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QUEZON DISTRICT

QUEZON NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

“THE EFFECTIVENESS OF PAPER AND COW MANURE


FIBER AS AN ALTERNATIVE SEEDLING TRAY”

A Research

Presented to the Teachers of


Quezon National High School
Senior High School Department
Alunan, Quezon, Isabela

_______________
In Partial Fulfilment

Of the Subject Requirement for


Practical Research 2

Delfin Bangcoleng Jr.


Justine Dollente
Jhonely Millan
Hazelyn Ranon Ibanez
Angela Olivar
Roselyn Mariano
Edward Cabaro

(April, 2022)

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Chapter I
The Problem and Its Background
I. Introduction

Nowadays, plastics are one of the factors that causes problem in the

environment. Plastic may litter the cities, waterways, and oceans and can

contribute to health problems as well as the global problems including water

pollution. As a result, marine wildlife such as dolphins, whales, turtles, etc. may

ingest them and eventually they die due to intoxication. Plastic also is commonly

known for its non-biodegradable characteristic which means they cannot be

broken down by action of living organisms and it takes them thousands of years to

be decompose. And when it is directly hit by the UV rays from the sun, it releases

toxic substances which contributes in the global warming. In farming, single-use

plastic seedling trays are widely used due to its cheaper price in the market.

However, after people make goods out of it, they usually dumped it into their

yards while some ending up in landfills and added into mountain of wastes. On

the other hand, paper wastes also are undeniably a huge environmental problem.

And, usually people disposed it through burning and in some households, they

use it as an alternative fuel which is alarming as it can harm the environment.

The usages of plastic in nurseries for plant seedling are increasing day by

day, which is also a onetime usage plastic. The usage of these kinds of plastics

increases the accumulation of plastic waste and it affects the environment, (P.

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Praveen et, al., 2020) . Moreover, single-use plant tray is huge environmental

problem. The major impact of plastic on the environment is that it takes many

years to for them to decompose. In addition, toxic substances are released into the

soil when plastic perish under sunlight and, if plastic are burned, they release a

toxic substance into the air causing ambient air pollution, (Ujeh , 2022). Plastic

also have a significant effect in the soil. Indeed, scientists in China recently

examined the effect of polythene fragments on soil life. They found there was a

significant impact on the number of arthropods (spiders, beetles, mites, and other

insects) and roundworms- including springtails, mites and nematode. All of which

play a crucial role in breaking down organic matter within the soil, (Garden

Organic, 2022). Along with, vast amounts of plastic waste are being generated

internationally due to a revolution in the industrial sector and population growth.

Numerous piles of garbage in landfills have quickly become a significant problem

in most countries worldwide (Tekler et al., 2019). As a matter of fact, according to

the National Institute of Statistics and Censuses (INEC), in 2016, almost 13

thousand tons of solid wastes were collected daily, of which 90.3% was collected

in an unsorted manner and 9.7% in a sorted way (National Institute of Statistics

and Censuses, Solid Residues Management, 2016). In addition to, problems with

paper waste are still an issue. Paper waste is a severe problem in many industries

and offices. Because of printing mistakes, junk mails, billings, and packaging, the

paper may comprise up to 70% of a company’s total waste. An average office

employee would be using about 10,000 sheets of paper in a year. In addition to


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paper used for printing, companies also consume other paper products, such as

cardboard, envelopes, and wrappers, to name a few, (Baleforce, 2021).

Furthermore, according to Securing the Future of Philippine Industries, the total

paper and board demand in the Philippines is projected to surpass 2 million tons

within five years, or an additional of 0.3 million tons per year at current

consumption levels. In fact, this time of pandemic wherein majority of learning

modalities are modular, it is expected for that numbers to increase, which means

more paper wastes will be produced.

With those adverse effects of both single-use plastic seedling tray and paper

waste, it serves as an eye-opener for individuals to experiment, study, and

discover solutions to specific problems, like evaluating the use of cow manure and

paper waste fiber as an alternative for seedling tray to reduce waste and avert its

harmful effects on the environment, animals, and even humans. Cow manure is

considered as waste materials by some people for they don’t know the potential

benefits of its organic matter. Manure contains a great deal of fiber. Some of the

fiber is from undigested animal feed and some is from straw, sawdust, or other

bedding that gets mixed in with the manure, (The Cattle Site, 2015). Also, the

researchers found out that fibers from waste papers were used in making

commodities such as bag, plate, and cups which is a recommended replacement

for plastics.

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With those benefits stated from these fiber-rich materials, it paves the way for

researchers to have an idea of helping the community and environment by

evaluating the effectiveness of cow manure and waste paper fibers as an

alternative for plastic seedling trays which will not only lessen the problem in

plastic wastes management, but will also help to promote an eco-friendly

products.

