Effect of Compost Guava (Psidium guajava) and Santol (Sandoricum

koetjape) leaves in the Growth of Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) as

Soil Enhancers

A Research Study Presented to the

Faculty of Colegio de la Purisima Concepcion

Senior High School Department

Roxas City

Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for the

Senior High School Curriculum Academic Track

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Strand

By

Kimberly B. Valsote

Researcher

Ariza V. Paredes

Co-author
 COLEGIO DE LA PURISIMA CONCEPCION
The School of the Archdiocese of Capiz
Roxas City

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

SY: 2021-2022

APPROVAL SHEET

Research Title : “Effect of Compost Guava (Psidium guajava) and

Santol (Sandoricum koetjape) leaves in the Growth of
Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) as Soil Enhancers”
Student : Kimberly B. Valsote
Course : Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
Grade 12 – St. Gabriel

Advisory Committee:

HEAVEN LEIGH N. DELA OSTIA, LPT

Chairman Date

STEPHEN J. INOCENCIO
Member Date

Approval:

JOHN E. TIANCHON, LPT

Research Coordinator Date

Approved:

RYAN B. ESTILLOMO, PhD

SHS Assistant Principal Date

Research No. ___________

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

PRELIMINARIES PAGE

Title Page i
Approval Sheet ii
Table of Contents iii
List of Tables v
List of Figures vi
List of Appendices vii
Acknowledgment viii

Abstract x

CHAPTER

I INTRODUCTION 1

Background of the Study 1

Goals and Objectives 3
Significance of the Study 3
Statement of the Problem 4
Hypotheses of the Study 5
Conceptual Framework of the Study 5
Definition of Terms 6
Scope and Limitations of the Study 7

II REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE 9

Local Literature 9
Foreign Literature 10
 III METHODOLOGY 13

Research Design 13
Materials and Tools 13
General Procedure 14
Collection and Gathering of Materials 14
and Tools
Decomposition of Leaves 15
Plantation of Tomato seeds 16
Preparation of Treatments 16
Mixing the Treatments on the Soil 17
Transplanting of seedlings 18
Observing and Gathering of Data 19
Statistical Tools 19

IV RESULTS AND INTERPRETATION 20

Results 20

Analysis of Variance 23

V SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS, AND 25

RECOMMENDATIONS

Summary of Findings 25
Conclusions 28
Recommendations 28

REFERENCES 29

APPENDICES 33

CURRICULUM VITAE 40
 LIST OF TABLES

TABLE TITLE PAGE

1 Materials used in the Study 17

2 Tools and Equipments used in the Study 18

3 Components of each Treatment 21

4 The Significant Effect of Compost Guava 25

and Santol Leaves in the growth of
tomatoes as Soil enhancers in terms of
the height of the plants

5 The Significant Effect of Compost Guava 26

and Santol Leaves in the growth of
tomatoes as Soil enhancers in terms of
number of leaves

6 One-way Analysis of the Variance of the 27

height of plant per treatment

7 One-way Analysis of the Variance of the 28

number of leaves per
treatment
 LIST OF FIGURES

FIGURE TITLE PAGE

1 Conceptual Framework 9

2 Collection and Gathering of Materials and 18

Tools

3 Decomposition of Leaves 19

4 Planting of seedlings 20

5 Preparation of Treatments 21

6 Mixing the Treatments in the Soil 22

7 Transplanting of the seedlings 22

8 Observing and Gathering of Data 23

9 The Significant Effect of Compost Guava 25

and Santol Leaves in the growth of
tomatoes as Soil enhancers in terms of the
height of the plants.

10 The Significant Effect of Compost Guava 27

and Santol Leaves in the growth of
tomatoes as Soil enhancers in terms of
number of leaves
 LIST OF APPENDICES

APPENDIX TITLE PAGE

A Statistical Analysis 38

B Documentations 42
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The researcher would like to extend her deepest appreciations and

heartfelt gratitude towards the pillar that helped and present to the

extent of this study:

To Ms. Heaven Leigh de la Ostia, Research teacher, for constant

support, guidance and encouragement as she coached the researcher

by giving instructions, guidelines and corrective measures to come up

with quality output.

