1

CHAPTER I

PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

Introduction

Food security is a really serious issue facing all of humanity . In essence,

it’s about how we feed a growing population at a time of climate change, which is

unpredictable and not fully understood. Globally, we are reliant on a very slender

thread of genetic diversity.

The world currently produces more than enough food to feed everyone, yet

815 million people (roughly 11% of the global population)  went hungry in 2016,

according to the U.N.

By 2050, with the global population expected to reach  9.8 billion, our food

supplies will be under far greater stress. Demand will be  60% higher than it is

today, but climate change, urbanization, and soil degradation will have shrunk the

availability of arable land, according to the World Economic Forum . Add water

shortages, pollution, and worsening inequality into the mix and the implications

are stark.

In order to meet the increasing demands for food, growers fertilize the soil for

better yield. Most of them utilize inorganic fertilizer which are readily available in
 2

the market and are relatively cheap. However, it has been noted in the recent study

of Okese (2017) the several threats of using inorganic fertilizer such as:

1. The cost is relatively much higher than organic fertilizers.

2. Besides the essential nutrients available for plants’ use in inorganic fertilizers, they

also contain other compounds and salts. Plants are unable to absorb these compounds

and salts, and so are left in the soil. Over time, these compounds build up in the soil

and change the soil chemistry. This creates soil problems, making it less ideal to

work with.

3. Applying too much, at an instance, tends to burn the plant and can even destroy it.

You need to strictly follow the recommended rates.

4. Moreover, leaching occurs easily when you over water or when there is too much

rainfall.

5. In cases of heavy rains or overwatering, the nutrients and other compounds wash into

nearby water bodies. They pollute and render them unhealthy for consumption by

human or livestock.

6. Continual application of the fertilizer disturbs the natural biotic environment and

affects the soil structure. Most soil organisms do not survive in areas of consistent

application of inorganic fertilizers.

In the Philippines, farm scientists have already started campaigns to reduce the use of

inorganic fertilizers and proposes several alternatives through the RA 10068 also known as

Organic Agriculture Act of 2010 which aims to promote, propagate, develop further and

implement the practice of organic agriculture in the Philippines in order to enrich the
 3

fertility of the soil, increase farm productivity, reduce pollution and destruction of the

environment and prevent the depletion of natural resources. 

Organic Agriculture is considered as an important strategy for sustainable

development and rural sector empowerment.  In the Philippines, the initial efforts of the

non-government organizations and private sector were later complemented by the

government through policy support and expanded engagement for the promotion and

development of organic agriculture (Limbo, 2019).

However, it was sad to note that as of this writing only parts of Visayas

particularly Negros Oriental areas are actively engaged in organic agriculture and only a

few in Luzon have started to embrace this farm practice. Region 3 is recorded to be the

most active one in Luzon in terms of organic agriculture. In fact, Region 03 has already

organic agriculture advocates long before the enactment of the law. The MASIPAG

(Magsasaka at Siyentipiko Para sa Pag-unlad ng Agrikultura) NGO in Nueva Ecija has

been working towards the sustainable use and management of biodiversity through

farmers’ control of genetic and biological resources since 1985. Various organic farmers

groups were organized and actively support the implementation of NOAP. As of today,

there are 39,466.81 hectares devoted for organic agriculture in the whole region with

7,586 practitioners. All local government units continue their efforts in promoting OA

technologies to increase the production area and practitioners to attain the vision of the

region to be known as the “Organic Agriculture Capital of the Philippines”

([Link] Retrieved December 30, 2019).

 4

In Bulacan, this advocacy started in 2012 as former Gov. Sy-Alvarado started to

establish sites in some organic agriculture potential in the province such as

vermicomposting and preparation of natural inputs like fish amino acid and herbal or

botanical pesticide.

In order to continue this provincial advocacy and in order to introduce this to the

towns people of San Jose Del Monte, a study on evaluating the growth performance of

fish-based organic fertilizer is now subjected for research. It is believed that aside from

farms, education on organic agriculture should begin in schools through the DepEd

Gulayan sa Paaralan and so SJDMNHS is selected to be the locale of the study.

Statement of the Problem

This study aims to evaluate the productions of fish-based fertilizer as one of the

alternative ways in managing fish wastes and by-products by converting these wastes into

liquid organic fertilizer. The effectiveness of this product will compared to the

commercial fertilizer used on PakChoy cultivation.

Specifically, it seeks to show results of different fertilizer application on the

growth performance and yield of leafy greens in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan.

Specifically, it seeks to answer the following questions:

1. What are the different levels of fertilizer application on the growth and yield of

leafy greens in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan;

2. Which fertilizer ratio worked best on the growth and yield of leafy greens along:

Quantifiable data
 5

a. Occurrence of first true leaves

b. Leaf width

c. Leaf length

d. Leaf weight

e. Amount of marketable leaves 30 days after transplanting

3. Is there a significant difference on the growth and yield of leafy greens given

different levels of fertilizer application?