II. Conceptual/Theoretical Framework

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

Ingredient in the a.) Preparation of cow


production of manure and waste Level of
Organic Seedling paper fiber Effectiveness of
Tray: Cow manure and
b.) Making of seedling
a.) Cow manure tray out of input Waste Paper
Fiber fiber as an
c.) Collection of Data
based on the
alternative
b.) Paper Wastes
experimentation seedling tray
Fiber

c.) Water d.) Analysis and


interpretation of data
d.) Molder gathered

Figure 1. Conceptual Model of the Study

Figure 1 shows the conceptual model of the study on the Level of

Effectiveness of Cow manure and Waste Paper fiber as an alternative seedling

tray. The first frame presents the input of the study that includes cow manure

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fiber, paper wastes fiber, water, and molder. The second frame presents the

process of the study that involves assessment of the effectiveness of cow

manure and paper waste fiber as an alternative seedling tray trough

preparation of cow manure and waste paper fiber, making of seedling tray out

of input, collection of data based on the experimentation, and analysis and

interpretation of data gathered. The third frame presents the output of the study

which includes the assessed cow manure and paper waste fiber as an

alternative seedling tray. The arrows from the input to the process and the

output show the connection and transformation of the ingredients in the

production of organic seedling tray with the actions taken into results that are

considered as output.

III. Research Questions

This study aims to know the acceptability level of paper and cow manure fiber

as an alternative seedling tray, it seeks to answer the following questions:

1. Which type of seedling tray (Biodegradable seedling tray made of cow

manure and waste paper fiber or commercial plastic seedling tray) is more

acceptable in terms of the following characteristics?

1.1. Durability

1.2. Odor

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1.3. Eco-friendliness

1.4 Water absorption

2. Does the organic seedling tray has a significant effect on the seed’s

germination process?

3. Is there a significant difference between the acceptability levels of paper

and cow manure fiber as an alternative seedling tray and the acceptability levels of

traditional alternative at 0.05 level of significance?

Hypothesis

Ho: There is no significant difference between the acceptability levels of Cow

Manure and Waste Paper Fiber as an alternative seedling tray and the acceptability

levels of Commercial Plastic Seedling Tray at .05 level of significance.

Ha: There is a significant difference between the acceptability levels of Cow

Manure and Waste Paper Fiber as an alternative seedling tray and the

acceptability levels of Commercial Plastic Seedling Tray at .05 level of

significance.

IV. Scope and Limitation of the Study

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This study mainly focuses on determining the Effectiveness of Paper and Cow

manure fiber as an alternative seedling tray. This research will be limited only to

the cow manure which one of the main ingredients in the production of seedling

tray. This study will be conducted at the researcher’s residence, Abut, Quezon,

Isabela during the second semester of the school year 2021-2022.The researchers

will be showing the materials and ingredients to be used during the experiment

and the step-by-step procedure on how to make an alternative seedling tray with

the paper and cow manure fiber.

The respondents of the study are 25 residents of Barangay Abut, Quezon,

Isabela who will be assessing the characteristics limited only to durability, eco-

friendliness, cost-efficient, odor, and general acceptability of both the paper and

cow manure fiber as an alternative seedling tray , rest assured that every

individual involved in the study will strictly follow the health protocols set by the

Inter-Agency Task force (IATF) such as social distancing, proper sanitation and

wearing of face mask and face shield to avoid the spread of COVID 19. This

research is experimental in nature.

V. Significance of the Study

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This research aims at a new method for producing organic seedling trays with

the use of paper and cow manure fiber. As such, this study provides an idea for the

functional utilization of cow manure and waste papers. The findings of this study

are deemed beneficial to the following groups and individuals:

Farmers

This study will help farmers, particularly to those who has a lot of domestic

cattle as they can utilize their manure into commodities.

Community

This study will increase recycling of cow manure and paper fiber in

producing seedling trays as opposed to manufacturing of a new nutrient resource

that also provides energy and benefits. Substituting manure for commercial

seedling trays reduces waste production energy costs.

Government or Department of Science and Technology

The results of this study will benefit them as they could use an alternative

way of producing seedling trays with paper and cow manure fiber. With these new

methods, the government will find less difficulty dealing with environmental

issues like air pollution due to wastes in land and water areas that may cause

health complications among animals and humans, and the increase of global

warming.

Other Researchers
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This study can serve as their basis and guide in conducting related or parallel

studies.

VI. Definition of Terms

To give those who might read this research a typical frame of reference, the

following terms/variables are hereby defined.

Durability. It refers to the ability of the organic seedling tray to withstand

damages when it drops to a flat land surface at the height of 2 meters.

Eco-friendliness. It refers to the characteristics of organic seedling tray as

replacement for the commercial seedling tray, which is not harmful to the environment.

Alternative. It refers to the option, choice, or replacement of the existing

Commercial Plastic Seedling Tray.

Organic Seedling Tray. It refers to the expected product of this study which is

made of the combination of cow manure and paper waste fiber.

Fiber. It is the essential component of both cow manure and waste paper which

will be extracted and use as an ingredient in making organic seedling tray.

Cow Manure. It is a waste material from cow which will be processed to make an

organic seedling tray.

Waste Paper. It is a material to be used in making organic seedling tray.

Odor. This refers to the scent, and smell of the product which the organic seedling

tray.

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Chapter II

Review of Related Studies and Literature

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This chapter discusses many connected literature and studies. This chapter

concentrated on additional research studies and articles that provide useful information in

increasing the understanding of this topic. Its goal was to conduct background research in

order to have a better knowledge of the usefulness of cow dung and paper waste fiber as an

alternative seedling tray.

