Effect of FAA (Fish Amino Acid) Powder to the Growth
Performance of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus)
Ivy Dawn P. Bergonio, Erica Mae Cordova, Melody C. Dacanay
Billy Joshua Geneta, Jude Mark Herson, Jhona Mae Leona
Maife Moises,Harry Rolloda, John Paul Sanchez
INTRODUCTION
Fish amino acid (FAA) is a liquid made from fish. FAA is of great value
to both plants and microorganisms in their growth, because it contains and
abundant amount of nutrients and various types of amino acids (will constitute
a source of nitrogen(N) for plants). It is absorved directly by the crops and it
also stimulates the activity of microorganisms. Fish amino acid or (FAA) is
made from spoiled fish and fish trash such as bones, head, internals organs,
skin and skills.
Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) is an important vegetable and a well-
known member from the family, Cucurbitaceae (Lower and Edwards, 1986). It
is thought to be one of the oldest vegetables cultivated by man with historical
records dating back 5, 000 years (Wehner and Guner, 2004). In Asia,
cucumber is the fourth most important vegetables after tomato, cabbage and
anion (Tatlioglu, 1993). The crop is a very good source of vitamins A, C, K,
B6, potassium, pantothenic acid, magnesium, phosphorus, copper and
manganese (Vimala et al., 1999). The ascorbic acid and caffeic acid
contained in cucumber help to reduce skin irritation and swollen (Okonmah,
2011). Cucumber is also a high nutrient demanding crop and show poorly in
nutrient deficient soils leading to low yields, bitter and misshapen fruits
(Grubben and Denton, 2004). In order to sustain high yield of cucumber, there
is a need to augment the nutrient status of the soil to meet the crop’s need,
thereby maintaining soil fertility.
Organic agricultural production seeks to provide top quality food while
respecting the environment and maintaining soil fertility through optimal use of
resources. Organic agriculture, promotes the recycling of nutrients to minimize
the quantity of nutrients imported to farm. Application of organic waste in soil
is a suitable method for the maintenance of soil organic matter, improve soil
fertility and supply nutrients needed by plants (Davarinrjad et al., 2004).
Organic fertilizers are organic materials that are more environmentally friendly
compare to chemical fertilizer. Large quantities of agricultural wastes such as
animal wastes, agriculture and industrial effluents, municipal waste water, and
bio solids that are enrich with plant nutrients. The fishing sector produces
large amounts of waste in fish markets and processing industries (Lopez-
Mosqura et al., 2011). Fish remains have also been traditionally used as
fertilizer, given their wealth of nutritive elements (principally N and P) and their
rapid decomposition. Nearly 75% of the total weight of the fish was generated
as solid waste in the form of gut,head ,skin, bones, fins and frames after
processing. The fish wastes rich in nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus and trace
minerals (Ghaly et al., 2013) can serve as raw material for the production of
many nutritive and non nutritive products.
OBJECTIVES:
1. To determine the ideal level of powderized fish amino acid suited for
the growth performance of cucumber;
2. To determine the different growth parameters as to the response of fish
amino acid on cucumber;
3. To evaluate the significant responses of different levels of powderized
fish amino acid on growth performance of cucumber.
METHODOLOGY
A) Preparation of Land Area
1. Land Preparation
The field will be thoroughly cleaned by removing weeds. Then
the area will be divided into two plots measuring 1x4 m. The plot was laid-out
so that every plant will have an equal maximum access to sunlight which is
essential to plant growth.
2. Weeding and Cultivation
Weeding and cultivation was done manually. Hand weeding was done weekly
to prevent nutrient competition. Cultivation followed after weeding by hilling up
so that the plants root will not damaged.
3. Transplanting and Replanting
One seed per polyethylene bag was sown at a depth of one
inch. A planting distance of 50 cm between rows and 50 cm between hills with
planting density of 16 hills per plot was done. The missing hills was
transplanted for replacement after one week of transplanting.
4. Water Management
The plants was watered regularly during the dry season , twice a
day, every morning and afternoon.
5. Trellesing
Fence type trellis was constructed using “tanubong” and
kakawate stems was used as center at both end of the plots to support the
trellis for easy gathering of data.
B) Preparation of FAA(Fish amino acid)powder/ pellet
Materials:
Fish entrails (bones,gills,heads,skin or tail)
Mortar and Pestle
Fish net
Blender
Steps:
1. Collect tilapia fish entrails in wet market.
2. After the collection prepare improvise fish net for drying.
3. Dry the fish entrails by means of sundrying with in one week.
4. Check the fish entrails everyday to make it dry fast.
5. Then after one week , remove the fish entrails on the improvised fish
net.
6. Pulverized using mortar and pestle or a blender.
C)Fish Amino Acid Aplplication
Powdered fish entrails was applied after one week of
transplanting.second application of fish entrails was done weekly after
emerged of the following treatment levels.
