer. Consequently, it is a

sustainable product. Animal waste, including that from cows, rabbits, fish, and chickens, is

used to create organic fertilizer, which gives soil and plants the nourishment they solely need

(Zafar,2022). This has made many farmers more open to the idea of organic farming. The use

of organic fertilizer was once used as an ancient practice to maintain soil fertility that was

nurtured until today.

Rabbit manure is a great fertilizer to be used in the garden. It does not cause root burn

on plants, that may be utilized fresh, and contains more nutrients than other manures. It’s an

ideal soil conditioner that’s suitable for use in any garden. Nitrogen and phosphorus, two

essential minerals needed for plant growth, are abundant in rabbit manure. Rabbit manure is

also not heated manure. This implies that extra processing is not necessary before adding

rabbit pellets to the garden soil. It is in pellet form, dry, and has no smell. There is no danger

of it scorching the roots of the plants because it decomposes slowly in the soil (Carter,2022).
 Nitrogen and phosphorus, two essential minerals needed for plant growth, are

abundant in rabbit manure. Numerous minerals, including calcium, magnesium, boron, zinc,

manganese, sulfur, copper, and cobalt, as well as micronutrients such as nitrogen,

phosphorus, and potassium, are all found in abundance in rabbit manure (Sandborn, 2016).

In a research group study conducted by I Putu Tommy Saputra Adi, Made Sri Yuliartini,

and I Gusti Bagus Udayana (2020) at Warmadewa University, Indonesia, when compared to

other livestock manures, rabbit compost has the highest nitrogen content (2.4%) in

comparison to other livestock manures such as cow manure (0.6%), horse manure (0.7%),

pig manure (0.8%), chicken manure (1.1%), sheep manure (0.7%) and goat manure (0.6%).

The NPK values of different livestock manures can be found in Table 1.

Table 1 NPK Values of Animal Manure (Allot-Garden, 2013)

Animal Manures Nitrogen (N) Phosphorus (P) Potassium (K)
Cow Manure 0.6% 0.4% 0.5%
Horse Manure 0.7% 0.3% 0.6%
Pig Manure 0.8% 0.7% 0.5%
Chicken Manure 1.1% 0.8% 0.5%
Sheep Manure 0.7% 0.3% 0.9%
Rabbit Manure 2.4% 1.4% 0.6%
Goat Manure 0.6% 0.54% 1.56%

On the other hand, the carbonized rice hull is created when rice hull is burned partially

or ineffectively. Carbonized rice hull includes micronutrients necessary for growing crops,

such as phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) making it an

effective fertilizer and conditioner according to (MNLGrowkits, 2022).

Due to its loose composition, it renders clay soil porous and enhances soil structure by

raising bulk density, water holding capacity, and aeration. Additionally, CRH contains
beneficial bacteria and acts as a home for microorganisms. These advantages make CRH an

excellent potting medium for seed planting and seed propagation (Medinella, 2021).

According to Ricardo F. Orge and John Eric O. Abon (2012), from the Philippine Rice

Research Institute-Rice Engineering and Mechanization Division, the increase in rice

production results in a worsening of disposal problems for rice millers, and thus carbonizing

the rice hull for fertilizer use can be a solution to this problem. Furthermore, the creation of

biochar from rice husk help energy production, sustainable waste recycling, carbon

sequestration, improving soil quality, and a variety of changes in the qualitative and

quantitative growth of plants (Liu S, Meng J, Jiang L, et al., 2017).

A study conducted by students and a professor at Suncheon University, South Korea,

shows that combining biochar and compost, two organic resources, had a positive impact on

lettuce growth and could help decrease the need for inorganic fertilizers. The soil after harvest

in the biochar-treated group was effective in enhancing soil quality by increasing pH, and

organic matter, and lettuce grew more successfully in the biochar-treated group than in the

untreated group (J. H. Park et al., 2021).

Manure fertilizer liquidation is considerable a traditional practice, but it is currently

being improved for agricultural use. Liquid bioorganic fertilizer not only boosts crops'

bioorganic fertility but also accelerates their maturation and nutrient quality. The process is

simple to apply, cheap, and has no negative side effects, liquid fertilizer provides several

benefits that result in almost certain benefit to crops that should be fertilized to maintain the

stability of soil nutrients and minimize the negative effects of chemical fertilizers (Haji K,

Zekeria Y, and Misrak K, 2020).

 In a study done by I Putu Tommy Saputra Adi, Made Sri Yuliartini, and I Gusti Bagus

Udayana (2020), wasp compost and rabbit compost together was shown to have various

benefits. It has advantages over chemical fertilizers in that it helps balance soil pH,

neutralizes toxins brought on by heavy metals in the soil, improves soil structure by making it

looser, which directly increases groundwater availability, and aids in the uptake of nutrients

from additional chemical fertilizers.

The quantity of fertilizer to use in a garden depends on the soil's inherent fertility and

the amount of organic matter present; the type of fertilizer utilized; and the crop being grown.

The most effective method to assess fertilizer requirements is to test the soil. An excessive

amount of fertilizer affects the soil by increasing the salt concentration, which can harm

beneficial soil microorganisms. An inadequate root system that cannot provide the plant with

enough water and nutrients might result from overfertilization. Reduced flower and fruit output

as well as growth surges that can't be supported or sustained in plants are all effects of poor

root structure (Kit Smith, 2016, The Perils of Over-Fertilizing Plants and Trees).

Additionally, a study conducted by Eligio C. Borres et al., (2021) revealed that the

evaluation of the potential of lettuce in a non-recirculated hydroponics system using a simple

nutrient addition program (SNAP) in terms of plant height, number of leaves, length of leaves,

width of leaves, and yield under screenhouse conditions did not have a significant effect on

the length and width of lettuce leaves. However, the application of SNAP solution to the

lettuce had a significant effect on the height, number of leaves, and yield. Furthermore, a

comparison study upon determining the effect of liquid organic fertilizer from goat manure and

rabbit manure on the growth of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) by Kusuma Wardany and Sulis

Anjarwati (2020) concluded that there is a medium effect of liquid organic fertilizer from goat
manure and rabbit manure, where liquid fertilizer for rabbit manure is more effective at

growing the number of leaves, while goat manure is more effective in stem height growth.

Based on the related studies and articles that the researchers referred to, it is evident

that rabbit manure and carbonized rice hull (CRH) can be used as fertilizers and can be

liquified to be a bioorganic liquid fertilizer. However, restrictions are set, such as knowing the

right amount of application to further observe its efficacy.