Cow manure / dung

Cow manure, also known as cow dung is primarily composed of digested

grass, with small amounts of grain, fruits, and vegetables added depending on the

cattle's diet. It contains more than just cow droppings; it also contains traces of hay,

straw, bedding, grains, and other organic matter that was used to feed the animals, as

well as animal waste, (Cow Manure Composting – All You Need To Know -

HomeBiogas, 2022). It is a 3:1 mixture of feces and urine that mostly comprises of

lignin, cellulose, and hemicelluloses. Cow manure is not only known as an

agricultural waste, but also an organic fertilizer resource, (Zhang et al., 2020). It

contains 24 different minerals like nitrogen, potassium, along with trace amount of

sulfur, iron, magnesium, copper, cobalt and manganese, (Gupta et al., 2016). In

addition to, it is used as fertilizer due to the fact that it organically restores nutrient

balance to fields since it contains NPK (three percent nitrogen, two percent

phosphorus, and one percent potassium), which makes it an excellent choice for

nearly all types of plants and crops.

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Furthermore, according to Tilley (2021), cow manure potentially contains

harmful pathogens and high levels of ammonia. For this reason, composting or

keeping it aged is the recommended way to do before applying it as fertilizer. In

addition to removing toxic ammonia gas, pathogens (such as E. coli), and weed seeds,

composted cow manure will contribute copious amounts of organic matter to the soil.

By incorporating this compost into the soil, the soil's ability to retain moisture can be

enhanced. This enables the gardener to water the plants less regularly, as the plant's

roots can utilize the additional water and nutrients as needed. Also, it will promote

soil aeration. Comparing it to artificial fertilizers which has greater downsides,

including soil acidification, mineral imbalance, and soil damage. Thus, cow manure

may not only serve as an alternative to artificial fertilizers because it contains organic

content, but also as a soil conditioner as it also aids in the loosening of compacted

soils.

Annually, ten million cattle and calves are raised in the United Kingdom,

(Department for Environment, 2016). The annual inventory of cattle and calves in the

United States is 94 million, (NASS, 2019). Texas, Kansas, and Nebraska are the three

states that produce the most beef cattle. In 2017, Brazil produced 218 million cattle,

India 186 million, China 83 million, Argentina 53 million, and Australia 26 million,

(FAOSTAT nation, 2018). According to the 2016 census, the UK produced 31.3

million tonnes of undiluted slurry from dairy and beef cattle and 35.7 million tonnes

of solids from dairy and beef cattle dung, (K. A. Smith et al,. 2016).

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According to the findings of the research conducted by Huang, Yu, Gao, Yan,

Chang, Wang, Hu, and Zhang (2017), cattle produce enormous volumes of manures

that are rich in some nutrients, organics, heavy metals, and pathogens. These manures

come from the animals' waste. According to the findings of the study, China is one of

the countries that produces the most manure in the world. The survey also found that

cattle, pig, and poultry are the primary sources of animal waste in China, making

these three animals their top contributors to the creation of manure. In the research

that Huang and his colleagues conducted about animal dung, one of the aspects that

was looked at was the manure's chemical structure and properties. One of the findings

from this research was that the PH level of cattle manure is 7.86, and its C/N ratio is

10.7. According to what is indicated in their study, increasing the temperature of

cattle manure results in a faster breakdown of organic matter to proper C/N ratios,

which are adjusted by bulking agents.

Furthermore, according to Rajeswari, Poongothai, and Hemalatha (2018),

symbiotic bacteria that live inside an animal's stomach are responsible for cow dung's

inability to digest herbivorous materials. These bacteria are found in the animal's

digestive tract. It refers to the parts of plant matter that have not yet been digested

after traveling through the digestive tract of an animal. The process of fermentation,

absorption and filtration, acidification, and then absorption once more results in the

production of waste that is rich in minerals, fibrous components, and other types of

liquid digesta. Phosphorus, carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen, and oxygen are the

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constituent elements that make up its chemical make-up. In addition, it has

components such as salt, urea, mucus, cellulose, lignin, and hemicellulose. The

digesting process causes some cells to die. In addition to this, it strengthens a plant's

defenses against parasites and illnesses, stimulates the growth of plants, and adds to

the minerals that are already present in the soil. Essentially, cow dung is composed of

80 percent water and undigested plant matter, which is rich in a variety of byproducts,

including bacteria, minerals, and other chemicals. The microflora of cow dung

includes numerous bacilli, lactobacilli, and cocci, in addition to other fungi and yeast

that have been identified and others that have not (Rajeswari, Poongothai &

Hemalatha 2016). In line with this, Prof. Alexander Bismarck, a researcher at the

University of Vienna, initially became interested in the topic after observing goats on

the island of Crete eating dry grass. He said that in order to make manure, animals

must first consume low-quality biomass that contains cellulose, chew the cellulose,

and then expose it in their stomachs to enzymes and acid. Depending on the type of

animal, dung can contain up to forty percent cellulose, which is readily available once

it has been broken down.

