THE EFFECTIVENESS OF CARABAO (Bubalus bubalis carabanesis) MANURE

AND MUNG BEAN SPROUT (Vigna radiata) AS BIO NEUTRALIZERS

A Research Proposal

Presented to the Faculty of

Senior High School

University of Saint La Salle

Bacolod City

In Partial Fulfillment

of the Requirements for

Inquiries, Investigation and Immersion

ALVARAN, AGUSTIN IV
BAÑARES, GERALD EMMANUEL
BRILLANTES, AMIEL JULES
FLAVIANO, FRANCIS JOHN
KAABAY, ANDREI LAWRENCE
MARTIN, ISAAC JAMES
VILLAFLOR, KISH JAN

November 15, 2023

 Table of Contents

TITLE PAGE........................................................................................................................ i

TABLE OF CONTENTS.....................................................................................................ii

LIST OF TABLES..............................................................................................................iii

LIST OF FIGURES............................................................................................................ iv

INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................... 1

Background of the study................................................................................................ 1

Statement of the Problem............................................................................................... 4

Hypothesis.................................................................................................................................5

Conceptual Framework.................................................................................................. 5

Significance of the study................................................................................................ 6

Definition of Terms....................................................................................................... 8

Review of Related Literature....................................................................................... 10

MATERIALS AND METHODS....................................................................................... 17

Research Design........................................................................................................... 17

Materials and Equipment............................................................................................. 17

Data Gathering Procedure............................................................................................ 18

A. Pre Experiment.................................................................................................. 19

B. Experiment Proper............................................................................................. 20
 C. Post Experiment.................................................................................................21

Statistical Treatment..................................................................................................... 22

Ethical Considerations..................................................................................................24

REFERENCES...................................................................................................................26
 LIST OF TABLES

Table 1. Mean range with corresponding interpretation 23

Table 2. p-value Interpretation Table 24

 LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1. Schematic Diagram of the Conceptual Framework of the Study 6

Figure 2. Process Flow Chart 18

 1

INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study

Soil is one of the most important natural resources on the planet. It supports the

cultivation of vegetation for feed, fiber, and fuel, and has the potential to aid in the

combat and mitigation of climate change. It’s also a rich and complex ecosystem,

accommodating a staggering array of biodiversity (Commonwealth Human Ecology

Council, 2021). The presence of soil in the aspect of agriculture has truly been cemented

and known to humankind. Throughout human history, our relationship with the soil has

affected our ability to cultivate crops and influenced the success of civilizations. This

relationship between humans, the earth, and food sources affirms soil as the foundation of

agriculture (Parikh & James, 2012). The researchers can only see the real importance of

soil in this study. In order for the plants to effectively nurture the nutrients from the soil,

there is an ideal pH level in order for it to flourish. Soil neutralization is required to

promote plant growth. The ability of plants to take nutrients from the soil into their roots

is affected by the pH content of the surrounding soil particles (Neina, 2019). Up until

today in the modern world, there is a continued demand for alternative neutralizers that is

even more accessible to the greater public and is effective and readily available. The

researchers decided to proceed with this study through an alternative to be used as soil

neutralizers, mung bean sprouts and Carabao manure mixture. Mung Bean Sprouts,

which are popular in China and India, also known as Bean Sprouts, are the sprouts that

develop from soaked mung beans. Green gram contains a lot of protein, fiber, and

nutrients. Mung bean sprouting not only improves their nutrition but also makes them

easier to digest. Meanwhile, Animal manures are the solid, semisolid, and liquid

byproducts of animals raised to produce meat, milk, eggs, and other agricultural products
 2

for human use and consumption. They are mixtures of animal feces, urine, bedding

materials (e.g. straw, sawdust, rice hulls), and other materials associated with animal

production, such as waste feed, soil, wash waters, and any chemical or physical

amendments used during manure handling and storage. Both mung bean sprouts and

Carabao Manure mixture inflict a change in soil amendment.