To Ms. April A. Anisco, former Research teacher, for sharing her

expertise and knowledge for this study.

To Ms. Ariza V. Paredes, English critic, for her time and effort in

checking this manuscript.

To researcher’s beloved parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jorge U. Valsote, for

sending love, moral, and untiring support during the duration of the

research.

To researcher’s friends and classmates, STEM 12 ST GABRIEL, for

journeying with them us they inspire, help, and give joy and hope n every

step of her research.

 Above all, to the God Almighty, for His divine mercy, love, strength,

inspiration, guidance and wisdom which enabled her to accomplish this

study.
 ABSTRACT

Valsote, Kimberly B., Effect of Compost Guava (Psidium guajava) and

Santol (Sandoricum koetjape) leaves in the Growth of Tomatoes (Solanum
lycopersicum) as Soil Enhancers, Grade 12 STEM- St. Gabriel, March, 2022,
Panay, Capiz.

Research Adviser: Heaven Leigh de la Ostia

Fertilizer is any organic or inorganic material of natural or synthetic

origin that is added to soil to supply one or more plant nutrients essential

to the growth of plants. Fertilizers are protein supplements for plants. They

are used strictly as a deficiency-buster. Inordinate use of different types of

fertilizers kills the naturally present ingredients in soil too. So, it is important

to use them carefully and only as per need.

This study, The Effect of Compost Guava (Psidium guajava) and

Santol (Sandoricum koetjape) leaves in the Growth of Tomatoes (Solanum

lycopersicum) as soil enhancers, was conducted to expand my

knowledge in growing tomatoes using soil enhancers to promote soil

quality. Through this experiment, I learned to improve production, and at

the same time, this study is environmentally friendly.

Specifically, this study sought to answer the following questions: (1) If

compost guava and santol leaves are effective as soil enhancers for

tomato plant? (2) If compost guava and santol leaves as soil enhancers
has significant difference in the growth of tomato plant in terms of their

height and number of leaves?

Guava and Santol leaves were collected at Pob. Tabuc, Panay,

Capiz. The leaves were cut into smaller pieces, and were placed in a

separate plastic bag with a label. The leaves were top with nitrogen-rich

items, like grass clippings, food waste, or manure. The composition of the

compost was alternated between leaves and a nitrogen product. When

the bag was almost full, the contents of the bag were sprinkled with

water, shaken, and tightly sealed. It was stored in a shady spot until the

leaves rot down into a rich and crumbly mixture. The leaves rotted down

for 6 to 12 months. Four (4) treatments were prepared for the compost

guava and santol leaves and each treatment was replicated, (three (3)

times). The experimentation was conducted for 3 weeks. Every week, the

parameters which are the height of the plant (in centimeters) and number

of leaves were measured, counted and recorded.

Results revealed that there was significant difference between the

compost guava and santol leaves as soil enhancers in the growth of

tomato plant in terms of their height and number of leaves. The null

hypothesis was rejected and the p-values were less than 0.05 level of

significance.
 CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

Rationale and Background of the Study

Plants are essential to the survival of the planet and all living things.

Humans and animals would have less fresh air to breathe if plants did not

exist. We still rely on plants, despite living in a highly industrialized society.

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), also known as "Kamatis" in the

Philippines, is a savory, typically red, edible plant fruit. Tomato fruit is eaten

raw as an ingredient in many dishes and sauces, and beverages. While

technically a fruit, it is considered a vegetable in the culinary world, which

has caused some confusion. Tomatoes contain high levels of vitamins A

and C. It also has a significant amount of fiber, beta-carotene, iron,

lycopene, magnesium, niacin, potassium, phosphorus, riboflavin, and

thiamine. Tomatoes are one of the most important vegetable crops in the

Philippines. It is grown in almost every community across the country for

both personal and commercial use.