Paper Wastes
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Papers are convenient material available everywhere around. It is a flexible

material with several applications, such as in printing, packaging, decorating, writing,

cleaning, filter paper, wallpaper, book endpaper, conservation paper, laminated

worktops, toilet tissue, currency and security paper, as well as a number of industrial

and construction activities. It is made from a plant material called cellulose. Cellulose

can be found in all kinds of plants, but paper is usually made from trees or recycled

paper that was originally made from trees. From our school supplies to our household

goods, paper is still pervasive, and the majority of it is ending up in landfills, creating

an enormous quantity of paper trash. Paper Waste is a significant issue in numerous

organizations and industries. Paper may account for up to 70 percent of a company's

overall waste due to printing errors, unsolicited mail, invoices, and packaging, (Paper

Waste: Why Does It Matter?-BaleForce Recycling Equipment, 2021). In fact,

according to US EPA (2017), in 2018, the generation of paper and paperboard in

municipal solid waste reached 67.4 million tons, or 23.1 percent of the total MSW

generation. And, 17.2 million tons of MSW paper and paperboard were sent to

landfills, (Paper and Paperboard: Material-Specific Data | US EPA, 2017). Besides,

poor paper waste management and recycling can have the same economic and

environmental consequences as other waste items.

In the case of paper, it also entails the destruction of trees. One of the most

serious environmental issues people face today is deforestation. It is more than a

problem with paper wastes as it is a threat to our biodiversity. Moreover, carbon

dioxide is stored in trees. When this gas is released when trees are cut down, burned,
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or turned into pulp for making paper, it can contribute to the warming of the earth,

(What Is the Environmental Impact of Deforestation for Paper Production?, 2018).

Natural Fiber

Bhagabati (2020) defined natural fibers as biopolymers that are derived from

either plants or animals. Natural fibers are made up of three basic components: lignin,

cellulose, and hemicellulose, the percentages of which vary depending on the type of

natural fiber. According to R.M. Rowell (2014), there are six fundamental types of

natural fibres: bast fibers, leaf fibers, seed fibers, core fibers, grass and reed, and all

other forms such as wood and roots.

Moreover, cellulose or cellulosic fibers are fibers made from cellulose, a

carbohydrate that resembles starch. They are produced by dissolving natural

substances like cellulose or wood pulp, which are then regenerated via extrusion and

precipitation, (Cellulosic Fibres, n.d.). Many plants' cellulose components are

concentrated in the leaves and stalks. Several plant fibers, such as ramie, hemp, jute,

and cotton seed hairs, are composed of 60 percent to over 90 percent cellulose and can

be used as textile fiber, (Clayton, 2016).

Fiber Extraction

1.1. Mechanical Method

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Hand decortication, which involved pounding the leaves and scraping

away the pulp with a knife, was historically performed by rural dwellers.

Decortication by hand is time-consuming and labor-intensive. The use of a

mechanical decorticator makes contemporary decortication efficient. In the

mechanical embellishment method, leaves are crushed and beaten into fibers using a

rotating wheel with blunt knives. Hand-fed decorticators scrape the pulp from half of

a leaf, remove the leaf, and then enter the other half for scraping. The entire leaf can

be decorticated in a single insert in some machines. However, the cementing

chemicals (mostly waxes, hemicelluloses, lignin, and hydrocarbons) between fibers

cannot be removed by mechanical extraction methods.

1.2. Chemical Method

The extraction of fibers using chemical means requires the utilization of acids,

alkalis, and enzymes. In the process of extracting cellulosic fibers, the application of

acids hydrolyzes lignin and hemicellulose into pentose molecules with shorter chain

lengths. The use of acid in the treatment process leads to the creation of reactive

groups and causes fibers to fibrillate, which reveals a higher degree of crystallinity in

the fibrils. In the process of fiber extraction, alkali is also used, which dissolves the

lignocellulosic material that is present between fibers and separates the structural

linkages that exist between lignin and cellulose. This results in an increased surface

area as well as a degree of polymerization, which in turn reduces the fibers' breaking

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strength. During the enzymatic process of fiber extraction, the lignocellulosic

component of the fibers is degraded, which results in higher fiber swelling and a

reduced degree of polymerization. Enzymes are responsible for this degradation. The

extraction of fibers using enzymes results in fibers that are more flexible and softer.

2.3. Retting Process

The removal of fibers through retting is a natural microbiological process that

has been the subject of extensive research. The process of retting involves the

breakdown of non-fibrous materials, which functions as glue between the fibers in

woody plant parts and fibers, without causing any damage to the cellulose fibers

themselves. The individual fiber strands and the core of the woody material can be

easily separated using this method. Because retting is a biological process, it is

necessary for there to be sufficient moisture present in addition to a warm temperature

in order for microbial action to take place.

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Chapter III
Research Methodology
This chapter provides further details on the research methodology. This chapter

discusses the to-be-utilized research design, sampling procedure, research locale, study

samples, materials and equipment, data gathering procedures, and statistical analysis.

I. Research Design

In this study, the researchers will be using an experimental research design. This

design aims to gather and interpret numerical data. It can be used to find correlations

and averages, draw conclusions and forecasts, assess causal relationships, and

extrapolate outcomes to larger populations. This design will be adapted to test and

determine the acceptability of cow manure fiber and waste paper fiber as an

alternative ingredient in the making of biodegradable seedling tray and the significant

difference between the acceptability levels of biodegradable seedling tray made of


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cow manure fiber and waste paper and the acceptability levels of commercial seedling

tray.

The sampling technique which will be employed in the study is purposive random

sampling.

The researchers will randomly and purposively select the respondents of this

inquiry to make the study more convenient. The researchers will be using cow manure

fiber and waste paper fiber in the production of biodegradable seedling tray found in

Barangay Abut, Quezon, Isabela.

The preparation of the product will be done in the researcher’s residence, Abut,

Quezon, Isabela. The testing of the product and data gathering will be conducted

during the second semester of the school year 2021-2022 at the same venue where the

products will be prepared and made.