Legal Basis

This study is in line with Republic Act No. 1609 – An Act to Encourage Agricultural

Production by Making Fertilizers Available to Farmers at Reasonable Prices which aims to

encourage the more rapid expansion of agricultural production and to increase farm

productivity by making available to farmers adequate fertilizers at reasonable prices. It is

therefore provided that mixed fertilizers shall be priced according to the cost herein provided

for the various components of the mixture, plus a reasonable charge for manufacturing.

This republic act serves as a legal basis for our conducted study, whereas our study

aims to provide and produce a budget-friendly bioorganic liquid fertilizer made up of locally

accessible materials such as plant-derived materials that range from fresh or dried plant

material, specifically rice hull, and animal manures, specifically rabbit manure, that contains

the composition of nutrients that are essential for plant growth. Fertilizers which help increase

the bioorganic fertility of crops and also accelerates the maturation and nutrient quality of the

plant, which is vital in promoting successful agriculture in our country. This study aims to

produce a budget-friendly bioorganic liquid fertilizer that promotes crop growth and

characteristics since the raw materials to be utilized are inexpensive and locally available
materials or inexpensive sources that are safer for crops. On the other hand, chemical

fertilizers production is with the use of technology has more multiple nutrients, each with

corresponding production ‘kinks’ (beyond which more of the nutrient does not promote crop

growth) (R. Innes, 2013).

Typically, a chemical fertilizer is more expensive by weight but cheaper in nutrients and

less expensive to apply over large areas. On the other hand, an organic fertilizer is cheaper,

being sold by the tons, but the value per nutrient is more expensive (Pipe Masters, 2022). The

study will be justified and reasonable to develop a study that would contribute to the

improvement of the agricultural sector.

 Conceptual Framework

NPK

pH

Independent Variables Dependent Variable

Prototype Commercial

 Height
 Number of
Leaves
 Weight
Chemical
Fertilizer

Carbonized Rabbit
Rice Hull Manure

Exposure to
Pest

Sunlight

Water

Figure 1. Conceptual Framework Diagram of the Independent and Dependent variables of the study.

In Figure 1, the independent and dependent variables of the study were presented.

The prototype set up consists of lettuce being treated with fertilizers with varying events of

treatment. These are to be composed with a setup, the independent variable is the mixture of

rabbit manure and carbonized rice hull, and the treatment with commercial fertilizers. A
chemical fertilizer is refers to any number of synthetic compound substances created

specifically to increase crop yield (Fruitgrowers, 2019). On the other hand organic fertilizer

that mostly refers to a compost made fertilizer from animal waste and plant residues that are

rich in natural by-products (Dora Agri-Tech, 2021). As the amount of NPK (Nitrogen,

Phosphorus, Potassium) and the other independent variable that can influence the outcome

on the characteristics of the lettuce plant as the dependent variable which means the

relationship between the independent variables to the characteristics of the lettuce plant is

directly proportional. The higher the nutrients the fertilizer has, the progressive the lettuce

plant’s characteristics which are the number of leaves and the height.

On the other hand, other independent variables that can affect the plant's

characteristics are: Water, which can affect the transporting important nutrients through

plants. Sunlight, which provides the energy plants need to convert carbon dioxide, and water

into carbohydrates and oxygen (National Geographic, 2022). And lastly, the presence of pests

and pathogens that interfere with the growth and cause damage to cultivate and naturally

growing plants. The interference and damage result in the failure of plants to reach their

genetic potential is the indicator of affecting the independent variable to the characteristics of

the plant.

THE PROBLEM

Statement of the Problem

The main objective of this study is to create a bioorganic liquid fertilizer from a mixture

of rabbit manure and carbonized rice hull, as well as to evaluate the effectiveness of

bioorganic liquid fertilizer in improving plant development and characteristics of lettuce

(Lactuca sativa). The plant height and number of leaves were all the parameters to be
measured. To establish if it is effective as a bioorganic liquid fertilizer, it aimed to address the

following questions:

1.) What are the NPK content and the soil pH of the following fertilizers:

1.1 Treatment A – Bioorganic Liquid Fertilizer (Prototype)

1.2 Treatment B – Commercial Liquid Fertilizer (Default)

1.3 Treatment C – Blank Group / Control Group

2.) What are the resulting characteristics of the lettuce (Lactuca sativa) crops before and after

the treatment of the 3 different setups in terms of the following:

2.1 Plant Height

2.2 Number of Leaves

3.) Based on the study’s findings, can the Rabbit Manure and Carbonized Rice Hull Mixture

be employed as an effective bioorganic liquid fertilizer in improving plant development and

characteristics of lettuce (Lactuca sativa)?

4.) Is there a significant difference among the performance of different treatments in

developing the plant?

5.) Is the prototype fertilizer better and has a higher quality than the other treatment groups in

improving the growth and characteristics of lettuce (Lactuca sativa)?

Statement of Hypothesis

Based on the prior research problem, the researchers formulated the following null and

alternative hypothesis which could either be accepted or rejected on the result of the study.

Ho: There is no significant difference between the quality of prototype fertilizer and

commercial fertilizer by the three treatments in terms of the growth and characteristic of

lettuce (Lactuca sativa); plant height and number of leaves.

 Ha: There is a significant difference between the quality of prototype fertilizer and

commercial fertilizer by the three treatments in terms of the growth and characteristics of

lettuce (Lactuca sativa); plant height and number of leaves

Statement of Significance

The study's goal is to determine the effectiveness of bioorganic liquid fertilizer on growth

performance and characteristics of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and to achieve a sufficient quality

of a budget-friendly liquid fertilizer that can contribute to the agricultural sector. The study's

findings revealed how effective bioorganic liquid fertilizer is as a plant treatment. Some of the

study's significance assists and benefits:

Farmers - Farmers can benefit economically by using organic fertilizers derived from

locally available substrates with diverse mineral compositions, which reduces the use of

chemical fertilizer, which is both expensive and harmful to the environment.

Students - This research will assist them in becoming more knowledgeable about the

uses, applications, and production of fertilizers from the locally available materials.

Growers – This study will help them to choose the best fertilizer that fosters a

sustainable ecosystem and safe for their crops.

Businesses - The proposed study will help the businesses to come up with an idea as

their reference in creating future products.

Future Researchers - This study would be used as a reference to learn more about a

related study that is required to conduct a field evaluation of the fertilizer solution and its

impact on the growth performance and characteristics of a plant.

 Scope and Limitations

The study focuses on the production of bioorganic liquid fertilizer from rabbit manure

and carbonized rice hull which are locally available materials and the experimentation will be

done at Ubujan District, Tagbilaran City Bohol.