Fertilizer is any organic or inorganic material, natural or synthetic,

that is added to soil to supply one or more plant nutrients necessary for

plant growth. Fertilizers are plant protein supplements. They are only used

to treat deficiencies. Excessive use of various types of fertilizers also kills the
 2

naturally present ingredients in soil. As a result, they must be used with

caution and only when necessary.

Dry leaves have fallen from trees every day, resulting in a large

amount of leaf waste. Dry leaves are naturally degraded by

microorganisms into compost, an organic fertilizer that can be used safely

for soil amendment. Dry leaves are an excellent ingredient in good

compost, which is superior to chemical fertilizer. Compost nourishes plants,

retains moisture in the soil, aids in fertilizer distribution, facilitates weeding,

attracts worms, and aids in disease prevention. Composting refers to the

process of converting organic waste into compost. This process has

several advantages, including lower disposal costs and reduced pollution

(Inyim, 2019). Composting contains many essential nutrients for plant

growth and is thus widely used as a fertilizer. It also improves soil structure,

allowing it to retain the proper amount of moisture, nutrients, and air.

Soil is made up of weathered minerals, organic matter, living

organisms, and pore spaces. However, the soil lacks the necessary

nutrients for plant growth. Farmers use fertilizers because they contain

plant nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are

essential for plant growth (Aaron DeJoia, 2015). Soils rarely have enough

nutrients for crops to reach their absolute potential yield. Understanding

the nutrient variability and release pattern of organic fertilizers is critical for
 3

providing plants with enough nutrients to achieve maximum productivity

while also rebuilding soil fertility and protecting environmental and natural

resources (Ahmad et al., 2015).

Toxic chemicals that are very dangerous will accumulate in the

human body as a result of chemically produced plants. The harmful

effects of these synthetic chemicals on human health and the

environment can only be reduced or eliminated by implementing new

agricultural technological practices that improve fertilizer application

efficiency and use efficiency. Organic farming will help preserve the

natural environment and ecosystems for current and future generations

(Kumar et al., 2019).

This study was conducted to broaden my knowledge of growing

tomatoes using soil enhancers to improve soil quality. This experiment

taught me how to improve production while also being environmentally

responsible.

Thus, this study was conducted to determine: (1) If compost guava

and santol leaves are effective as soil enhancers for tomato plant; (2) if

compost guava and santol leaves as soil enhancers has significant

difference in the growth of tomato plant in terms of their height and

number of leaves.
 4

Significance of the Study

In addition to local studies about composting and soil enhancers,

this study will be conducted to find out if compost guava and santol

leaves are effective as soil enhancer in tomato plant. The results of this

study will provide information to people who are in farming industry and

person who owns a shop selling crops like fruit and vegetables.

Furthermore, this study will be conducted to reduce the impact of yard

waste like dried leaves. Lastly, this study will also benefit to the future

researchers who are willing to improve this study and search for benefits

on affordable and available resources.

Statement of the Problem

This study aimed to determine the effect of compost guava and

santol leaves in the growth of tomatoes. Specifically, this study sought to

answer the following:

1. If compost guava and santol leaves are effective as soil enhancers

for tomato plant?

2. If compost guava and santol leaves as soil enhancers have

significant difference in the growth of tomato plant in terms of their

height and number of leaves?

 5

Hypotheses

1. The compost guava and santol leaves are not effective as soil

enhancers for tomatoes.

2. There is no significant difference between the compost guava and

santol leaves as soil enhancers in the growth of tomato plant in

terms of their height and number of leaves.

Conceptual Framework

This study considered Treatment A- 800g of compost Guava

leaves+ 3000g Soil, Treatment B- 800g of compost Santol leaves +3000 g

Soil, Treatment C- 900g of compost Guava and Santol leaves + 2000g Soil,

and Treatment D- Positive Control (5 balls of Urea 45 Fertilizer) as

independent variable. And the growth of tomatoes as dependent

variable.
 6

Independent Variables Dependent Variables

Treatments

Treatment A- 800g of
compost Guava leaves+
3000g Soil
Growth of the tomatoes
Treatment B- 800g of
compost Santol leaves Mixing with in terms of their height
+3000 g Soil Soil and
Actual and number of leaves.
Treatment C- 900g of
Planting
compost Guava and
Santol leaves + 2000g Soil

Treatment D- Positive
Control (5 balls of Urea 45
Fertilizer)

Figure 1. Conceptual Framework of the Study

Definition of Terms

Decomposition. The process or act of breaking down an organic

material or substance into smaller c onstituent parts, especially by the

action of decomposers (Biology Online, 2021).