II. Materials and Equipment

The main material for making the experiment, the cow manure and waste paper, will

be provided by the researchers. This will be done by the researchers at Abut, Quezon,

Isabela. The equipment and procedures to be done are based from the handbook (Forests

Products Technoflow Series 15: Handmade Paper Making Fundamentals) that is bought

from the institution. The materials and equipment to be used are as follows:

Materials:

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1. Fiber Raw Materials

 A half sack (25 kilos) of cow manure and waste paper (e.g. newspaper,

excess paper cuttings)

2. Water

3. Chemicals

 Sodium Hydroxide – This partially eliminates lignin, which can be

utilized as a fertilizer or fuel, along with other contaminants, such as

proteins and dead cells.

Equipments:

1. Seed tray molder – to keep the seedling tray product in shape.

2. Basin

3. Weighing scale

4. Measuring Cups

5. Blender (optional)

6. Masher

III. Research Procedure

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To start the procedure, the researchers will have to collect 25 kilos sack of cow

manure and waste papers. The collected manure will be laid on the ground and dried

under the sun. The dried manure will then be collected and will proceed to different

processes of the actual making of the biodegradable seedling tray. The very first step in

the making of the biodegradable seedling tray is the cleaning and extraction of the fibers

through multiple washes of the cow manure. The researchers propose to divide the entire

experimentation process into two parts. Notably, Part I will cover the preparation of fiber

raw materials required for seedling tray manufacture, followed by Part II, which will

cover the step-by-step technique for producing a biodegradable seedling tray made of cow

manure fiber and paper waste fiber. This will be done at one of the researcher’s residence,

Brgy. Abut, Quezon, Isabela. The general procedure in making biodegradable seedling

tray are as follows:

Part 1: Extraction of fiber from fiber raw materials

For the COW MANURE:

1. The cow manure will be first dried under the sun.

2. After it reaches the required dryness, dried cow manure will then be pulverized.

3. Pulverized cow manure will be soaked with sodium hydroxide to partially

eliminate lignin and other contaminants.

4. After that, it will be washed repeatedly to obtain its cellulose.

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For WASTE PAPERS:

1. Cut/rip/shred the waste paper (e.g. magazine, notes, excess cutouts) into pieces.

2. Place the pieces of paper in a container and add water until completely covered.

Leave it for atleast 12 hours.

3. Once the paper is sufficiently soft, it is time to transform it into pulp. Gradually put

the soaked paper into a blender or by hand using a masher. When using a blender, add

more water on top of it. Blend or mash.

4. Repeat the same steps until all the paper pieces have been transformed to pulp.

Part 2. Production of Biodegradable Seedling Trays made of Cow manure fiber and

waste paper pulp.

1. Put the basin, any other necessary equipment, and the required materials in place.

2. Add the pulp and cow manure fiber in the basin with 10:10 ratio, 10 cups of paper

pulp for every 10 cups of cow manure fiber. Mix it thoroughly.

3. Put the mixed ingredients into a seedling tray molder with 2mm thickness.

4. Set aside and dry.

IV. Test and Analysis

In conducting this study, the researchers will strictly comply by all applicable ethical and

professional norms. The researchers will send a letter requesting authorization to collect data

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to the Barangay Captain of Abut, Quezon, Isabela. After receiving approval, the researchers'

checklist questionnaire will be used to collect data from 20 respondents in Barangay Abut,

Quezon, Isabela, based on their evaluations of characteristics including durability, eco-

friendliness, cost-efficient, and general acceptability of biodegradable seedling trays made of

cow manure fiber and waste paper fiber.

The twenty respondents will consist of five individuals from each of the four Purok in

Abut, Isabela, Quezon. These 20 respondents can be either male or female and have

gardening expertise using seedling trays. In the aforementioned barangay, the items

(commercial plastic seedling trays and biodegradable seedling trays composed of cow dung

fiber and waste paper pulp) would be applied.

In the application, the two seedling trays will be evaluated and tested independently.

First, the two seedling trays will be dropped from a height of 200 centimeters onto a flat

surface, and three trials will be conducted with one commercial plastic seedling tray and one

biodegradable seedling tray composed of cow dung fiber and waste paper pulp. Second,

environmental friendliness to determine the eco-friendlier goods. Third is cost-effectiveness,

which determines the most affordable product. In this part, the researchers will identify all

costs associated with the production of a biodegradable seedling tray composed of cow dung

fiber and waste paper pulp, which will be compared to the price of a commercially available

plastic seedling tray. For the water absorption test, the biodegradable seedling tray will be

dried then placed in a desiccator to cool. Immediately upon cooling it will be weighed. The

material is then emerged in water at agreed upon conditions, often 23°C for 24 hours. Lastly

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is the general acceptability which determines the overall features of the two items, such as

their durability, eco-friendliness, cost-effectiveness. After each test, respondents will evaluate

the quality of the two seedling trays.