Scope and Delimitation of the study

The study will be conducted on the selected area of San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan

particularly in San Jose Del Monte National High School and it will be carried out on the

first week of February to March of the same year. This period shall cover 45-day planting

period of the selected leafy vegetable. The species of plants that will be collected will

undergo the process of selection, identification, classification. Plants harvested will be

subjected to weighing and other forms of measuring to obtain plant height and color

classifying. Soil analysis are not included in this study.

A market survey will be conducted to determine the market value of the selected

leafy green. For valuation of crops which do not have readily market values, the

replacement cost approach will be used.

 6

Significance of the study

This study will be significant in providing knowledge to the people in recycling

household wastes and turning them into a more useful gardening material. In the course

of this study, the researcher envisions that the following groups of individuals shall

benefit.

People of San Jose Del Monte. This study will provide information about the

importance of recycling and creating functional objects out of the common wastes and

will help the society in reducing waste. It will also help them to start proper waste

disposal of biodegradable materials in their homes.

Researchers. This study will help them answer their curiosity about the product

they are trying to create, as well as it serves as a medium to fulfil responsibilities as

researchers. For future researchers this study will give them insights and will provide

them bases in their future studies.

Farmers and Gardeners. This product will help them for low-cost and natural

fertilizer for plants.

Policy Makers. This product will give them new project to encourage people in

using organic materials in gardening/farming. It will also improve the clean and green

program in the community.

Farmers. The study will help the farmers to have an alternative fertilizer in times

of supply constraints and financial shortage.

DepEd Gulayan sa Paaralan Coordinators. They can use this information to

broaden their awareness in exploring potential organic fertilizers out of fish waste thus
 7

take active measure in preserving school funds and school soil from the disadvantages of

synthetic fertilizers.

Students. Results of the study will enhance their ecological thinking that will

direct them to understand concepts and ideas of a sustainable environment.

 8

CHAPTER II

THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

This chapter presents the relevant theories, related literatures, related studies,

conceptual framework and definition of variables used in this research study.

Relevant Theories

Native American Fish Fertilizer. Moravec, C., [Link] (2015) recorded an old

practice that began centuries before scientific soil research began. This proves that even

before, native people have already understood the value of fish as fertilizer. Part of land

preparation during their time was placing small fish in the soil. As part of their old

tradition, they mounded fresh dirt on the buried fish and before sowing the seeds to

ensure greater yields.

The above documentary, for some, might just show how native Americans use

fish as part of paganistic belief in planting but as the succeeding studies would prove, it

could be noted that throughout the growing season, the fish slowly decomposed, feeding

the crop until harvest.

The Trofobiose Theory. Chaboussou (1980) as cited by Polito (2006)

emphasized in this theory that all vegetal organisms, food crop inclusive become

vulnerable to plague infestation and diseases when excess free amino acids glycosides

redactor species are present in their metabolic system, a source of system

disequilibrium which gives rise to a condition of proteolysis. On proteolysis, a set of

protein hydrolysis reactions take place with the subsequent storage of proteolysis
 9

products in cellular vacuoles. Any external interference on the metabolic system

capable of stimulating this proteins synthesis can generate entomologic and

phytopathologic resistances of the vegetal organism.

The literature suggests that a balance must be maintained in vegetation,

particularly on the use synthetic fertilizers since disease is developed by the moderate or

abusive use of any drug or aggressive substance.

Theory of Ecological Balance and Environmental Conservation. Various

online dictionaries define ecological balance as a state of dynamic equilibrium within

community of organisms in which genetic, species and ecosystem diversity remain

relatively stable, subject to gradual changes through natural succession. Environmental

issues such as pollution, global warming, depletion of ozone layer, acid rain and

radioactive fallout because of nuclear war lead us to ecological imbalance. To prevent

these imbalances, Ruskin, J., an influential thinker, articulated the ideals of

environmental conservation. Basically, environmental conservation is the practice of us

humans to save the environment from collapsing, such as loss of species, ecosystems due

to pollution and human activities.

These two concepts pursued the researcher of this study to find alternatives to

prevent the use of synthetic substances to better the yield but sacrificing the natural

processes because it is believed that both plants and animals are dependent on each other

to survive.

Ecological Modernization Theory and Treadmill of Production Theory.

Obach, (2007) introduced these theoretical perspectives that can be applied to the growth
 10

and institutionalization of organic agriculture. Ecological modernization theory states that

the growing popularity of organic agriculture and its institutionalization in the form of

federal standards follow a pattern of social processes in which social movements,

entrepreneurs, market forces and the state should act together to advance ecological

sustainability. On the other hand, treadmill theory suggests that social processes innate to

capitalist democracies will undermine any potential benefits derived from the organic

environment.