Bio-soil neutralizers promote rapid and extensive root growth. This is the same

with the bio-soil neutralizers and the ingredients that come with the neutralizers,

especially the detailed solution which is quick and slaked lime and since lime is alkaline,

it neutralizes the acidity of the soil and makes it more neutral. Despite the benefits of

liming on soil acidity, excessive liming rates (i.e., overliming) “can lead to micronutrient

shortages (Fageria & Baligar, 2008). Indeed, deficits in Fe(Iron), Mn(Manganese),

Cu(Copper), and Zn(Zinc) can be among the harmful impacts of excessive liming”

(Moreira et al., 2017). Soil with high pH levels usually hinders plant growth, especially

with plants that do best in acidic soil instead of alkaline soils like Blueberries,

rhododendrons, azaleas, etc. Soil alkalinity indicates high levels of calcium carbonate,

resulting in calcareous and highly porous soils. Plants rooted in alkaline soil often

develop ruffled yellow leaves and purple stems. And, as there are different types of soil

for each area, the researchers decided to take soil samples from Bacolod City and from

Cauayan City to know if there would be different results from the mung bean sprout and

Carabao manure mixture on each soil. A study from the Bureau of Soils and Water

Management shows that these two cities contain the desired pH value which ranges from

5.6 to 6.8 of pH value for the plants' growth hence the researchers chose these two cities

because it would take us time to go to the other cities and gather soil samples as the
 3

researchers wouldn’t have a source where the researchers could get soil but in Cauayan.

One of the researchers collected the samples from their farm in Cauayan.

Neutralizing is a chemical process that converts either an acidic or alkaline

substance or solution to a neutral state, meaning a pH of 7 on the pH scale (Ticsay, 2019).

Alfalfa Meal also known as lucerne or Medicago sativa which is part of the legume

family however, it is considered as a herb, in addition, it is a balanced NPK fertilizer that

provides a steady release of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and some sulfur throughout

the growing season, with most of it available during peak growth, when crops need it

most. In addition, it is inexpensive, easily accessible, lightweight enough for use in

container gardening, and doesn't draw in animals. Unfortunately, since alfalfa meal is not

widely available in the Philippines, the ideal substitute is mung bean sprouts, or Vigna

radiata. Mung bean sprouts can be used as green manure since they are legumes which

add nitrogen to the soil, in addition, they are good soil neutralizers. Manures are nicely

balanced, providing small amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, in a base of

predigested organic matter. Although manures provide a balanced mixture of vital

minerals, it is important to remember that the pH level, indicating the acidity or basicity

of water, plays a pivotal role in optimizing plant growth. pH is a measure of how the

water is acidic or basic. The range goes from 0 - 14, with 7 being neutral. pHs of less than

7 indicate acidity, whereas a pH of greater than 7 indicates a base (U.S. Geological

Survey, 2019).

Acidity itself is not responsible for restricting plant growth. Instead, biological

processes favorable to plant growth can be negatively affected by acidity. Soil acidity is a

potentially serious land degradation issue because when soil becomes too acidic, it can
 4

decrease the availability of essential nutrients and increase the impact of toxic elements.

Without treatment soil acidification can significantly impact agricultural productivity and

sustainable farming systems. Acidification can also extend into subsoil layers, posing

serious problems for plant root development and remedial action.

The researchers’ goal is to simply assess what is recently happening in the society

especially the chemical components that a bio-neutralizer has, for example the amount of

acids that are in a bio-soil neutralizer specifically sodium hydroxide, when not handled

carefully it can cause the soil to swell and breakdown thus it destroys the mineral

components that the soil has in order to be used for agriculture and plant growth.

Statement of the Problem

This study aims to determine the effectiveness of mung bean sprout and carabao

manure as bio neutralizer to the soil.

The study seeks to answer the following questions:

1. What is the pH level of soil when treated with varying ratios of mung bean

sprout and Carabao manure such as:

a. 50 % Mung Bean Sprout, 50% Carabao Manure

b. 70% Mung Bean Sprout, 30 % Carabao Manure

c. 30% Mung Bean Sprout, 70% Carabao Manure

d. 60% Mung Bean Sprout, 40% Carabao Manure

e. 40% Mung Bean Sprout, 60% Carabao Manure

f. 80% Mung Bean Sprout, 20% Carabao Manure

g. 20% Mung Bean Sprout, 80% Carabao Manure

 5

2. Is there a significant difference in the pH level of the soil among the different

setups?

Hypothesis

There is no significant difference in the level of effectiveness of mung bean sprout

and Carabao manure mixture as bio soil neutralizer in different concentrations.