The Likert 5 - scale will be used to measure the acceptability level of the two products

(Commercial commercial plastic seedling trays and biodegradable seedling trays composed

of cow dung fiber and waste paper pulp) which has a descriptive equivalent of (5) highly

acceptable, (4) acceptable, (3) slightly acceptable, (2) slightly unacceptable and (1)

unacceptable. The 20 respondents will evaluate the qualities of the commercial plastic

seedling trays and biodegradable seedling trays composed of cow dung fiber and waste paper

pulp (i.e., durability, environmentally friendly, cost-efficient, water-absorption, and general

acceptability) when these products will undergo different testing, rest assured that data would

be kept with confidentiality and every respondent or individual involved in the study will

strictly follow the health protocols set by the Inter-agency Task Force (IATF) such as social

distancing, wearing face mask and face shield and proper sanitation to avoid the spread of

COVID 19.

Finally, two seedling trays will be compared, one of which will be manufactured

commercially and the other with a mixture of cow dung fiber and waste paper pulp.

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V. Research Flowchart

Fiber Raw Material


Preparation

Cellulose Extraction

Washing/Screening

Disintegration

Pulp Molding Drying


Screening

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Washing

Dyeing

VI. Statistical Analysis

In order to analyze and interpret the data, the Frequency Count, Weighted Arithmetic

Mean, Arithmetic Mean, and T-test for independent samples will be utilized.

The frequency count will be used to tally the number of responses depending on the

weight established by researchers using the rating scale. Researchers will utilize the

mean to determine the acceptability of Cow Manure and Waste Paper Fiber in Seedling

Tray production. The Formula read:

x = Σx / N

Where X represents the arithmetic mean, Σx represents the sum of scores/ratings, and

N indicates the total number of cases.

In Weighted Arithmetic mean, the different weights set by the researchers are

multiplied by their respective frequencies or number of responses, then the products are

added and the sum of the products then divided by the overall number of frequencies or

responses. The formula was:

W= Σ fx
Σf

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Where W represents the weighted arithmetic mean, fx represents the sum of the

product of frequencies and provided weights, and f indicates the total number of

frequencies or responses.

In addition, the T-test for independent samples will be used to determine whether

there is a significant difference between the seedling tray made of cow manure fiber and

waste paper pulp and the commercial plastic seedling tray in terms of durability,

environmental friendliness, cost-efficiency, water absorption, and general acceptability.

The significance level of the findings will be determined with the use of Microsoft Excel

and a probability level of 5 percent.

In order to determine the level of acceptance, the researchers will utilize the scale

provided in the table below.

Arbitrary Scale
Scale Description

4.20-5.00 Highly Acceptable

3.40-4.19 Acceptable

2.60-3.39 Slightly Acceptable

1.80-2.59 Slightly Unacceptable

1.0-1.79 Unacceptable

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CHAPTER IV

Presentation, Interpretation and Analysis of Data

This chapter deals with the data analysis and interpretation of the data collected

through structured knowledge questionnaire. Analysis and interpretation of data obtained

from structured knowledge questionnaire regarding the assessment of the two seedling trays.

Then the findings were printed in different graphs and tables. Analysis defined as the

“categorizing” ordering manipulating & summarizing of data to obtain access to research

questions. The purpose of analysis is to reduce data to on intelligible & interpretable form, so

that the relation of research problem can be studied and tested. This chapter presents the

analysis and interpretation of the data collected to assess the effectiveness of cow manure and

paper waste fiber. The data was analyzed based on the following objectives.

Objectives of the Study

1. To assess the characteristics of both the commercial plastic seedling tray and the

biodegradable seedling tray in terms of:

1.1 durability

1.2 odor

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1.3 cost-efficiency

2. Which among the two seedling trays are more acceptable in terms of durability,
odor, and cost-efficiency?

Table 1. Durability

TYPE OF SEEDLING TRAY TRIAL 1 TRIAL 2 TRIAL 3 Mean

Seedling Tray made of cow 1 1 1 1


manure fiber and waste paper fiber

Commercial plastic Seedling Tray 1 1 1 1

1: no break 2: with break

The two seedling trays was dropped from a height of 200 centimeters onto a flat

surface, and three trials was conducted with one commercial plastic seedling tray and one

biodegradable seedling tray composed of cow dung fiber and waste paper pulp. In trial 1, the

biodegradable seedling tray had passed the test with no break the same result with the next

trial 2&3. The commercial seedling tray, on the other hand, also passed the test with no

break. The table above reveals that in every trial, both type of seedling tray has no break. This

means that both of them are durable.

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Table 2. Odor

TYPE OF SEEDLING TRAY 1 2 3 4 5

Seedling Tray made of cow 0 0 20 0 0


manure fiber and waste paper fiber

Commercial plastic Seedling Tray 0 0 20 0 0

Respondent/s: 20

Legend:

1- Slightly unpleasant 2-Moderately unpleasant 3- Neutral 4-Very unpleasant 5-Extremely unpleasant

The researchers conducted a survey to evaluate the odor of the two seedling trays

(commercial plastic seedling tray and one biodegradable seedling tray composed of cow dung

fiber and waste paper pulp). Among all of the 10 respondents, it can be inferred from the

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table 2 that majority of them has voted “1” or “neutral”. The result only means that both of

the seedling trays have no foul odor.

Table 3. Cost Analysis

Raw Materials/ Ingredient Cost

1 cup Caustic Soda 23.125

6 cups Paper Waste Fiber 0

3 cups Cow Manure Fiber 0

Waste Plastic Cup 0

TOTAL 23.125

Total product yield: 12 pots (Php. 1.9 each)


Price of Plastic seedling tray: 1 pot = Php. 1.2 approx.