Guava Plant. A small tropical tree or shrub of the family Myrtaceae,

cultivated for its edible fruits. The plant possesses oval or elliptical leaves

which are smooth on the upper surface and hairy on the lower surface

(Project Noah, 2014).

 7

Growth. In a person, animal, or plant is the process of increasing in

physical size and development (Arciga, 2017)

NPK. Stands for “nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium,” the three

nutrients that compose complete fertilizers. You may encounter these

letters when reading the contents printed on bags of fertilizer (Cutter Edge

Pro, 2022).

Organic Fertilizer. It contains plant- or animal-based materials that

are either a byproduct or end product of naturally occurring processes,

such as animal manure and composted organic materials (Fruit Crop,

2020).

Santol. A large, ornamental evergreen tree with a dense, narrowly

oval crown; it usually grows around 25 meters tall but with some

specimens up to 50 meters. The tree yields an edible fruit that is popular in

parts of the tropics. It also has a wide range of traditional medicinal uses

and produces a useful timber. It is often cultivated in tropical areas,

especially for its edible fruit and as an ornamental in parks, along roads

etc (Useful Topical Plants, 2014).

Scope and Limitations of the Study

This study is only limited with the knowledge of finding out the

effectiveness of compost guava and santol leaves as soil enhancers in

 8

tomato plant. The results of the experiment will also be limited due to the

pandemic. The study will be conducted at Pob. Tabuc, Panay, Capiz on

January to March 2022.

 CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Local

Organic farming is becoming popular in Cagayan Valley. The

organic fertilizers known and used by farmers are limited to organic

compost, vermi-based, animal manure, bio-organic, plant by-products,

and bat guano. The study aims to assess the demographic and farm

profile of farmers; their level of awareness to the environment, health and

nutrition and economic benefits; their awareness status as compared to

their level of adoption; problems and constraints that affect the use of

organic fertilizer The DA technicians are the main source of information for

the environment and economic benefits of organic farming while the

health workers, television and radio for the health and nutrition benefits.

Slow effect of organic fertilizer is the pressing problem encountered while

lack of skills and technical know-how in preparing organic fertilizers is the

top constraint (Benabisea et al., 2012).

The use of organic mulching in growing crops is one of the safest,

least expensive, more practical, yet equally profitable methods of

enhancing the soil condition. This project aimed to provide a natural and

effective way of enriching soil. It also aimed to determine the

 10

performance of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) plant as affected

by organic mulching. Dried papaya and banana leaves as organic

mulches were tested and compared. Shredded papaya and

banana leaves were applied separately on the soil in the pots

planted with tomato in four replicates. Ten days after transplanting, the

plant’s initial caudex was measured and it was found out that there was

no significant difference among the setups on this parameter. After

the determined mulch application, the researchers measured the

height increases and final caudex of tomato plants. Data showed

no significant differences among the setups based on ANOVA result.

However, study showed positive effects because papaya mulch

promoted the tomato plant’s height and final caudex and it was

recorded to be the best mulch (Nisnisan, 2014).

Foreign

Organic manure has a role in improving the soil chemical as well as

physical properties of soil. The role of bio-fertilizers containing symbiotic or

non-symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacteria in augmenting vegetative growth

characters, yield and yield components, essential oil productivity and or

chemical composition (including chlorophyll a, b and carotenoids and or

N, P and K leaf percent and content (Dirk and Belete, 2017).