Conceptual Framework

The independent variable in this study is the ratio of Mung bean sprouts and

Carabao manure. This variable will be manipulated to create different treatment groups.

The dependent variable is the pH level of the soil. This variable will be measured to

determine the effect of the independent variable on the soil's acidity. The controlled

variables in this study are the type of soil and the type of animal manure used. The type

of soil will be kept constant throughout the study to ensure that any changes in pH level

are due to the independent variable and not the soil type. The type of animal manure will

also be controlled to prevent any confounding effects of different nutrient compositions.

The study will be conducted in a randomized controlled design, with multiple treatment

groups that vary in the ratio of mung bean sprouts and Carabao manure. The pH level of

the soil will be measured before and after treatment to assess any changes. Statistical

analysis will be performed to determine if there is a significant relationship between the

independent variable and the dependent variable.

 6

Figure 1.

Schematic Diagram of the Conceptual Framework of the Study

Significance of the Study

This research holds substantial importance for various segments of the

community, especially the agricultural sector. It is highly relevant and has significant

implications for the following:

Industrial and Commercial Farmers. This research has the potential to be a

transformative development for industrial and commercial farmers, presenting a

groundbreaking path in soil innovation that has the capacity to revolutionize large-scale

agriculture. The implications of such a breakthrough extend beyond individual garden

plots, presenting a promising prospect for transforming how industrial and commercial

farmers approach soil management. If implemented on a broader scale, this innovation

 7

could usher in a more sustainable and efficient era in agriculture, fostering healthier soils

and, subsequently, increased crop yields for large-scale farming operations.

Home Gardeners. This research also holds immense significance as it offers

invaluable data for enhancing the soil management practices of home gardeners,

presenting a more straightforward and effective approach to neutralizing soil acidity in

the context of small-scale gardening. This study equips home gardeners with the

knowledge and tools needed to optimize the soil conditions of their individual gardens.

The findings not only streamline the neutralization process but also empower gardeners

with a deeper understanding of the soil composition, fostering sustainable gardening

practices.

Future Researchers. The researchers express a conviction that the culmination of

their work does not signify an endpoint but rather serves as a bridging portal to a realm of

continuous exploration and study. They maintain the belief that doors to new knowledge

are limitless, emphasizing that this research marks not the conclusion but a catalyst for

future opportunities and innovations. This study is positioned as a foundation for

upcoming researchers, encouraging them to persistently delve into the vast opportunities

that emerge through endeavors like these. It envisions a trajectory where the outcomes of

this research act as a guiding beacon, inspiring and propelling future investigators to

make breakthrough discoveries and advancements, thereby contributing to an ongoing

cycle of scientific progress and innovation.

 8

Definition of Terms

In this section, the terminologies used in this research paper will be defined.

Alfalfa. Medicago sativa, is a perennial, cloverlike, leguminous plant of the pea

family (Fabaceae), widely grown primarily for hay, pasturage, and silage. It is known for

its remarkable productivity and the quality of its herbage. The plant is also valued in soil

improvement and is grown as a cover crop and as a green manure (The Editors of

Encylcopaedia Britannica, 2023).

In this study, Mung bean sprouts are the replacement for Alfalfa since Medicago

sativa is inaccessible to the area of the researchers. The researchers utilized the Mung

bean sprout as it contains similar minerals such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and Potassium

related to Alfalfa.

Bio-soil neutralizers. It is a method that reduces the acidity or alkalinity of soil,

brings it closer to a neutral pH and helps to restore the soil pH to a desirable level for

optimal soil health and crop production. Therefore it neutralizes soil acidity and moves

the pH of soil higher. Most plants including flowers, vegetables, shrubs, and trees grow

best in soil pH 6.0 to 7.0 (Nakao et al., 2023).

In this study it refers to a mixture that removes the soil acidity thus, making it

more basic. It is also the more natural product that the researchers will make using the

mixture of Manure and Mung bean sprouts.

Manure. An organic matter that has undergone decomposition of dead plants and

animals, combined with animal excrement, results in the formation of a nutrient-rich

substance. This substance, which is abundant in nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus, is

commonly used as a natural fertilizer to enhance the fertility of land (Chesworth, 2016).
 9

In this study, it refers to the dried animal waste that will be used in adding to the

bio neutralizer mixture.

