Republic of the Philippines

BAYUGAN NATIONAL COMPREHENSIVE

HIGHSCHOOL
Bayugan City

______________________________________________________________________

The Effectiveness of Different types of Sludge as an Organic Fertilizer to the Growth

Performance of Pechay ( Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis)

An
Investigatory Project
Presented to
The Faculty of Senior High of Education

In Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements of Inquiries, Investigation and Immersion (III)

Researchers

Rabago, Jemboy, J.
*Grumo, Almina, M.
Junio, Cinde Love, A.
Castro, Aerielle Niña, G.
Almedilla, Dave Kyle, C.

GERRY A. BRITAL
Research Adviser
 Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Sludges are a semi-solid slurry that can be produced from a range of industrial

processes, from water treatment, wastewater treatment or on-site sanitation systems. It has

generally been perceived by the public of waste which has a little beneficial use and needs to

be disposed in landfills. It can be nutrients from the soil. Due to sludges being a material that

can be easily obtained throughout the community numerous researchers wants to study and

figure out if sludges are effective as an alternative, organic fertilizers.

Sludges are easy access, especially to the farmers and to the less fortunate, with this

research sludge fertilizers may help farmers to lessen the cost of buying far more dangerous

inorganic fertilizers instead they can use this common fertilizer who people may see it as

waste. Sludge fertilizer can increase the soil's physiochemical characteristics, which in turn

can impact crop yields and plant growth (Antonkiewicz and Pelka 2014; Onwudiwe et al.

2014; Baawain et al. 2014a, b; Jaffar Abdul Khaliq et al. 2017). These fertilizers have a high

concentration of macro- and micronutrients, allowing plants to get nutrients and become more

fertile (Al-Busaidi 2014b; Zhao et al. 2012). Sewage sludge comprises between 50% and 70%

organic matter and a large number of essential components in recent years, dry matter's use as

a source of organic soil matter and organic fertilizer has grown significantly.

Chemical fertilizers are now being used more often thanks to soil management

techniques that enhance nutrient availability and boost crop yields. Utilizing these

agrochemicals leads to increased agricultural pollution in addition to the deterioration of

arable land. Organic farming, which solely uses natural resources including organic matter,

plant and animal wastes, and microorganisms, is the only method to address this issue.

The goal of this study is to see the effects of different sludges performing as an organic

fertilizers on the growth of Pechay (Brassica rapa subsp.)

Statement of the Problem

This study's primary objective is to examine the impacts of various sludge types used

as organic fertilizers on Pechay (Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis) growth performance. In this

regard, the researchers intended to particularly address the following questions:

(1) What is the growth rate of pechay (Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis)

seeds on the following type of sludge?

1.1 pechay (Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis) seedlings (control);

1.2 pechay (Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis) seedlings applied with

ammonium sulfate;

1.3 pechay (Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis) seedlings applied with

sludge (garbage);

1.4 pechay (Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis) seedlings applied with

sludge (sewage);

1.5 pechay (Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis) seedlings applied with

sludge (lake);

(2) How does the growing performance of pechay (Brassica rapa subsp.

chinensis) differ between inorganic and organic fertilizer (sludge)?

(3) How does the performance of pechay (Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis)

growth change when sludge is utilized as an organic fertilizer?

Statement of the hypothesis

H01: There is 0% growth rate of the pechay (Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis) seeds

among the five setups.

3.1 pechay (Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis) seedlings (control);

3.2 pechay (Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis) seedlings + inorganic;

3.3 pechay (Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis) seedlings + sludge

(garbage);

3.4 pechay (Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis) seedlings + sludge

(sewage);

3.5 pechay (Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis) seedlings + sludge

(lake);

H02: There is 0% growth rate of pechay (Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis) using sludge
as fertilizers

H03: There is no significant difference in the growth rate of pechay (Brassica rapa

subsp. chinensis) among the five setups.

