paper in research.... (rip)

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

In our modern civilization, farmers are using chemical products such as fertilizers,

herbicides and pesticides to make agriculture more productive. Fertilizers are chemical

compounds applied to the soil to promote better plant growth while herbicides and

pesticides are chemicals that are sprayed to the weeds and crops to prevent the growth of

weeds and occurrence of pests. However, these products are very expensive, may cause

diseases to an individual and may bring unnecessary things that may destroy the

environment.

To give solutions to these problems, researchers are trying to find out some

alternative ways which are safe to an individual’s health, cheap and effective in

promoting better plant growth without affecting the environment.

Mulching is one way to ease these problems. It is a method in which a layer of

material is placed on the soil surface around the plant. In agriculture, it has been proven

to enrich the soil, help to provide better crop growth, to prevent the growth of weeds and

to minimize pests’ infestation.

This study was conducted to determine the most effective mulch. Three common

mulching materials namely rice straw (hay), black plastic and white old sack were

compared. These three different mulching materials were used for they have been

effective in agricultural purposes and they were available and can be easily found in the

locality. The test plant used in this study is the eggplant which has a variety of Domino

F1 for it was locally available.

1

Statement of the Problem

This study generally aimed to compare the three different mulching materials

namely rice straw, black plastic and white old sack as mulch for growing eggplant.

The researchers sought answers to the following specific questions:

1. Which treatment is the most effective mulch for growing eggplant in terms of:

a. Controlling weeds

b. Insect Count

c. Number of damaged and undamaged fruits

d. Weight of damaged and undamaged fruits

2. Is there any significant difference among the treatments in terms of:


b. Insect Count



Hypotheses

1. Treatment 2 (black plastic mulch) was the most effective mulch for growing

eggplant in terms of:


b. Insect Count



2

2. There was a significant difference among the treatments in terms of:


b. Insect Count



Significance of the Study

Nowadays, various processes and methods have been considered inorganic

farming such as composting and utilizing animal manure. These methods have been

proven in giving excellent growth and development of plants (Acayen, 2005-2006). One

of the techniques in organic farming that have been used today is mulching, either dry or

wet season. It is very effective in conserving soil moisture for the plants, preventing

growth of weeds, lessening the use of chemicals like insecticides and pesticides, keeping

flowers and fruits from being spattered with mud during rainy days and keeping the soil

cooler during summer and warmer in rainy season.

Numerous recyclable materials are found in our surroundings such as barks,

leaves, rice straws, sacks and plastics that can be used for some agricultural purposes like

mulching. These mulching materials can also be used as an organic fertilizer for plants.

Furthermore, rice straws, plastics and sacks have been proven as mulches for plants. If

these mulching materials were properly used, it would be a big benefit to the humanity

particularly to the farmers.

It is for this reason that, the researchers thought of exploring the comparison

between rice straw, black plastic and white old sack as mulch for eggplant in terms of

3

controlling weeds, insect count, number and weight of damaged and undamaged fruits.

Through this, the farmers will have comprehensive information about the differences

between the three mulching materials. In addition, this study can help the farmers to

lessen the use of chemical products and will contribute to the protection of the

environment for not using synthetic fertilizers and pesticides which could harm our

nature but rather the mulching materials that have a minimal cost and environment

friendly. These will also help the country’s aim in harnessing the full potential of its

natural resources.

Scope and Limitations

This study engaged mainly in comparing rice straw, black plastic and white old

sack as mulching materials for growing eggplants. These mulching materials were

compared in terms of controlling weeds, insect count, number of damaged and

undamaged fruits and weight of damaged and undamaged fruits. Three harvestings were

done to gather data for eggplant. The interval of harvesting was every two weeks.

The experiment was conducted at the vicinity of Lupao, Nueva Ecija in the

months of May to July 2010. There were four treatments that were replicated four times

in this study. In Treatment 1, rice straw was set as mulch. In Treatment 2, black plastic, in

Treatment 3, white old sack was used and Treatment 4 was the control (unmulched).

Loam soil was used in this study. In addition, goat manure was used as the fertilizer.

There were fifteen eggplants in each plot. The variety of eggplant that was used in this

study was the Domino F1 which is the most common variety in the locality and is easy to

grow.

4

Review of Related Literature

Mulch is a layer of material, preferably organic material that is placed on the soil

surface to conserve moisture, prevent growth of weeds, and ultimately improve soil

structure and fertility.

Mulch Acts. It performs in several ways. It fills a role as protector of the topsoil

conserver of moisture, guardian against weather extremes and comfortable, bruise-saving

cushioner under repining procedure. It prevents weed growth while enriching the soil and

all but eliminates a lot of those time-consuming, back aching jobs like plowing and

cultivating always.

Another important advantage of mulching is that, it tends to be an insulator which

means that during many periods of the year, it moderates the temperature of the soil

beneath. In winter a mulched soil can be warmer than other ground and in summer it can

be cooler.