These premises suggest that there is an in dire need for the adoption of more

environmentally sound methods in the agriculture industry that may represent a lasting

improvement over conventional agriculture. As a result, consumers would no longer need

to be manipulated by capitalists, entrepreneurs and other market forces.

Sustainable and Organic Agriculture. This practice applies management ideals

that include a diverse assembly of farming methods, usually with a reduced reliance on

purchased inputs, this is especially for new farmers with limited resources. As

commercial fertilizer costs increase, a wide range of food producers internationally have

realized the need for locally available fertilizers from organic sources to improve soil

fertility, crop health and productivity. In addition to concerns surrounding availability of

affordable soil amendments, interest in sustainability and organically produced crops has

risen among consumers in the past few decades. Increased tourism has further amplified

the need for fresh local fruits and vegetables, especially “locally grown” labeled goods.

Shifting from conventional farming to organic farming has many benefits to the human’s

well-being, protecting the environment (soil, water and air), rebuilding soil fertility
 11

through improving its physical, chemical and biological characteristics and improving the

quality of produced crops.

Related Literatures

The following literature review will help the researcher in the pursuit of this study.

Four Principles of Organic Farming

TNAU Agritech (2018) recognized four principles of organic farming as follows:

1)Principle of health

Organic Agriculture should sustain and enhance the health of soil, plant, animal,

human and planet as one and indivisible. This principle points out that the health of

individuals and communities cannot be separated from the health of ecosystems - healthy

soils produce healthy crops that foster the health of animals and people.

Health is the wholeness and integrity of living systems. It is not simply the

absence of illness, but the maintenance of physical, mental, social and ecological well-

being. Immunity, resilience and regeneration are key characteristics of health. The role of

organic agriculture, whether in farming, processing, distribution, or consumption, is to

sustain and enhance the health of ecosystems and organisms from the smallest in the soil

to human beings. In particular, organic agriculture is intended to produce high quality,

nutritious food that contributes to preventive health care and well-being. In view of this it

should avoid the use of fertilizers, pesticides, animal drugs and food additives that may

have adverse health effects.

2) Principle of ecology
 12

Organic Agriculture should be based on living ecological systems and cycles,

work with them, emulate them and help sustain them. This principle roots organic

agriculture within living ecological systems. It states that production is to be based on

ecological processes, and recycling. Nourishment and well-being are achieved through

the ecology of the specific production environment. For example, in the case of crops this

is the living soil; for animals it is the farm ecosystem; for fish and marine organisms, the

aquatic environment.

Organic farming, pastoral and wild harvest systems should fit the cycles and

ecological balances in nature. These cycles are universal but their operation is site-

specific. Organic management must be adapted to local conditions, ecology, culture and

scale. Inputs should be reduced by reuse, recycling and efficient management of materials

and energy in order to maintain and improve environmental quality and conserve

resources.

Organic agriculture should attain ecological balance through the design of

farming systems, establishment of habitats and maintenance of genetic and agricultural

diversity. Those who produce, process, trade, or consume organic products should protect

and benefit the common environment including landscapes, climate, habitats,

biodiversity, air and water.

3) Principle of fairness

Organic Agriculture should build on relationships that ensure fairness with regard to the

common environment and life opportunities.

 13

Fairness is characterized by equity, respect, justice and stewardship of the shared world,

both among people and in their relations to other living beings.

This principle emphasizes that those involved in organic agriculture should

conduct human relationships in a manner that ensures fairness at all levels and to all

parties - farmers, workers, processors, distributors, traders and consumers. Organic

agriculture should provide everyone involved with a good quality of life, and contribute

to food sovereignty and reduction of poverty. It aims to produce a sufficient supply of

good quality food and other products.

This principle insists that animals should be provided with the conditions and

opportunities of life that accord with their physiology, natural behavior and well-being.

Natural and environmental resources that are used for production and consumption

should be managed in a way that is socially and ecologically just and should be held in

trust for future generations. Fairness requires systems of production, distribution and

trade that are open and equitable and account for real environmental and social costs.

4) Principle of care

Organic Agriculture should be managed in a precautionary and responsible

manner to protect the health and well-being of current and future generations and the

environment.

Organic agriculture is a living and dynamic system that responds to internal and

external demands and conditions. Practitioners of organic agriculture can enhance

efficiency and increase productivity, but this should not be at the risk of jeopardizing
 14

health and well-being. Consequently, new technologies need to be assessed and existing

methods reviewed. Given the incomplete understanding of ecosystems and agriculture,

care must be taken.

This principle states that precaution and responsibility are the key concerns in

management, development and technology choices in organic agriculture. Science is

necessary to ensure that organic agriculture is healthy, safe and ecologically sound.