 11

Continuous usage of inorganic fertilizer affects soil structure. Hence,

animal and plant manures, compost and vermin compost can serve as

alternative to mineral fertilizers for improving soil structure and microbial

biomass. Bio fertilizers such as plant growth promoting rhizobacteria

(PGPRs) and mycorrhiza are microbial inoculants consisting of living cells

of micro-organism like bacteria and fungi which may help in increasing

crop productivity. Organic fertilizers in comparison of the chemical

fertilizers have lower nutrient content and are slow release but they are as

effective as chemical fertilizers over longer periods of use (Sharafzadeh

and Ordookhani, 2011).

Daily falling tree leaves generate a large number of dry leaves

that requires a proper management. Among traditional waste

disposal methods, composting is considered more sustainable and

eco-friendly for handling the leaf waste. The final product of the process is

an organic fertilizer (compost) which is very useful to apply for soil

amendment.

However, the composting of dry leaves has difficulties because

a degradation of the material is a time-consuming process. This

paper proposed a way to increase the rate of dry leaf degradation

in a composting process. A survey of literature to investigate major

factors affecting composting process and experiments on dry leaf

composting in a small-size reactor made of discarded water bottles were

 12

conducted. Operational conditions in the experiments were based on

the most recommended values including the C/N ratio of 25, the

moisture of 60%, and the particle size of 3.35-20 mm. From

experimental results, the co-composting of dry leaves and vegetable

waste under the above conditions resulted in 31.2% reduction of

organic matter within three weeks. The final product of the composting

contained a C/N ratio of 14.3 indicating the maturity of the obtained

compost. It was found that the initial ratio of C/N in composting material

played a key role among other factors. This was evidently indicated by

comparing degradation rates in terms of organic matter reduction

between the composting of dry leaves with the C/N ratio adjustment

and that without the C/N adjustment. The reduction of organic

matter in the first case was nearly two fold that of the second one within

the same period (Inyim, 2019).

 CHAPTER III

METHODOLOGY

Research Design

This experimental research was conducted using RCBD or

Randomized Complete Block Design. In this study, the treatments were

assigned randomly. The study was conducted in Pob. Tabuc, Panay,

Capiz.

Materials and Tools

In this study, the materials and tools used were guava and santol

leaves, soil, tomato seeds, plastic pots, a ruler, shovel, scissors, and a

weighing scale.

Table 1. The Materials used in the Study

Materials Quantity Unit

Guava Leaves 1,100 g/grams

Santol Leaves 1,100 g/grams

Soil 11 kg/kilograms

Tomato seeds 1 pk/pack

Plastic pots 10 pc/piece

 14

Table 2. The Tools and Equipments used in the Study

Tools and Equipments Quantity Unit

Ruler 1 pc/piece

Shovel 1 pc/piece

Scissors 1 pc/piece

Weighing Scale 1 pc/piece

General Procedure

Collection and Gathering of Materials and Tools

All the materials and tools needed in the experiment were

collected and prepared at the researcher’s house at Pob. Tabuc, Panay,

Capiz.

Figure 2. Collection and Gathering of the materials and tools

 15

Decomposition of leaves

The leaves that were collected were cut into smaller pieces, and

were placed in a separate plastic bag with a label. The leaves were top

with nitrogen-rich items, like grass clippings, food waste, or manure. The

composition of the compost was alternated between leaves and a

nitrogen product. When the bag was almost full, the contents of the bag

were sprinkled with water, shaken, and tightly sealed. It was stored in a

shady spot until the leaves rot down into a rich and crumbly mixture. The

leaves rotted down for 6 to 12 months.

Figure 3. Decomposition of leaves

 16

Plantation of Tomato seeds

The tomato seeds were planted in recycled containers before the

experimentations and then transplanted separately into plastic pots when

they reached their proper height.

Figure 4. Planting of the seedlings

Preparation of Treatments

Components of each treatment were weighed using the weighing

scale. Treatment A- 800g of Compost Guava leaves +3000 g Soil,

Treatment B- 800 g of Compost Santol leaves + 3000 g Soil, Treatment C-

900g of Compost G.S. leaves + 2000g Soil and Treatment D- Positive

Control (5 balls of Urea 45 Fertilizer).