Mulching around trees prevents competition by grass for moisture and nutrients,

trees and in fact most plants need a tremendous amount of moisture during hot weather

especially if the grass and other plants are growing right up to the trunk, they will take the

moisture first and leave less for the tree. Mulching is the easiest and most attractive way

for the average gardener to keep that from happening.

Mulches prevent soil and possible fungi from splashing on the foliage, thus

reducing the possibility of soil-borne diseases. Furthermore, they help maintain more

uniform soil temperature and thus promote the growth of soil microorganisms and

earthworms.

5

Moreover, mulches eliminate the need to mow around trees and shrubs. They also

provide physical barrier that prevents the damage from lawn mowers and used trimmers.

A 2-4 inches layer is adequate to prevent most weed seeds from germinating while it

should be applied to a weed-free soil surface by simply covering perennial weeds, such as

Bermuda grass of nut sedge that will prevent their growth. Organic mulched also create

breeding grounds for insects and some fungi. Most are harmless to trees and shrubs but

maybe trouble some to gardeners. Their role is to break down the organic matter to

release nutrients.

Mulch can be applied anytime of the year. Many organic materials can be used as

mulch as long as they are weed free, non matting, easy to apply and readily available.

Fine-articled organic mulch will form more complete soil cover than a course; loose

material that needs to be applied thicker in order to achieve the desired amounts of

nutrients and organic matter to the soil.

A lot of different mulching materials can be used. One of which is rice straw.

Rice Straw as a protective cover over seeded areas to reduce erosion and aid in

revegetation or over bare soils that will be landscaped later to reduce erosion. It forms a

loose layer when applied over a loose soil surface. To protect the mulch from wind

drifting and being moved by water, it must be covered with a net such as plastic or

punched into the soil with a spade or roller, or by spraying it with a tacking agent. The

mulch should cover the entire seed or bare area (Natural Resources Conservation

Service, 2000).

6

Plastic mulch is important to prevent soil erosion during rainy seasons. It also

keeps the soil moist during dry season and prevents sudden rises in temperature in the

soil when it is hot.

Sack tends to be an insulator which means that during many periods of the year, it

moderates the temperature of the soil beneath.

The test plant used was eggplant. Eggplant likes hot weather. Plant after the last

day of frost for your region. Plants often are started indoors six to eight weeks before the

last frost date, and transplanted as the weather warms in the spring. A second setting in

mid summer is often started outdoors. For growing eggplants in terms of caring and

feeding; add plenty of compost and manure, as eggplants thrive in rich soil. Keep the soil

moist to promote maximum growth. Apply a general purpose fertilizer in the spring when

you till the soil. Add additional applications every three to four weeks. Mulch around the

plants to add nutrients, and for moisture retention. Keep eggplants weed free, so they do

not compete for sunlight and nutrients. Provide frost protection for the plants both spring

and fall. The days to maturity are approximately 55 to 70 days for most varieties, with

some little longer. In harvesting, eggplants begin to harvest as soon as the first fruit

reaches a desirable size. Keep picking them and do not let them get too big. By

continuous harvesting, you will encourage more fruit to set all the way to frost. In terms

of hardiness, eggplant is a hot weather crop. It is susceptible to cold temperatures and

frost. Delay planting in the spring until nighttime temperatures is in the upper forties. If

you start the season early, use hot caps for cool nights to help the young seedlings get off

to a good, healthy start. If your crop is still producing in the fall, cover them on cold

evenings to extend the harvest. The variety of eggplant that used was Domino F1.

7

Domino F1 is a very productive and early variety of eggplants, with sturdy plants

that show a very good tolerance to pests and diseases. The fruits are oblong, medium

green in color, striped, with creamy white color at the blossom-end. Domino has very

glossy and firm fruits, with very good shelf life of up to 7 days, and an excellent shipping

quality. Domino is highly tolerant to fruit and shoot borer. The high yield combined with

good fruit quality and very strong plants make this variety a winner. In eggplant, different

kinds of insects may attack whether it’s raining or not.

The different insects attacking eggplant are:

Fruit and shoot borer. The larva bores inside the terminal shoots, resulting in the

withering of the shoots. It also bores into the young fruit and feeds inside which makes

the fruits unmarketable. Several insecticides control this borer, but numerous sprays are

needed.

Thrips attack eggplant mostly during the dry season. They cause browning of

leaves, especially on the lower leaf surface, and the scarring of fruit.

Leafhoppers feed mainly on the underside of eggplant leaves, causing yellow

patches on the foliage. Certain species also transmit mycoplasma-like diseases, such as

little leaf disease. Fruit setting is adversely affected by the infestation.

Aphids feed on the juices within leaves and stems. Black sooty mold develops on

the sugary excretions of the aphid. This sooty mold covers the plants, thereby reducing

photosynthesis and weakening the plant. Aphids occur in the cool dry season.

Epilachna beetles feed voraciously on the leaves and tender parts of eggplant.

They cause serious damage during their larval stage and when they appear in large

8

numbers. As a result of their feeding, skeletonized patches develop on leaves. Later, the

leaves dry away.