Mung Bean Sprouts. It is a type of legume, rich in protein, that grows well in

warm environments, it contains higher amounts of folate and iron, and it can produce

nitrogen from the air with the help of bacteria. It is also a small and self-fertilizing

genome, it can be used as a model for studying other legumes (Ha & Lee, 2019). In

addition, it is a source of food, feed, manure, and industrial materials that is widely

known in the country Philippines.

In this study, it refers to a rapidly growing plant that will be used to make the bio

neutralizer mixture.

Neutralizer. It is a substance that is used to modify the acidity or alkalinity of

soil. It reacts with either an acid or a base to produce a neutral solution with a pH of 7,

which results in more nutrients being available to the plants. It is often granulated to

improve the blending and application of its properties (Corrosionpedia, 2018).

In this study, it refers to the mix of both mung bean sprout and carabao manure

that will be used to test pH level and plant growth.

pH content. A measure of how acidic or basic a substance or solution is. Often

used with a scale, value 7 would be described as neutral which means neither acidic nor

basic. A solution with a pH less than 7 is considered acidic and a solution with a pH

greater than 7 is considered basic (The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2023).

In this study, it refers to how acidic or basic the mixture is, where 7 on the scale is

named as basic, anything below 7 is acidic, and anything above 7 is considered basic.
 10

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Animal Manure’s effects to soil

Based on an article by Hay (2017) manure has significant value for reducing

runoff and erosion. In combination with other soil management practices, manure

preserves soil and limits environmental costs of agriculture. This article reviews the value

that results from changes to the physical characteristics of soil. Manure application

reduced erosion and runoff, following manure application . Improvements in soil water

holding capacity and soil infiltration rates were responsible for the lower runoff and

erosion levels.

Composition of Cattle Manure

Carabao manure exhibits a C:N ratio of 18-20, with carbon content ranging from

24 to 30% and nitrogen levels between 0.8 and 2.2%. Additionally, it contains 2.07%

phosphorus and 0.12-2.0% potassium. This composition highlights the manure's potential

as an organic fertilizer, providing a balanced mix of essential nutrients crucial for

enhancing soil fertility and promoting robust plant growth. The varying ratios and

percentages underscore its versatility in contributing to sustainable agricultural practices.

(Tuan, 2019).

Effect of Organic Nutrients on Soil Carbon Management Index in Mung Bean

Farming

Asian Organic Agricultural Research and Development Institute (2019) stated that

Mung beans — when combined with organic nutrients like farmyard manure, full crop
 11

residues, and biofertilizers — can positively affect the soil’s carbon management index, a

measurement that uses total soil organic carbon and labile carbon to determine how well

a system promotes soil quality. This was also seen in both upland and lowland crops.

Exploring the Influence of Texture on Soil Properties, Nutrient Dynamics, and Plant

Growth

Determining soil types is important. Pore space in soils influences the quantity of

air and oxygen, as well as the drainage rate and the ability of the soil to store nutrients.

Soils are rarely composed entirely of sand, silt, or clay, but rather of a combination of all

three. Based on the relative quantities of these particles, they are frequently classified into

one of 12 textural classes. Loams, the perfect soils lauded in so much gardening

literature, have good aeration, drainage, and moisture and nutrient retention

characteristics of both. Duong et al., (2012) stated that Fine-textured compost mulches

generally had a greater effect on soil properties and plant growth than coarse-textured

composts.

Mung Bean as Soil Fertilizer

Mung beans, or Lu Dou as they are known, hold a significant place in the dietary

traditions of East Asia, particularly among the Chinese and Japanese populations. Beyond

serving as a nutritional staple, these beans have been utilized both for their dietary

benefits and herbal medicinal properties. Mung beans stand out in sustainable agriculture,

contributing to nitrogen fixation from the atmosphere. In light of energy challenges and

escalating prices of mineral fertilizers, the cultivation of legumes, such as mung beans,
 12

emerges as a promising avenue for sustainable agricultural practices. The effectiveness of

the symbiotic process relies on factors such as the genetic makeup of both the host plant

and bacteria, environmental conditions, and technological inputs. (Shahrajabian et al.,

2019)

Nutrients and Contaminants of Animal Manure

Animal manure, such as cattle manure is a valuable source of nutrients including

nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) sulfur (S) magnesium (Mg), and calcium