 17

Table 3. Components of each Treatment

Components

Treatments Guava Santol Leaves Urea 45 Soil

Leaves Fertilizer

A 800 g - - 3000 g

B - 800 g - 3000 g

C 300 g 300 g 2000 g

D - - 5 balls 3000 g

Figure 5. Preparation of Treatments

Mixing the Treatments on the Soil

The treatments were mixed with soil. And each treatment were

replicated three times.

 18

Figure 6. Mixing the Treatments in the Soil

Transplanting of the seedlings

After applying the treatments to the soil, the grown tomatoes are

transplanted to the pots containing the different treatments using a

shovel.

Figure 7. Transplanting of the seedlings

 19

Observing and Gathering of Data

The experimentation was conducted for 3 weeks. Every week, the

parameters which are the height of the plant (in centimeters) and number

of leaves were measured, counted and recorded.

Figure 8. Observing and Gathering of Data

Statistical Tools

The data gathered from the experiment were subjected to Mean,

Standard Deviation, and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) using the

Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The significant

difference among treatment means was evaluated using a p-value at a

5% level of significance.
 CHAPTER IV

RESULTS AND INTERPRETATIONS

Results

Table 4 shows the significant effect of compost guava and santol

leaves on the growth of tomato plant as soil enhancers in terms of the

height of the plants. Treatment A got the highest mean in terms of the

height of the plants among all treatments, which means treatment A was

the most effective among all treatments, and treatment B got the lowest

mean which means treatment B was the least effective among all the

treatments, while the treatment D is the most consistent treatment as it

was the lowest standard deviation among all treatments based on the

results in terms of the height of the plants.

 21

Table 4. The Significant Effect of Compost Guava and Santol Leaves in the
growth of tomatoes as Soil enhancers in terms of the height of the plants.
Treatments R1 R2 R3 N Mean Std.
Deviation

Treatment A (800g of
Compost Guava leaves+ 39.00 43.00 37.00 3 39.67 3.06
3000g Soil)

Treatment B (800g of
Compost Santol leaves +
25.00 23.00 26.00 3 24.67 1.53
3000 g Soil)

Treatment C (900g of
Compost Guava and
Santol leaves + 2000 g Soil) 26.00 33.00 29.00 3 29.33 3.51

Treatment D (Positive
Control (5 balls of Urea 45
Fertilizer) 32.00 32.00 32.00 3 32.00 .00

Total

12 31.42 6.05

50
40
30 Replicate 1
20 Replicate 2
10 Replicate 3
0
Treatment A Treatment B Treatment C Treatment D

Figure 9. The Significant Effect of Compost Guava and Santol Leaves in

the growth of tomatoes as Soil enhancers in terms of the height of the
plants.
 22

Table 5 shows the significant effect of compost guava and santol

leaves on the growth of tomato plant as soil enhancers in terms of the

number of leaves. The treatment D got the highest mean in terms of the

number of leaves, which means treatment D was the most effective

among all treatments, and treatment B got the lowest mean, which

means that treatment B was the least effective among all the treatments

while the treatment D is the most consistent treatment as it got the lowest

standard deviation among all treatments based on the results in terms of

the number of leaves.

Table 5. The Significant Effect of Compost Guava and Santol Leaves in the
growth of tomatoes as Soil enhancers in terms of number of leaves.

Treatments R1 R2 R3 N Mean Std.

Deviation

Treatment A (800g of
Compost Guava leaves+ 33.00 36.00 32.00 3 33.67 2.08
3000g Soil)
Treatment B (800g of
Compost Santol leaves +
20.00 22.00 24.00 3 22.00 2.00
3000 g Soil)
Treatment C (900g of 29.00 33.00 30.00 3 30.67 2.08
Compost Guava and
Santol leaves + 2000 g Soil)

Treatment D (Positive 37.00 37.00 37.00 3 37.00 .00

Control (5 balls of Urea 45
Fertilizer)

Total 12 30.83 6.01

 23

40

30
Replicate 1
20
Replicate 2
10 Replicate 3
0
Treatment A Treatment B Treatment C Treatment D

Figure 10. The Significant Effect of Compost Guava and Santol Leaves in
the growth of tomatoes as Soil enhancers in terms of number of leaves.