Review of Related Studies

“Effect of Rice Straw Mulch and Frequency of Handweeding on the Growth

and Yield of Batanes Onion” is one of the related projects in this study. The study was

conducted to determine the effect of rice straw mulch and frequency of handweeding on

the growth and yield of Batanes Onion. The main treatments used were: A (Mulched), A 2

(Unmulched) while the different sub treatments were the following: B1 (unweeded), B2

(every two weeks), B3 (every three weeks) B4 (every four weeks) and B5 (every five

weeks).

Results of this study showed that plants treated with rice straw mulch gave

significant differences in growth, height, diameter of the bulbs and yield. However, B 2

(plot weeded every two weeks interval) gave the highest significant difference on yield

among the different treatments.

“Evaluation of the Need for Mulching, Weed and Insect Control on Bulb

Onion” is another related experiment in this study. This study was conducted to

determine the influence of mulch, weedicide and insecticide as well as their interaction

on the growth and development of onion plants.

The treatments used were as follows: Main Plot: unmulched, mulched with rice

hull and mulched with rice straw. Subplot: unweeded, handweeded and use of herbicide.

Subplot: Insecticide, Dursban 158EC, Parapest.

9

Results indicated that mulching influenced the growth. It was noted that mulch

plants grew better than the unmulched plants. As to bulb formation, the combined

influence of mulch and herbicide apparently gave excellent flavor the normal growth and

developments of the plants. It was observed that plants treated with herbicide and an

addition of mulched produced significantly heavier bulbs than unweeded unmulched

plants. The excellent growth and development of the plants could be attributed to the

retentivity of moisture and the absence of weeds.

Weeds compete with the plants in the absorption of nutrients and water; reduce

light intensity reaching the leaves impairing plant growth and development.

Another related project in this study is the “Dried Papaya Leaves as Organic

Mulch for Tomato Plants”. Mulching in agriculture provides a safe yet equally

profitable method of enriching and fertilizing the soil planted with crops. Most often-used

mulches are the organic composition, such as drying leaves and barks. Unlike synthetic

fertilizers and herbicides, these organic mulches pose no or little damage to the soil and

crops.

In this study, effectiveness of dried papaya leaves as organic mulch for tomato

was tested. Papaya mulches in different thickness were applied on plots planted with

tomato in three replications. After the determined of mulch application, the researchers

measured the height increases of tomato plants and the weed density in the plots. It was

concluded that papaya mulch is significantly promoted height increases of tomato plants

and inhibited the growth of weeds. The best mulch was three inches in thickness.

10

Definition of Terms

Black Currant - small black berries used in jams and jellies

Cushion- a layer of fine material (as sand, granulated slag, bituminous mastic, or stone

screening) placed on top of a foundation for a block pigment

Frost- a condition or temperature of the air that causes the freezing of water

Foliage- the mass of leaves of a plant as produced in nature; a carved representation of

leaves, flowers and branches used for architectural orientation

Molds- a growth of minute fungi forming on vegetable or animal matter, commonly as a

downy or furry coating, and associated with decay or dampness

Priming- the beginning or earliest stage of any period

Revegetation- to provide a vegetative cover for (land previously stripped of vegetation)

Spattering- to come forth in drops or small splashes

Research Paradigm

The variables that were observed in this study consist of three major components

namely: independent variable, dependent variable and extraneous variables. The

independent variable include the different mulching material (rice straw, black plastic and

white old sack) while the dependent variable was the effect of mulch for growing

eggplants in terms of controlling weeds, insect count, number of damaged and

undamaged fruits and weight of damaged and undamaged fruits.

11

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/black+currant

On the other hand, the extraneous variables were as follows: frequency of

watering the eggplants, variety of eggplant (Domino F1), amount of organic fertilizer

(goat manure) and type of soil (loam).

The schematic diagram of interaction is shown below:

12

Independent Variable

Different Mulching Materials (rice straw, black plastic and

white old sack)

Extraneous Variables

Frequency of watering the test plants Variety of eggplant(Domino F1) Amount of organic fertilizer (goat manure) Type of soil(loam)

Dependent VariableEffect in Growing Eggplants in terms

of: controlling weeds insect count number of damaged and

undamaged fruits weight of damaged and

undamaged fruits

METHODOLOGY

Collecting and Sowing of Eggplant Seeds

Three-hundred grams of eggplant seeds were obtained from CLSU Seed Center in

Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija. One kilogram of rice hull and three kilograms of

goat manure were mixed together in an improvised seed tray which measures 0.5m by

1.5m. The seeds were scattered evenly and watered every morning and late afternoon

using sprinkler. The seeds of eggplant were sown three to four weeks in an improvised

seed bed before transplanting into the prepared plots which measures 117 square meters

good enough for 240 plants in this study.

Land Preparation

A well-drained soil with an area of 117 square meters (13m by 9m) was used in

this study. The area was plowed to pulverize the soil using hoe and harrowed with a rake

to level the soil and eliminate the weeds. The experiment was laid out in Randomized

Complete Block Design (RCBD) with each of four treatments replicated in four blocks.