This study entitled “Production of Bioorganic Liquid Fertilizer from Rabbit manure and

Carbonized Rice Hull” only covers the usage and potential of rabbit manures and rice hulls,

as fermented liquid fertilizer. This study will also compare the effectiveness of the bioorganic

liquid fertilizer on growth characteristics and performance of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) in terms

of height and number of leaves to the comparison of commercial liquid fertilizer. The data

analysis of the study will be focusing on comparing the effectiveness of bioorganic liquid

fertilizer as an alternative fertilizer to the commercial liquid fertilizer.

The results of this study will not be used as a measure to the effects of bioorganic liquid

fertilizer on crops such as lettuce especially to those who do not belong to the population of

the study.

METHODOLOGY

Research Design

The study entitled "Production of Bioorganic Liquid Fertilizer from Rabbit Manure and

Carbonized Rice Hull mixture” is a quantitative experimental research that shows to provide

the new and efficient way of treating plant as fertilizers that will improve the yield and growth

of plant production in specifications of the study which is the lettuce plant (Lactuca sativa).

The experimentation will take place in Booy District, Tagbilaran City and Ubujan

District, Tagbilaran City. The research study was includes a measurable and comparable
variables. Mixture of the Independent variables which are the rabbit manure and carbonized

rice hulls. It includes the hypothesis and strongly supports the scientific research design that

is conducted with a manipulated and controlled domain. Measuring the results of the plant by

the number of leaves and its height.

The goal purpose of the study is to manufacture and initiate a productive bioorganic

fertilizer out of rabbit manure and rice hulls which is the valorization of wastes from the

production of rabbit farming in Booy, Tagbilaran City, and Rice fields in Talibon, Bohol, that

the researchers found a solution to solve the waste management pollution.

An experimental approach will be used to test the efficiency growth of Lettuce plant by

combining the Nutrients composition of both independent variables. In a significant variation

of NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium) and pH levels, in three different configurations

with the Treatment A (bioorganic liquid fertilizer), Treatment B (commercial liquid fertilizer),

and Treatment C (blank/control group). The data gathered from the measurement of the NPK

and pH levels of soil, rabbit manure, and rice hulls were analyzed using digital and non digital

instruments.

The Samples

In this study, 500 grams of carbonized rice hull (CRH) , 500 grams of rabbit manure are

being utilized in the study and 3 liter of rice washed is added for liquefying prior proceeding to

fermentation. The produced bioorganic liquid fertilizer was included as one of the treatments

to be used in the study to observe the growth of lettuce (Lactuca sativa). Treatment A

(bioorganic liquid fertilizer), Treatment B (commercial liquid fertilizer) and Treatment C

(blank/control group). Each treatment have 3 replications of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) having 9

pots in total which are all being observe according to its height and number of leaves.
 The Instruments

In this study, the researchers had prepared and used different tools to measure the

growth characteristics of lettuce (Lactuca sativa). In the field of agriculture, the plants are

closely observed in order to get the maximum yield. This includes observing various plant

phenotypes such as flowers, leaves, stem length etc. These phenotypes indicate the growth

of the plants under observation. Hence, appropriate care can be taken according to the

observed growth and condition of the plant. This phenotype data is also useful for plant

breeding and other related research programs.

Plant height is a morphological characteristic of plant growth that is a useful indicator of

plant stress resulting from water and nutrient deficit. The tape measure will be used to

measure the height of lettuce from the base of the plant to its highest point. Plant quality and

growth are closely monitored and precisely controlled. The information gathered by this tape

measure can be valuable and beneficial for calculating the effectiveness of bioorganic liquid

fertilizer.

The number of leaves of lettuce (Lactuca sativa), is manually counted before and after

the observation. The number of leaves a plant has is one of the visual key traits (phenotype)

describing its development and growth (Dobrescu et al., 2017). It enables the growth rate

estimation and is related to the health status of the plant and its yield potential.

Production Methods

The main materials: Rabbit manure collected from Booy, Tagbilaran City and Rice Hull

collected from Talibon, Bohol were gathered. The process starts by drying the rabbit manure

and rice hull under the heat of the sun for 2 to 4 days. Then, the granular and powderization
of rabbit manure happens. In the case of the rice hull, it was carbonized in a pan until it turns

black or burned, then proceed to the cooling and powderization of it. After the powderization

of the main materials, both were mixed and were added by rice water washings for the

fermentation process to proceed.

The bioorganic fertilizer's output (mixed rabbit manure and carbonized rice hull with

washed rice water) components were left in a cloth-covered container to prevent insects from

completing the technological process. Fertilizer manufacturing process was determined

according to organoleptic properties that were used to determine the degree of readiness of

the bioorganic fertilizer. When the above conditions are met, the duration of a complete

fermentation cycle is approximately 7-14 days. Lastly, the fermented liquid fertilizer will be

filtered, so the quantitative analysis for macronutrient composition in bioorganic liquid fertilizer

and commercial liquid fertilizer will be evaluated. The liquid fertilizer will then be applied to the

plant in order to evaluate the growth performance and characteristics of lettuce (Lactuca

sativa) for quantitative data analysis of the research study.

Data Collection Procedures

The bioorganic liquid fertilizer produced, therefore, was evaluated by growing lettuce

(Lactuca sativa) in pot experiment with three replications. Completed Randomized Design

(CRD) will be used in this study. Three treatments involving the: Treatment A (bioorganic

liquid fertilizer), Treatment B (commercial liquid fertilizer), and Treatment C (blank/control

group) three replicates of each treatment are assigned randomly to 9 pots. The garden soil

sample was taken from the random field in the Ubujan District, Tagbilaran City locale and

then placed the same amount of solid with 500 grams of garden soil in each pot. The lettuce

(Lactuca sativa) was planted into the egg tray and then the transfer of seedlings for fertilizer
treatment after 3 to 6 leaf stage into the plastic pots. The plant transferred to each pot has

been measured with the initial height, and number of leaves.

In this study, the treatment is assigned randomly to 9 pots. Experimental group pots

were treated with 10ml bioorganic liquid fertilizer and default group pots were treated with

10ml commercial organic liquid fertilizer. However, in the blank/control group pots no

treatment is applied only 10ml of water was added during the planting process then both

experimental and control groups were irrigated with the same amount of water added to

prevent moisture stress. In this experiment, data was collected by the comparison of

bioorganic liquid fertilizer, commercial liquid fertilizer and water (as control group) in analyzing

the vegetative growth performance and characteristics of the plant lettuce (Lactuca sativa)

specifically the height and number of leaves before (3-6 leaf stage) and after.