Analysis of Variance

Table 6 shows the one-way analysis of the variance of the height of

the plant per treatment. The computed p-value is less than the 0.05 level

of significance, with three (3) and eight (8) as degrees of freedom. Thus,

the null hypothesis is rejected. It signifies that there were significant

differences between the compost guava and santol leaves as soil

enhancers in the growth of tomato plant in terms of their height.

Table 6. One-way Analysis of the Variance of the height of plant per

treatment.
Sum of Squares Df Mean Square F Sig.

Between Groups 354.92 3 118.31 19.72 .00

Within Groups 48.00 8 6.00

Total 402.92 11
 24

Table 7 shows the one-way analysis of the variance of the number

of leaves per treatment. The computed p-value is less than the 0.05 level

of significance, with three (3) and eight (8) as degrees of freedom. Thus,

the null hypothesis is rejected. It signifies that there were significant

differences between the compost guava and santol leaves as soil

enhancers in the growth of tomato plant in terms of the number of

leaves.

Table 7. One-way Analysis of the Variance of the number of leaves per

treatment.
Sum of Squares Df Mean Square F Sig.

Between Groups 372.33 3 124.11 39.19 .00

Within Groups 25.33 8 3.17

Total 397.67 11
 CHAPTER V

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION, AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Summary and Findings

Plants are essential for the planet and all living things. Without

plants, humans and animals would have less fresh air to breathe. Despite

living in a highly industrialized society, we still rely on plants. Tomato

(Solanum lycopersicum), also known as "Kamatis" in the Philippines, is a

savory, typically red, edible fruit that grows on a plant. Tomato fruit is

consumed in a variety of ways, including raw, as an ingredient in many

dishes and sauces, and in beverages. While it is botanically a fruit, it is

regarded as a vegetable in the culinary world, which has caused some

confusion. Tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamins A and C. It also

has a lot of fiber, beta-carotene, iron, lycopene, magnesium, niacin,

potassium, phosphorus, riboflavin, and thiamine. Tomatoes have low levels

of saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium. Moreover, unlike most foods,

tomato cooking or processing (e.g., tomato paste, catsup, tomato soup,

tomato sauce) is beneficial to health. Tomatoes are one of the Philippines'

most important vegetable crops. It is grown in almost every community in

the country for both home and market use. Vegetable crops require the

most nutrients when they are first established, as well as during flowering
 26

and fruiting. And tomato plants produce fruit so they require moderate to

generous amounts of fertilizer.

Fertilizer is any organic or inorganic material of natural or synthetic

origin that is added to soil to supply one or more plant nutrients essential

to the growth of plants. Fertilizers are protein supplements for plants. They

are used strictly as a deficiency-buster. Inordinate use of different types of

fertilizers kills the naturally present ingredients in soil too. So, it is important

to use them carefully and only as per need.

Every day, dry leaves have fallen from trees, resulting in a large

amount of leaf waste. Burning and land filling are two traditional methods

for disposing of leaf waste. Both methods have several disadvantages.

Several toxic compounds are produced during the combustion process,

causing air pollution problems. Land filling a large amount of leaf waste

raises transportation costs and necessitates more landfill space. Naturally,

dry leaves can be degraded by microorganisms into an organic fertilizer,

called compost, which can be used safely for soil amendment. Dry leaves

are good ingredient in a good compost, which is better than chemical

fertilizer. Compost nourishes plants, preserves moisture in the soil, helps

spread fertilizer, facilitates weeding, attracts worms and helps prevent

diseases. The process of transforming organic wastes into compost is

 27

referred to as composting. This process has several benefits such as the

reduction of disposal costs, the alleviation of pollutants (Inyim, 2019).

This study aimed to determine the effect of compost guava and

santol leaves in the growth of tomatoes. Specifically, this study sought to

answer the following: (1) If compost guava and santol leaves are effective

as soil enhancers for tomato plant? (2) If compost guava and santol

leaves as soil enhancers has significant difference in the growth of tomato

plant in terms of their height and number of leaves?