There were sixteen plots measuring 1.5m by 2.5m each. Each plot was further divided

into three columns and five rows wherein three plants in each column and five plants in

each row. Path of one meter wide was provided between blocks. Three kilograms of goat

manure was applied on each plot.

13

Preparing and Setting the Mulching Materials

Rice straws, black plastics and white old sacks were used as the different

mulching materials. Before setting the three different mulching materials, the sixteen

plots were watered with six liters of water for each plot. After watering the sixteen plots,

the three different mulching materials were set in four replications in each treatment. Rice

straw was set in Treatment 1 with approximately thickness of four inches. Black plastic

was set in Treatment 2 measuring 1.5m by 2.5m. To cover the four plots in Treatment 2

with black plastic, eight pieces of pointed bamboos were placed on the edges of the black

plastic and were hammered in the soil. The same procedures were followed with the

white old sack for Treatment 3. After covering the treatments with black and white old

sack, making holes on the plastics and sacks were done by using the heated circular shape

of the small can with a distance of 50cm by 50cm per hole. The Treatment 4 was the

unmulched (control).

Transplanting of Eggplants on the Prepared Plots

After three to four weeks of sowing the eggplant seeds were ready to be

transplanted into the experimental plots. Before pulling out the seedlings from the

improvised seed bed, it was watered first with six liters of water to remove the seedlings

easily.

In each plot, there were fifteen eggplants with a plant distance of 50cm by 50cm.

Pointed bamboo sticks were used to transplant the seedlings into the soil. This was done

in Treatment 1. For Treatment 2 (black plastic), Treatment 3 (white old sack) and in the

14

Treatment 4 (unmulched), the same procedure was done to transplant the seedlings into

the soil.

Data Gathering

The following data were gathered for this study:

1. Controlling Weeds

For gathering the data on weeds, pulling out of grass or hand weeding process

was done every two weeks. The weeds gathered by the researchers were counted

manually and were recorded and analyzed. The mean of weeds in each treatment was

obtained by adding the number of weeds in each replicates and was divided by the

number of replicates. The data were analyzed to determine the difference of the

population of weeds among the treatments.

The following formula was used:

x=

Where: x= mean

R1=Replicate 1, R2=Replicate 2, R3=Replicate 3, R4=Replicate 4

2. Insect Count/Number of Insect

Insect count was done using the Simple Random Sampling wherein every plant

had an equal chance to be included in the sample. In each plot, the plants were assigned

15

R1 + R2+ R3+R4

4

with their corresponding numbers. Out of fifteen plants in each plot, ten plants were

selected using draw lots.

Every two weeks each plant was observed if there were insects. Eggplant insects

were counted one by one and were removed away from the plants. The mean of insects

was obtained and tabulated properly.

The following formula was used:

x=

Where: x= mean


3. Number and Weight of Damaged and Undamaged Fruits

In getting the yield of eggplants, same procedure was done as to insect count. The

harvested fruits were examined whether it was damaged or undamaged fruits. The fruits

were then sorted and counted. The weight in grams of damaged fruits and undamaged

fruits was obtained using a 10 kilogram weighing scale. The data for each treatment were

recorded. The data were analyzed to determine the difference of the number and weight

of damaged and undamaged fruits. The average number of damaged and undamaged

fruits and the weight of damaged and undamaged fruits per treatment were obtained by

using the mean formula.

16

R1 + R2+ R3+R4

4

x =

Where: x= mean


Statistical Analysis

The data were arranged and analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) in

Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four treatments and four replications

for Solanum melongena L. Comparison among means was done using the Duncan’s

Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at 5% level of significance.

17

R1 + R2+ R3+R4

4

Figure 1. Flow diagram of the experimental study

18

Collecting and Planting of Eggplant Seeds on a Seed Bed

Land Preparation

Preparing and Setting the Mulching Materials

Transplanting of Eggplant on Prepared Plots

Data Gathering

Statistical Analysis

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The following observations were made as the result of the experiment conducted

to determine the comparison of the three different mulching materials for growing

eggplants. All the data gathered were analyzed following the Randomized Complete

Block Design (RCBD). Treatments mean scores were compared using Duncan’s Multiple

Range Test (DMRT) at 5% level of significance.

Population of weeds

Monitoring and assessment on the population of weeds was done two weeks after

transplanting of eggplant and every two weeks thereafter using hand weeding. Presented

in table 1 is the analyzed data of the population of weeds.

Table 1. Population of weeds per plot

TREATMENTSOBSERVATIONS DATES CUMULATIVE

14 DAT 28DAT 42DAT 56DAT 70DAT POPULATION

T1-Rice Straw 8c 41b 66b 55b 54b 224

T2-Black Plastic 31b 12c 41b 42b 35b 161

T3-White Old- sack 34b 51b 67b 53b 51b 256

T4-Control 257a 645a 1574a 1398a 1444a 5318 Means in column having the common letter are not significantDAT- Days after Transplanting

The significantly lower population of weeds was obtained from plot with black

plastic mulch compared to the rest of the treatments. However, plots with rice straw

mulch and white sack mulch were obtained significantly lower population of weeds

compared to plots without mulch. Obviously plots without mulch obtained highest

number of weeds.

