CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Agriculture is an important tool in the sustainability of the needs of every

individual. In the Philippines, a large part of our economy has also been based on our

gigantic agricultural industry. Since agriculture is vitally important to us, humans, much

advancement has been made to increase agricultural production. These advancements

have led to several fundamental changes in the way we produce products (Herren,

2012).

One of these changes is the use of chemical fertilizer. Fifteen to twenty

additional tons of grains were gained from each ton of fertilizers when chemical

fertilizers were first employed. Today, fertilizer has become essential to modern

agriculture to feed the growing population. The use of fertilizers, especially the chemical

fertilizers has brought in blessings on humanity, which helped contain hunger and death

in different corners of the world. Though chemical fertilizers increased crop production,

their overuse has hardened the soil, decreased fertility, strengthened pesticides, and

polluted air and water, thereby bringing hazards to human health and environment as

well. It has already been proved how chemical fertilizers pose serious challenges to the

balanced and sustainable growth (Bayquen, 2013).

But we can avoid these harmful effects by using organic fertilizers. This kind of

fertilizer is composed of by-products of everyday life such as compost, manure, crop

residues, and household wastes. Unlike chemical fertilizer, organic fertilizer is usually low

cost and environmental friendly. It improves plant growth and at the same time

preventing the soil from being acidic (Jones et al., 2007).

Eggshell which forms the outer crust of an egg is a non edible product which is

largely disposed of as a waste. It is made up of around 95 percent calcium carbonate

crystals. The remaining 5 percent is made up of calcium phosphate, magnesium,

carbonate, and soluble and insoluble proteins (Peralta, 2015).

Coconut (Cocos nucifera) Sap Vinegar is white and cloudy with a very pungent

acidic taste and a hint of yeast. Since it undergoes the process of fermentation, it

contains amount of Lactic Acid Bacteria which when inoculated into soil, together with

organic materials, it could enhance decomposition and the release of plant nutrients and

increase soil humus formation (Bautista et al., 2005).

Both eggshells and coconut (Cocos nucifera) sap vinegar contain calcium, which

is essential for plant’s growth and structure. It acts as glue that holds cells together in

pectin linkages between cells. In addition, it also makes fruits firm, prolong the storage

period, and prevents crops from overgrowing (Reddy, 2011).

Pechay (Brassica rapa) is a popular table vegetable in the Philippines. Also

known as snow cabbage, Chinese chard or Chinese white cabbage, it is consumed as

raw and cooked. Aside from its health benefits, it is an excellent source of income and a

hobby even for limited space. This vegetable is one of the easiest and fastest vegetable

to plant and to harvest. It just need more or less 40 days before can be harvested

(Prado, 2013).
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In this study, the eggshells and coconut (Cocos nucifera) sap vinegar were made

into organic liquid fertilizer which was subjected into experimentation in order to

determine and to compare its effectiveness in the growth and yield of pechay (Brassica

rapa) using inorganic liquid fertilizer.

Conceptual Framework

Independent Variable Dependent Variable

Eggshells and Coconut (Cocos

nucifera) Sap Vinegar as

Organic Liquid Fertilizer Effectiveness in terms of the

growth and yield of Pechay

(Brassica rapa).
Inorganic Liquid Fertilizer

Controlled Group

Figure 1:

The figure shows that the independent variables are the Eggshells and Coconut (Cocos

nucifera) Sap Vinegar as organic liquid fertilizer, inorganic liquid fertilizer, controlled

group which were compared in the effectiveness in terms of the growth and yield of

Pechay (Brassica rapa) as the dependent variables.

Statement of the problem

This study aims to investigate and to determine the effectiveness of Eggshells and

Coconut (Cocos nucifera) Sap Vinegar as an organic liquid fertilizer on the growth and

yield of pechay (Brassica rapa) compared with the inorganic fertilizer:

1. What is the Growth of Pechay (Brassica rapa) among the three experimental groups:

a. Organic Liquid Fertilizer

b. Inorganic Liquid Fertilizer

c. Controlled Group

2. Is there a significant difference in the level of effectiveness among the three

experimental groups on the growth of Pechay (Brassica rapa):

 Height (cm)

 Number of leaves

3. Is there a significant difference in the level of effectiveness among the three

experimental groups on the yield of pechay (Brassica rapa):

 Weight (kg)

4. Is the Eggshells and Coconut (Cocos nucifera) Sap Vinegar effective as an organic

liquid fertilizer compared with inorganic fertilizer?

Hypotheses

1. There is no significant difference in the level of effectiveness among the three

experimental groups on the growth of pechay (Brassica rapa) in terms of: number of

leaves and height.

2. There is no significant difference in the level of effectiveness among the three

experimental groups on the yield of pechay (Brassica rapa) in terms of: weight.