Guava and Santol leaves were collected at Pob. Tabuc, Panay,

Capiz. The leaves that were collected were cut into small pieces, and

were placed in a separate plastic bag with a label. The leaves were top

with nitrogen-rich items, like grass clippings, food waste, or manure. The

composition of the compost was alternated between leaves and a

nitrogen product. When the bag was almost full, the contents of the bag

were sprinkled with water, shaken, and tightly sealed. It was stored in a

shady spot until the leaves rot down into a rich and crumbly mixture. The

leaves rotted down for 6 to 12 months. Four (4) treatments were prepared

for the compost guava and santol leaves and each treatment was

replicated three (3) times. The experimentation was conducted for 3

weeks. Every week, the parameters which are the height of the plant (in
 28

centimeters) and number of leaves were measured, counted and

recorded.

Results revealed that there was significant difference between the

compost guava and santol leaves as soil enhancers in the growth of

tomato plant in terms of their height and number of leaves. The null

hypothesis was rejected and the p-values were less than 0.05 level of

significance.

Conclusion

1. The compost guava and santol leaves are effective as soil

enhancers for tomatoes.

2. There was significant difference between the compost guava and

santol leaves as soil enhancers in the growth of tomato plant in

terms of their height and number of leaves.

Recommendations

Based on the findings and conclusions, the following recommendations

are given:

1. Further study about compost guava and santol leaves as soil

enhancer in tomato plant.

2. Increase the amount of soil enhancers.

3. Use of different kind of soil enhancers.

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 Appendix A

Statistical Analysis
 34

Replicates Treatments

A B C D

1 19 13 16 20

2 20 14 17 -

3 17 14 19 -

Total 56 41 52 20

Mean 18.67 13.67 17.33 20

Table 1. Data collected in the first week of the experimentation in terms of

measurement of the height of the tomatoes in centimeters (February 28,
2022).

Replicates Treatments

A B C D

1 22 11 20 22

2 25 14 21 -

3 21 12 22 -

Total 68 37 63 21

Mean 22.67 12.33 21 21

Table 1.2. Data collected in the first week of the experiment in terms of
number of leaves of the tomatoes (February 28, 2022).
 35

Replicates Treatments

A B C D

1 28 19 22 25

2 29 21 24 -

3 27 20 22 -

Total 84 60 68 25

Mean 28 20 22.67 25

Table 1.3. Data collected in the second week of the experimentation in

terms of measurement of the height of the tomatoes in centimeters
(March 07, 2022).

Replicates Treatments

A B C D

1 27 15 25 35

2 30 17 26 -

3 28 17 25 -

Total 85 49 76 35

Mean 28.33 16.33 25.33 35

Table 1.4. Data collected in the second week of the experiment in terms
of number of leaves of the tomatoes (March 07, 2022).
 36

Replicates Treatments

A B C D

1 39 25 26 32

2 43 23 33 -

3 37 26 29 -

Total 119 74 88 32

Mean 39.67 24.67 29.33 32

Table 1.5. Data collected in the third week of the experimentation in terms
of measurement of the height of the tomatoes in centimeters (March 14,
2022).

Replicates Treatments

A B C D

1 33 20 29 37

2 36 22 33

3 32 24 30

Total 101 66 92 37

Mean 33.67 22 30.67 37

Table 1.6. Data collected in the third week of the experiment in terms of
number of leaves of the tomatoes (March 14, 2022).
 Appendix B

Documentations
38
39
 40

COLEGIO DE LA PURISIMA CONCEPCION

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Roxas City

CURRICULUMVITAE

PERSONAL DATA

Name: Kimberly B. Valsote

Date of Birth : December 17, 2003

Place of Birth: Panay, Capiz

Marital Status: Single

Citizenship: Filipino

Address: Poblacion Tabuc, Panay, Capiz

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

School Year Graduated

Elementary: Panay Central School 2016

Junior High: Colegio de la Purisima Concepcion 2020

Senior High: Colegio de la Purisima Concepcion 2022