However, scientific knowledge alone is not sufficient. Practical experience, accumulated

wisdom and traditional and indigenous knowledge offer valid solutions, tested by time.

Organic agriculture should prevent significant risks by adopting appropriate technologies

and rejecting unpredictable ones, such as genetic engineering. Decisions should reflect

the values and needs of all who might be affected, through transparent and participatory

processes.

Types of Organic Fertilizer

E. Vingie (2018) classified organic fertilizers into manure, blood meal, bone meal

and bat guano.

Manure for the garden comes from cow, sheep, poultry and horses. Pretty self-

explanatory. Manure is known as a “complete” fertilizer; it has a lot of organic matter,

but is low in nutrients. Manures are most valuable as organic soil amendments and

mulches.

Blood meal is dried, powdered blood collected from cattle slaughterhouses. It’s

such a rich source of nitrogen that gardeners have to be careful not to over-apply and
 15

burn the roots of their plants. Apply blood meal just before planting to stimulate green

leafy growth.

Bone meal is finely ground bone. A by-product from animal slaughterhouses, it is

a great source of calcium and contains up to 15% phosphate. Bone meal promotes strong

root systems and flowering. It is often used when growing flowers, bulbs and fruit trees.

Bat guano is protected by caves from leaching, so nutrients are conserved. It is

rich in soluble nitrogen, phosphorous and trace elements. Usually powdery, bat guano

may be used any time of year as a top dressing or diluted in a tea and used as a foliar

spray.

Fish by products as potential organic fertilizer

The demand for fish increased

with increasing human
populations. However, it has
been estimated that for
each tons of fish eaten, an
equal volume of fish material
were discarded either as waste
or as a low value by-
 16

product (Anon, 2003). There

are some potential for
gaining more value from fish
wastes. Fish rich in
valuable minerals, enzymes,
pigments and flavors that are
required by many industries
including food,
agriculture, aquaculture and
pharmaceuticals (Archer et al.,
2001). Elsewhere, fish waste
was converted into
fishmeal or utilized in the
production of organic
fertilizers and composts,
 17

which have significant

benefits
over chemical-based products
(Archer et al., 2001).
Fish fertilizer products such as
fish hydrolysates, fish
emulsion, fish soluble nutrient
and fish silage
have widely being used in
crops productions and was
reported produced similar
yields as conventional
fertilizer (Wyatt &McGourty,
1990). Silage production is
considered the best method to
address the problem
 18

of environmental production
due to processing waste and
underutilized by-catch. Fish
silage process has
been reported to be a
feasible, simple and lower-
cost alternative and no
skilled personnel is needed
(Vidottiet al., 2003).
Besides, the capital
investment is significantly
less compared to other fish
fertilizer
product in market. Fish
silage contain more valuables
 19

nutrient that is good for

plant growth and soil
microbes. Pak choy belonging
to family Brassicaceace is
becoming increasingly popular
with gardeners as
an alternative to cabbage
(Royal Horticulture Society
[RHS], 2010). The aim of this
study is to evaluate the
productions of fish silage as
one of the alternative ways
in managing fish wastes and
by-products by
converting these wastes into
liquid organic fertilizer. The
 20

effectiveness of this product

were compared to the
commercial fertilizer used on
pakchoy cultivation.
The demand for fish increased with increasing human populations. However, it

has been estimated that for each tons of fish eaten, an equal volume of fish material were

discarded either as waste or as a low value by-product (Anon, 2003). There are some

potential for gaining more value from fish wastes. Fish rich in valuable minerals,

enzymes, pigments and flavors that are required by many industries including

food, agriculture, aquaculture and pharmaceuticals (Archer et al., 2001). Elsewhere, fish

waste was converted into fishmeal or utilized in the production of organic fertilizers

and composts, which have significant benefits over chemical-based products (Archer

et al., 2001). Fish fertilizer products such as fish hydrolysates, fish emulsion, fish

soluble nutrient and fish silage have widely being used in crops productions and

was reported produced similar yields as conventional fertilizer (Wyatt &McGourty,

1990). Silage production is considered the best method to address the problem of

environmental production due to processing waste and underutilized by-catch. Fish

silage process has been reported to be a feasible, simple and lower-cost alternative

and no skilled personnel is needed (Vidottiet al., 2003). Besides, the capital

investment is significantly less compared to other fish fertilizer product in market.

Fish silage contain more valuables nutrient that is good for plant growth and soil

microbes. Pak choy belonging to family Brassicaceace is becoming increasingly popular

 21

with gardeners as an alternative to cabbage (Royal Horticulture Society [RHS], 2010).