Significance of the Study

Study Benefits the following are gained from this research:

Department of Agriculture (DA). The result of this study will provide important information to

the Department of Agriculture regarding the effectiveness of different sludge as an organic

fertilizer to the growth performance of Pechay (Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis). This will act as a

framework for the development of programs, projects, and initiatives that will help regional

farmers.
Students. Students who want to pursue similar studies may use this study as a guide and reference.

They will be informed on the various fertilizers and production methods for pechay in their region,

and this information will act as a guide for them as they implement and operationalize their

gulayan sa paaralan.

Farmers. The result of this study will help farmers especially in Bayugan City Agusan Del Sur to

produce food that gives a large benefits for food security then it’s not too expensive because the

fertilizer that being used can be obtained anywhere.

Consumers. With the use of the various sludges rather than chemicals, this study will assist

consumers who consume and purchase plants like pechay that develops in an organic way.

Scope and Delimitation

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of various sludges as organic fertilizers on

the growth of the Brassica rapa subsp. Chinensis plants. utilizing five setups separating each

plant's growth performance with various types of sludge, especially the plant's growth rate

and growth features the mechanics of the plant, the composition of the nutrient solution, or

crop yield are not covered in detail in the research. Control, Inorganic Fertilizers, Organic

fertilizer (Lake sludge, Sewage sludge & Garbage sludge.)

Conceptual Framework

The framework demonstrates the steps and tools used to determine whether or not certain

sludge kinds have an impact on Pechay's growth performance (Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis).

Researchers will conduct an experiment and two weeks of observation to determine whether or not

different forms of sludges are effective to the growing performance of Pechay (Brassica rapa

subsp. chinensis).

Definition of Terms

The following terms are defined operationally to ensure a comprehensive understanding of

the

study.

Brassica rapa subsp. Chinensis. These leafy vegetables, sometimes known as "Chinese

cabbages," are part of the cabbage or brassica family and are distinguished by their ease of

cultivation in a controlled greenhouse environment. This makes it an excellent test subject for

determining growth rate.

Sludge. These are semi-solid slurry that is created by a variety of industrial processes, such as

water treatment, wastewater treatment, or on-site sanitation systems. In this study, different

type of sludges are used thus they can be used to differentiate the effects of different types of

sludges as fertilizers on the growth of pechay.

Growth Rate. This is the quantitative growth of a plant as measured by the Leaf Area Index,

Relative Growth Rate, Absolute Growth Rate, and Net Assimilation Rate. By changing total
plant leaf area for total biomass in the standard RGR equation, it may be calculated as the

relative growth in leaf area over time.

Chapter 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

“EFFECTS OF SEWAGE SLUDGE USED AS FERTILIZER ON THE YIELD AND

CHEMICAL CONTENTS OF LUCERNE (Medicago sativa L.) AND SOIL”

According to (Kusvuran, Alpaslan & Saruhan, Veysel & Aydin, Firat & Kokten, Kagan.

(2015)). the effects of sewage sludge (SS) used as fertilizer at different concentrations

(control, 20 kg ha–1 nitrogen (N), 30, 60 and 90 ton ha–1 SS, 20 kg ha–1 N + 30 ton ha–1 SS,

20 kg ha–1 N + 60 ton ha–1 SS and 20 kg ha–1 N + 90 ton ha–1 SS) on lucerne yields and

chemical features. Sewage sludge (SS) is used at a rate of 36% in agricultural lands in EU

Countries [1]. Using SS as fertilizer is regarded as an important approach, not only with

respect to recycling nutritional elements, but also with respect to the disposing of SS [2].

According to the American standards of sludge used in agriculture, the average concentration

of N and P as dry weight is 2% and <1%, respectively, while the total solids is 3.4% [3, 4].

