Bicol University

COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY

Laboratory Assessment on the Nutrient Status of

INTRODUCTION

MOET is a reliable technique that determines soil nutrient deficiencies in actual field
conditions. MOET is based on the law of the minimum, which states that the level of plant
production cannot be any greater than that allowed by the most limiting of the essential plant growth
factors. This means that if one crop nutrient is missing or deficient, plant growth will be poor even if
the other elements are abundant. Since the MOE technique is a fast and effective way of analyzing
soil nutrient deficiency, farmers can do the testing right in their field. The technique offers low – cost
it does not required complicated and expensive equipment, it is reliable also since the technology
was tested at the PhilRice (Philippine Rice Research Institute) laboratory and was proven effective in
determining soil nutrient deficiency. (Descalsota J.; Mamaril, C.; San Valentin G.; Corton, T.; et al.
2003).

The nutrient deficiencies found in is called “problem soil” there are many factors that cause
soils to be problematic soil and the major type of problem soil. These soils always occur naturally,
including saline soil, acid sulfate soil, sandy soil, organic soil, skeletal soil, and shallow soil. Besides,
it may also include areas with a steep slope. If these lands are used for agricultural purposes, then it
may cause some severe effects on the ecology and environment. We must get our soil chemically
evaluated in order to effectively supply the plants with the required amount of nutrients. However,
soil analyses are quite pricey, and farmers rarely have access to realistic soil testing methods like soil
laboratories that would allow them to precisely evaluate the nutrient condition of their soil. The
Minus One Element Technique (MOET), a crop diagnostic technique that assesses soil nutrient

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deficit in lowland rice conditions, was thus created by PhilRice. The yields of the majority of rice
farmers are still below the potential yield of improved and high yielding varieties, despite the
application of appropriate rates of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) fertilizers along
with new technologies and management strategies on rice production. One of the reasons for yield
gaps could be nutrient imbalance. Farmers must therefore thoroughly assess the nutritional status of
their low-yielding farms. The minus-one element technique, according to (Castillo and Mamaril,
2008),

In producing high yields and profits the soil condition is an essential factor in maintaining the
crop productivity of crop so it is good that there is a MOET kit it’s a huge help to farmers in
diagnostic tool, which determines the nutrient levels of rice soils, helps farmers practice the effective
application of fertilizer on farmlands. With MOET kits, farmers can make an informed decision by
knowing what specific nutrients are deficient in their area. the MOET kit help farmers become more
accepting of the innovations and break away from traditional practices that are no longer efficient.
One promising technique for diagnosing nutrient limitations in lowland rice soils is MOET, which is
farmer-friendly, simple, inexpensive, and sensitive as a diagnostic tool. Furthermore, the basic
principle of MOET is based on the "law of the minimum," which states that crop production can be
no higher than the most limiting of the essential plant growth factors. It is a biological technique in
which the plant extracts elements from the soil and the amount absorbed from the soil is reflected in
the plant's relative growth. As a result, the test can show farmers which limiting nutrient(s) must be
applied. MOET test results are obtained faster, allowing farmers to make the necessary adjustments
and improvements to their standing crop. The test is also less expensive than the soil chemical
analysis method. The minus one element technique was used to determine the nutrient deficiency
symptoms of lowland rice.

OBJECTIVE

At the end of the laboratory activity, the students will be able:

✓ To determine the plant nutrient symptoms using MOET kit;

✓ To defined MOET kit.

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MATERIALS

METHODOLOGY

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Before transplanting or sowing, mix the fertilizer formulations thoroughly with the
soil in each pot. Label the pots: complete, -N, -P, -K, -Zn,-S, and -Cu.

L
E

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Grow the plants up to 45 days after transplanting or sowing. Starting on the
14th day after planting, observe the growth of the rice plants.

seedling 14 days after 45 days after

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RESULT AND DISCUSSION

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To determine the basis for the deficiency of specific elements in the
lowland soil, agronomic data from the rice plants receiving complete
elements. Without nitrogen, a plant cannot make proteins, amino acids, and
even its very DNA. This is why when there is a nitrogen deficiency in the
soil, plants are stunted. They simply cannot make their own cells. This can
happen through nitrogen fixation, or nitrogen can be “recycled” by
composting plants and manure. These results suggested that the soil tested
still had sufficient amount of some nutrient elements except on the nitrogen
and sulfur.

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 LEADERS:

RIA MAE GURAY

SAMANTHA FAITH VERGARA

MEMBERS:

ALIYAH COPONES

JAYMARK CANILLO MALATE

VIE JEANE OXCIANO

EDUARDO OPEÑA JR.

VANESSA OSIA CUERDO

JOSHUA BANDDILLON

SHAIRA MAE ROMERO

1AT1
11/19/22