(Ca) as well as certain micronutrients needed for better plant growth. Since plants need

nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, animal manure is a very good alternative instead of

using chemical fertilizers. Adding manure to the soil not only increases its chemical

properties but also its biological and physical aspects. This means that the soil will be

able to have more water infiltration and holding capacity. (Beef Cattle Research Council,

2023)

Nutrients and Contaminants of Mung Bean

Mung beans are small, green/olive-green seeds from the legume (Fabaceae)

family that originated in South Asia. More specifically, Mung bean sprouts are tasty

plump silvery-white stems with two little yellow leaves at one end that form when mung

beans germinate. Though many other varieties of beans are sprouted for culinary

purposes, the mung bean is one of the most common. Results show that mung bean is a

rich source of protein (14.6–33.0 g/100 g) and iron (5.9–7.6 mg/100 g) (Dahiya et al.,

2014).
 13

The Importance of Soil pH in Plant Growth and Health

Soil affects plant growth as it provides the essential nutrients that a plant needs.

The quality of soil can significantly affect plant growth and health. Soil reaction (pH), in

particular, can be considered a key variable due to its influence on many other soil

properties and processes affecting plant growth. Indeed, microorganism activity as well

as nutrients solubility and availability are some of the most important processes that

depend on pH. (Gentili et al., 2018)

The Importance of pH Balance and the Role of Soil Neutralizers in Promoting Crop

Growth

Soil neutralizers help adjust the pH level of the soil to a more neutral level. The

researchers must know how the soil will be neutralized in the process. The soil acidity

will be neutralized by applying lime or other acid-neutralizing materials. Since limes are

caustic and corrosive they are the most widely used acid-neutralizing material to be put in

soil-neutralizers. Moreover, crop plants vary in their tolerance to acidity and plant

nutrients have different optimal pH ranges, much less lime is being applied in the UK

than required, and many arable and grassland soils are below optimum pH. (Goulding,

2016)

The Influence of Soil pH on Biogeochemical Processes and Plant Productivity

Neina (2019b) stated that the pH of the soil has an enormous influence on soil

biogeochemical processes. Soil pH is, therefore, described as the “master soil variable”
 14

that influences myriads of soil biological, chemical, and physical properties and

processes that affect plant growth and biomass yield.

The Role of Neutralization Reactions in Restoring Acidic Soils

Soil can become more acidic at times (under 5.5). Neutralization reactions occur

when an acid and a base react, producing water and salt. These activities will aid in the

restoration of pH levels to more neutral levels. A neutralization reaction can be useful for

a variety of reasons. Agriculture is one example. It will be feasible to elevate the pH to

more neutral levels and allow plants to grow in the soil again by adding a chemical that

will neutralize the acidity. “The addition of neutralizing agents reshaped the soil

microbial community structure in different patterns. Soils treated with hydrochloric acid

and ferrous sulfate seemed to improve the microbial richness. The neutralization might be

favorable for the biodegradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which

usually coexist in industrial contaminated soil.” (Shi et al., 2022)

The Parameters to Measure Soil pH Level

The researchers intend to determine the specifications to acquire the measurement

of a pH level since pH measurements are frequently used to accurately identify the pH

level of a solution (Kulkarni & Shaw, 2016a). Among the variety of different methods to

measure pH level, two methods are frequently used, first is the colorimetric method and

the electrochemical method which utilizes electrodes and a millivoltmeter famously

known as pH test. Colorimetric method or Spectrophotometry is the determination of

metallic ions in a substantial range of concentrations in various materials such as

 15

indicator solutions and papers (Assadi et al., 2012). The second method, the pH test,

involves using a set of readings or a calibrated pH meter at a specified temperature thus

providing the measure of the acidity or alkalinity of liquid solution (Kulkarni & Shaw,

2016b).

The Role of Soil in the CH4 Cycle

Serrano-Silva (2014) stated that Soils play an important role in the CH4 cycle as

methanotrophy (oxidation of CH4) and methanogenesis (production of CH4) take place

in them. Understanding methanogenesis and methanotrophy is essential to establish new

agriculture techniques and industrial processes that contribute to a better balance of GHG

(Greenhouse gasses). As stated, Soil is such a big contributor to the earth. Plants alike. It

is the source of basic needs that the simplest forms of life grow from.