The aim of this study is to evaluate the productions of fish silage as one of the

alternative ways in managing fish wastes and by-products by converting these

wastes into liquid organic fertilizer. The effectiveness of this product were compared to

the commercial fertilizer used on pakchoy cultivation.

Nutrient Analysis of Milkfish (Chanos Chanos) Fish-based Fertilizer

Currently milkfish is an important brackish water aquaculture species in Southeast

Asia and represents an important component of the fisheries sector and national economy

in Indonesia, the Philippines, and Taiwan (Martinez et al., 2006). The raw material for

silage production can include viscera and cut-offs from milkfish. These by-raw materials

are potential source for silage. Supartinah (2012) reported data on the nutrient content of

milkfish viscera. The results showed that milkfish viscera contained up to 66.8%

moisture, 1.2% ash, 9.7% lipid, and 8.7% protein. This amount is similar to the

nutritional content of cod viscera (without liver and roes) based on research conducted by

Bechtel (2003).

Bechtel (2003) reported data on the nutrient content of cod viscera. The results

showed that cod viscera (without liver and roes) contained up to 76.5% moisture, 2.0%,

8.1% lipid, and 13.0% protein. Commonly, high quality cod roes are used in the food

industry and high-quality liver is used for cod liver oil production. The rest of the viscera

are mainly processed to fish meal or silage, two low value products (Horn et al., 2007).

Traditional methods to produce fish hydrolysates, such as fish silage exploit the

endogenous enzymes of the fish intestines and are still the most commonly used methods

for adding value to fish by-products, such as viscera (Arason, 1994).

 22

Sodium hydroxide pre-treatments were shown to be effective at a lower

temperature (15-55 °C), compared with acid pre-treatment. But, the time required is in

hours or days rather than minutes or seconds needed for acid pre-treatment (Sambusiti et

al., 2013a). The method for producing silage is to acidify fish viscera, cut-offs or even a

whole fish, after mincing the raw material. Generally, the material is acidified to pH 3.6-

3.8 to increase the shelf life of the viscera, at the same time autolysis takes place in the

fish viscera by present enzymes. Formic acid (CH2O2) 85% is added to lower the pH to

3.6-3.8 of the silage, to increase the shelf life. Formic acid at the recommended pH

inhibits bacterial growth in feeding stuff and water for drinking and is recognized as an

efficacious silage additive (EFSA FEEDAP Panel, 2014). Formic acid is the best choice

for the preparation of fish silage and the silage becomes liquid and homogenous in

several days (Oetterer, 2002). Fish viscera have wide biotechnological potential as a

source of digestive enzymes, especially proteinases. The biological diversity of fish

species provides a wide array of enzymes with unique properties (Klomklao, 2008). The

effects of initial inactivation of endogenous enzymes, water and different enzymes on the

yield of proteins and oil from cod (Gadus morhua) were studied by Slizyte et al. (2005).

The enzymes used in the hydrolysis were Alcalase and Lecitase ultra. The results

revealed that initial heating of raw material changed its composition and inactivated the

endogenous enzymes. The yield of fish protein hydrolysate had higher amount of lipids

such as phospholipids and other polar lipids. Kristinsson and Rasco (2000) reported that

Alcalase was the best enzyme to use for the degradation of proteins from fish and fish

waste. They also stated that Alcalase is prominently used in the hydrolysis of proteins

from fish due to its high degree of hydrolysis in a relatively short time.
 23

Related Studies

The present study is related to the succeeding studies which are reviewed by the

researcher for showing the potential of fish-based organic fertilizer to vegetable plants.

American society for horticultural science documented a two-year study which

evaluated an organic fish fertilizer in a squash/collard rotation, and compared its

effectiveness to inorganic sources. Although yields were reduced in the crops grown with

hydrolyzed fish fertilizer treatments, economic analyses showed that premium prices and

potential profits associated with organic products were enough to offset reduced yield. 

Similarly, Ogles and colleagues at Auburn University studied the effects of three

different nitrogen sources during a 2-year crop sequence of yellow squash and collards.

The scientists used hydrolyzed fish fertilizer, inorganic nitrogen (N) source with

secondary and micronutrients, inorganic nitrogen without secondary or micronutrients,

and a zero nitrogen control for the study. Nitrogen was applied at: recommended rates for

both squash and collards, 80% of the recommended rates, and 60% of the recommended

rates. The study design included a zero nitrogen treatment used as the control. Additional

results revealed that inorganic nitrogen without secondary or micronutrients produced

lower marketable collard yields than the other treatments, an outcome the authors

attributed to sulfur deficiency. After performing economic analyses, the authors

concluded that if growers can obtain the price premiums associated with organic produce,

the use of hydrolyzed fish fertilizer could be an economically feasible option in organic

vegetable production. "Although yields were reduced in the crops grown in hydrolyzed