19

According to L. Larson (2010), the black plastic mulch can prevent the

germination of annual weeds and has the potential to increase crop production of black

currant and can also effectively suppress weeds.

Population of Insects

Monitoring of insect was done by visual counting three weeks after transplanting

and every two weeks thereafter. There were 10 randomly assigned sample plants in each

plot. Presented in Table 2 is the analyzed data of population of insects.

Table 2. Population of insects based from 10 sample plants per plot

TREATMENTSOBSERVATIONS DATES CUMULATIVE

POPULATION21 DAT

35 DAT 49 DAT

T1-Rice Straw 10b 10b 8b 28

T2-Black Plastic 4c 4c 4c 12T3-White Old- sack 9b 9b 8b 26

T4-Control 15a 23a 31a 69

Means in column having the common letter are not significant.DAT- Days after Transplanting

The significantly lowest cumulative population of insects was obtained from plot

with black plastic mulch compared to other treatments. Plots with rice straw mulch and

white sack were not significantly different from each other but obtained lower population

of insects compared to plots without mulch.

Number and Weight of Undamaged and Damaged Fruits

The number and weight of undamaged and damaged fruits was done at harvest

until three primings. The weight in grams of undamaged fruits and damaged fruits was

20

obtained using a 10 kilogram weighing scale. Presented in Table 3 is the analyzed data of

number and weight of damaged and undamaged fruits.

Table 3. Number and weight of damaged and undamaged fruits based from 10 sample plants per plot

TREATMENTSNo. of

Undamaged Fruits

Weight of Undamaged

Fruits

No. of Damaged

Fruits

Weight of Damaged

Fruits

T1-Rice Straw 29c 1471b 12a 384b

T2-Black Plastic 56a 2415a 6b 221c

T3-White Old- sack 29b 1225c 14a 561a

T4-Control 21b 986d 15a 630 a

Means in column having the common letter are not significant.DAT- Days after Transplanting

Number of undamaged fruits

The significantly highest number of undamaged fruits was obtained from plot

with black plastic mulch compared to the rest of the treatments (see in Table 3).

Moreover, plots with rice straw mulch and white sack gained higher number of

undamaged fruits compared to plot without mulch.

Weight of undamaged fruit

The heaviest weight of undamaged fruit was obtained from plot with black plastic

mulch compared to rice straw mulch, white sack mulch and plot without mulch (see in

Table 3). But plot with rice straw mulch and white sack mulch obtained heavier weight

of undamaged fruit compared to plot without mulch.

Number of damaged fruit

21

Significantly lower number of damaged fruits was obtained from plots with black

plastic mulch, rice straw mulch, and white sack mulch compared to plot with out mulch

(see in Table 3).

Weight of damaged fruit

The weight of damaged fruit gathered from plot with black plastic mulch was

significantly lower compared to other treatments (see in Table 3). There was no

significant difference in the weight of damaged fruit that was observed from plots with

rice straw mulch and white sack mulch but gave significantly lower weight of damaged

fruit compared to plot without mulch.

CONCLUSIONS

22

Based on the results obtained in the study, the researchers concluded that:

a. The Treatment 2-Black plastic was the most effective mulch for growing eggplant in

terms of controlling of weeds, insect count, number of undamaged and damaged fruits

and weight of undamaged fruits.

b. Treatment 1-Rice Straw and Treatment 3-White Old Sack were not significantly

different in terms of controlling of weeds, insect count, number of undamaged and

damaged fruits and weight of undamaged fruits.

RECOMMENDATIONS

The Comparison of Different Mulching Materials for Growing Eggplant

(Solanum melongena L.) made by the researchers is still open for improvements. The

proponents would like to recommend further modifications on the following.

1. Use of other mulching materials such as barks, leaves and sawdust.

2. As much as possible, conduct this study on warm season.

3. Use of other test plants such as tomatoes.

4. Since only four kinds of data were gathered, include the data in gathering the soil

moisture.

LITERATURE CITED

23

Acayen, M. T. C. (2005-2006). Dried Papaya Leaves as Organic Mulch for Tomato Plants. Bato Balani, 25(1), 16-18.

Chullakaset,V. 1972. “Evaluation of the need for mulching weed and insect control on the bulb Onion,” Unpublished Undergraduate Thesis. Central Luzon State University.

East-West-Seed Philippines. (n.d.). Domino Eggplant. Retrieved 2005, from http://www.eastwestseed.com/images/productcat_PH.html

Insect Pest Management. Http://www.avrdc.org/LC/eggplant/eprodution/12i.htm

Larson, L.(2010). Evaluation of Mulching in Organically Grown Black Currant (Ribes nigrum) in terms of its Effect on the Crop and the Environment: Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada (OACC). Retrieved 2010 , from http:// www.organicagcentre.ca/ResearchDatabase/res_mulch_blackcurrant.asp

Mulching. 1979. United States. Rodale Press Incorporation.