Data Processing Methods

Data will be subjected by a hypothesis testing where means were separated using a

statistical test called Paired Sample T-Test with p<0.05 was used to determine whether if

there is significant or non-significant difference between the means of two dependent samples

before and after the treatments. Ten milliliters (10mL) treatment were applied on Treatment A

(bioorganic liquid fertilizer), Treatment B (commercial liquid fertilizer), and Treatment C

(blank/control group). Three replicates of each treatment are assigned randomly to 9 plots.

The production of bioorganic liquid mixture of powderized carbonized rice hull, rabbit manure

and rice washed water, or the experimental groups (Treatment A, B & C) were compared to

the commercial fertilizer that improves the development and characteristics of lettuce

(Lactuca sativa) specifically the Height and number of leaves of the plant.
 Definition of Key Terms

 Biochar - a charcoal-like substance that’s made by burning organic material from

agricultural and forestry wastes (also called biomass) in a controlled process called

pyrolysis (Spears, 2018).

 Bioorganic Liquid - is derived from naturally existing products such as plants and

animal manure. It increases bioorganic fertility of crops (in comparison to the control

and prototype fertilizer), but also accelerates their maturation and nutrient quality

(Yusuf, 2020).

 Carbonized rice Hull - produced through regulated burning of raw rice hull with the

absence of oxygen so that it will not be converted to ash (Affleap, 2010).

 Lactuca Sativa - is a species of annual herb in the family Asteraceae. They have a

self-supporting growth form. They are associated with freshwater habitat. They have

simple, broad leaves and achenes. Individuals can grow to 0.64 m (EOL Dynamic

Hierarchy, 2022).

 Rabbit Manure - is organic matter and improves poor soil structure, drainage and

moisture retention. It improves the life cycle of microorganisms in the soil. Rabbit

Manure fertilizer is rich in nitrogen and phosphorus, nutrients that plants need for

healthy growth (Sandborn, 2016).

 Substrate - molecule acted upon by an enzyme. A substrate is loaded into the active

site of the enzyme, or the place that allows weak bonds to be formed between the two

molecules (BD Editors, 2017).

 CHAPTER II
PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA

This presents the macronutrient composition such as the Nitrogen, Phosphorus and

Potassium and the soil pH level of the three different configurations with the Treatment A

(bioorganic liquid fertilizer), Treatment B (commercial liquid fertilizer), and Treatment C

(blank/control group).

Table 2. NPK Content and pH Level count of the different Set-ups.

Set-up Nitrogen (N) Phosphorus (P) Potassium (K) pH Level

Treatment A 10 120 240 9.0
Treatment B 100 120 240 9.0
Treatment C 0 80 240 9.0

Table 2 shows the macronutrient composition such as the Nitrogen, Phosphorus and

Potassium and the soil pH level of the different set-ups the Treatment A, B and C that can

influence the outcome in the characteristics of the lettuce (Lactuca sativa) plant.

This presents the results and findings of the collected data on the height and number

of leaves of the lettuce (Lactuca sativa) that shows the results of the evaluation in pot

experiment with three replications between the experimental Set-ups A, B and C.

Table 3. Plant Height and Number of Leaves count of the Set-up A (bioorganic liquid
fertilizer)
Trial # Plant Height (cm) Number of Leaves
Trial 1 7 4
Trial 2 6.7 5
Trial 3 8 3

Table 2 shows the data of Set-up A in terms plant height and number of leaves count

of the lettuce (Lactuca sativa) plant samples before the application of bioorganic liquid

fertilizer. According to Missouri Botanical Garden (2013), lettuce (Lactuca sativa) plants
generally have a height and spread of 15 to 30 cm (6 to 12 in). Lettuce features a somewhat

pronounced taproot (15-18” deep on direct-seeded crops and 6-10” on transplanted crops)

(Center for Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems, 2022). The three trials for the lettuce

plant is within the standard value, since the results shows that the height for every trial is less

than the range 15-30cm. The computed average height of the three trials of lettuce plant

samples is 7.233 cm. According to Dan Drost, a vegetable specialist at Utah State University

Extension (2020), transplant of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) should have 4-6 mature leaves and a

well developed root system before planting out. The three trials for the lettuce plant is less

than and within the range 4-6 number of leaves. The computed average number of leaves of

the three trials of the lettuce plant samples is 4.

Table 4. Plant Height and Number of Leaves count of the Set-up B (commercial liquid
fertilizer)
Trial # Plant Height (cm) Number of Leaves
Trial 1 8 4
Trial 2 7.5 6
Trial 3 9 3

Table 3 shows the data of Set-up B in terms plant height and number of leaves count of

the lettuce (Lactuca sativa) plant samples before the application of bioorganic liquid fertilizer.

According to Missouri Botanical Garden (2013), lettuce (Lactuca sativa) plants generally have

a height and spread of 15 to 30 cm (6 to 12 in). Lettuce features a somewhat pronounced

taproot (15-18” deep on direct-seeded crops and 6-10” on transplanted crops) (Center for

Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems, 2022). The three trials for the lettuce plant is

within the standard value, since the results shows that the height for every trial is less than

the range 15-30cm. The computed average height of the three trials of the lettuce plant

samples is 8.167 cm. According to Dan Drost, a vegetable specialist at Utah State University

Extension (2020), transplant of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) should have 4-6 mature leaves and a
well developed root system before planting out. The three trials for the lettuce plant is less

than and within the range 4-6 number of leaves. The computed average number of leaves of

the three trials of the lettuce plant samples is 4.33.

Table 5. Plant Height and Number of Leaves count of the Set-up C (blank/control
group)
Trial # Plant Height (cm) Number of Leaves
Trial 1 9.5 4
Trial 2 8 4
Trial 3 7.5 4

Table 4 shows the data of Set-up C in terms plant height and and number of leaves

count of the lettuce (Lactuca sativa) plant samples before the application of bioorganic liquid

fertilizer. According to Missouri Botanical Garden (2013), lettuce (Lactuca sativa) plants

generally have a height and spread of 15 to 30 cm (6 to 12 in). Lettuce features a somewhat

pronounced taproot (15-18” deep on direct-seeded crops and 6-10” on transplanted crops)

(Center for Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems, 2022). The three trials for the lettuce

plant is within the standard value, since the results shows that the height for every trial is less

than the range 15-30cm. The computed average height of the three trials of the lettuce plant

samples is 8.333 cm. According to Dan Drost, a vegetable specialist at Utah State University

Extension (2020), transplant of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) should have 4-6 mature leaves and a

well developed root system before planting out. The three trials for the lettuce plant is less

than and within the range 4-6 number of leaves. The computed average number of leaves of

the three trials of the lettuce plant samples is 4.