fish fertilizer treatments, the premium price and resultant profit associated with organic

products were enough to offset the reduced yield," the authors said.
 24

Moreover, Eltan, Yildirim, et. Al (2016) designed an experiment to determine the

response of various dozes of fish manure on plant growth, yield and nutrient content of

lettuce. The treatments consisted of fish manure, commercial fertilizer and the

combination of fish manure and commercial fertilizer with four dozes of nitrogen (0

kg/ha, 100 kg/ha, 150 kg/ha and 200 kg/ha). The results of the study showed that

treatments significantly affected the growth and chemical characteristics of lettuce. The

best results in regard to plant growth and yield were obtained from 100 and 150 kg kg/ha

nitrogen dozes of the combination of fish manure and commercial fertilizer.

In addition, Wei, XL (2010) studied the effects of different application rates (0.5,

1.5, and 2.5 ml x kg(-1)) of organic fish protein liquid fertilizer on the enzyme activities

and microbial biomass C and N in a silt soil, and the relationships between these

parameters and soil nutrient contents. Under the application of the liquid fertilizer, soil

pH varied in the range of 7.07-7.31, but had no significant difference from the control.

With the increasing application rate of the liquid fertilizer, the activities of soil

phosphatase, urease, and protease, as well as the soil biomass C and N, all increased

significantly, and the increment was 127, 190 and 196%, 39.81, 78.06 and 173.24%,

56.37, 108.29 and 199.98%, 167, 395 and 474%, and 121, 243 and 406%, respectively,

compared with the control. The peak time of the soil urease and protease activities and

microbial biomass C and N differed with the fertilization treatments. Soil phosphase,

urease, and protease activities and microbial biomass C and N were significantly

positively correlated with soil nutrient contents, suggesting that applying organic fish

protein liquid fertilizer to silt soil could improve soil microbial growth and enzyme
 25

activities, and accordingly, promote the decomposition and transformation of soil organic

matter and the release of soil available nutrient elements.

In the Philippine setting, a study conducted by Lacaden (2016) revealed that

different rates of Fish Amino Acid (FAA) combined with organic fertilizer affected the

number of flowers produced per week, length of fruits, diameter of fruits and weight of

marketable and non-marketable fruit per plant.

Conceptual Framework

This section features the foundation of the study that will serve as the researcher’s

guide towards the formation of the objectives of the study.

Figure 1 present the paradigm of the study in evaluating the growth and yield of

vegetable greens through fish-based organic fertilizer.

Input Process Output

1. A Field Study Research 1. Collection of materials 1. Brochures on the

about the potential of needed for the formulation steps of preparing fish-
fish waste as an organic of fish-based fertilizer based organic fertilizer.
fertilizer.
2. Comparing the results 2. Report on the results
of the fish-based fertilizer of the two types of
and commercial fertilizers to vegetable
equivalent. greens

3. Establishing a year-
round process for 3. Sustainable “Gulayan
sustaining vegetable sa Paaralan” at San
greens. Jose De Monte National
High School

Figure 1. Conceptual Framework of the Study

 26

The first frame shows the input of the study which consists the following :(1) field

study about the potential of fish waste as an organic fertilizer in San Jose Del Monte,

Bulacan.

The second frame shows the process of the study which includes the (1) collection

of materials needed for the formulation of fish-based fertilizer (2) Comparing the results

of the fish-based fertilizer and commercial equivalent (3) Establishing a year round

process for sustaining vegetable greens.

The third frame represents the output which includes the (1) brochures on the

steps of preparing fish-based fertilizer (2) Report on the results of the two types of

fertilizers to vegetable greens and (3) Sustainable “Gulayan sa Paaralan” at San Jose De

Monte National High School.

Definition of Variables

Fish Amino Acid (FAA). It is a liquid made from fish waste and is of great value

to plants and microorganisms in their growth because of its abundance to nutrients and

various amino acids.

Fish-based fertilizer. It is an organic fertilizer made from whole fish and carcass

products, including bones, scales and skin.

Growth. It is refers to an irreversible increase in size and volume and is the

consequence of differentiation and distribution occurring in the plant.

Leafy Greens. These are plant leaves eaten as vegetable, sometimes accompanied

by tender petioles and shoots

 27

Organic Fertilizer. These are fertilizers derived from animal matter, animal

excreta, human excreta and vegetable matter. In this study, organic fertilizers are derived

from animal matter particularly fish.

Pak Choi Cabbage. Also known as pechay/petsay, is an erect, biennial herb,

which was cultivated for observation of its components.

Weeds. It is the term for any plant growing where it is not wanted.

Yield. It refers to the full amount of an agricultural or industrial product.

 28

CHAPTER III

METHODS OF RESEARCH

This chapter includes discussion of research design, sampling technique, materials

needed in the study, collection and preservation of specimen, identification of specimen,

and statistical treatment.