As shown on table 3, there are 4 raw materials namely: caustic soda, paper waste

fiber, cow manure fiber, and the waste plastic cup. Out of the four, caustic soda is the only

one that has cost of Php. 23.125 and the rest doesn’t have (0). Moreover, the above listed

ratio of ingredients can have a total product yield of 12 pots which can cost estimated of Php.

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1.9 each. On the other hand, the plastic seedling tray can approximately cost Php. 1.2 each

pot. It can be inferred from the result that Plastic Seedling Tray is more acceptable in terms of

cost-efficient.

2. Which among the two seedling trays are more acceptable in terms of durability, odor, and

cost-efficiency?

Types Durability Cost-efficient Odor Mean


Commercial plastic
Seedling Tray 1 2 1 1.3

Seedling Tray made of


cow manure fiber and 1 1 1 1
waste paper fiber

As shown on the Table 4, Seedling Tray made of cow manure fiber and waste paper

fiber has a mean of 1 while the Commercial Plastic Seedling Tray has the highest mean

making it more acceptable. In addition, from the test that the researchers have conducted, the

durability and odor of both the commercial plastic seedling tray and one biodegradable

seedling tray composed of cow dung fiber and waste paper pulp have no differences.

However, on cost-analysis there’s a very few difference of the estimated price of each type of

seedling considering all the cost of production. So, the researchers have statistically

concluded that the commercial plastic seedling tray is more acceptable in terms of cost-

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efficiency. In those cases, where there’s significantly different results in costing between the

two types, it should be noted that all plants were still of good to excellent marketable value.

These results suggest that when choosing a pot type, other factors will likely play a

bigger role than that of plant growth. One such factor could be that of algal growth.

Significant algal growth occurred on peat and wood fiber pots in particular, and this may

have a negative effect on consumer appeal at the time of marketing. Container strength is

another factor that will also play an important role in pot selection. For a producer, these pots

could cause significant problems in terms of handling, especially in mechanized settings.

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CHAPTER V

Summary, Conclusions And Recommendations

I. Summary

The purpose of this study was to test the acceptability level of paper and cow manure

fiber as an alternative seedling tray, it seeks to answer the following questions: 1.) To assess

the characteristics of both the commercial plastic seedling tray and the biodegradable

seedling tray in terms of: 1.1 durability; 1.2 odor; 1.3 cost-efficiency; and to test if there is a

significant difference between the acceptability levels of paper and cow manure fiber as an

alternative seedling tray and the acceptability levels of traditional alternative at 0.05 level of

significance.

The respondents of the study were 20 students from Quezon, National, High School.

They were subjectively and randomly selected by the researchers. The study made use of a 4-

item checklist. The Weighted Arithmetic Mean was used to determine the level of

acceptability level of paper and cow manure fiber as an alternative seedling tray.

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The following is the summary of the findings:

Initially, Seedling Tray made of cow manure fiber and waste paper fiber has a mean

of 1 while the Commercial Plastic Seedling Tray has the highest mean making it more

acceptable. In addition, from the test that the researchers have conducted, the durability and

odor of both the commercial plastic seedling tray and one biodegradable seedling tray

composed of cow dung fiber and waste paper pulp have no differences. However, on cost-

analysis there’s a very few difference of the estimated price of each type of seedling

considering all the cost of production. In those cases, where there’s significantly different

results in costing between the two types, it should be noted that all plants were still of good to

excellent marketable value.

II. Conclusions

Based on the findings of the study, the following conclusions were drawn:

There is a significant difference between the mean scores of the Cow Manure

Seedling Tray and Commercial Plastic Seedling Tray. Furthermore, as suggested by the

overall weighted mean scores of the two groups after the study, the researchers have

statistically concluded that the commercial plastic seedling tray is more acceptable in terms

of cost-efficiency compared to the Cow Manure Seedling Tray.

III. Recommendations

In accordance with the findings and conclusions, the following recommendations are

presented.
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1. Since the effectiveness of Cow Manure and Paper waste Fiber as an alternative for Plastic

Seedling Tray has been proven, it is recommended for farmers or any agriculturist to use Cow

Manure and Paper Waste Seedling Tray when preparing seedlings.

2. The implementation of Cow Manure and Paper waste Fiber as an alternative for Plastic

Seedling Tray should be encouraged by the Department of Agriculture in an effort to uplift

eco-friendliness in the field of agriculture.

3. A replication of this study is also recommended with a bigger sample to ascertain the same

results.

4. In conducting the study, you must wear Personal Protective Equipments specially when

handling the Sodium Hydroxide.

5. We recommend the idea of continuing this research to enhance more the goodness and to

improve more its effectiveness.