Table 6. Plant Height and Number of Leaves count of the Set-ups A, B and C after
Treatment
Set-up A
Trial # Plant Height (cm) Number of Leaves
 1 11.5 5
2 12.5 5
3 8 4
Set-up B
Trial # Plant Height (cm) Number of Leaves
1 9.7 4
2 12.2 6
3 12.7 4
Set-up C
Trial # Plant Height (cm) Number of Leaves
1 17.2 5
2 11.1 6
3 10.9 4

Table 5 shows the data of the plant height and number of leaves count of Set-up A, B

and C after the treatment. Each of these set-ups of the treatment are less than the standard

value, since the results in Set-up A ,B and C shows that the plant height of every trial is less

than 15-30 cm and number of leaves for every trial is equal to 4-6. The computed average of

the different trials of Set-up A in terms of the plant height is 10.667 and number of leaves is

4.667. For Set-up B, the computed average of the different trials in terms of plant height is

11.533 and number of leaves is 4.667. For Set-up C, the computed average of the different

trials in terms of plant height is 13.067 and number of leaves is 5. Between Set-up A, B and

C, Set-up A has shown least improvements in terms of plant height after the treatment with a

difference from Set-up B with 0.866 (11.533-10.667=0.866) and in Set-up C with 2.4 (13.067-

10.667=2.4). Set-up B shown greater improvements than Set-up A with 0.866 (11.533-

10.667=0.866) lesser than Set-up C with 2.4 ( 13.067-11.533=1.534) in terms of plant height.

Set-up C shown greater improvements in terms of plant height than Set-up A with 2.4

(13.067-10.667=2.4) and B with 1.534 (13.067-11.533=1.534). In terms of number of leaves,

Set-up A shown equal improvements to Set-up B and lesser than Set-up C with 0.333 (5-

4.667=0.333). Set-up B shown equal improvements in terms of number of leaves to Set-up A

and lesser than Set-up C with 0.333 (5-4.667=0.333). For Set-up C shown greater

improvements than Set-up A with 0.333 (5-4.667=0.333) and B with 0.333 (5-4667=0.333).

The total data of the plant height and number of leaves shows a constant value of less

than and within the standard value in every trial for both parameters in Set-up A (See table 3)

with the application bioorganic liquid fertilizer. In each of the Set-ups, all the trials from both

parameters are less than and within the standard value. In Table 4, it shows a constant value

of less than the standard value in terms of plant height and within the standard value of

number of leaves with the application of commercial liquid fertilizer in Set-up B. The plant

height is less than the standard value and within the number of leaves with the application of

water (See table 5). Thus, in each of the Set-ups, all the trials from both parameters are less

than and within the standard value.

I. Plant Height Results Before and After the Treatment

14 13.06666667

12 11.53333333
10.66666667
10
8.166666667 8.333333333
Plant Height

8 7.233333333

0
Treatment A Treatment B Treatment C
Set-ups

Before After

Figure 2. Plant Height Results Before and After the Treatment

 Figure 2 shows the computed average of the plant height and standard deviation

before the application of the different treatments; Set-up A (bioorganic liquid fertilizer), Set-up

B (commercial liquid fertilizer), and Set-up C (blank/control group). The Set-up A has a

standard deviation of 0.681, Set-up B has a standard deviation of 0.764, and Set-up C has a

standard deviation of 1.041.Furthermore, it also shows the computed average of the plant

height after the application of different treatment as well as its standard deviation. The data

follows from Set-Up A, which is 2.363, Set-Up B is 1.607 and the Set-Up C is 3.580.

II. Number of Leaves Results Before and After the Treatment

5
5 4.666666667 4.666666667
4.333333333
4 4
4
Number of Leaves

0
Treatment A Treatment B Treatment C
Set-ups

Before After

Figure 3. Number of Leaves Results Before and After the Treatment

Figure 3 shows the computed average of number of leaves and standard deviation

before the application of the different treatments; Set-up A (bioorganic liquid fertilizer) , Set-up

B (commercial liquid fertilizer) and Set-up C (blank/control group). The Set-up A has a

standard deviation of 1, Set-up B has a standard deviation of 1.528, and Set-up C has a

standard deviation of 0. Furthermore, it also shows the computed average of number of

leaves after the application of different treatments as well as the the standard deviation of

Set-up A which is 0.577 , Set-up B with 1.155 and Set-up C with 1.

III. Significant Difference Before and After the Treatment of Set-up A

A paired sample T-test, which determines whether there is a statistically significant

difference between the means in two samples, will be used to determine the significant

differences of the means of plant height and number of leaves count before and after the

treatment of Set-up A.

A. Plant Height

Table 7. Paired sample t-Test on the Plant Height of the Before and After of
Set-up A
t-Test: Paired Two Sample for
Means

  Before After
7.23333333
Mean 3 10.66666667
0.46333333
Variance 3 5.583333333
Observations 3 3
-
0.99995973
Pearson Correlation 3  
Hypothesized Mean
Difference 0  
df 2  
-
1.95385779
t Stat 3  
P(T<=t) one-tail 0.09496504  
t Critical one-tail 2.91998558  
0.18993008
P(T<=t) two-tail 1  
t Critical two-tail 4.30265273  
 The data shows that the p-value is equal to which is 0.0950 which is greater than the

α-value 0.05, thus, there is no significant difference on the plant height between the Set-up A.

This shows that there is an insignificant improvement on the plant height after the treatment

on the Set-up A (bioorganic liquid fertilizer).

B. Number of Leaves

Table 8. Paired sample t-Test on the Number of Leaves of the Before and
After of Set-up A
t-Test: Paired Two Sample for
Means

  Before After
Mean 4 4.666666667
Variance 1 0.333333333
Observations 3 3
0.86602540
Pearson Correlation 4  
Hypothesized Mean
Difference 0  
df 2  
t Stat -2  
P(T<=t) one-tail 0.09175171  
t Critical one-tail 2.91998558  
0.18350341
P(T<=t) two-tail 9  
t Critical two-tail 4.30265273  

The data shows that the p-value is equal to which is 0.0918 which is greater than the

α-value 0.05, thus, there is no significant difference on the number of leaves between the Set-

up A. It was found that the treatment did not produce any discernible difference in terms of the

number of leaves of the lettuce (Lactuca sativa).