Research Design

This research will utilize the true experimental research design. According to Bhat

(2018) experimental research is any research conducted with scientific approach, where a

set of variables are kept constant while the other set of variables are being measured as

the subject of experiment. This research can gather a lot of data that can help in making

better decisions.

In this study, the researcher aims to investigate whether a change in the dependent

variable (growth of Pak-Choi leaves) will be observed due to manipulation of

independent variables (fertilizers).

The Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four (4) treatments and

four (4) replications will be used in this study. The area will be divided equally into four

(4) blocks representing the replications. Each block will be further subdivided into four

(4) plots to represent the treatments. Each plot will have an area of 24 square meters

consisting of four (4) rows, six (6) meters long. A one and a half (1 ½) meter distance

between blocks and plots will be provided.

 29

Research Locale

The study will be conducted in City of San Jose Del Monte, one of the cities in

the Province of Bulacan. The city is located in the southeastern portion of the province

and has a total area of 6147 ha with an estimated population of 101,537 (NSCB, 2010,

Toda [Link] 2015). It has an estimated 3799.95 hectares of agricultural land and is divided

into 59 barangays which handle governance in a much smaller area. Major agricultural

crops are leafy vegetables, root crops, pineapple and coffee beans.

The topography of the city is characterized by largely elevated areas with slopes

of three to eight percent (3-8%). These slopes are extensively found in the city,

particularly on the western half of the area. The remaining slopes of 30-50% comprise the

smallest portion of the total land area. The rivers and creeks that flow within San Jose

Del Monte are direct tributaries of Angat River, which flows from the Angat Reservoir.

Major Natural waterways of San Jose del Monte are the Kipungon, Sto. Cristo, and Sta.

Maria watersystems. With these topographic setup, San Jose del Monte remains to be a

promising area for value crops and aquaculture (City of San Jose Del Monte Geophysical

Sector. [Link] Retrieved March 2, 2020).

Sample Location and Collections

The study will be conducted in Bgy. Poblacion where Gulayan sa Paaralan Demo-

farm at City of San Jose Del Monte National High School is located. The area will be

divided into four plots and samples will be observed and collected directly using

quadratic method based from sampling techniques for undergrowth vegetation or herbs

made by Gunawan, [Link] (2010).

Treatments
 30

The following treatments will be used in this study.

Treatment 1 – control (no fertilizer)

Treatment 2 – pure fish emulsion

Treatment 3 – pure commercial fertilizer

Treatment 4 – fish emulsion + commercial fertilizer

Cultural Management

The following cultural management will be implemented in the conduct of the

study.

A field with an area of 116.5 square meters will be plowed thoroughly. Furrows

will be made at a distance of 50 centimeters. The area will be equally divided into four

(4) blocks that represent the replication. Each block will be divided equally into four (4)

plots that represent the treatments.

Experimental Layout
Block 1 Block 3
Treament 1 Treament 2 Treament 3 Treament 4 Treament 3 Treament 4 Treament 1 Treament 2
I I I I I I I
s s s s s s s
o C o C o C o C o C o C o C
l a l a l a l a l a l a l a
a n a n a n a n a n a n a n
t a t a t a t a t a t a t a
i l i l i l i l i l i l i l
o o o o o o o
n n n n n n n

Isolation Canal Isolation canal

Block 2 Block 4
Treament 2 Treament 3 Treament 4 Treament 1 Treament 4 Treament 2 Treament 3 Treament 1
I I I I I I I
s s s s s s s
o C o C o C o C o C o C o C
l a l a l a l a l a l a l a
a n a n a n a n a n a n a n
t a t a t a t a t a t a t a
i l i l i l i l i l i l i l
o o o o o o o
n n n n n n n

Figure 2. Experimental Layout of Four Blocks divided into four treatments and four
replications
 31

Planting

Planting will be done by directly sowing the seeds to different areas. There will

be equal amount of seeds to be sown for each plot. Distance between plot will be

observed but not distance between plants in each plot.

Application of Fertilizers

For Treatment 1 (control), no fertilizer will be applied. For Treatment 2, pure

fish emulsion will be applied before and during the planting season at given interval. For

Treatment 3, pure commercial fertilizer will be applied with same application time with

Treatment 2 and 4. For Treatment 4, a combination of Treatment 2 and Treatment 3 will

be applied with the same application time with Treatment 2 and 3. The proposed

application interval are as follows:

1st application --- a week before sowing the seeds

2nd application --- 2 weeks after sowing the seeds

regular application --- every other day 3 weeks after sowing the seeds.

Weed Management

Since the area is not that wide, only spot hand weeding will be done to eradicate

weeds in the planting areas.