3. The Eggshells and Coconut (Cocos nucifera) Sap Vinegar is not effective as an

organic liquid fertilizer in the growth and yield of pechay compared with the organic

fertilizer.

Objectives of the study

1. To be able to make an organic liquid fertilizers using eggshell and coconut (Cocos

nucifera) sap vinegar for the growth and yield of pechay.

2. To be able to determine difference in the effectiveness between the organic liquid

fertilizer and the inorganic liquid fertilizer on the growth and yield of pechay

(Brassica rapa) in terms of: number of leaves, height, and weight.

Significance of the Study

Nowadays, most of our farmers rely on chemical products to improve their crops.

And due to the increasing demands of these products, they become more and more

expensive. Aside from being costly, the products also generate damaging effects to the

soil and to our environment. As a response to this, there is a need to find some

alternatives that can be more effective, eco-friendly, less hazardous and inexpensive.

To the farmers, that they may use this organic liquid fertilizers as a substitute to

the chemical ones to promote organic method for growing pechay (Brassica rapa). And

also, to help the farmers avoid spending too much money in purchasing synthetic

products.
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To the agricultural researchers, that they may use this study as a reference for

further studies especially in the production of organic farming.

To the households who have a garden in their backyard, that they may use this

organic liquid fertilizers to promote organic method for growing crops.

Definitions of terms

To deliver clear understanding and interpretation, the following terms were defined

conceptually and operationally.

Coconut (Cocos nucifera) Sap Vinegar - made from the sap of the coconut tree.

Once collected, the sap is allowed to ferment into natural coconut vinegar

(Foodglossary.com, 2018).

In this study, it is used as a liquid as it is mixed with eggshells to make an

organic liquid fertilizer.

Effectiveness – the ability to be successful and produce intended results (Merriam-

Webster, 2017).

In this study, the effectiveness of Eggshells and Coconut Sap Vinegar as an

organic liquid fertilizer is to be tested through the growth and yield of Pechay.

Eggshells –the hard outside part of an egg (Merriam-Webster, 2017).

In this study, it is one of the main ingredients as it is mixed with coconut sap

vinegar to make an organic liquid fertilizer.

Growth- a stage in the process of growing (Merriam-Webster, 2017).

In this study, the growth of pechay is to be observed and evaluated by the

researchers in terms of plant’s height and number of leaves.

Inorganic Liquid Fertilizers – also known as mineral or commercial fertilizer, is a

fertilizer mined from mineral deposits or manufactured from synthetic compounds

(Foodglossary.com, 2018).

In this study, it will also be applied to pechay and it will be compared to organic

liquid fertilizer in terms of its effectiveness.

Organic Liquid Fertilizer – is a kind of fertilizer composed of natural ingredients of

plant or animal origin that provide nutrients to assist with plant growth and improve

plant yield (Foodglossary.com, 2018).

In this study, it refers to the final product which was formulated by the

researchers.

Pechay (Brassica rapa) – a plant in the mustard family, having a loose head of dark

green leaves with thick white stems and eaten as a vegetable in some Asian cuisine

(Your Dictionary, 2018).

In this study, pechay (Brassica rapa) was the subject. It was planted on plots

that were observed and evaluated by the researchers to determine the effectiveness of

Eggshells and Coconut Sap Vinegar as an organic liquid fertilizer.

Yield- to produce or provide something such as a plant or crop (Merriam-Webster,

2017).
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In this study, the yield of pechay was observed and evaluated by the researchers

in terms of weight to test the effectiveness of Eggshells and Coconut Sap Vinegar as an

organic liquid fertilizer.

Scope and Limitations

This study was limited only in determining effectiveness of Eggshells and

Coconut (Cocos nucifera) Sap Vinegar as an organic liquid fertilizer on the growth and

yield of pechay (Brassica rapa) compared with the inorganic liquid fertilizer. The product

was used after the fermentation process. This study also tested the effectiveness of the

product compared to the inorganic liquid fertilizer which was applied to pechay (Brassica

rapa). The Eggshells used were gathered at the researchers’ household and the Coconut

(Cocos nucifera) Sap Vinegar was bought from the market.

The pechay (Brassica rapa) was the subject of the study and planted by the

researchers at the Eucharistic King Academy of Sara, Inc. garden box at the back of the

Mo. Rosario hall. The researchers prepared three plots where the pechay (Brassica rapa)

were planted. The experimental groups of pechay namely organic group, inorganic

group and controlled group. The application of fertilizers was done twice for 5 days

interval. The changes in the growth of pechay were observed and recorded by the

researcher every 5 days. The effect on the yield of pechay (Brassica rapa) in terms of

weight was recorded by the researchers during the harvest time.

The researchers’ themselves evaluated the effectiveness of the product on the

growth and yield of pechay (Brassica rapa).

The findings were limited only for research study.