 IV. Significant Difference Before and After the Treatment of Set-up B

A paired sample T-test, which determines whether there is a statistically significant

difference between the means in two samples, will be used to determine the significant

differences of the means of plant height and number of leaves count before and after the

treatment of Set-up B.

A. Plant Height

Table 9. Paired sample t-Test on the Plant Height of the Before and After of
Set-up B
t-Test: Paired Two Sample for
Means

  Before After
8.16666666
Mean 7 11.53333333
0.58333333
Variance 3 2.583333333
Observations 3 3
0.33942211
Pearson Correlation 7  
Hypothesized Mean
Difference 0  
df 2  
-
3.81744117
t Stat 7  
P(T<=t) one-tail 0.03113948  
t Critical one-tail 2.91998558  
P(T<=t) two-tail 0.06227896  
t Critical two-tail 4.30265273  

The data shows that the p-value is equal to 0.0311 which is less than α-value 0.05,

thus, there is a significant difference on the Height between the Set-up B. This also shows
that there is a significant improvement on the Height of lettuce (Lactuca Sativa) after the

treatment on Set-up B (commercial liquid fertilizer).

B. Number of leaves

Table 10. Paired sample t-Test on the Number of Leaves of the Before and
After of Set-up B
t-Test: Paired Two Sample for
Means

  Before After
4.33333333
Mean 3 4.666666667
2.33333333
Variance 3 1.333333333
Observations 3 3
0.94491118
Pearson Correlation 3  
Hypothesized Mean
Difference 0  
df 2  
t Stat -1  
0.21132486
P(T<=t) one-tail 5  
t Critical one-tail 2.91998558  
0.42264973
P(T<=t) two-tail 1  
t Critical two-tail 4.30265273  

The data shows that the p-value is equal to 0.2113 which is greater than α-value

0.05, thus, there is no significant difference on the number of leaves between the Set-up B. It

was also found that the treatment did not produce any discernible difference in terms of

number of leaves of lettuce (Lactuca sativa).

V. Significant Difference Before and After the Treatment of Set-up C

 A paired sample T-test, which determines whether there is a statistically significant

difference between the means in two samples, will be used to determine the significant

differences of the means of plant height and number of leaves count before and after the

treatment of Set-up C.

A. Plant Height

Table 11. Paired sample t-Test on the Plant Height of the Before and After
of Set-up C

t-Test: Paired Two Sample for

Means

  Before After
8.33333333
Mean 3 13.06666667
1.08333333
Variance 3 12.82333333
Observations 3 3
0.97705423
Pearson Correlation 6  
Hypothesized Mean
Difference 0  
df 2  
-
3.18558656
t Stat 3  
0.04300893
P(T<=t) one-tail 7  
t Critical one-tail 2.91998558  
0.08601787
P(T<=t) two-tail 4  
t Critical two-tail 4.30265273  

The data shows that the p-value is equal to which is 0.0430 which is less than the α-

value 0.05, thus, there is a significant difference on the plant height between the Set-up C.

This shows that there is a significant improvement on the plant height after the treatment on

the Set-up C (blank/control group).

 B. Number of Leaves

Table 12. Paired sample t-Test on the Number of Leaves of the Before and
After of Set-up C
t-Test: Paired Two Sample for
Means

  Before After
Mean 4 5
Variance 0 1
Observations 3 3
Pearson Correlation #DIV/0!  
Hypothesized Mean
Difference 0  
df 2  
-
1.73205080
t Stat 8  
0.11270166
P(T<=t) one-tail 5  
t Critical one-tail 2.91998558  
0.22540333
P(T<=t) two-tail 1  
t Critical two-tail 4.30265273  

The data shows that the p-value is equal to which is 0.1127 which is greater than

the α-value 0.05, thus, there is no significant difference on the number of leaves between the

Set-up C. It was found that the treatment did not produce any discernible difference in terms

of the number of leaves of the lettuce (Lactuca sativa).

VI. Significant Difference of Plant Height and Number of Leaves results after the

Treatment of the Set-up A and B

A. Plant Height

Table 13. Paired sample t-Test on the Plant Height After treatment of Set-
up A and B
 t-Test: Two-Sample Assuming Equal Variances

  Set-up A Set-up B
10.6666666 11.5333333
Mean 7 3
5.58333333 2.58333333
Variance 3 3
Observations 3 3
4.08333333
Pooled Variance 3  
Hypothesized Mean
Difference 0  
df 4  
-
0.52527932
t Stat 3  
0.31357957
P(T<=t) one-tail 7  
2.13184678
t Critical one-tail 6  
0.62715915
P(T<=t) two-tail 5  
2.77644510
t Critical two-tail 5  

The data shows that the p-value is equal to which is 0.3136 which is greater than

the α-value 0.05, thus, there is no significant difference on the plant height between the Set-

up A and B. It was found that the both treatment did not produce any discernible difference in

terms of the plant height of the lettuce (Lactuca sativa).

B. Number of Leaves

Table 14. Paired sample t-Test on the Plant Height After treatment of Set-
up A and B
t-Test: Two-Sample Assuming Equal Variances

  Set-up A Set-up B
4.66666666 4.66666666
Mean 7 7
Variance 0.33333333 1.33333333
 3 3
Observations 3 3
0.83333333
Pooled Variance 3  
Hypothesized Mean
Difference 0  
df 4  
t Stat 0  
P(T<=t) one-tail 0.5  
2.13184678
t Critical one-tail 6  
P(T<=t) two-tail 1  
2.77644510
t Critical two-tail 5  

The data shows that the p-value is equal to which is 0.5 which is greater than the

α-value 0.05, thus, there is no significant difference on the number of leaves between the Set-

up A and B. It was found that the both treatment did not produce any discernible difference in

terms of the number of leaves of the lettuce (Lactuca sativa).

VII. Significant Difference of Plant Height and Number of Leaves results after the

Treatment of the Set-up A and B

 14

12 11.53333333
10.66666667
10

6
4.666666667 4.666666667
4

0
Plant Height (Treatment Number of Leaves Plant Height (Treatment Number of Leaves
A) (Treatment A) B) (Treatment B)
Figur
e 4. Results after the treatment of the 2 parameters in Set-up A and B

In Figure 4, it shows the overview of the overall results data of the significance in the

difference of the plant height and the number of leaves results after the different treatment of

the Set-Up A and B. The data in this graph is used in the statistical analysis to see if there is a

significant difference between set-ups A and B in terms of the overall characteristics after the

treatment.