Natural Resources Conservation Service. (2000). Straw Mulching. Retrieved August2000, from http://74.6.116.140/search/srpcache?ei=UTF8&p=mulching+using+rice+straw&rd=r1&meta=vc%3Dph&fr=yfp-t-955&fp_ip=ph&u=http://cc.bingj.com/cache.aspx?q=mulching+using+rice+straw&d=4821551881848471&mkt=en-US&setlang=en-US&w=f994ad3b,34aadcf&icp=1&.intl=us&sig=lD80crvknL_balvhQdgjVA--

Premier Star Company. (n.d.). The Gardeners Network: how to grow eggplant. Retrieved 1999-2005, from http://www.gardenersnet.com/vegetable/eggplant.htm

Thomas, A. R. 1972. “Effect of rice straw mulch and frequency offhand weeding on the growth and yield of Batanes onion,” Unpublished Undergraduate Thesis. Central Luzon State University.

Webster's New dictionary (11th ed.). (1997).United States of America: American BookWorks

Corporation Production.

Webster's Third New International Dictionary (5th ed.). (1986).United States of America: American BookWorks Corporation Production.

24

http://www.gardenersnet.com/vegetable/eggplant.htm

http://www.avrdc.org/LC/eggplant/eprodution/12i.htm

http://www.eastwestseed.com/images/productcat_PH.html

APPENDIX TABLES

25

Appendix Table 1. Means of the Data Gathered in Population of Weeds per plot

TREATMENTSFirst Data Gathered

Second Data

Gathered

Third Data

Gathered

fourth Data

Gathered

Fifth Data Gathered

T1- Rice Straw 7.75 41 66.25 55.25 53.5

T2- Black Plastic 30.75 11.75 41 41.75 34.75

T3- White Old Sack

33.5 51.25 67.25 53.25 51

T4- Control 257.25 645.25 1574.25 1397.5 1444.25

Appendix Table 2. Means of the Data Gathered in Population of Insects based from 10 Sample Plants per plot

TREATMENTSFirst Data Gathered

Second Data Gathered

Third Data Gathered

T1- Rice Straw 10 10 7.75

T2- Black Plastic 4.25 3.75 3.5

T3- White Old Sack

9.25 8.75 8

T4- Control 15 22.75 31

26

Appendix Table 3. Means for number and weight of damaged and undamaged fruits based from 10 sample plants per plot

TREATMENTS

Number of Damaged

Fruits

Number of Undamaged

Fruits

Weight of Damaged

Fruits

Weight of Undamaged

Fruits

T1- Rice Straw 12 28.75 383.75 1471.25

T2- Black Plastic

6.25 55.5 221.252415

T3- White Old Sack

13.5 29.25 561.251225

T4- Control 15.25 20.75 630 986.25

Appendix Table 4. ANOVA for the Data Gathered in the Population of Weeds per plot

27

Gathering of Data

SOURCE OF VARIATION

df SS MS Fcalc

1st gathering

Replicates 3 107.1875 35.7292

Treatments 3 164816.1875 54938.72921670.08*

*

Ex. Error 9 296.0625 32.8958

Total 15 165219.4375

2nd gathering

Replicates 3 610.6875 203.5625

Treatments 3 1121797.1875 373932.39583170.22*

*

Ex. Error 9 1061.5625 117.9514

Total 15 1123469.4375

3rd gathering

Replicates 3 14448.6875 4816.2292

Treatments 3 6897296.1875 2299098.7292 498.39**

Ex. Error 9 41517.5625 4613.0625

Total 15 6953262.4375

4th gathering

Replicates 3 7376.1875 2458.7292

Treatments 3 5447019.6875 1815673.2292 843.23**

Ex. Error 9 19379.0625 2153.2292

Total 15 5473774.9375

5th gathering

Replicates 3 5537.2500 1845.7500

Treatments 3 5862643.2500 1954214.41671191.17*

*Ex. Error 9 14765.2500 1640.5833

Total 15 5882945.7500**highly significant

28

Appendix Table 5. ANOVA for the Data Gathered in the Population of Insects per plot

Gathering of Data

SOURCE OF VARIATION

df SS MS Fcalc

1st gathering

Replicates 3 1.2500 35.7292

Treatments 3 232.2500 54938.72921670.08*

*

Ex. Error 9 12.2500 32.8958

Total 15 245.7500

2nd gathering

Replicates 3 7.1875 203.5625

Treatments 3 785.1875 373932.39583170.22*

*

Ex. Error 9 19.0625 117.9514

Total 15 811.4375

3rd gathering

Replicates 3 6.6875 4816.2292

Treatments 3 1864.1875 2299098.7292 498.39**

Ex. Error 9 41.0625 4613.0625

Total 15 1911.9375

**highly significant

29

Appendix Table 6. ANOVA for Number and Weight of damaged and undamaged fruits based from 10 sample plants per plot