Many researchers assume that the production of SS will increase in future because of the

treatment requirements connected to actual regulations (particularly in Europe) and new

wastewater treatment plant construction in emerging countries [5, 6]. Moreover, the level of

industry development is an important factor in determining the extent of heavy metal

accumulation and the level of pollution in some fields [7]. The evaluation of heavy metal

accumulation in plants is one of the most ac-curate criteria regarding environmental pollution

[8, 9]. The accumulation of heavy metals in agricultural soils is of increasing concern because

of food safety, potential health risks, and its detrimental effects on soil ecosystems [9-11].
Since SS contains high concentrations of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) problem may arise

when sludge is applied to an agricultural soil [12, 13], and heavy metal accumulation in plant

tissues may occur [14]. According to the results of this study, SS, when applied to soil in

increasing amounts, raised the mineral matter contents of the plants, which favorably affected

plant growth. Consequently, it affected the herbage yield, increasing the yield in parallel with

the increasing SS concentrations. Applying N with the SS positively influenced the heavy

metal contents of the lucerne and residue in the soil. Additionally, the heavy metal contents

were found at be-low critical levels in both the soil and plants. Therefore, SS application as

fertilizer used in appropriate concentrations did not pollute the soil very much, but did lead to

an in-crease in plant products. As a result, SS compost used at suitable concentrations is a

valuable fertilizer for high yields and nutrient values. In addition, SS fertilization may be

favorable due to the suitable ratio of residues of heavy metals in soil after ap-plication. Since

the concentrations of toxic materials such as Hg, Cr, Fe, Ni, Zn, Mn, Pb, Cu, Co, and Se in

wastes are not very high, heavy metals do not accumulate in the soil and in plants grown in

these fields. Hence, the discharging of wastes either into agricultural fields or after the sewage

processes does not pose a serious threat with respect to environment and human health. An

increase in the plant’s heavy metal contents along with an increase in the amount of SS was

observed with the increase of values in the S3 application at a maximum level (90 tons ha–1).

Moreover, one of the most remarkable results of this study was that the heavy metal contents

decreased, both in the lucerne and soil, with the application of N and SS. Consequently, the SS

that was used in this study was not toxic and contained Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn at levels

that can be comfortably used in the production of lucerne. Nonetheless, since SS can be

applied to soil for many years, care should be taken to analyze the soil at certain intervals with

the aim of preventing the accumulation of metals.

“SEWAGE SLUDGE: TURNING AN ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTANT INTO AN

AGRICULTURAL RESOURCE [1998]”

In research from Maguiat … (1998) large amounts of sewage sludge are produced every day

by agro-industrial wastewater treatment facilities. As much as 21,000 tons of sewage sludge

may accumulate annually in Metro Manila (Philippines). The integrity of the environment is

seriously threatened by the disposal of sewage sludge into bodies of water or by incineration.

By employing it as organic fertilizer, a contaminant like sewage sludge can be converted into a

useful resource for farming. But the problem of soil pathogen contamination and heavy metal

accumulation must be addressed. The essential amounts of heavy metals in the sewage sludge

from Maya Farms (MF) and Century Canning Corporation (CCC) were determined to pass US

and German regulations. Indicator organisms like coliforms were effectively destroyed by up

to 95% after being exposed to gamma radiation from 60Co for disease control. Alternative

techniques that can be utilized include biological composting and alkaline stabilization

utilizing a combination of heat, a high pH (higher than 12), and drying. According to

fertilization studies conducted in the field using the 15N isotope dilution technique, sewage

sludge N was initially immobilized during the main crop but later mineralized during the

residual crop for short-duration crops like pechay. This showed that if short-duration crops (6-

7 weeks) are to be cultivated, the sewage sludge needs to be added to the soil well before

sowing.
Research Studies

“EFFECT OF DIFFERENT ORGANIC FERTILIZERS APPLICATION ON GROWTH AND

ENVIRONMENTAL RISK OF NITRATE UNDER A VEGETABLE FIELD”