The data shows that the p-value is equal to 0.3511 which is greater than the α-value

0.05 (See Table 13), therefore accepting the null hypothesis, which states that there is no

significant improvement on the quality of the lettuce (Lactuca sativa) in terms of its plant

height count after the treatment among the 2 set-ups. Thus, rejecting the alternative

hypothesis, which states that there is a significant improvement on the quality of prototype

fertilizer and commercial fertilizer by the three treatments in terms of the growth and

characteristics of lettuce (Lactuca sativa); plant height and number of leaves.

On the other hand, the results of the experiment showed that there is no significant

improvement on the growth and characteristics of the lettuce (Lactuca sativa) in terms of
number of leaves after the treatment among the 2 set-ups, therefore accepting the null

hypothesis. This can be said knowing that the resulting p-value is equal to 0.5 which is

greater than the α-value 0.05 (See Table 14). Thus, rejecting the alternative hypothesis,

which states that there is a significant improvement on the quality of prototype fertilizer and

commercial fertilizer by the three treatments in terms of the growth and characteristics of

lettuce (Lactuca sativa); plant height and number of leaves.

VIII. Significant Difference of Plant Height and Number of Leaves results after the
Treatment of the Set-up A, B and C

14
13.06666667

12 11.53333333
10.66666667
Plant Height & Number of Leaves

10

6
5
4.666666667 4.666666667
4

0
Plant Height Number of Plant Height Number of Plant Height Number of
(Treatment A) Leaves (Treatment B) Leaves (Treatment C) Leaves
(Treatment A) (Treatment B) (Treatment C)

Figure 5. Results after the treatment of the 2 parameters in Set-up A, B and C

In Figure 5, it shows the overview of the overall results data of the significance in the

difference of the plant height and the number of leaves results after the different treatment of

the Set-Up A, B and C.

The data of this graph is used to do statistical analysis in order to see if there is a

significant difference between the different Set-ups. A statistical test called a t-Test is
employed to compare the means of two groups. It is frequently employed in hypothesis

testing to establish whether a procedure or treatment truly affects the population of interest or

whether two groups differ from one another.

In Treatment of Set-Up A in terms of the plant height, the data shows that the p-value

is equal to which is 0.0950 which is greater than the α-value 0.05, thus, there is no significant

difference on the plant height between the Set-up A. This shows that there is an insignificant

improvement on the plant height after the treatment on the Set-up A (Bioorganic Liquid

Fertilizer).

While in the number of leaves, the data shows that the p-value is equal to which is

0.0918 which is greater than the α-value 0.05, thus, there is no significant difference on the

number of leaves between the Set-up A. It was found that the treatment did not produce any

discernible difference in terms of the Number of Leaves of the lettuce (Lactuca sativa).

In treatment of Set-up B in terms of plant height significant before and after the

application of treatment, the data shows that the p-value is equal to 0.0311 which is less than

α-value 0.05, thus, there is a significant difference on the Height between the Set-up B. This

also shows that there is a significant improvement on the Height of lettuce (Lactuca Sativa)

after the treatment on Set-up B (Commercial Fertilizer).

In number of leaves, the data shows that the p-value is equal to 0.2113 which is

greater than α-value 0.05, thus, there is no significant difference on the Number of leaves

between the Set-up B. It was also found that the treatment did not produce any discernible

difference in terms of number of leaves of lettuce (Lactuca sativa).

In the significant difference before and after the treatment of Set-up C in terms of plant

height, the data shows that the p-value is equal to which is 0.0430 which is less than the α-

value 0.05, thus, there is a significant difference on the plant height between the Set-up C.
This shows that there is a significant improvement on the plant height after the treatment on

the Set-up C (Blank Group).

In Number of leaves, the data shows that the p-value is equal to which is 0.1127 which

is greater than the α-value 0.05, thus, there is no significant difference on the number of

leaves between the Set-up C. It was found that the treatment did not produce any discernible

difference in terms of the number of leaves of the lettuce (Lactuca sativa).

CHAPTER III

SIGNIFICANT FINDINGS, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

FINDINGS

The main objective of this study is to create a bioorganic liquid fertilizer from a mixture

of rabbit manure and carbonized rice hull, as well as to evaluate the effectiveness of

bioorganic liquid fertilizer in improving plant development and characteristics of lettuce

(Lactuca sativa). The plant height and number of leaves were all the parameters to be

measured. Completed Randomized Design (CRD) will be used in this study. The treatment of

Set-up A which is the bioorganic liquid fertilizer (prototype) consists of 10 milliters mixture of

carbonized rice hull, rabbit manure and rice washed water that has 10 Nitrogen, 120

Phosphorus, 240 Potassium and 9.0 pH level , The treatment of Set-up B which consist a 10

milliters of commercial fertilizer (default) has 100 Nitrogen, 120 Phosphorus, 240 Potassium

and 9.0 pH level and the treatment of Set-up C where there is no treatment is applied only

10ml of water was added during the planting process . Three replicates of each treatment are

assigned randomly to 9 pots. Set-up B had greater amounts of NPK content specifically the
Nitrogen than Set-up A where it has an equal amount of Phosphorus, Potassium and pH

Level with Set-up B.

Before the application of the different treatments, the height of Set-up A was

characterized to have an average of 7.233, Set-up B has 8.167 and Set-up C with 8.333

which is less than the standard value of 15-30 cm.

After the process of applying different treatments. The computed average of the

resulting plant height for Set-up A was determined to have an average of 10.667, Set-up B

was 11.533 while Set-up C was determined to have an average of 13.067 resulting greater

improvements among the other treatments. All treatments has a result which is less than the

standard value of 15-30 cm.

Set-up C showed the most significant improvement in the plant height of the lettuce

(Lactuca sativa) from its plant height of 8.333 to a resulting height of 13.067 after the

treatment. Compared to the Set-up A that showed less improvement in the plant height, from

its height level of 7.233 to a resulting height of 10.667 and Set-up B that also showed less

improvement in the plant height from its height level of 8.167 to a resulting height of 11.533

after the treatment. Both Set-ups A, B and C are less than the range standard value of plant

height of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) with 15-30 cm. Therefore, this proves that between the Set-

ups A, B, and C there is a significant improvement on Set-up B and C where the changes in

the plant height. In Set-up A the data shows that the p-value is equal to which is 0.0950 which

is greater than the α-value 0.05, thus, there is no insignificant improvement on the number of

leaves between the Set-up A. Set-up B , shows that the p-value is equal to 0.0311 which is
less than the α-value 0.05, thus, there is a significant improvement on the number of leaves

between the Set-up B while in Set-up C the data shows that the p-value is equal to which is

0.0430 that is greater than the α-value 0.05, thus, there is a significant difference on the

number of leaves between the Set-up C.