Data Gathered

SOURCE OF VARIATION

df SS MS Fcalc

Number of damaged

Replicates 3 5.5000 1.8333

Treatments 3 182.5000 60.8333 15.64**

Ex. Error 9 35.0000 3.8889

Total 15 223.0000

Number of undamaged

Replicates 3 15.1875 5.0625

Treatments 3 2748.6875 916.2292 77.75**

Ex. Error 9 106.0625 11.7847

Total 15 2869.9375

Weight of damaged

Replicates 3 5879.6875 1959.8958

Treatments 3 405954.6875 135318.2292 49.05**

Ex. Error 9 24826.5625 2758.5069

Total 15 436660.9375

Weight of undamaged

Replicates 3 57931.2500 19310.4167

Treatments 3 4700956.2500 1566985.4167 128.79**

Ex. Error 9 109506.2500 12167.3611

Total 15 4868393.7500

**highly significant

30

Land Preparation

32

Preparing and Setting the Mulching Materials(Treatment 1-Rice Straw)

33

Preparing and Setting the Mulching Materials(Treatment 2-Black Plastic)

34

Preparing and Setting the Mulching Materials(Treatment 3-White Old Sack)

35

Preparing and Setting the Mulching Materials(Treatment 4-Control-unmulched)

36

Transplanting of Eggplant on Prepared Plots

37

Gathering of Weeds

38

Data Gathering for Insects

39

Harvesting of Eggplant Fruits per Treatment

40

Weighing of Eggplant Fruits

CURRICULUM VITAE

41

PERSONAL DATA

Name: John Brian A. CaliNickname: BrianAddress: #52 Zone 2 Brgy. Sarroca Licaong Science City of Muñoz Nueva EcijaDate of Birth: April 8, 1994Father: Adonis Q. CaliMother: Myrna A CaliBrother(s): noneSister(s): Jam Bernadette A. CaliHobbies: playing badminton, volleyball, soccer and watching televisionFavorite Subject(s): Research II, English and MathAmbition: to be a successful doctor

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

a. High School

Muñoz National High School

S.Y. 2007- present

b. Elementary

Sto. Tomas Elementary School

S.Y. 2001-2007

c. Pre- Elementary


S.Y. 2000-2001

42

HONORS/AWARDS RECEIVED

High School1st place- Slogan Making ContestS.Y. 2008-2009

1st Year- 3rd HonorS.Y. 2007-2008

ElementaryGrade 6- SalutatorianS.Y. 2006-2007

1st place- Sports Writing FilipinoS.Y. 2006-2007

5th place Finalist- Science Quiz BeeS.Y. 2006-2007

2nd place- Science TrailS.Y. 2006-2007

43

CURRICULUM VITAE

PERSONAL DATA

Name: Mar Jerome C. TomasNickname: JeromeAddress: Mabini St. Pob. East, Science City of Muñoz Nueva EcijaDate of Birth: September 28, 1994Father: Marcelino TomasMother: Josephine TomasBrother(s): Marc Lester Tomas, Jacob TomasSister(s): noneHobbies: watching television,sleepingFavorite Subject(s): Science, Mathematics and EnglishAmbition: to be a successful pilot or astronaut


a. High School


S.Y. 2007- present

b. Elementary

Muñoz Central School

S.Y. 2001-2007

c. Pre- Elementary

Little Lamb Foundational Learning Center

S.Y. 1999-2001

44


High School1st place- Division Population QuizS.Y. 2010-2011

3rd year- 5th honorS.Y. 2009-2010

2nd place- Arnis Likha Anyo Synchronized double baston (Regional Level)S.Y. 2009-2010

2nd place- Arnis Full Contact Flyweight Division (Regional Level)S.Y. 2009-2010

2nd year- 4th HonorS.Y. 2008-2009

3rd place- Arnis Full Contact Flyweight Division (Regional Level)S.Y. 2008-2009

45

CURRICULUM VITAE

PERSONAL DATA

Name: Jeremy P. PaladaNickname: Jeremy, JeAddress: Pob. East Tomas Subd. Science City of Muñoz, Nueva EcijaDate of Birth: February 10, 1994Father: Jaime s. PaladaMother: Ma. Theresa P. PaladaBrother(s): John Adrian P. PaladaSister(s): Jennelyn P. Palada & Jean P. PaladaHobbies: playing basketball, watching televisionFavorite Subject(s): MathematicsAmbition: to be a successful I.T


a. High School


S.Y. 2007- present

b. Elementary

Muñoz Central School

S.Y. 2001-2007

c. Pre- Elementary

United Methodist Church

S.Y. 2000-2001

46

HONORS/ AWARDS RECEIVED

High SchoolSSG President (Division)S.Y. 2010-2011

SSG President (School)S.Y. 2010-2011

Silver Medalist in Anyo Competition in CLRAAS.Y. 2009-2010

SSG Major OfficerS.Y. 2009-2010

SSG 2nd year RepresentativeS.Y. 2008-2009

MTAP EliminationS.Y. 2007-2008

ElementaryGrade 6- 4th Honorable mentionS.Y. 2006-2007

Grade 5- MTAP eliminationS.Y. 2005-2006

Grade 4- MTAP eliminationS.Y. 2004-2005

Grade 1- 3rd HonorS.Y. 2001-2002

47

CURRICULUM VITAE

PERSONAL DATA

Name: Princess R. BelgicaNickname: CessAddress: #399, Zone 6 Brgy. Sto. Tomas San Jose City, Nueva EcijaDate of Birth: October 18, 1994Father: Nilo A. BelgicaMother: Olivia R. BelgicaBrother(s): Patrick R. Belgica, Lester Kenneth R. BelgicaSister(s): Danica Joy R. BelgicaHobbies: watching movies, drawing, surfing the netFavorite Subject(s): Research II, Analytic Geometry, Calculus and EnglishAmbition: to be a successful civil engineer