According to… (NCBI - WWW Error Blocked Diagnostic, n.d.) Under the tomato-celery-

tomato field, the impact of chicken manure following various disposal techniques (water-

logged composting, GOF; anaerobic digestion, BR; thermophilic composting, ROF) on crop

development and environmental risk was examined. The findings demonstrated that organic

fertilizers considerably boosted vegetable output and quality, but improper application could

result in serious environmental risks including nitrate pollution. The ROF treatment produced

the highest vegetable yield of 80.9, 68.3, and 112.7 tha1 (first, second, and third rotation

crops, respectively), with the best vegetable quality. Additionally, ROF treatment was

determined to have the maximum N usage efficiency and the least amount of soil nitrate

enrichment. Additionally, using this fertilizing method, the nitrate concentration in soil

leachate decreased to 6.4 mg/L1, meeting the US Environmental Protection Agency's

drinking water standard of 10 mg/L1 Agency. The "tomato-celery" rotation technique was

therefore said to make ROF the finest fertilizer with the best production, quality, and least

environmental danger. Vegetable productivity and quality were both greatly improved by

organic fertilizers, but if applied improperly, they could pose a serious environmental risk. The

ROF treatment produced the highest vegetable yield of 80.9, 68.3, and 112.7 tha1 (first,

second, and third rotation crops, respectively), with the best vegetable quality. Additionally,

ROF treatment was determined to have the maximum N usage efficiency and the least amount

of soil nitrate enrichment. Additionally, the nitrate concentration in the soil leachate met the

standard for drinking water under this fertilizing method. The "tomato-celery" rotation
technique was therefore said to make ROF the finest fertilizer with the best production,

quality, and least environmental danger.

“ASSESSMENT OF ORGANIC FERTILIZER USE IN CAGAYAN VALLEY

[PHILIPPINES] [2012]”

In research from Benabisea … (2012) In the Cagayan Valley, organic farming is growing in

popularity. Farmers only have access to and employ organic compost, vermicompost, animal

manure, bio-organic, plant-by-products, and bat guano as fertilizers. The study aims to

evaluate the demographic and farm profile of farmers; their level of awareness of the

environment, health, and nutritional benefits, as well as the economic benefits; their

awareness status in comparison to their level of adoption; and issues and limitations that

affect the use of organic fertilizer. Purposive, quota, and convenience sampling were used to

select 720 respondents from the Cagayan Valley's three provinces. Utilizing the Statistical

Package for Social Sciences program, the collected data were examined. The respondents

have a mean age of 44.28 and are primarily female. Most of the farms are rolling, with clay

loam and sandy loam soil, and receive irrigation from NIA and communal irrigation systems.

The majority had formal education and had been using organic fertilizer for four years. Rain

is used to feed the fields that are perched atop the sloping hills and are not serviced by

irrigation systems. While farmers with larger farms planted rice if their land is irrigated and

corn in areas without irrigation, those with smaller parcels of land cultivated green vegetables

and used organic fertilizers on them. The environmental impact of organic farming is more

well-known to farmers than its economic and health advantages. The primary DA technicians

are sources of information for the environmental and financial advantages of organic farming,

whereas doctors, nutritionists, and the media for the advantages of health and diet. Compared
to their degree of awareness, organic compost uptake was at its highest. The main issue is that

organic fertilizer has a slow effect, and the biggest barrier is a lack of technical knowledge

and skill in fertilizer preparation.

Justification of the Proposed Study

In research from Assefa … (2019) Additionally, organic fertilizers boost the soil's structure,

including air circulation, which supports good microbes that aid in the soil's nutrient release.

With the use of artificial fertilizers and pesticides, groundwater is contaminated in many

agricultural areas. Using more biodiversity, improving soil structure, and increasing water

infiltration, organic fertilizers. Groundwater pollution is significantly decreased by well

maintained organic systems with improved nutrient retentive capabilities. Organic farming is

able to sequester carbon in the soil, which helps to reduce the greenhouse effect and global

warming. In contrast to chemical fertilizers, organic fertilizers used ingredients that were

leftovers from plants, animals, or minerals. The naturally breaking down material from these

sources would give the soil nutrients and minerals. It was important to consider lawn

maintenance and to make sure that the garden or lawn received all the nutrients required for a

healthy growth. Fertilizers can supply and guarantee that a plant has a balance and appropriate

access to nutrients, even though nutrients were present in regular soil. Proper lawn care

includes providing for the health of the lawn and garden. (Assefa, S. (2019, August 9). The

