Republic of the Philippines

SURIGAO DEL NORTE STATE UNIVERSITY

Narciso Street, Surigao City 8400, Philippines

Date:
“For Nation’s Greater
Deadline: Midterm
Name:
Heights”
Year & Section:

CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF RESEARCH ARTICLE

Guidelines:

1. At least one (1) original research article related to topics in Philippine Asian Agriculture published
from 2015 to the present. (Can be accessed at https://scholar.google.com,
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, www.sciencedirect.com, and www.nature.com )
2. Write the full information of the research article:
Family Name, Initials of First Name, and Middle Name, (the succeeding authors will be initials of
first name and middle name then Family Name). Year. Title (should be in Title Case). Name of
the journal. Volume (Number of Issues): page(s).

Mutar, K.A., F. A, Salman and H. S. Jaafar. 2020. Role of Organic Foliar Fertilizer Spraying in
Vegetative Growth, Yield and Quality of Two Hybrids of Cauliflower. International Journal of
Agricultural and Statistical Science. Vol. 16. pp. 1205-1208

(For items 3 – 8 at least 10 sentences each)

3. Introduction (critical evaluation, assessment and deeper understanding of its significance).

Answer: The study aims to investigate the effect of different concentrations of organic foliar
fertilizer (Reef Amirich) on the growth, yield and quality of two hybrids of cauliflower (Solid snow
and Snowbally) under the local conditions of Iraq. The study found that spraying Reef Amirich at
1.5 ml.L-1 significantly increased most of the vegetative traits, yield and quality parameters in
both hybrids compared to the control treatment (water spray). The study suggests that Reef
Amirich, which contains amino acids, organic substances and micronutrients, can improve the
nutritional status and metabolic activities of cauliflower plants and enhance their productivity and
quality. The study also shows the response of different genotypes of cauliflower to the foliar
application of Reef Amirich, as Solid snow hybrid had higher protein content and curd diameter,
while Snowbally hybrid had higher curd weight and yield.

4. Summary of the research article (concise overview of the background, description of the study
aim, methodology used, and key findings.

Answer: The research titled, "ROLE OF ORGANIC FOLIAR FERTILIZER SPRAYING IN

VEGETATIVE GROWTH, YIELD AND QUALITY OF TWO HYBRIDS OF CAULIFLOWER" is a
significant study conducted under the local conditions of Iraq.

Background: The study was initiated with the aim to enhance the growth, yield, and quality of
two hybrids of cauliflower (Solid snow and Snowbally) using organic foliar fertilizer (Reef
Amirich).

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 Study Aim: The primary objective was to investigate the effect of different concentrations of
Reef Amirich on the cauliflower hybrids. Reef Amirich is an organic foliar fertilizer containing
amino acids, organic substances, and micronutrients.

Methodology: The researchers sprayed different concentrations of Reef Amirich on the

cauliflower plants and compared the results with a control treatment (water spray).

Key Findings: The study found that spraying Reef Amirich at 1.5 ml.L-1 significantly increased
most of the vegetative traits, yield, and quality parameters in both hybrids compared to the
control treatment. It was observed that the Solid snow hybrid had higher protein content and curd
diameter, while the Snowbally hybrid had higher curd weight and yield.

This research suggests that organic foliar fertilizers like Reef Amirich can improve the nutritional
status and metabolic activities of cauliflower plants, thereby enhancing their productivity and
quality.

5. Strengths/advantages (highlight the commendable aspects of research article. Discuss the

contribution and the positive impact or value).

Answer: The research aims to enhance the growth, yield, and quality of two hybrids of
cauliflower (Solid snow and Snowbally) using organic foliar fertilizer (Reef Amirich) under the
local conditions of Iraq. The research found that spraying Reef Amirich at 1.5 ml.L -1 significantly
increased most of the vegetative traits, yield and quality parameters in both hybrids compared to
the control treatment (water spray). The research suggests that Reef Amirich, which contains
amino acids, organic substances and micronutrients, can improve the nutritional status and
metabolic activities of cauliflower plants and enhance their productivity and quality. The research
also shows the response of different genotypes of cauliflower to the foliar application of Reef
Amirich, as Solid snow hybrid had higher protein content and curd diameter, while Snowbally
hybrid had higher curd weight and yield. The research contributes to the development of
sustainable and organic agriculture practices, as well as the improvement of food security and
human health.
.