Water Management

Frequent irrigation of all planting areas will be done six (6) times at 5, 10, 15, 18,

21 and 24 days after emergence of first true leaves, depending on the available moisture

on the soil.

Documentation
 32

Pictures will be taken in every activity to show proof of the authenticity of the

discussions being made and to aid the researcher in making generalizations.

Data to be Gathered

The following data will be gathered in this study:

1. Plant Height at 15, 30, 45, 75, 90 DAP(cm) – This will be taken by measuring the

height of 10 sample plants per plot from the three inner rows.

2. Leaf size (cm) – This will be taken by measuring the height of the leaves of 10 plants

per plot from the ground level to the point of attachment of the leaves.

3. Plant Length (cm) – This will be taken by measuring the length of leaves from

the base to the tip of 10 sample leaf per plot.

5. Leaf weight (g) – This will be taken by weighing the stalk of the 10 randomly

selected plants.

7. Yield per plot (kg) – This will be obtained by weighing the yield each plot and

projected into hectare basis.

8. Cost and return analysis – This will be taken by computing all the production cost

and income.

Statistical Treatments of Data

All data in this study were subjected to statistical procedures as follows:

1. The treatment means were derived from the raw data gathered;

2. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) for Randomized Complete Block Design

(RCBD) to determine the statistical significance among treatments means; and

3. The Schefee’s to determine if there is a meaningful difference in the means of

the groups being compared.

 33

BIBLIOGRAPHY

A. Books

Ghaly, A.E., Ramakrishnan, V.V., Brooks, M.S., Budge, S.M. and Dave, D. (2013) Fish
Processing Wastes as a Potential Source of Proteins, Amino Acids and Oils: A Critical
Review. Journal of Microbial and Biochemical Technology , 5, 107-129.

Steigers, J.A. (2002) Demonstrating the Use of Fish Oil as Fuel in a Large Stationary
Diesel Engine. In: Bechtel, P.J., Ed., Advances in Sea Food Byproducts :2002 Conf
erence Proceedings. Alaska Sea Grant, Fairbanks, AK, 187-200.

Knothe, G. (2005) Dependence of Biodiesel Fuel Properties on the Structure of Fatty

Acid Alkyl Esters. Fuel Processing Technology , 86, 1059-1070.

Jaiswal, K.K., Jha, B. and Prasath, R.A. (2014) Biodiesel Production from Discarded Fish
Waste for Sustainable Clean Energy Development . Journal of Chemical and
Pharmaceutical Sciences , 4, 113-114.

Abdulkadir, M.A. (2010) Production and Characterization of Oil from Fishes. ARPN
Journal of Engineering and Applied Science

B. Journals

How to find nutrient values of organic fertilizers, URL: [Link] date

retrieved: November 7, 2019. Maghirang, R. G., De La Cruz, R., Villareal R. L. (2012).

How Sustainable is Organic Agriculture in the Philippines, Trans. Nat. Acad. Sci. &
Tech. (Philippines), 33(2), ISSN 0115-8848, pp. 289-318

The Unconventional famer - Homemade fish fertilizer, URL:[Link] date

retrieved: Nov. 9, 2019.

Farmer’s Guide on Bio-Organic Inputs from Plants, Fish and Animal Liquid Extracts,
URL: [Link] date retrieved: Nov 18, 2019.

Philippine National Standard on Organic Fertilizer, URL: [Link] date

retrieved: January 15, 2020.
 34

C. Published Theses

Aloria. Mikael A. 2015. Development of Fish Scraps Shredding and Mixing Machine for
Fish Emulsion Fertilizer Production. P-ISSN 2350-7756 E-ISSN 2350-8442
[Link]

Wagner L. Polito. 2015. The Trofobiose Theory and organic agriculture: the active
mobilization of nutrients and the use of rock powder as a tool for sustainability

Karim Nurul Ulfah 2015. The Effectivenes of Fish Silage as Organic Fertilizer on Post-
Harvest Quality of Pak-Choy.

D. Unpublished Theses

Galang, Mary Ann P.(2018). Promoting student ecological understanding of weed

[Link] State University

DAMASO, A.V. 2013. Growth and Yield Performance of Different Watermelon

(Citrullus lunatus, Thund.) Varieties as Influenced by Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers.
Pangasinan State University – Sta. Maria Campus, Sta. Maria, Pangasinan and
[Link]/google.

Electronic References

[Link]

[Link]

[Link]

[Link]

[Link]

[Link]
 35

[Link]
Blood+Bonemeal_fertilizer.htm

[Link]

[Link]

[Link]
fbclid=IwAR0RlEleeWOEQhbd15DYQqPvBg0wKs5ru-
Xc60g327A62Wz_2lrpgq2tQ7Y

City of San Jose Del Monte Geophysical Sector. [Link] Retrieved March 2, 2020