In terms of the results of the plant height of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) it was found that

the Set-up B and C shows a significant improvement on the plant height of lettuce (Lactuca

sativa) than Set-up A (bioorganic liquid fertilizer). According to Missouri Botanical Garden

(2013), lettuce (Lactuca sativa) plants generally have a height and spread of 15 to 30 cm (6 to

12 in). All treatments resulted to a value that is less than the standard value.

In terms of the number of leaves before the application of the different treatments, Set-

up A was characterized to have an average of 4, Set-up B has 4.333 and Set-up C with 4

which is less than and equal to the standard value of 4-6.

After the application of different treatments. The computed average of the resulting

number of leaves for Set-up A was determined to have an average of 4.667, Set-up B was

4.667 while Set-up C was determined to have an average of 5 resulting greater improvements

among the other treatments. All treatments has a result which is less than and within the

standard value of 4-6.

Set-up C showed the most significant improvement in the number of leaves of the

lettuce (Lactuca sativa) from its number of leaves of 4 to a resulting number of leaves of 5

after the treatment. Compared to the Set-up A that showed less improvement in the number
of leaves, from its number of leaves of 4 to a resulting number of leaves of 4.667 and Set-up

B that also showed less improvement in the number of leaves from 4.333 to a resulting

number of leaves of 4.667 after the treatment. Both Set-ups A, B and C are less than and

within the range standard value of number of leaves of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) with 4-6.

Therefore, In Set-up A the data shows that the p-value is equal to which is 0.0918

which is greater than the α-value 0.05, thus, there is no insignificant improvement on the

number of leaves between the Set-up A. Set-up B , shows that the p-value is equal to 0.2113

which is greater than the α-value 0.05, thus, there is no insignificant improvement on the

number of leaves between the Set-up B while in Set-up C the data shows that the p-value is

equal to which is 0.1127 that is greater than the α-value 0.05, thus, there is no significant

difference on the number of leaves between the Set-up C.

In terms of the results of the number of leaves of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) it was found

that the treatment did not produce any discernible difference among the different Set-ups A, B

and C. According to Dan Drost, a vegetable specialist at Utah State University Extension

(2020), transplant of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) should have 4-6 mature leaves and a well

develop root system before planting out. All treatments resulted to a value that is less than

and within the standard value.

In terms of the results of the plant height count, it was found that the treatment did not

result any discernible difference in Set-ups A and B. According to Missouri Botanical Garden

(2013), lettuce (Lactuca sativa) plants generally have a height and spread of 15 to 30 cm (6 to

12 in). Lettuce features a somewhat pronounced taproot (15-18” deep on direct-seeded crops
and 6-10” on transplanted crops) (Center for Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems,

2022). Both Set-up A and B is not within the standard value, since the results shows that the

height for every trial is <15-30cm. The results of the experiment showed that there is no

significant improvement on the growth and characteristics of the lettuce (Lactuca sativa) in

terms of plant height after the treatment among the 2 set-ups, therefore accepting the null

hypothesis. This can be said knowing that the resulting p-value is equal to 0.3136 which is

greater than the α-value 0.05 (See Table 13). Thus, rejecting the alternative hypothesis,

which states that there is a significant difference between the quality of prototype fertilizer and

commercial fertilizer by the three treatments in terms of the growth and characteristics of

lettuce (Lactuca sativa); plant height and number of leaves.

In terms of the results of the number of leaves count, it was found that the treatment

did not result any discernible difference in Set-ups A and B. According to Dan Drost, a

vegetable specialist at Utah State University Extension (2020), transplant of lettuce (Lactuca

sativa) should have 4-6 mature leaves and a well developed root system before planting out.

Both Set-up A and B resulted to a value <4 and ≤6 number of leaves which is less than and

equal to the standard value.

The results of the experiment showed that there is no significant improvement on the

growth and characteristics of the lettuce (Lactuca sativa) in terms of number of leaves after

the treatment among the 2 set-ups, therefore accepting the null hypothesis. This can be said

knowing that the resulting p-value is equal to 0.5 which is greater than the α-value 0.05 (See

Table 14). Thus, rejecting the alternative hypothesis, which states that there is a significant

difference between the quality of prototype fertilizer and commercial fertilizer by the three
treatments in terms of the growth and characteristics of lettuce (Lactuca sativa); plant height

and number of leaves.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the results of the experiment, the researchers has drawn to the following

conclusions:

1. There is no significant improvement on the quality of the lettuce (Lactuca sativa)

in terms of its overall characteristics the plant height and the number of leaves

results after the treatment of the Set-up A and it was found that it did not produce

any discernible difference in terms of the growth performance and characteristics.

2. However, there is a significant difference and improvement on the plant height of

both Set-ups B and C after the treatment and there is no significant difference on

the number of leaves of both set-ups. Set-up A which is the bioorganic liquid

fertilizer which has a low NPK content compared to Set-up B the commercial

liquid fertilizer and has a higher NPK content compared to Set-up C, which is the

blank group has showed a greater improvement on its growth performance and

characteristics of the lettuce (Lactuca sativa) after the treatment compared to Set-

up A and Set-up B.

3. The data implies that the Set-up A has failed the requirements to have a

significant difference in terms of the characteristics of the lettuce (Lactuca sativa),

due to the factors affecting the growth of the plant like, nutrients, npk content and

handling.
 4. There is a possibility that the rabbit manure and the CRH mixture didn't meet the

standards of what the lettuce plant needed in order to have great impact on its

yield and characteristics.

5. However, the other treatment of Set-up B and C targeted the specific need of the

lettuce plant (Lactuca sativa) in results to have a significant difference in the

quality of the characteristics of the plant in terms of its plant height.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Based on the conclusions mentioned above, the researchers’ recommends the

following propositions to further improve the study:

1. Check and test the soil's nutrients or conduct soil testing to determine if the soil to

be used is suitable for growing plants and to determine the correct amount of

nutrients required to make a liquid fertilizer.

2. Instead of using pot experiment change the method of planting into hydroponics

gardening system.

3. In formulating the proportions of the components of the treatment, it is

recommended to know the proper ratio between the amount of measurement of

carbonized rice hull, rabbit manure, and liters of rice washed water.

4. Determine the longevity of the bioorganic liquid fertilizer.

5. Consider the weather conditions upon planting.

6. Determine the length of time and do further research on the intervals to apply the

bioorganic liquid fertilizer.

APPENDICES

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