6. Weaknesses/disadvantages (in-depth analysis of several areas of concern, key weaknesses

that hinders the effectiveness, negative consequences and drawbacks)

Answer: The disadvantages in terms of research findings not in the perspective of how the
research was conducted are:

The research findings are based on a single field experiment conducted in 2017, which may not
be representative of the long-term or seasonal effects of organic foliar fertilizer (Reef Amirich) on
cauliflower production.
The research findings are limited to two hybrids of cauliflower (Solid snow and Snowbally), which
may not be suitable or available for other regions or markets.
The research findings do not address the possible interactions or trade-offs between organic
foliar fertilizer and other agronomic practices, such as irrigation, pest management, soil fertility,
etc.
The research findings do not consider the economic, social, or environmental impacts of using
organic foliar fertilizer, such as the cost-benefit analysis, the consumer preferences, or the
carbon footprint.

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7. Implications and Considerations (Discuss the potential positive outcomes or developments.
Conversely, discuss the raising concerns about negative consequences or risks prompting a
reevaluation.
Answer: The research results have some implications and considerations for the farmers and
cauliflower growers, such as:

The foliar application of organic nutrient (Reef Amirich) at 1.5 ml.L-1 can improve the vegetative
growth, yield and quality of cauliflower plants, especially for the Snowbally hybrid.
The organic nutrient (Reef Amirich) contains amino acids, organic substances and minor
elements (Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu) that can enhance the plant nutritional status and metabolic
activities.
The foliar application of organic nutrient (Reef Amirich) can reduce the need for mineral fertilizers
and increase the profitability of cauliflower production.
The farmers and cauliflower growers should consider the cost and availability of organic nutrient
(Reef Amirich) and compare it with other organic or bio-fertilizers that may have similar effects on
cauliflower plants.

8. Alternative Approaches or Solutions (as part of a critical analysis, it is essential to propose

alternative approaches or solutions that address the identified weaknesses).
Answer: Without the research results, farmers and cauliflower growers could consider
alternative approaches such as:

Crop rotation: This is a method where different crops are planted in the same area in sequenced
seasons. It is done so that the soil of farms is not used for only one set of nutrients. It helps in
reducing soil erosion and increases soil fertility and crop yield.

Use of other organic fertilizers: There are many types of organic fertilizers that farmers can use,
such as compost, manure, bone meal, etc. These can provide a variety of nutrients to the plants
and can be a good alternative to chemical fertilizers.

Intercropping: This is a multiple cropping practice involving growing two or more crops in
proximity. The most common goal of intercropping is to produce a greater yield on a given piece
of land by making use of resources or ecological processes that would otherwise not be utilized
by a single crop.

Use of cover crop: Cover crops are plants that are planted to cover the soil rather than for the
purpose of being harvested. Cover crops manage soil erosion, soil fertility, soil quality, water,
weeds, pests, diseases, biodiversity and wildlife in an agroecosystem—an ecological system
managed and shaped by humans.

9. Conclusion (concise statement of how the research paper illuminated the multifaceted nature of
research problem).
My conclusion: My conclusion about this research results is:

The research aimed to study the effect of spraying different concentrations of organic nutrient
(Reef Amirich) on the growth, yield and quality of two hybrids of cauliflower (Solid snow and
Snowbally) under the local conditions of Iraq.
The research found that spraying organic nutrient at 1.5 ml.L-1 improved the vegetative growth,
yield and quality of cauliflower plants, especially for the Snowbally hybrid, compared to the
control treatment (spraying water).

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 The research suggested that the organic nutrient (Reef Amirich) contains amino acids, organic
substances and minor elements (Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu) that can enhance the plant nutritional
status and metabolic activities, and reduce the need for mineral fertilizers.
The research concluded that the foliar application of organic nutrient (Reef Amirich) at 1.5 ml. L-1
can be a good practice for cauliflower production in Iraq, and recommended further studies on
other crops and regions.

10. Attachment: Photocopy or soft copy of the research journal