Understanding the Chemical Properties of Solutions and its Impact on Soil and

Water Quality

Following the neutralization of soil, a scale utilized to identify the chemical

conditions of a solution is called a pH level. Hence, It is best to measure water whether it

is acidic, neutral, or alkaline. The concept of pH was introduced by a Danish chemist

named Søren Sørensen (Sgambato et al., 2011). Which stated that a solution is neutral

with a pH level of 7.0 indicating it is neither acidic or alkaline. An acidic solution with

more hydrogen ions is indicated with a pH level below 7.0. However, the solution that

has more hydroxyl ions is expressed alkaline with a pH level above 7.0.
 16

Unraveling the Impact of Soil Acidity and Alkalinity on Nutrient Availability and

Plant Health

The effect of acidic pH to soil can decrease the vital nutrients that a soil can

provide to a plant. On the other hand, an alkaline soil can increase the supply of vital

nutrients that a plant requires. Qiu (2022) concluded that the acidity and alkalinity in

plants, pH, is an important factor causing slow plant growth and disease. From this point

of view, this paper tests the important role of soil components through literature review

and investigation.
 17

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Research Design

This study will utilize the experimental research design. Experimental design is

the process of carrying out research in an objective and controlled manner so that

precision is maximized and specific conclusions can be drawn regarding a hypothesis

statement (Mishra & Datta‐Gupta, 2018). Specifically, the type of experimental design

that the researchers will utilize is the True Experiment. By definition, True experimental

design is a statistical approach to establishing a cause-and-effect relationship between

different variables. This is one of the most accurate forms of research designs which

provides substantial backing to support the existence of relationships (Voxco, 2021). The

experimental setup would be composed of different variables. The independent variable

is the ratio of Carabao manure and mung bean mixture. The dependent variable is the pH

level of the soil. The controlled variable is the type of soil that is used in the setup. The

researchers chose to utilize this type of research because of the said variables.

Materials and Equipment

The researchers will utilize the following materials and equipment:

● Approx. 15kg Mung bean sprouts

● Carabao manure

● Soft Plastic Pots (Height: 14cm, Width: 18cm)

● Approx. 32+ kg of soil from Bacolod City

● Approx. 32+ kg of soil from Cauayan

● pH Level Tester (Probe type)

 18

● Weighing Scale

● Masking Tape

● Black Marker

● Scissors

● Shovel

● Spade

● Gloves

● Face Masks

● Distilled Water

Data Gathering Procedure

Figure 2.

Process Flow Chart

 19

A. Pre Experiment

1. The materials were prepared and gathered by the researchers in order to

commence the experiment properly.

2. It was ensured that all materials were in proper condition and aligned with the

proposed plan for conducting the experiment.

3. Mung Bean preparation:

3.1. Mung beans were chopped into fine pieces and were set aside to

be prepped and mixed with Carabao manure compost and soil

base.

4. Carabao Manure Preparation:

4.1. Carabao manure was sun-dried for 28 days and preserved for an

additional 2 months. Throughout the 7-day intervals of the drying

period, the manure was flipped to ensure both sides were

adequately dried.

4.2. The manure was crushed into fairly small pieces and prepared for

mixing with mung beans and soil base.

5. The pots were prepared, and codes were assigned to each pot, representing

corresponding prototypes from the experimental setup.

6. Researchers measured the desired amount/weight of materials in a prototype using

a weighing scale, to be stored in every pot.

 20

7. Researchers made sure that every pot had a constant amount of soil (500g), mixed

with a mixture (500g) of CM and MBS of varying ratios, for a total of 1kg per pot

prototype (1kg as the minimum testing requirement of the lab).

8. Researchers retrieved data on the initial pH level of soil for all setups using a pH

level probe tester.

B. Experiment Proper

1. There will be 4 trials in total, including an extra 4th trial for the planting

comparison test.

1.1. The 1st of the 4 trials of a prototype will be sent to the Sugar

Regulatory Administration Negros Occidental - Laboratory for testing

(pH level) as basis for data gathering.

1.2. Because the 1st trial will be unavailable for planting use for 1 week to

make time for lab testing, the remaining trials, 2, 3, and 4 will be retained

and will be set aside for pechay (Brassica rapa) seed planting.

2. Pechay seed planting procedure:

2.1. Pechay seeds are to be soaked in water for 2-4 hours

2.2. After soaking, Direct seed planting method will be used, cover seeds

with atleast 2cm of top soil.