Principal Role of Organic Fertilizer on Soil Properties and Agricultural Productivity -A

Review. https://juniperpublishers.com/artoaj/ARTOAJ.MS.ID.556192.php)

Sludges as an organic fertilizer may indeed help the environment due to its component as a

use of organic fertilizer. Farmers may also lessen the need to buy inorganic fertilizers which

costs more and is not entirely good for the environment, whether on such using sludge as an

organic fertilizer, which they can get freely. According to new research … (Kominko, 2017)
Regulations and contemporary understanding are to thank for the constant improvement in

sewage sludge quality. With more effective pathogen and toxic component reduction, this

enables control over the level of stability and sanitation of sewage sludge. The most appealing

alternative for sewage sludge management should be thought of as the proper disposal of

sewage sludge to land. Sewage sludge is a resource that may be used in agriculture at a low

cost and offers the chance to replenish soil nutrients and organic matter. Recycling programs

geared toward the Circular Economy and new European rules encourage this use.
 Chapter 3

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Research Method

This study used experimental design to investigate the Effect of Different types of Sludge as

an Organic Fertilizer to the Growth Performance of Pechay (Brassica rapa subsp. Chinensis)

Materials

Material is the tool when the researcher uses a method so that material is needed to get the

data in a research. Through the use of the experimental way of gathering data, researchers

must gather their data through the uses of experiments of the effectiveness of the different type

of sludges as an organic fertilizer to Pechay (Brassica rapa subsp. Chinensis).

Researchers must gather the necessary tools in order to gather data and accurately decipher

and answer the given hypothesis given by the researchers. Researchers will use:

Different type of sludge Fertilizer(Inorganic) Seedlings

-Sewage Sludge (One) Ammonium Sulfate Pechay seedlings

-Lake Sludge (Two) (Brassica rapa subsp.

-Garbage Sludge (Three) Chinensis)

Equipment/Apparatus

- Different type of Sludge

The use of the different type of sludge: sewage sludge (one), lake sludge (two), garbage

(three), will be necessary to the researchers whole research.

-Inorganic Fertilizers

The use of inorganic fertilizers will be necessary to compare the growth performance of

Pechay (Brassica rapa subsp. Chinensis) to the different type of sludge as an organic fertilizer

-Soil

Usage of soil will help the researcher plant the seeds and grow them

-Gardening

Planting, tilling the soil, planting of the seeds and ensuring the appropriate equipment is used

properly, and the usage of gardening tools.

Procedure

To get the appropriate data needed, the researcher will gather three different type of

sludges and an inorganic fertilizer of their choice.

Step 1: will be the gathering of sewage sludge (one), lake sludge (two), rice field sludge

(three). The tools here are necessary to the components of getting the results of the hypothesis

that the researchers hypothesized.

Step II: will be the planting of pechay (Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis) and putting the use of

our newly found organic fertilizers, sludges. This will be planted in a controlled environment

and given the same equal treatment.

Step III: will be the observation to the growth performance of pechay (Brassica rapa subsp.

chinensis) and if the sludges are effective or ineffective thus answering the researchers

hypothesis.

Statistical Treatment

Growth rate test will be performed daily on the first week and after it will be tested once a

week to study the following characteristics of the seeds: W1 and W2 defined as the total

natural logarithm-transformed plant weight changes through time. b. T1 and T2 will be

Rearrangement of terms yields the equation used to calculate RGR in what is called the

classical approach (Hunt, 1982):

Relative Growth Rate:

Seedling Test

Just like in Growth rate test, seedling test will also be performed once a week to study the

following characteristics of the seedlings:

a. Seedling length (cm): It will be measured using 10 normal seedling 30 days after

planting.
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Three Different Kind of Organic Fertilizer; Vegetables, Rice and Bone | Ascendens
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