a. High School


S.Y. 2007- present

b. Elementary


S.Y. 2001-2007

c. Pre- Elementary

Sto. Tomas Elementary School Day Care Center Service

S.Y. 2000-2001

48


High School2nd place- Slogan Making Contest (School Level)S.Y. 2008-2009

Elementary2nd place- Science Quiz Bee (School Level)S.Y. 2006-2007

3rd place- News Writing FilipinoS.Y. 2006-2007

2nd place- Science Trail (District)S.Y. 2006-2007

2nd place- Essay Writing ContestS.Y. 2006-2007

4th place- Editorial Writing (District)S.Y. 2005-2006

Grade 1-6 – 1st Honorable Mention

49

CURRICULUM VITAE

PERSONAL DATA

Name: Glyza M. De GraciaNickname: GlyAddress: 517 Lucio Lopez St., Poblacion North, Science City of Muñoz Nueva EcijaDate of Birth: March 19, 1995Father: Francisco M. De Gracia (D)Mother: Lucena M. De GraciaBrother(s): Frankie M. De GraciaSister(s): noneHobbies: watchiong television, reading booksFavorite Subject(s): Research and EnglishAmbition: to be a Certified Public Accountant


a. High School


S.Y. 2007- present

b. Elementary

Muñoz North Central School

S.Y. 2001-2007

c. Pre- Elementary

Sarat, Lumang Bayan Day Care Center

S.Y. 2000-2001

50

AWARDS & DISTINCTIONS

Champion- Chemistry Quiz Bee (School Level)S.Y. 2009-2010

51

CURRICULUM VITAE

PERSONAL DATA

Name: Rose Anne P. DomingoNickname: AnneAddress: Brgy. Villa Cuizon, Science City of Muñoz, Nueva EcijaDate of Birth: October 14, 1994Father: Rolly DomingoMother: Nora DomingoBrother(s): noneSister(s): Rosalyn Domingo Hobbies: watching television, reading storiesFavorite Subject(s): Research and ScienceAmbition: to be a successful lawyer


a. High School


S.Y. 2007- present

b. Elementary

United Methodist Church Learning Center

S.Y 2001-2007

c. Pre- Elementary

United Methodist Church Learning Center

S.Y 2000-2001

52


High SchoolFilipiniana Club PresidentS.Y. 2010-2011

3rd year- 4th honorS.Y. 2009-2010

2nd year- 3rd honorS.Y. 2008-2009

1st year- 2nd honorS.Y. 2007-2008

ElementaryGrade 6- 4th HonorS.Y. 2006-2007

53

CURRICULUM VITAE

PERSONAL DATA

Name: Irene Joyce MaligayaNickname: Irene, Joyce, JoyAddress: #940 Baloc, Sto. Domingo Nueva ecijaDate of Birth: September 9, 1994Father: Ireneo MaligayaMother: Josephine MaligayaBrother(s): Justine John MaligayaSister(s): Christine Joy Maligaya, Inee Jorene MaligayaHobbies: watching television, listening music, surfing on the internet, sleeping and textingFavorite Subject(s): EnglishAmbition: to be a successful nurse


a. High School


S.Y 2007-present

b. Elementary

Baloc Elementary School

S.Y 2001-2007

c. Pre- Elementary

St. Jerome Learning Center

S.Y 1999-2001

54


High SchoolSSG 1st year RepresentativeS.Y. 2007-2008

ElementaryGirl Scout of the YearS.Y. 2006-2007

Champion- Science Quiz Bee (School Level)S.Y. 2006-2007

2nd place- Copyreading and Headline Writing Filipino (District)S.Y. 2006-2007

55

CURRICULUM VITAE

PERSONAL DATA

Name: Sheila Marie NavarroNickname: Shei, ShielaAddress: Brgy. Calisitan, Science City of Muñoz Nueva EcijaDate of Birth: April 19, 1995Father: Rogelio NavarroMother: Norma NavarroBrother(s): Clark Lawrence Navarro, Mark Joseph Navarro, Carl Justine NavarroSister(s): noneHobbies: reading pocketbooksFavorite Subject(s): Research and MathematicsAmbition: to be a successful accountant


a. High School


S.Y 2007-present

b. Elementary

Calisitan Elementary School

S.Y 2001-2007

c. Pre- Elementary

Camia-III Calisitan Day Care Center

S.Y 2000-2001

56


High SchoolMTAP EliminationS.Y. 2008-2009

ElementaryGrade 6- 3rd Honor

57

paper in research.... (rip)

Documents