3. Plant Cultivation process:

 21

3.1 Keep the pots in a dry and safe space where sunlights is availablle, but

not directly above it.

3.2. Water the pots regularly, every day, for 30 days.

3.3 For every 7 days, progress of growth and pH level of each sample will

be checked.

3.4. Growth will be measured using a stick, using the sprout’s length as

basis for measuring. Tick marks will be marked by researchers and will

then be measured by a ruler.

3.5. pH level of soil will be tested using the digital pH level tester, handled

by the researchers.

4. Record necessary data and make comments on the progress of each pot.

C. Post Experiment

1. Dispose any trash/garbage and practice proper handling and disposal of unwanted

materials.

2. Record the final data, measure the pH level of each setup, and try to determine

whether there is indeed a neutralizing effect of the mixture to the soil.

3. Analyze and conclude based on the data gathered.

 22

Statistical Treatment

To answer the Statement of the problem question number 1, the Mean and

Standard Deviation will be used. The pH level of soil treated with varying ratios of mung

bean sprout and Carabao manure is a critical parameter to assess the impact of these

organic amendments on soil acidity. Mean and standard deviation are essential statistical

tools in this research to provide a measure of central tendency and variability,

respectively, in the pH data. By calculating the mean, researchers can determine the

average pH value, offering a representative measure of the treatment effects on soil

acidity. Meanwhile, standard deviation helps quantify the extent to which individual pH

values deviate from the mean, providing insights into the consistency and reliability of

the treatment effects. Utilizing mean and standard deviation enhances the robustness of

the analysis, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of the potential influence

of mung bean sprout and Carabao manure ratios on soil pH.

.
 23

To facilitate the interpretation of the mean, the rating scale on the next page will

be used.

Table 1

Mean range with corresponding interpretation

Mean Range Interpretation

4.50 - 5.00 Very high effect

3.50 - 4.49 High effect

2.50 - 3.49 Average effect

1.50 - 2.49 Low effect

1.00 - 1.49 Very low effect

Subsequently, to answer the Statement of the problem question number 2, the

analysis of variance or the F-test will be used. The F-test is a statistical method that

partitions the total observed variability within a dataset into two distinct components:

systematic factors and random factors. Random factors are those that have no meaningful

statistical impact on the dataset, while systematic factors exert a measurable influence

(Kenton, 2023). This tool is specifically utilized to assess the variations in soil pH levels

across different ratios of Mung Bean Sprout and Carabao Manure. It aids in determining

whether the observed differences in soil pH levels can be attributed to the varying

mixtures of these two components or if they are merely the result of random fluctuations

within the dataset. By employing the F-test in this context, researchers can effectively

discern the significance of the relationship between the different mixtures and the
 24

resulting soil pH levels, enabling them to draw more reliable conclusions about the

impact of the Mung Bean Sprout and Carabao Manure ratios on the soil's acidity.

To facilitate the interpretation of the p-value for the significant difference, the

rating scale below will be utilized.

Table 2

p-value Interpretation Table

p-value Interpretation

p < .05 Significant Difference

p > .05 No Significant Difference

Ethical Considerations

Ensuring proper disposal of materials and equipment is a critical aspect of

maintaining environmental sustainability and responsible research conduct. In the context

of the study's compost pit, the appropriate management of organic materials, such as

carabao manure and mung beans, is vital to facilitate their decomposition and integration

back into the ecosystem. This approach aligns with the principles of sustainable waste

management and promotes the concept of circular economy by utilizing organic waste as

a valuable resource. Additionally, the disposal of the pH testers made of organic materials
 25

requires careful consideration to minimize any potential ecological impact. Respecting

the biodegradable nature of these materials, the researchers can opt for suitable disposal

methods, such as composting, to ensure their environmentally friendly decomposition.

Moreover, the researchers should adhere to local regulations and guidelines for waste

management to ensure compliance with environmental standards. By incorporating these

practices, the researchers demonstrate their commitment to environmental stewardship,

contributing to the promotion of sustainable research practices and the preservation of the

natural ecosystem. Furthermore, documenting the disposal process in the research report

provides transparency and accountability, showcasing the researchers' dedication to

responsible and ethical scientific inquiry.

 26

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