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A. Survey Questionnaire

Name (optional): __________________________

We, the researchers of Quezon National High School's Grade 11 STEM, would
appreciate it if you would take the time to respond to the questions listed below as part of our
research entitled "THE EFFECTIVENESS OF PAPER AND COW MANURE FIBER AS
AN ALTERNATIVE SEEDLING TRAY." Every responder or participant involved in the
study must strictly adhere to the health measures established by the Inter-Agency Task Force
(IATF) to prevent the transmission of COVID 19, including social distance, hand washing,
proper sanitation, and the wearing of a face mask and face shield. We appreciate your
cooperation.
Direction: Please check the box corresponds to your preference/response on the quality

1. Acceptability of Seedling Tray made of cow manure fiber and waste paper fiber.

Rating Scale:
5 – highly acceptable 4 – acceptable 3 – slightly acceptable

2 – slightly unacceptable 1 – unacceptable

Qualities 5 4 3 2 1
Durability
Environmentally
friendly
Cost-efficient
Water
absorption
General
Acceptability

2. Acceptability of Commercial plastic Seedling Tray

Rating scale:
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5 – highly acceptable 4 – acceptable 3 – slightly acceptable

2 – slightly unacceptable 1 – unacceptable

Qualities 5 4 3 2 1
Durability
Environmentally
friendly
Cost-efficient
Water
Absorption
General
Acceptability

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Chapter 5
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Summary

The purpose of this study was to test the acceptability level of paper and cow manure

fiber as an alternative seedling tray, it seeks to answer the following questions: 1.) To assess

the characteristics of both the commercial plastic seedling tray and the biodegradable

seedling tray in terms of: 1.1 durability; 1.2 odor; 1.3 cost-efficiency; and to test if there is a

significant difference between the acceptability levels of paper and cow manure fiber as an

alternative seedling tray and the acceptability levels of traditional alternative at 0.05 level of

significance.

The respondents of the study were 20 students from Quezon, National, High School.

They were subjectively and randomly selected by the researchers. The study made use of a 4-

item checklist. The Weighted Arithmetic Mean was used to determine the level of

acceptability level of paper and cow manure fiber as an alternative seedling tray.

The following is the summary of the findings:

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Initially, Seedling Tray made of cow manure fiber and waste paper fiber has a mean

of 1 while the Commercial Plastic Seedling Tray has the highest mean making it more

acceptable. In addition, from the test that the researchers have conducted, the durability and

odor of both the commercial plastic seedling tray and one biodegradable seedling tray

composed of cow dung fiber and waste paper pulp have no differences. However, on cost-

analysis there’s a very few difference of the estimated price of each type of seedling

considering all the cost of production. In those cases, where there’s significantly different

results in costing between the two types, it should be noted that all plants were still of good to

excellent marketable value.

Conclusions

Based on the findings of the study, the following conclusions were drawn:

There is a significant difference between the mean scores of the Cow Manure

Seedling Tray and Commercial Plastic Seedling Tray. Furthermore, as suggested by the

overall weighted mean scores of the two groups after the study, the researchers have

statistically concluded that the commercial plastic seedling tray is more acceptable in terms

of cost-efficiency compared to the Cow Manure Seedling Tray.

Recommendations

In accordance with the findings and conclusions, the following recommendations are

presented.

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1. Since the effectiveness of Cow Manure and Paper waste Fiber as an alternative for Plastic

Seedling Tray has been proven, it is recommended for farmers or any agriculturist to use Cow

Manure and Paper Waste Seedling Tray when preparing seedlings.

2. The implementation of Cow Manure and Paper waste Fiber as an alternative for Plastic

Seedling Tray should be encouraged by the Department of Agriculture in an effort to uplift

eco-friendliness in the field of agriculture.

3. A replication of this study is also recommended with a bigger sample to ascertain the same

results.

4. In conducting the study, you must wear Personal Protective Equipments specially when

handling the Sodium Hydroxide.

5. We recommend the idea of continuing this research to enhance more the goodness and to

improve more its effectiveness.

References:
Bhagabati, P. (2020, April 17). Biopolymers and biocomposites-mediated sustainable high-
performance materials for automobile applications. Biopolymers and Biocomposites-
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Mediated Sustainable High-Performance Materials for Automobile Applications -


ScienceDirect; www.sciencedirect.com.
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Cellulosic Fibres. (n.d.). Heddels. Retrieved May 22, 2022, from


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Clayton, A. (2016, November 18). The Potential Role of Bioscience Industries in Small
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Cow Manure Composting – All You Need To Know - HomeBiogas. (2022, January 25).
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composting/#:~:text=Cow%20manure%2C%20also%20known%20as%20cow%20dung%2C
%20is,in%20nutrients%20and%20is%20suitable%20for%20plant%20growth.

Composting Cow Manure: Using Cow Manure Fertilizer In The Garden. (2021, June 14).
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DEFRA. Farming Statistics Provisional Crop Areas, Yields and Livestock Populations. At
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FAOSTAT. Live Animals—Cattle; FAOSTAT Nations: Rome, Italy, 2018.

Gupta, K. K., Aneja, K. R. & Rana, D. (2016, June 1). Current status of cow dung as a
bioresource for sustainable development - Bioresources and Bioprocessing. SpringerOpen;
bioresourcesbioprocessing.springeropen.com.
https://bioresourcesbioprocessing.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s40643-016-0105-9

Ibanet.org. 2022. The negative environmental effects of plastic shopping bags. [online]
Available at:
<https://www.ibanet.org/article/76F8D2A9-1A1D-4A2F-8A6F-0A70149FD4D5> [Accessed
15 April 2022].
Paper and Paperboard: Material-Specific Data | US EPA. (2017, September 7). US EPA;
www.epa.gov. https://www.epa.gov/facts-and-figures-about-materials-waste-and-recycling/
paper-and-paperboard-material-specific-data

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Paper Waste: Why Does It Matter? - BaleForce Recycling Equipment. (2021, July 15).
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